₦airaland Forum

*Townsend Property Boss, Morola Olabisi Babalola Congratulates Prince Adetokunbo Ade-John on His Appointment as SSA To President Tinubu*


Townsend Property boss, Morola Olabisi Babalola has congratulated Prince Adetokunbo Ade-John on his appointment as Senior Special Assistance To president Bola Ahmed Tinubu on transportation and mobility.
In his new role, Ade-John will support the administration’s efforts to enhance policy coordination and improve the delivery of initiatives within Nigeria’s transportation sector.
According to details of the appointment, the position will be governed by the terms and conditions stipulated in the Certain Political, Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc.) (Amendment) Act, 2008.
Ade-John is expected to work closely with relevant government institutions and stakeholders to support the coordination and implementation of policies relating to transportation and mobility across the country.
His responsibilities will also include assisting in the implementation of government programmes and strengthening collaboration among key agencies and institutions within the transportation sector.
Before his latest appointment, Ade-John served as Special Assistant to the Minister of Tourism.
He is also known as a grassroots politician with notable involvement in the All Progressives Congress (APC). He currently serves as an APC Apex Youth Leader, with political engagements extending across different parts of the world.
The Presidency expressed confidence that Ade-John would bring his experience and knowledge to bear in his new role as the Tinubu administration continues efforts to advance Nigeria’s transportation and mobility agenda.

Gospel Meets Afrobeat As Testimony Jaga Brings The Message Of Christ To Fela’s Shrine


The New Afrika Shrine, one of Nigeria’s most symbolic homes of Afrobeat, became an unexpected meeting point for gospel and contemporary African music as gospel artiste Testimony Jaga took his message of faith to the iconic venue during Felabration 2026.

Known for his energetic performances and street-oriented approach to gospel music, Jaga delivered a performance that brought together faith, rhythm and Nigerian popular culture, turning the Shrine stage into a platform for a message centred on Jesus Christ.

The appearance represented a striking cultural intersection. The New Afrika Shrine is deeply associated with the legacy of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the pioneer of Afrobeat whose music challenged social injustice, political repression and inequality. Felabration, conceived by Fela’s eldest daughter, Yeni Kuti, in 1998, has grown into an annual celebration of his music, ideas and cultural influence.

Against that backdrop, Jaga’s gospel performance offered a different but equally passionate form of social and spiritual expression.

Rather than separating faith from popular culture, Jaga has built his career around taking gospel music beyond conventional church settings. His Street Gospel Movement combines music and social outreach, with the stated aim of reaching people in places where traditional church structures may not. His performance at the Shrine reflected that philosophy.

Jaga, whose real name is Salau Aliu Olayiwola, has become known for a sound that blends gospel with Fuji, Afrobeats, highlife, R&B and dancehall influences. His approach has helped position him among a new generation of Nigerian gospel performers who are challenging traditional expectations of what gospel music should sound and look like.

At the Shrine, that musical versatility became particularly significant.

The venue has long represented Afrobeat as more than a genre. It is a cultural institution associated with music, activism, resistance and freedom of expression. Felabration itself continues that tradition by bringing artists and audiences together for concerts, exhibitions, debates and other cultural activities.

Jaga’s presence introduced another layer to that tradition: gospel as a vehicle for public testimony.

With an energetic stage presence and a repertoire designed to engage audiences beyond the conventional gospel audience, the singer used the occasion to proclaim his Christian faith while remaining firmly rooted in the sounds and performance culture of contemporary Nigeria.

The significance of the performance extended beyond entertainment.

For decades, the Shrine has served as a gathering place where music and ideas intersect. The New Afrika Shrine was established as a continuation of the cultural legacy of Fela Kuti’s original Shrine and has become a central venue for the annual Felabration celebration.

Jaga’s appearance demonstrated how that cultural space can accommodate different expressions of Nigerian identity.

Fast rising Nigerian recording artist, The Boy Wonder Set To sign with U.S. label, Collaborate With BurnaBoy



Nigerian recording artist and entrepreneur The Boy Wonder has taken a significant step in his music career as he is about to sign with an American music company NXZ Sound Inc., a move that marks the beginning of the artist’s international expansion while maintaining his roots in Nigeria’s thriving Afrobeats scene.

