Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Tech Professionals Earn More Than Oil Workers in 2026 as Dollar Salaries Surpass ₦220m
Remote roles in AI, cybersecurity and cloud architecture now offer higher pay than oil companies, experts say
Remote roles in AI, cybersecurity and cloud architecture now offer higher pay than oil companies, experts say
High-earning tech and finance professionals based in Lagos and other major Nigerian cities are now outpacing traditional oil company salaries, according to 2026 global benchmarks released this week. Industry sources revealed on Wednesday that roles like artificial intelligence engineering, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions architecture are attracting median pay packages well above $145,000 (over ₦220 million at current exchange rates), especially for those working remotely for international employers.
This shift marks a significant change from previous decades when jobs at oil majors such as Shell, Chevron and NNPC were considered the peak of career success in Nigeria. Experts say that with the rise of borderless remote work and USD-denominated compensation, tech and finance specialists can now secure higher incomes without leaving the country or spending years climbing corporate ladders offshore.
“AI engineers are commanding median base salaries upwards of $145,000 globally, while mid-to-senior roles in top tech firms can reach $185,000 or more,” said employment analyst Bola Adeyemi during a virtual forum on Wednesday. Cybersecurity specialists also remain in high demand across sectors such as banking, telecoms and healthcare, with average annual pay ranging from $125,000 to $180,000. Cloud architects and investment bankers working for international firms or fintech unicorns are also seeing salaries that match or exceed those of oil industry peers.
The trend is driven by increased global demand for digital skills, as well as the ability for Nigerian professionals to compete for remote contracts from multinational companies. According to a recent Coursera salary guide referenced by local recruiters, core skills needed for these top-paying roles include machine learning, deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch, network security architecture and cloud infrastructure expertise.
Industry watchers advise young Nigerians considering their career paths to focus on acquiring specialist technology skills if they aim to maximise earning potential in the years ahead. “With these skills, you don’t have to travel abroad to earn global salaries anymore,” Adeyemi added. Observers expect continued growth in the sector as more businesses move operations online and prioritise digital security.
Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/highest-paying-jobs-better-than-oil-gas-2026-2026061910203249072
Nigeria News (Standard)
Arsenal to Face Coventry City in Premier League Opener as 2026/27 Fixtures Released
Defending champions begin title defence away to newly promoted Coventry; full match schedule announced by league officials
Defending champions begin title defence away to newly promoted Coventry; full match schedule announced by league officials
Arsenal will kick off their campaign to retain the Premier League title with an opening fixture against Coventry City, following the official release of the 2026/27 season fixtures on Friday. The defending champions are set to travel to Coventry for their first match as the league unveiled the full schedule for all twenty clubs.
According to details provided by Premier League organisers, Arsenal’s opening clash with Coventry marks a high-profile start, pitting last season’s winners against a newly promoted side eager to impress on their return to top-flight football. The fixture is one of several headline matches slated for the opening weekend, with other clubs also learning their paths for the coming season.
The announcement comes amid heightened anticipation among fans and stakeholders, as Arsenal look to build on their successful previous campaign. For Coventry City, who secured promotion from the Championship last season, facing Arsenal at home represents both a challenge and an opportunity to make a statement early in the league.
Premier League officials said the fixture list was designed to balance competitiveness and ensure teams have adequate rest between matches. “Every new season brings fresh excitement and challenges,” a league spokesperson stated while unveiling the fixtures in London. Reactions from club supporters have been swift on social media, with many highlighting key clashes that could shape the title race and relegation battle.
With pre-season preparations already underway for most clubs, attention will now turn to player transfers and tactical adjustments ahead of the August kick-off. Arsenal’s opener against Coventry is expected to draw significant attention from fans across Nigeria and beyond, reflecting growing interest in English football within the country.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Zamfara Council of Imams Condoles Police Command After Bomb Attack Kills Officers in Gusau
Religious leaders offer prayers and condemn violence as Commissioner Ahmad Muhammad Bello receives delegation at Command headquarters
Religious leaders offer prayers and condemn violence as Commissioner Ahmad Muhammad Bello receives delegation at Command headquarters
A delegation from the Council of Imams (Zawiyya Branch), led by Khalifa Ibrahim Sheik Balarabe, paid a condolence visit to Zamfara State Police Command headquarters in Gusau on Wednesday after a recent bomb attack claimed the lives of police officers on duty. The religious leaders visited to sympathise with the Command’s leadership and bereaved families affected by the tragic incident.
