Nigeria News (Standard)
Paystack Launches ₦4m Support Bundle for Lagos Small Businesses, Targets Operational Growth
Fintech firm unveils discount programme to ease commerce, logistics and digital tools for SMEs across Nigeria
Fintech firm unveils discount programme to ease commerce, logistics and digital tools for SMEs across Nigeria
Paystack, a leading payments technology company headquartered in Lagos, has announced the rollout of its Small Business Programme on Monday, aiming to provide practical support for Nigerian entrepreneurs. The initiative, which commenced in Lagos State, offers eligible small businesses up to ₦4 million in discounts on essential business services as part of the newly introduced Paystack Small Business Bundle.
According to Paystack, the bundle gives merchants access to discounted solutions from selected partners in commerce, bookkeeping, logistics, workspace, design and customer communication. The company explained that the move is designed to address persistent challenges faced by small businesses operating in Nigeria’s competitive environment—ranging from managing sales records and reaching new customers to handling deliveries and accessing affordable digital tools.
Small businesses constitute a significant part of Nigeria’s economy but often struggle with operational difficulties that slow growth. Paystack stated that the new programme will help bridge critical gaps by connecting businesses with relevant opportunities and funding options. “We are committed to supporting Nigerian entrepreneurs as they manage daily operations and plan for their next stage of growth,” Paystack said in a statement issued at the launch event.
Industry experts have welcomed the development, noting that initiatives like this are essential for improving survival rates among Nigerian SMEs. However, some business owners expressed concerns about eligibility criteria and called for more widespread awareness campaigns. As at press time, Paystack had not disclosed full details on partner selection or application processes but encouraged interested merchants to register via its official portal.
The company said it plans to expand the scope of its support programme beyond Lagos in subsequent phases, with additional resources tailored for startups in other regions. Stakeholders expect the initiative to stimulate job creation and enhance competitiveness among indigenous businesses as Nigeria’s fintech sector continues rapid expansion.
Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/paystack-launches-programme-to-support-nigerian-businesses/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Bandits Kill Nine Farmers in Fresh Attack on Kaduna Community
Local residents say incident occurred on Tuesday as security agencies intensify patrols in Giwa LGA after recent violence
Local residents say incident occurred on Tuesday as security agencies intensify patrols in Giwa LGA after recent violence
Nine farmers have been killed by armed men in a renewed attack on a rural community in Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria. The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday, June 23, in Giwa Local Government Area, where a series of violent raids have disrupted farming activities this rainy season.
According to local accounts, the bandits invaded the area in the early hours while residents were working on their farmlands. The assailants opened fire indiscriminately, leading to the deaths of at least nine people before fleeing into nearby bushland. Several villagers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at local health centres.
Kaduna has witnessed a surge in attacks targeting farming communities, especially during planting and harvest periods. Analysts say such violence threatens food production and worsens insecurity across the North-West geopolitical zone. Many residents have abandoned their farmlands due to fear, while others call for increased government intervention.
Security agencies are yet to release an official statement on the latest killings. However, local vigilance groups told reporters they are working with police and military patrols to search for the attackers and prevent further incidents. Community leaders also urged authorities to reinforce deployments in Giwa LGA and support affected families.
The Kaduna State government has repeatedly condemned these attacks and assured residents of ongoing efforts to restore peace. As at press time, no arrests had been made in connection with Tuesday’s incident.
Nigeria News (Standard)
AFN Warns U.S. Coach Shaver Over Favour Ofili’s Non-Participation at Lagos Trials
Federation disputes Shaver’s claim as athlete’s blocked switch to Turkey sparks fresh controversy in Nigerian athletics
Federation disputes Shaver’s claim as athlete’s blocked switch to Turkey sparks fresh controversy in Nigerian athletics
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has cautioned American coach Dennis Shaver against making statements they say could mislead Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, following her absence at the ongoing National Commonwealth Games Trials holding at YABATECH, Lagos, which conclude today. Shaver had recently announced that Ofili would not compete at the trials, a claim the AFN disputes amid ongoing debate over her eligibility for Team Nigeria.
Ofili, who hails from Delta State, was reportedly listed for a sprint event that would have seen her join Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this July. However, her competitive future became unclear after she attempted to switch nationality to Turkey earlier in the year—a move blocked by World Athletics over concerns about international competition integrity.
