Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos SMEs Embrace Oloja Platform as Over 37 Million Businesses Seek Digital Upgrade
Payxy-backed Oloja offers free online store, inventory, and payment tools; SMEDAN hails move to boost commerce
Payxy-backed Oloja offers free online store, inventory, and payment tools; SMEDAN hails move to boost commerce
Thousands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos and across Nigeria are rapidly adopting Oloja, a digital commerce platform developed by Payxy, as the push for accessible online business management gathers momentum. The platform, launched in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), became available nationwide on Tuesday, offering business owners an integrated dashboard to manage sales, payments, inventory, and reporting at zero upfront cost.
Oloja is designed to address persistent challenges faced by Nigeria’s over 37 million MSMEs—including those in fashion, electronics, food, and consumer goods—who often depend on informal systems like WhatsApp messaging and manual inventory tracking. The platform provides a branded digital storefront, secure Payxy-powered payment links that eliminate fake alerts, real-time inventory monitoring with low-stock notifications, order management tools, and automated business intelligence reports. Merchants can onboard within three minutes without needing a developer or website.
Nigeria’s digital payments sector has expanded significantly in recent years, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), but many small businesses have been left out due to lack of affordable digital tools. The MSME sector contributes nearly 50 percent of national GDP and accounts for about 80 percent of employment nationwide. Yet most merchants still rely on basic bank transfers and informal processes that limit their growth potential.
SMEDAN described the Oloja initiative as a critical step towards financial inclusion and economic formalisation for Nigerian entrepreneurs. “With this partnership, we aim to empower millions of local businesses to compete like big brands,” an official statement from SMEDAN noted on Tuesday. Industry analysts have also welcomed the solution as a locally-built alternative to expensive foreign e-commerce software.
Oloja charges no setup or monthly fees; transaction fees apply only when merchants make sales. Business owners who sign up receive a free business account in their company name—removing barriers created by traditional banking requirements. Stakeholders say if even a fraction of MSMEs adopt structured digital platforms like Oloja, it could drive significant gains in commerce efficiency and financial transparency across Nigeria’s economy.
The platform is now live at oloja.africa. As more SMEs seek sustainable ways to scale their operations online without heavy investment, Payxy and SMEDAN have urged entrepreneurs nationwide to take advantage of the free service.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nigeria Exceeds OPEC Quota as Oil Production Hits 15-Month Peak in May
Recent figures show Nigeria’s daily crude output surpassed OPEC target, easing pressure on federal revenue and foreign reserves
Recent figures show Nigeria’s daily crude output surpassed OPEC target, easing pressure on federal revenue and foreign reserves
Nigeria’s oil production climbed to its highest level in 15 months in May, with official data showing the country exceeded its Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) quota for the first time since early 2023. The increase marks a significant boost for Africa’s largest economy, which has been struggling with declining crude revenues and persistent dollar shortages.
According to industry reports released on Thursday, Nigeria pumped more barrels of crude daily than the quota set by OPEC for the month of May. The surge in production follows months of government efforts to curb pipeline vandalism and oil theft, particularly in the Niger Delta region.
The development is expected to provide much-needed relief for federal finances and strengthen the naira by increasing foreign exchange earnings. Nigeria’s oil sector accounts for over 70 percent of government revenue and nearly all export receipts, making production levels a key determinant of economic stability. In recent years, the country has faced repeated shortfalls due to operational challenges and insecurity along major pipelines.
Energy officials welcomed the new figures, describing them as evidence that government interventions are yielding results. No official statement has yet been released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) or the Ministry of Petroleum Resources regarding how long the trend is expected to last. Oil market analysts noted that consistent output above OPEC quotas could support budget implementation but cautioned that global price fluctuations remain a risk factor.
Stakeholders are now watching to see if Nigeria can sustain these production gains amid ongoing security concerns in oil-producing communities. Further increases may also prompt renewed negotiations with OPEC regarding future output ceilings. For now, improved oil receipts are projected to ease fiscal pressures and support government programmes across all sectors.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Minister of Interior Declares June 12 Public Holiday to Mark Democracy Day Nationwide
Tunji-Ojo urges Nigerians to uphold democratic values as government offices, banks and schools to close across all states
Tunji-Ojo urges Nigerians to uphold democratic values as government offices, banks and schools to close across all states
The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, a public holiday across Nigeria in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day. The announcement was made in Abuja on Thursday by Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
According to the ministry, the decision is part of efforts to recognise the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democratic journey and honour those who contributed to the country’s return to civilian rule. All federal and state government offices, schools, banks and many private businesses are expected to remain closed nationwide on Friday as citizens observe the national holiday.
Democracy Day has been officially celebrated on June 12 since 2019, following a policy shift by the Federal Government to acknowledge the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election—widely regarded as the freest and fairest poll in Nigeria’s history. The day also pays tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, who is believed by many Nigerians to have won that election and became a symbol of the struggle for democratic governance.
In his Democracy Day message, Minister Tunji-Ojo congratulated Nigerians and called for reflection on the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists. “As we mark this historic day, every Nigerian is encouraged to remain law-abiding… and remember that the strength of any democracy lies ultimately in the character of its citizens,” he stated. He further urged Nigerians to support ongoing efforts towards national unity, peace and development.
The minister assured citizens that Government remains committed to upholding democratic ideals including respect for rule of law and transparency. He added that security agencies would be working closely with his ministry during the holiday period to maintain peace and order throughout all geopolitical zones. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding the announcement.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/fg-declares-june-12-public-holiday-democracy-day-2026-2026061117135419198
Nigeria News (Standard)
Nigerian Army Officer Breaks Record at US War College in Pennsylvania
Senior officer becomes first Nigerian to achieve top honours at prestigious American military institution, marking a milestone for Nigeria’s armed forces
Senior officer becomes first Nigerian to achieve top honours at prestigious American military institution, marking a milestone for Nigeria’s armed forces
A senior officer of the Nigerian Army has made history in the United States by becoming the first Nigerian to achieve top honours at the US War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The achievement, which was confirmed on Thursday, June 11, highlights a significant milestone for Nigeria’s armed forces on the international stage.
According to information released by military authorities, the officer distinguished himself among peers from several countries during his academic and leadership programmes at the institution. His performance reportedly surpassed previous records set by Nigerians and other international participants at the college.
The US War College is recognised globally for grooming senior military leaders and strategists. Nigeria’s army has maintained a tradition of sending selected officers for advanced training there as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities. This latest accomplishment is seen as a boost to Nigeria’s reputation in international military circles and is expected to inspire other officers within the service.
While official statements from Defence Headquarters praised the officer’s commitment and excellence, some security analysts described the feat as evidence of improvement in Nigeria’s military training standards. “This shows that with proper support and exposure, Nigerian officers can compete favourably anywhere in the world,” one analyst said.
The officer is expected to return to Nigeria soon, where he will be decorated in an official ceremony. The Army says his success underscores its commitment to investing in human capital development. Stakeholders believe this will motivate more personnel to pursue excellence both locally and internationally.
Nigeria Exceeds OPEC Quota as Oil Production Hits 15-Month Peak in May
Minister of Interior Declares June 12 Public Holiday to Mark Democracy Day Nationwide
Nigerian Army Officer Breaks Record at US War College in Pennsylvania
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