NXZ Sound Inc., headquartered in Burbank, California, is an American music and technology company focused on music distribution, publishing, intellectual property management, and creator monetization, with ambitions to expand its digital music ecosystem across international markets. The partnership positions The Boy Wonder among the company’s early African artists as it broadens its global footprint.

Born Favour Chinemerem Emeka-Nwogu on July 20, 2003, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, The Boy Wonder has emerged as one of Nigeria's most-promising independent artists through a career built on originality, discipline and a blend of music, entrepreneurship and technology.

The Lagos-based artist describes his creative identity through "Afro-Rebel," a philosophy and musical movement centred on individuality, versatility, creative freedom and cultural ambition. Rather than embracing rebellion for controversy, Afro-Rebel encourages authenticity, independent thinking and resilience in pursuing personal purpose.

Musically, the movement combines contemporary Afrobeats with melodic storytelling, alternative influences and emotionally driven songwriting, creating what the artist believes is both commercially appealing and deeply personal.

The signing with NXZ Sound Inc. will mark the beginning of an international chapter for the artist, who has steadily built his reputation outside the traditional major-label system.

Before adopting his current stage name, he briefly performed under the name ‘Rayzor’. According to the artist, "The Boy Wonder" originated as a nickname inspired by people's repeated surprise at his ability to balance academics, music, business and other pursuits while creating opportunities with limited resources.

Growing up in Port Harcourt, The Boy Wonder developed interests beyond music, including technology and entrepreneurship. Despite the expectations often associated with growing up in a religious African household, he chose to pursue a career path that combined creative expression with business innovation.

His educational journey culminated in a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology from Babcock University, where he graduated with Second Class Honours (Upper Division) and a 4.0 CGPA. During his time at the university, he was recognised by the institution's leadership and named a University School Ambassador for his contributions both academically and creatively.

After completing the National Youth Service Corps programme, he relocated to Lagos to focus full-time on music and entrepreneurship.

His growing catalogue includes songs such as Ecstacy and Guilty, both collaborations with RightFlow, a rising Canadian-Nigerian artist as well as Loverboy and Frenemies, available exclusively on Audiomack.

According to figures provided by the artist's management, Ecstacy recorded more than 27,000 organic streams across digital platforms without major-label backing or an extensive marketing campaign. The song also received radio airplay on Canada's 97.7 Outlaw FM.

The Boy Wonder is now preparing to release his debut extended play (EP), Welcome to the Rebellion, which introduces the Afro-Rebel concept through five tracks: Rebel, Woman, Big 5, Pretty Gyal (an international collaboration featuring fast-rising Polish R&B artist Marylka), and Gangsta Soldier, a track envisioned for a future collaboration with Burna Boy following a widely shared moment of recognition from the Grammy Award-winning artist.”

The project explores themes including ambition, versatility, identity, resilience, confidence, love and self-discovery while blending African production with international influences.

Beyond music, the artist has expanded into business through ventures including WonderTech, a technology company, and WonderMart, a consumer retail brand. He is also preparing to launch The Rebellion, a fashion and lifestyle label inspired by the Afro-Rebel movement.

His long-term vision, according to his team, is to build globally recognised African brands spanning music, fashion, technology and entrepreneurship while creating opportunities for young creatives across the continent.

The Boy Wonder has also received industry recognition during his career. In 2023, he won the Ray Signature Fast-Rising Acts of the Year Nationwide Award and has since shared performance stages with some of Nigeria’s most celebrated artists, including Davido, Teni, The Cavemen., Victony, BNXN, Blaqbonez, among others.

One of his most widely shared and defining career moments came during an encounter with Grammy Award-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy, where he introduced himself by saying, “My name is The Boy Wonder… I’m coming soon,” to which Burna Boy replied, “I’m waiting for you.” The exchange became a milestone in his journey, marking a memorable moment of recognition and encouragement as he continues to establish himself within the Nigerian and global music industry.

