Central Bank directive targets individuals flagged by authorities; financial institutions begin compliance as security agencies intensify probe

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has ordered all commercial banks in the country to immediately freeze accounts linked to six individuals suspected of financing terrorism. The directive, issued on Thursday, 25 June 2026, applies nationwide and forms part of ongoing efforts to disrupt funding for terrorist activities.

According to official communication from the apex bank, financial institutions are required to place a no-debit, no-credit restriction on the affected accounts pending further investigation. The names of the six suspects were circulated among licensed banks with an instruction for prompt action and reporting back to regulatory authorities.

This move comes amid heightened concerns about terrorism financing in Nigeria, especially with recent reports of groups exploiting gaps in digital governance and financial oversight. Authorities have been under increasing pressure to strengthen counter-terrorism measures following security advisories and calls from stakeholders for more robust action against financiers.

A senior CBN official, who confirmed the development, stated that the measure aligns with existing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations. “We are working closely with security agencies and other regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and prevent any loopholes that could be exploited by criminal elements,” the official said. No immediate comment was available from the affected individuals or their legal representatives.

Banks have started implementing the freeze instructions while awaiting further guidance from both the CBN and security agencies. The latest crackdown signals intensified scrutiny of financial transactions in Nigeria’s banking sector as authorities seek to trace, disrupt, and prosecute sources of funding for terrorism.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/890683-cbn-orders-banks-to-freeze-accounts-linked-to-six-terrorism-financing-suspects.html

Digital tools like Jobberman and MyJobMag gain popularity among young job seekers, offering relief from scattered listings and lengthy searches

Thousands of young graduates in Lagos are increasingly relying on job aggregation platforms to simplify their search for employment, as Nigeria’s fragmented labour market continues to frustrate new entrants. The trend became more evident in June 2026, with many citing digital tools such as Jobberman, MyJobMag, LinkedIn, and Indeed as crucial lifelines in their daily hunt for opportunities.

For Adaeze Okonkwo, a 2024 computer science graduate from the University of Lagos, the transition from campus to career has been marked by daily hours spent trawling multiple platforms and WhatsApp groups for job openings. “You start to feel like finding the job is harder than doing the job,” Okonkwo explained. Her experience mirrors that of millions of Nigerians navigating what experts describe as one of Africa’s most fragmented employment landscapes.

The issue stems from Nigeria’s vast but disjointed jobs market, where vacancies are advertised across numerous websites, social media groups, and company pages—often leading to missed opportunities and duplicated efforts for applicants. As at June 2026, youth unemployment remains a persistent concern despite ongoing government interventions and private sector initiatives aimed at stimulating job creation.

Industry observers note that the emergence of aggregation platforms is starting to consolidate scattered listings into single portals, making it easier for job seekers to access verified openings. While government officials have acknowledged the role of technology in bridging information gaps, some recruitment experts urge further regulation and improved transparency to protect applicants from scams or outdated postings.

As digital adoption rises among Nigeria’s youth population—now estimated at over 70 million according to NBS data—stakeholders expect competition among platform providers will drive further innovation. For graduates like Okonkwo, however, the immediate priority remains finding reliable channels to secure meaningful work amid an increasingly crowded field.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/how-nigerian-job-seekers-are-using-aggregation-platforms-to-navigate-a-fragmented-market/

Organisers promise free access for underserved children as festival targets wider reach beyond Lagos in July 2026

The sixth edition of STEM Africa Fest, West Africa’s largest experiential science and technology festival for children and youth, will hold its flagship event at Landmark Event Centre, Lagos on Saturday, July 18, 2026. Organisers confirmed the expansion of the festival to multiple cities including Ilorin, Kwara State, to deepen access to hands-on STEM education nationwide.

With the theme ‘Building Future Innovators,’ this year’s festival aims to create immersive learning experiences for Nigerian children by exposing them to real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). Organisers say the event is designed to spark curiosity and problem-solving skills among young Nigerians while building a pipeline for future innovators.

At a media briefing in Lagos, Mrs Jadesola Adedeji, Co-organiser of STEM Africa Fest, restated the festival’s commitment to advancing practical STEM education in Nigeria. She said, “STEM Africa Fest was created to respond to the growing need to make STEM education more accessible, practical, and engaging for children across Nigeria. For too long, STEM learning has been perceived as abstract and disconnected from everyday experiences.” Adedeji noted that the festival now functions as a broader ecosystem-building platform connecting educators, innovators and partners across Africa.

Co-founder Titi Adewusi emphasised the focus on inclusion. “From inception, our goal has been to make participation as accessible as possible… At least 20% of attendees participate at no cost with transportation and feeding fully covered through our partners,” she said. Adewusi highlighted targeted efforts to reach public schools and NGOs while ensuring girls are empowered in STEM pathways.

According to UNESCO, Sub-Saharan Africa faces a persistent shortage of skilled STEM professionals due largely to limited access to practical science and technology education at early stages. In Nigeria specifically, this gap is visible in schools where theory-heavy curricula restrict exposure to applied innovation such as coding or robotics.

This year’s programme will feature interactive labs in robotics, coding challenges, AI workshops, drone technology sessions and science experiments. Career-focused panels will expose participants to global technology sectors while dedicated sessions for parents and teachers will explore integrating experiential learning into school curriculums.

Since launching in 2021, STEM Africa Fest has reached over 25,000 children and educators across Nigeria and other African countries including Ghana and Kenya. Organisers invite students, teachers and families nationwide; registration details are available via official festival channels and www.stemafricafest.com.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/stem-africa-fest-returns-for-its-sixth-edition-to-champion-innovation-and-stem-education-in-nigeria-2026062514094140123