The Imams were received by Commissioner of Police Ahmad Muhammad Bello and members of the management team. During the visit, Khalifa Balarabe led special prayers (Du’a) for the repose of the souls of the deceased officers and for comfort for their families. He condemned the attack, stating that killing innocent people was against Islamic teachings which promote peace, justice, brotherhood, and respect for human life.
The Council expressed deep sympathy to both the police authorities and bereaved families, urging them to remain steadfast in faith during this period. The delegation emphasised that such violence undermines efforts to maintain peace and security in Zamfara State and called on residents to support security agencies as they respond to ongoing threats.
Commissioner Bello thanked the religious leaders for their show of solidarity and assured them that police would continue working with all stakeholders to restore normalcy in affected communities. He reiterated that investigations into the attack were ongoing and that security measures had been strengthened across vulnerable areas in Zamfara.
The bomb attack comes amid ongoing security challenges facing Zamfara State in Nigeria’s North-West zone. Authorities have repeatedly called for community support and cooperation as efforts continue to tackle armed attacks targeting security personnel and civilians alike.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Ekiti INEC Clears 14 Candidates for 2026 Governorship Election Amid Intense Party Jostling
Electoral body releases final list as major parties field contenders, but ballot features no women candidates for top seat
Electoral body releases final list as major parties field contenders, but ballot features no women candidates for top seat
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of 14 candidates cleared to contest the Ekiti State governorship election, scheduled for June 2026. The announcement, made at INEC’s state headquarters in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, sets the stage for a fiercely contested poll among Nigeria’s leading political parties and several smaller platforms.
According to INEC officials, the cleared aspirants represent a cross-section of major and minor parties, with the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) among those fielding candidates. The full names and party affiliations of all aspirants were displayed at the commission’s office and distributed to stakeholders.
The release of the candidate list comes after weeks of intensive party primaries and internal screening processes that saw political heavyweights emerge from both APC and PDP. Political observers say this year’s ballot is notable for having no female candidates in the race for Governor, a development that has drawn concern from gender rights advocates and civil society groups in Ekiti State. Advocacy organisations have urged political parties to address what they describe as persistent barriers to women’s participation in high-level politics.
INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti, who spoke during a press briefing, assured residents of the state that preparations were on course for a free and credible election. He emphasised that all qualified parties had been given a fair opportunity to present their best aspirants. “We call on all stakeholders to support a peaceful process,” he said.
With campaigns set to intensify across Ekiti’s sixteen local government areas, attention will now turn to how each candidate plans to address critical issues facing the state—including youth unemployment, education quality, health services, and infrastructure gaps. The next few weeks are expected to see increased mobilisation by party supporters as well as monitoring by independent observers.
Arsenal to Face Coventry City in Premier League Opener as 2026/27 Fixtures Released
Zamfara Council of Imams Condoles Police Command After Bomb Attack Kills Officers in Gusau
Oyo Police Arrest Two Suspected Cultists, Recover Locally Made Pistol and Cartridges in Oke-Apo
Ekiti INEC Clears 14 Candidates for 2026 Governorship Election Amid Intense Party Jostling
Lagos Authorities Evacuate 260 Nigerians From South Africa Over Xenophobic Attack Fears Ahead of June 30 Protest
João Neves Sparks Outrage With Ronaldo Remark After Portugal’s World Cup Setback
Finidi George Hails African Teams’ Grit at 2026 World Cup: ‘Not Bad at All’
Premium Times Publisher to Grill Ex-Abacha Intelligence Chief After Years of Silence
NICASA Kwupụtara Na Ndị Naijiria Nari Nari Agbagburu N’ụsọ Afrịka Amaghị Ebe Ha Ga Ebi
Nollywood Celebrities, Soludo Attend Alexx Ekubo’s Burial in Arochukwu, Abia State
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Nsogbu Nchekwa na Ụtụ Isi N’agbanyeghị Ịrị Elu Obi Ike Ahịa
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