The artist has attended major industry and cultural events and has received recognition and acknowledgment from several distinguished public figures, including the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu; legendary retired footballer Didier Drogba; former President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah; among other respected public figures.

With his international label partnership now in place and his debut EP on the horizon, The Boy Wonder says his ambition extends beyond chart success, focusing instead on building a lasting creative ecosystem that connects African music, innovation and entrepreneurship on the global stage.

In a significant move underscoring Nigeria's ambition to become a leader in the digital asset economy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has appointed Nicholas "Nicky" Okoye as a visiting senior lecturer, effective immediately.

The appointment is set to bolster the institution's capital markets and virtual assets curriculum, addressing a critical skills gap in Africa's rapidly evolving financial landscape.

The decision positions UNIZIK, home to one of the continent's few dedicated Capital Markets faculties, at the forefront of financial education as global markets pivot towards cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and the tokenisation of real-world assets.

The university is leveraging Okoye’s deep industry expertise to bridge the divide between traditional finance and the burgeoning digital asset ecosystem.

"Securing someone of Nicky Okoye's calibre is a game-changer," a university official stated. "As global finance evolves, we must equip enterprise executives, entrepreneurs, and policymakers with the technical knowledge required to build long-term capital formation strategies. His real-world experience is invaluable."
Okoye, a globally experienced investment advisor and serial entrepreneur, brings a career spanning top-tier global and Nigerian financial institutions to the classroom.

His track record includes roles as a Financial Consultant at Merrill Lynch in the U.S., Chief Strategy Officer at the Nigerian Stock Exchange Group, and founding Group Executive Director of Operations & Strategy at Transcorp Group Plc, where he led fundraising efforts that collectively exceeded $1 billion.

Currently, Okoye leads the Global Investment Advisory Community (GIAC), a coalition of foreign and local banks, asset managers, and fintechs aimed at building a digital asset market ecosystem for Africa and the Caribbean. He has also contributed to national policy, advising the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on capital markets regulatory frameworks
The private sector has expressed enthusiasm for the appointment, anticipating that Okoye’s programs will deliver critical capacity building for the investing public.


About the Appointee

Nicholas Okoye holds a Doctorate in Business Administration (*Honoris Causa*) from the Enugu State University of Technology, honoured for outstanding contribution to enterprise excellence and development in March 2015. Beyond his corporate and academic roles, he has served on the Presidential Jobs Board and the National Council of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, providing strategic counsel on economic development. Okoye advised the Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring Board on PROJECT Triple E from 2014 to 2018, which was a strategic initiative to build and integrate oil-producing community-based contractors into the upstream oil and gas industry value chain.


Federal Government of Nigeria’s positive steps

It is pertinent to note that the Federal Government of Nigeria only recently established a national Virtual Assets Council to oversee the coordinated oversight and regulation of virtual and digital assets in Nigeria. The leadership of the council is with the Central Bank of Nigeria, with the active support of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nigeria Revenue Service.

Primewaterview Group Alumni extends condolences to the Family of Late Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi




The death of Prince Adetunji was announced on Sunday in a statement by the Ogunwusi Family, which paid tribute to his life and contributions to business and society.

"It is with profound sadness that we received news of Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi's passing, leaving family, friends, associates and countless admirers mourning deeply," the statement said.

The group alumni described the deceased as the second eldest son of the Ogunwusi Dynasty and noted that he distinguished himself in the business world through his leadership as Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings Limited.

According to the statement, Prince Adetunji was known for his tenacity, vision and commitment to excellence, qualities that earned him the respect of colleagues, business partners and aspiring entrepreneurs.

It added that his life was marked by resilience, humility, generosity and purposeful service, describing his death as a significant loss to the Ogunwusi family, Nigeria's real estate sector, business community and traditional institutions.

"Our heartfelt condolences are extended to the Ooni of Ife with sincere prayers for divine strength," the statement read.

The group alumni also sympathised with members of the Ogunwusi family, friends, associates and colleagues of the deceased, praying that they would find comfort during the period of mourning.

It is said that Prince Adetunji's contributions to commerce, leadership and community development would remain an enduring legacy, expressing hope that his life would continue to inspire future generations.

