Strategic partnership will see RLUSD stablecoin integrated into Flutterwave’s remittance channels, targeting faster cross-border transactions for African businesses

Flutterwave, the Lagos-headquartered payments infrastructure firm, has announced a major investment and product partnership with global blockchain company Ripple, aimed at accelerating the adoption of stablecoin-based payments across Africa. The announcement was made on Sunday, 16 June 2026, and marks a significant step in the fintech sector’s push to provide faster and more cost-effective cross-border financial services on the continent.

The deal centres on integrating RLUSD, Ripple’s enterprise-grade stablecoin, into Flutterwave’s payment rails and Send App remittance corridors. According to Flutterwave, this move will allow RLUSD to serve as a primary settlement asset for high-volume channels, providing liquidity and reducing transaction costs for users in Nigeria and other African countries. The two companies also plan to leverage the XRP Ledger (XRPL) blockchain to enable quicker clearing of transactions and deploy a unified API connecting Flutterwave’s domestic network with Ripple Payments, the company’s global payment platform.

This development comes as cross-border commerce continues to surge in Africa, with businesses and individuals facing persistent challenges around speed, cost, and access to digital liquidity. By anchoring its stablecoin infrastructure locally, Flutterwave says it aims to empower African companies with improved access to international markets while reducing dependence on traditional banking systems that can be slow or expensive for foreign currency settlements.

In a statement issued by both firms on Sunday, Flutterwave said the partnership forms the next phase of its long-term stablecoin strategy. “We are focused on building robust digital asset infrastructure in Africa so that our customers can benefit from secure and efficient transactions,” the company said. Ripple added that the collaboration would bring “unprecedented speed, liquidity, and cost-efficiency” to users across key African corridors.

Industry analysts say this agreement could boost confidence in digital assets among Nigerian fintech stakeholders at a time when regulatory uncertainty has slowed broader crypto adoption. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has repeatedly called for stronger oversight of virtual currencies but has also acknowledged their potential benefits for remittances and international trade.

Further details about rollout timelines were not disclosed as at press time. Both companies indicated that enterprise clients would be among the first beneficiaries of the integrated payment solution.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/ripple-keys-into-flutterwaves-series-e-to-accelerate-african-stablecoin-payments/

Recognition comes as Nigerian ports implement reforms; industry stakeholders urge sustained investment for lasting impact

The World Bank has listed Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports in Lagos among the 20 most improved ports worldwide, according to its latest global ranking released on Tuesday. The report highlighted ongoing reforms and infrastructure upgrades that have enhanced efficiency at the two major Nigerian maritime gateways.

Both Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports, located in Lagos State, were recognised for advancements in cargo handling, turnaround time, and implementation of digital processes. The World Bank noted that these improvements have contributed to reducing congestion and boosting operational capacity, a significant development for Nigeria’s import and export sectors.

This recognition is seen as timely by stakeholders in the maritime industry, given longstanding concerns over delays and inefficiencies at Nigerian ports. In recent years, government and port authorities have introduced measures such as electronic call-up systems for trucks, expansion of access roads, and stricter regulatory oversight to address bottlenecks. According to the World Bank’s assessment, these interventions have started yielding measurable results.

While welcoming the World Bank’s acknowledgement, maritime operators have called for further investment to sustain progress. “This is a positive step but more needs to be done in terms of infrastructure renewal and automation,” one industry stakeholder said on Tuesday. There was no immediate official statement from the Nigerian Ports Authority as at press time.

Analysts say continued improvement at Lagos ports could have wider economic benefits by reducing costs for businesses and attracting greater foreign trade. With Nigeria aiming to position itself as a regional logistics hub, attention will remain on how authorities build on these gains in the coming years.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/888193-world-bank-names-apapa-tin-can-among-20-most-improved-ports.html

Police deny social media reports alleging Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno donated ₦10 million to family of slain officer

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismissed claims circulating on social media that Governor Umo Eno donated ₦10 million to the family of a deceased police officer. The controversy arose after a popular skit maker alleged in a recent post that such a donation had been made by the state government, sparking public debate and sympathy online.

The police, in an official statement issued Tuesday in Uyo, stated unequivocally that no such financial contribution was received from Governor Eno or the state government for the bereaved family. According to the command, the information being spread is false and misleading, and the public should disregard it. The statement also cautioned against using unverified claims to incite sentiments or discredit the efforts of the state government and security agencies.

This incident comes at a time when issues of welfare for security personnel and their families have drawn national attention, especially following cases where officers killed in active service are celebrated online without corresponding institutional support. The purported donation had generated reactions from members of the public, with many calling for greater transparency regarding assistance extended to families of fallen officers.

While addressing the matter, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command emphasised its commitment to supporting officers’ families within available resources and in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. The command further urged content creators and citizens to verify sensitive information before sharing it on social platforms. As at press time, there was no official response from Governor Umo Eno or his aides regarding the viral claim.

The police reiterated their appeal for responsible reportage and assured continued engagement with both media practitioners and community members on issues affecting security personnel in Akwa Ibom.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/888191-police-refute-skit-makers-claim-over-enos-n10m-donation-to-deceased-officers-family.html