Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Telecom Operators Lag in Wi Fi 7 Rollout as Infrastructure Deficit Persists
Federal regulators yet to clear 6GHz band for unlicensed use, stalling next-generation wireless adoption in Nigeria
Federal regulators yet to clear 6GHz band for unlicensed use, stalling next-generation wireless adoption in Nigeria
Telecom operators in Lagos and across Nigeria are falling behind global peers in deploying Wi Fi 7, the latest wireless standard, due to persistent infrastructure gaps and delayed regulatory action. This was revealed in a new report released on Monday, highlighting Nigeria’s negligible share in the worldwide uptake of Wi Fi 7 as at the first quarter of 2026.
The Ookla Global State of WiFi 2026 report showed that while countries like Singapore have already moved ahead—boasting 25 percent user adoption through aggressive government policies—Nigeria remains heavily reliant on older technologies such as Wi Fi 4 and Wi Fi 5. North America has seen a sixfold increase in use of the critical 6GHz spectrum since 2024, while Switzerland leads Europe with almost 59 percent penetration of modern Wi Fi standards.
Industry experts say Nigeria’s slow progress is directly linked to a lack of spectrum clearance by federal authorities. Unlike the United States and Canada, where full access to the 6GHz band has been granted for unlicensed use, Nigerian regulators have yet to make decisive moves. Without this clearance, telecoms cannot deliver the high throughput and low latency benefits promised by Wi Fi 7. The global average adoption rate stands at just under two percent, but Africa’s contribution remains insignificant due to these challenges.
A senior official from a leading telecoms provider in Lagos explained that infrastructure investment is also hampered by economic realities facing the sector. “Until there is policy clarity on spectrum allocation, operators will struggle to justify heavy spending on new equipment,” he said during a press briefing. Industry stakeholders are urging government to expedite regulatory approvals and incentivise local manufacture or importation of compliant devices.
Analysts warn that unless Nigeria addresses these bottlenecks promptly, the country risks widening its digital divide with advanced economies and missing out on key opportunities in fintech, education technology and online services. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has not issued a timeline for finalising spectrum guidelines. Stakeholders expect further consultations before any announcement.
Nigeria News (Standard)
CBN Governor Cardoso Receives 2026 Central Banking Award in London
Olayemi Cardoso honoured as Central Bank of the Year, marking international recognition for Nigeria’s monetary authority
Olayemi Cardoso honoured as Central Bank of the Year, marking international recognition for Nigeria’s monetary authority
Governor Olayemi Cardoso of the Central Bank of Nigeria has been presented with the 2026 Central Banking Central Bank of the Year Award at a ceremony in London on Thursday. The award, which recognises excellence in central banking practice and leadership, highlights Nigeria’s role in global monetary policy discussions.
The event saw Cardoso join other top financial leaders from around the world as he accepted the prestigious accolade on behalf of Nigeria’s apex bank. The organisers noted that the CBN was selected for its performance and reforms in recent years, though specific criteria for this year’s recognition were not disclosed at the event.
The Central Banking Awards are widely regarded as a benchmark for outstanding achievement among financial regulators globally. Past winners have included central banks from both developed and emerging markets, making this year’s award a significant milestone for Nigeria. Financial analysts say such honours can boost investor confidence and underscore Nigeria’s commitment to international best practices in economic management.
While official reactions from other government figures were not immediately available as at press time, observers within Nigeria’s financial sector have welcomed the recognition. Stakeholders point to ongoing reforms under Cardoso’s leadership and efforts to stabilise the naira and strengthen regulatory frameworks.
The CBN is expected to continue engaging with international partners following this achievement, as monetary authorities look to build on recent gains and address ongoing economic challenges. Further statements from Cardoso or federal officials are anticipated in the coming days.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Delta Leaders Urge Protesters to Vacate Oil Facilities After Tinubu’s Intervention
Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins
Ijaw and Urhobo elders call for end to occupation of Warri oil installations as presidential mediation begins
Ijaw and Urhobo community leaders in Delta State have appealed to protesters occupying oil facilities in Warri South-West Local Government Area to withdraw, following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention in the ongoing dispute. The call was made on Thursday after federal authorities began mediation efforts aimed at resolving long-standing grievances over the delineation of the Warri Federal Constituency.