"May Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi rest in perfect peace, while his remarkable legacy continues inspiring generations with dignity, honour, compassion, wisdom and excellence," the statement added.

Primewaterview Holdings Ltd, the foremost property development company responsible for the development of Primewaterview Gardens 1 & 2, Safecourt’s Apartments, Primewaterview Court Oniru and many other foremost property developments in Lagos and Nigeria at large.

Prince Ogunwusi indelible mark in real estate sector is a legacy that can never be erased.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has secured a major legal victory after the Federal High Court in Lagos struck out the originating summons filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN) challenging the Commission’s Digital, Electronic Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON Regulations) 2025.

WASPAN had approached the court in Suit No. FHC/L/CS/760/2026, seeking to halt the implementation of the regulations. The association also obtained an ex parte order that temporarily restrained the FCCPC from enforcing the rules.

Acting in compliance with the court’s directive, the Commission suspended the implementation of the regulations and announced plans to contest both the interim order and the competence of the suit.

The matter has now taken a decisive turn, with the Federal High Court striking out the originating summons filed by WASPAN. The decision effectively ends the legal challenge and removes the injunction that had stalled the rollout of the regulations.

The DEON Regulations were introduced by the FCCPC to establish a clearer regulatory framework for digital lending in Nigeria, improve consumer protection, and ensure greater accountability among operators in the fast-growing online lending industry. The court’s decision is expected to clear the path for the Commission to resume implementation of the regulations.

ROADBLOCK 2026 SET TO TRANSFORM LAGOS INTO “THE BIGGEST CLUB ON EARTH” ON DECEMBER 19

• Africa’s Definitive Afro-Electronic Dance Music Event Returns with Its Biggest Production Yet, Headlined by Heaven Sam.

Lagos is preparing for one of its most ambitious music experiences yet as Roadblock, Africa’s definitive Afro-Electronic Dance Music (ADM) event, returns on Saturday, December 19, 2026, with its biggest and most immersive production to date.
Renowned for pushing the boundaries of live entertainment in Nigeria, Roadblock has become one of the country’s most anticipated dance music experiences. The event fuses Afro-inspired electronic music with world-class stage design, immersive storytelling, and high-energy crowd moments that have made it a cultural staple.
In a statement made available to the media, the organisers said, “This year, Roadblock is set to live up to its bold theme: “Vibe Lagos. Vibe The World.” Over 6,000 ravers are expected to converge for one unforgettable night, dressed in the event’s signature all-white or all-black dress code, as Lagos is transformed into “The Biggest Club on Earth.”
At the center of Roadblock 2026 is a spectacular new stage experience. The festival will debut a 36-foot illuminated “Broken Earth” stage and a hydraulic DJ platform capable of lifting performers 30 feet into the air — creating a breathtaking “Ascension” moment designed to redefine live dance music in Africa.
Guests can also expect cinematic lighting, stunning visual effects, immersive performers, and signature confetti moments that have become synonymous with the Roadblock brand.
Roadblock has announced internationally acclaimed Afro-electronic DJ Heaven Sam as one of the headline acts for the 2026 edition.
He will be joined by global DJ Ms. DSF, Nigerian powerhouse Dope Caesar, with additional international and local artists set to be announced in the coming months.
“Roadblock is more than just a party. It’s an experience built on feeling, energy, and human connection,” the organizers stated. “It’s about bringing thousands of people together through music, movement, and shared emotion,” said, Dr. Felix King Eiremiokhae, Chief Architect of Roadblock.
The 2026 edition is produced by Oracle Experience and powered by Desperados, the beer with Latin vibes, as Roadblock continues its mission of creating one of Africa’s most iconic live entertainment experiences.
About Oracle Experience
Oracle Experience is a leading live events and experiential marketing company in Nigeria, known for producing large-scale cultural and entertainment events.
About Desperados
Desperados is a premium beer with Latin vibes, committed to powering bold experiences and unforgettable nights across Africa.

Ayodeji Emmanuel Sunbola Is Quietly Building One of Nigeria’s Next Global Fashion Brands

For Ayodeji Emmanuel Sunbola, fashion has never been about making clothes alone. It has always been about building a brand that represents craftsmanship, identity and the growing influence of African creativity on the global stage.