The athlete’s failed application followed a turbulent period marked by her exclusion from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and alleged issues with her registration for the women’s 100m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. These frustrations led Ofili to request a change of allegiance last year, but World Athletics’ intervention has left her status unresolved and sparked speculation about a possible return to Team Nigeria.
Reacting online, Coach Dennis Shaver stated: “Favour has not and will not be competing or entering the Nigerian Commonwealth Games Trials,” in response to reports linking Ofili to events in Lagos. The AFN, however, insisted that misleading public statements could jeopardise both the athlete’s career and Nigeria’s preparations for major competitions.
With selection for Glasgow imminent and questions over athlete allegiance lingering, stakeholders in Nigerian athletics are calling for clarity from all parties involved. The AFN is expected to issue further guidance on Ofili’s eligibility as it seeks to finalise Team Nigeria’s contingent ahead of international commitments.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/stop-misleading-favour-ofili-afn-tells-u-s-coach-shaver/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal Government Projects 353% Surge in Lithium Demand by 2040, Eyes Nasarawa Investments
UNCTAD report highlights Nigeria’s growing role as global clean energy transition drives scramble for critical minerals
UNCTAD report highlights Nigeria’s growing role as global clean energy transition drives scramble for critical minerals
The Federal Government has projected a significant increase in global demand for lithium, with estimates showing a 353 percent rise by the year 2040, according to new findings from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). This projection, released on Sunday, underscores the urgency surrounding Nigeria’s lithium reserves, particularly as international focus shifts to clean energy technologies.
UNCTAD’s latest report indicates that as countries intensify efforts to reduce carbon emissions and scale up electric vehicle (EV) production, minerals crucial to energy transition—including lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements—will experience sharp increases in demand. The share of nickel used in clean energy applications is expected to rise from 17 percent to 42 percent globally by 2040. Magnet rare earths, vital for wind turbines and electric motors, are also projected to see their share grow from 21 percent to 31 percent within the same period.
For Nigeria, these trends carry direct economic implications. The country has emerged as a significant player in the lithium sector, with states such as Nasarawa recording major discoveries and attracting interest from both local and foreign investors. The Federal Government has previously disclosed plans to establish a ₦600 million lithium processing plant in Nasarawa State as part of wider efforts to develop value chains around the mineral.
While the government continues to promote investment in mining infrastructure and local processing capacity, industry analysts warn that effective regulation is crucial to ensure transparency and equitable benefit for host communities. They have called on authorities to enforce environmental standards and prioritise job creation for Nigerians within the sector. No official statement has yet been released by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development on the new UNCTAD projections.
Experts say that if well-managed, Nigeria’s lithium sector could provide an alternative revenue stream amid fluctuating oil receipts and contribute significantly to economic diversification. However, they stress that more must be done to prevent illegal mining activities and ensure community development agreements are strictly implemented.
Bandits Kill Nine Farmers in Fresh Attack on Kaduna Community
AFN Warns U.S. Coach Shaver Over Favour Ofili’s Non-Participation at Lagos Trials
Federal Government Projects 353% Surge in Lithium Demand by 2040, Eyes Nasarawa Investments
Ibadan Protesters Block Iwo Road, Demand Immediate Rescue of Abducted Oyo Pupils and Teachers
Gunmen Kill 21 in Night Attack on Bokkos LGA, Plateau State
Ogun State Auto Crash Claims Two Lives, Four Injured as Flood Sweeps Away Teenage Hawker
SAHCO Reports 54% Revenue Surge to ₦44.46bn at Lagos AGM
Federal High Court in Lagos Jails Two Men for Smuggling 58.6kg Cannabis
Ondo Police Foil Pastor’s Abduction, Rescue Woman and Two Children in Owo Attacks
Dr. Abiola Salami Outlines Key Steps to Prevent Strategy Failure in Nigerian Organisations
Environment Minister Urges Increased Investment in Nigeria’s Green Economy Ahead of Global Climate Summit
Gọvanmenti Nigeria Kwupụtara 53 Orù Anyanwụ Maka Ike Ọhụrụ N’iru Afọ 2050
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
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Lagos Court Declares National Assembly’s ₦110bn Vehicle and Allowance Spending Unlawful
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
Lagos Police Arrest Doctor, Birth Attendant Over Alleged Sale of Newborn for ₦2.5m
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