According to community sources, the affected oil installations had been occupied by demonstrators demanding implementation of a Supreme Court judgment on constituency boundaries. This action, which disrupted operations at several key sites, prompted urgent engagement from both local leaders and the presidency.
The dispute over Warri Federal Constituency has persisted for years, with various ethnic groups raising concerns about political representation and resource allocation in the oil-rich region. The recent protest heightened tension in Delta State’s South-South zone, with stakeholders warning of possible economic losses if oil production remained paralysed.
Leaders from both Ijaw and Urhobo communities issued separate statements urging their youths to stand down while talks with federal officials continue. “We must give room for dialogue now that Mr President has shown commitment to address our demands,” one statement read. The elders also cautioned against further disruptions, noting the strategic importance of oil revenues for Delta State and Nigeria as a whole.
Presidential envoys are expected to meet with representatives of all aggrieved groups in the coming days. Meanwhile, security agencies have maintained patrols around major installations to deter any escalation. Delta State government officials have not issued an official comment as at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos Returnee Narrates Trauma as Xenophobic Attacks Trigger Mass Evacuations from South Africa
Federal government steps up repatriation efforts after multiple Nigerians recount violence and loss during Johannesburg unrest
Federal government steps up repatriation efforts after multiple Nigerians recount violence and loss during Johannesburg unrest
A Nigerian returnee from Lagos State has described harrowing experiences during the recent wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, following the federal government’s renewed evacuation exercise on Thursday. The incident, which unfolded in Johannesburg and other cities, prompted Nigerian authorities to accelerate efforts to bring affected citizens home safely.
According to the returnee, who arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport alongside dozens of compatriots, many Nigerians were targeted in their homes and businesses, suffering physical assault and loss of property. The returnee detailed how attackers stormed residential areas, looting shops and setting buildings ablaze, leaving several families stranded with nowhere to turn.
The latest xenophobic violence has heightened concerns among Nigerians both at home and abroad, given the recurring pattern of attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa. In response, government said it remains committed to protecting its citizens wherever they reside. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that over 300 Nigerians had signalled interest in voluntary evacuation since the unrest escalated last week.
An official statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria to ensure orderly repatriation. Meanwhile, civil society groups have urged government to provide psychological support for returnees dealing with trauma. “We urge authorities to prioritise rehabilitation and reintegration for those affected,” one advocacy group stated.
As more flights are scheduled to bring additional evacuees home in coming days, stakeholders are calling for long-term diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and South Africa to address the root causes of xenophobia. Experts say economic hardship and rising unemployment in host communities continue to fuel tensions against migrants.
CBN Governor Cardoso Receives 2026 Central Banking Award in London
Mexico Beat South Africa 2–0 but World Cup Opener Marred by Violent Protests Outside Estadio Azteca
Drama in Mexico City as Three Sent Off in 2–0 World Cup Opener Against South Africa
Delta Leaders Urge Protesters to Vacate Oil Facilities After Tinubu’s Intervention
South Africa’s Sithole and Zwane Set Unwanted 96-Year Record in World Cup Loss to Mexico
Lagos Returnee Narrates Trauma as Xenophobic Attacks Trigger Mass Evacuations from South Africa
EFCC Arraigns Three in Lagos Over Alleged ₦10 Billion Bank Fraud Attempt
Indiscipline Costs South Africa as Mexican Hosts Dominate Chaotic World Cup Opener
CBN Proposes New Rule to Separate Operations of Closely Linked Financial Institutions
Alex Iwobi Marks 100th Super Eagles Cap, Says ‘It Is Not Easy’ After Reaching Major Milestone
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Ụlọ Ọrụ Nigeria Kwupụtara Nsogbu Nchekwa na Ụtụ Isi N’agbanyeghị Ịrị Elu Obi Ike Ahịa
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
Chelsea Set for Blockbuster FA Cup Fifth Round as Manchester City Await at Stamford Bridge
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