As the Founder and Creative Director of Dejaii Signature, Sunbola has spent more than a decade steadily transforming a Nigerian fashion label into a brand driven by quality, timeless design and international ambition. Rather than chasing trends, he has focused on creating pieces that balance luxury, functionality and contemporary style.

That vision has recently taken him beyond Nigeria.

Following an extensive sourcing and manufacturing tour across Asia, where he met with leading textile suppliers, garment manufacturers and production specialists, Sunbola has begun a new chapter for Dejaii. The trip was designed to strengthen the brand’s manufacturing capabilities, improve fabric selection, refine product development and establish long-term partnerships capable of supporting international growth.

The journey forms part of a broader strategy that will also see Dejaii represented at major global fashion trade events, including Première Vision Paris and Who’s Next Paris, where the brand aims to deepen industry relationships, discover emerging innovations and position itself within the international fashion conversation.

While a new collection is currently in production, the real story extends beyond a seasonal release. It reflects years of deliberate investment in better craftsmanship, improved production standards and a stronger design language that stays true to Dejaii’s identity while embracing global best practices.

Dejaii Signature has grown from a modest entrepreneurial venture into a respected Nigerian fashion house known for premium ready-to-wear collections, bespoke tailoring and elevated everyday essentials. Throughout its growth, the brand has remained committed to thoughtful design, attention to detail and creating garments that inspire confidence without compromising comfort.

Sunbola believes the future of African fashion lies not simply in exporting products, but in exporting excellence. His continued investment in international manufacturing, innovation and design research reflects a long-term commitment to building a globally respected Nigerian luxury brand.

As Dejaii prepares to introduce its next collection, the brand stands at an exciting point in its evolution—one shaped by global collaboration, refined craftsmanship and a clear creative vision.

For Ayodeji Emmanuel Sunbola, this is not merely the launch of new designs. It is another step toward establishing Dejaii as a modern African luxury label with a place on the world stage. Stay glued and watch the space…

Luxury Hotels Over Development? Former Ally Takes Aim at Alex Otti
*… Questions over Otti's Vision For Abia!*




A former ally of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has publicly criticized the governor's style of governance, accusing him of pursuing misplaced priorities through the repeated announcement of five-star hotel projects while neglecting broader developmental needs in the state.

In an open letter addressed to the governor, former associate Moses Ayodele Orji expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as an increasingly arbitrary approach to governance, alleging that key government decisions are made without adequate consultation, public debate, or legislative scrutiny.


Orji questioned the rationale behind what he described as the administration's "obsession" with five-star hotels, arguing that the governor lacked a coherent development blueprint for Abia State despite presenting himself as a well-prepared leader.

The criticism followed the governor's recent approval of plans to convert the newly constructed Government House in Umuahia into a five-star hotel, a decision Orji said adds to a growing list of similar hospitality projects announced under the current administration.

According to him, previous proposals include a five-star hotel as part of the proposed Nsulu Airport project, another within the planned Medical City in Owerrinta, one attached to the proposed Owaza Industrial Complex, the upgrade of Enyimba Hotel in Aba into a Radisson Blu-branded facility, and another planned for the proposed Ohafia Golf Course.

Orji argued that several of the projects involving hotel developments have also been accompanied by large-scale land acquisitions, which he claimed generated controversy among affected communities.

He further questioned the economic viability of multiple luxury hotel projects in the state, contending that Nigeria has very few internationally recognised five-star hotels and urging the governor to prioritise investments that would deliver broader economic benefits.

The former ally also accused the governor of sidelining democratic institutions, alleging that major policy decisions are routinely announced through executive directives without meaningful engagement with stakeholders or public consultation.

He claimed that the Abia State House of Assembly has become ineffective in performing its oversight responsibilities, alleging that lawmakers have failed to exercise independence in holding the executive accountable.

Orji also criticised what he described as the administration's reliance on media publicity and image management, alleging that government resources have been devoted to promoting favourable public perception rather than strengthening transparency and accountability.

