Nigeria News (Standard)
Visa Nigeria Marks Africa Day With Cultural Celebration and Pledge to Digital Growth in Lagos
Company’s Lagos team highlights local traditions as Vice President Andrew Uaboi reaffirms long-term investment in West Africa’s fintech sector
Company’s Lagos team highlights local traditions as Vice President Andrew Uaboi reaffirms long-term investment in West Africa’s fintech sector
Visa Nigeria commemorated Africa Day 2026 with a vibrant gathering at its Lagos office, celebrating the continent’s diverse heritage and reinforcing the company’s commitment to digital transformation across West Africa. The event, held on Saturday, brought together Visa staff from different parts of Nigeria and the sub-region to share customs, naming ceremonies, and wedding traditions that define African identity.
The day’s activities centred on cultural presentations by employees, who showcased the unique practices that have shaped communities across generations. According to Visa, this approach aimed to strengthen workplace unity and recognise the central role of people in driving innovation for the continent’s fast-evolving digital economy.
Visa has steadily deepened its operations in Nigeria and across West Africa, partnering with banks, fintech firms, merchants, and government agencies to improve financial inclusion. As at June 2026, digital transactions continue to grow in volume across Lagos and other major cities. Speaking at the event, Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Cluster Head for Visa West Africa, emphasised that Africa is not just a business territory for the company but an integral part of its identity. “Africa Day is a reminder of why the work we do here matters, and of the responsibility we carry to build systems that create real opportunity for people across the continent,” Uaboi stated.
He further noted that Visa’s expansion aligns with increased cross-border trade and mobile payment adoption from Lagos to Accra. “The energy and innovation we see across Africa every day—in our partners, employees, entrepreneurs and businesses—drives us forward,” Uaboi said during his address. He added that Visa remains committed to supporting local growth by investing in technology that enables secure transactions and connects African markets globally.
The celebration also reflected broader economic trends as Nigeria continues efforts to boost financial inclusion rates above 64 percent (NBS data). Stakeholders in the country’s fintech sector say initiatives like Visa’s will help reduce cash reliance while improving access to services for millions of unbanked Nigerians. As Africa’s digital landscape evolves rapidly, Visa confirmed it would maintain a long-term presence in West Africa through sustained partnerships and community engagement.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Federal, State, LG Governments Share ₦2.257trn April 2026 Revenue Nationwide
Latest revenue allocation marks significant rise as states and councils receive disbursements for critical projects and salaries
Latest revenue allocation marks significant rise as states and councils receive disbursements for critical projects and salaries
The federal, state, and local government (LG) authorities across Nigeria have shared a total of ₦2.257 trillion as statutory revenue for April 2026. The distribution, which covers all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, was concluded on Monday, June 15, according to official figures released by the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The sharing formula follows established procedures involving the federal government, state governors, and representatives of the 774 local government areas. FAAC met in Abuja to finalise the allocation after reconciling revenue inflows for the month. The funds are drawn from oil receipts, value-added tax (VAT), and other statutory sources collected into the Federation Account.
This latest disbursement represents a notable increase from previous months, reflecting improvements in oil sales and non-oil revenue collection. The timely sharing of funds is expected to help states and local councils address salary backlogs, ongoing capital projects, and pressing social needs. Many states have faced fiscal pressure due to rising inflation and exchange rate volatility in recent quarters.
Government officials present at the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to transparent allocation and prudent utilisation of public funds. State representatives welcomed the higher remittance but urged federal agencies to step up monitoring of deductions at source. The FAAC committee also called on states to intensify internally generated revenue (IGR) efforts amid continued economic headwinds.
The next FAAC meeting is scheduled for mid-July when May’s figures will be reviewed. Economic analysts say sustained high allocations could improve liquidity across tiers of government but warn that inflationary pressures remain a concern for effective service delivery.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Cross River Governor Otu Approves 100% Salary Increase for Doctors, Lifts Health Sector Recruitment Ban
Move includes hiring of 2,000 health workers, hospital renovations and expanded funding to revitalise state healthcare
Move includes hiring of 2,000 health workers, hospital renovations and expanded funding to revitalise state healthcare
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has approved a 100% salary increase for medical doctors working in the state’s public hospitals, alongside the lifting of a longstanding recruitment embargo in the health sector. The announcement was made on Saturday in Calabar by Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, as part of a broad initiative to overhaul healthcare delivery across the South-South state.
According to Dr Ayuk, the new measures will see not only doctors’ salaries doubled but also improved allowances for other categories of health workers. The state government has further authorised the immediate recruitment of 2,000 additional staff into its medical workforce. This is aimed at filling critical gaps in manpower and boosting service delivery in both urban and rural communities.
The commissioner stated that funding for healthcare services in Cross River has more than doubled over the past two years under Governor Otu’s administration. More than 100 primary healthcare centres have reportedly been rehabilitated statewide during this period, while funds have also been released for comprehensive renovation works at key general hospitals.
“Governor Bassey Otu is committed to repositioning the health sector for better outcomes,” Dr Ayuk said during the press briefing. He explained that these reforms are designed to address persistent challenges such as staff shortages, infrastructural decay and poor remuneration that have contributed to brain drain among medical professionals. No official response from organised labour or opposition parties was immediately available as at press time.
The state government indicated that recruitment processes for new health workers would begin in coming weeks, with priority given to critical care areas and underserved LGAs. The expansion of healthcare investment is expected to improve access to quality medical services and reduce outmigration of skilled personnel from Cross River State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Kwankwaso’s Son Named Running Mate for Kano NDC Governorship Ticket
Selection signals strategic move by NDC ahead of 2027 Kano polls, as party seeks to boost youth support
Selection signals strategic move by NDC ahead of 2027 Kano polls, as party seeks to boost youth support
The New Democratic Congress (NDC) in Kano State has picked the son of former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as its deputy governorship candidate for the upcoming election. The announcement was made on Monday, 15 June, positioning the younger Kwankwaso alongside the party’s flagbearer in a bid to strengthen the party’s ticket ahead of the crucial contest.
Party officials in Kano confirmed that the decision was taken after extensive consultations among stakeholders within the NDC. The move is seen as an effort to attract support from younger voters and leverage the influence of the Kwankwaso political family, which has played a major role in Kano politics over the past decade.
Kano State remains one of Nigeria’s most politically significant states, given its large population and history as a battleground for major parties including APC, PDP, and NNPP. The emergence of Kwankwaso’s son on the NDC ticket is expected to reshape alliances and intensify competition ahead of the governorship poll. Political observers note that such a choice could sway undecided voters and energise grassroots supporters who identify with the Kwankwasiyya movement championed by his father.
The NDC leadership described their running mate pick as a demonstration of their commitment to youth inclusion and fresh ideas. A senior party official stated that “the selection process was transparent and aimed at presenting a credible alternative for Kano people.” There has been no immediate public reaction from rival parties or electoral officials regarding the development.
With campaigns set to begin in earnest, all eyes are now on how this new pairing will perform against established political structures in Kano. Analysts predict that voter turnout and alliances among key blocs may be affected by this latest decision. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to release an official timetable for party primaries and electioneering activities.
Federal, State, LG Governments Share ₦2.257trn April 2026 Revenue Nationwide
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