While acknowledging Governor Otti's background in economics and previous advocacy for good governance, Orji said he was disappointed by what he described as increasingly "arbitrary" leadership and urged the governor to embrace greater accountability, public participation, and institutional checks and balances.

He concluded by reminding the governor that political power is temporary and that democratic governance requires leaders to carry citizens along in major policy decisions, warning that any administration that fails the test of accountability risks losing public confidence.

There is a version of Nigeria's fintech sector that does not exist yet but should. In it, the infrastructure of airtime lending is operated by Nigerian companies, staffed by Nigerian engineers, managed by Nigerian executives, and owned by Nigerian shareholders. The jobs it creates stay here. The tax it generates stays here. The institutional knowledge it builds stays here. The wealth it accumulates circulates in the Nigerian economy rather than being repatriated to a stock exchange in Johannesburg. That version of Nigeria's fintech sector is precisely what Optasia's latest legal offensive is designed to prevent.

This is worth stating plainly, because the language of court orders and regulatory disputes can obscure what is actually happening. When a foreign company uses Nigeria's own judicial machinery not to resolve a legitimate grievance but to wall off an entire market from local competition, the effect is not a level playing field with one strong player. The effect is a closed market, one in which Nigerian entrepreneurs, regardless of their capability, their capital, or their vision, are barred from competing by legal architecture rather than commercial reality.

Nigeria's fintech sector has produced companies of genuine global quality. Nigerian-founded fintechs have raised hundreds of millions of dollars in international capital, built products used across the continent, and demonstrated that local talent and local understanding of local markets can generate world-class outcomes. The airtime lending space is not technically complex beyond the reach of Nigerian operators. There are Nigerian companies ready, willing, and able to compete in it today, if they were allowed access.

That access has not been granted. Optasia's exclusivity arrangements, now reinforced by successive rounds of litigation designed to outlast regulatory resolve, ensure that the telcos who control the distribution infrastructure remain legally constrained from working with anyone else. The Nigerian fintech entrepreneur who has built the product, secured the funding, and demonstrated the capability hits a wall that has nothing to do with merit. That wall is a legal strategy, and it is working.

South Africa's own competition regulators would not permit a dominant player to use the courts this way. No serious market economy allows judicial process to become the instrument by which a single company forecloses an entire sector to local competition indefinitely. The question is whether Nigeria will hold itself to the same standard it would demand in reverse, and whether its institutions have the resolve to enforce it.

Nigerian fintech entrepreneurs are not asking to be protected from fair competition. They are asking for the chance to compete in their own country's market. Optasia's determination to deny them that chance, through regulations ignored, directives defied, and proceedings multiplied, is the latest chapter in a story that should concern every Nigerian who understands what is at stake.

Samuel Diminas is a respected entrepreneur, community leader and philanthropist whose life and work have been defined by service, leadership and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others.


Known for his warm personality, strong family values and dedication to building meaningful relationships, Samuel Diminas has earned the admiration of friends, colleagues and members of his community both in the United States and beyond.


Over the years, he has distinguished himself through his entrepreneurial pursuits and his passion for creating opportunities for others. His approach to leadership is rooted in integrity, humility and a belief in the power of people and community.



Beyond business, Samuel Diminas is widely appreciated for his generosity and his willingness to support worthy causes. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering unity, encouraging personal growth and inspiring those around him through both his words and actions.


Family remains central to his life, and he is regarded by many as a devoted husband, father, mentor and friend whose influence extends far beyond professional accomplishments.


As he celebrated his milestone 50th birthday, family members, friends and well-wishers gathered to honour not only his achievements but also the values he represents—faith, resilience, compassion and a life dedicated to making a positive difference.


The celebrations, which included a grand birthday event and an intimate post-birthday appreciation gathering at his private residence in Sugar Land, Texas, reflected the deep affection and respect he enjoys among those whose lives he has touched.


Samuel Diminas' journey continues to serve as a testament to the power of purpose-driven leadership, enduring relationships and a life lived in service to others.

There is a particular kind of audacity in a foreign company using a country's own courts to shield itself from that country's own regulations. That is precisely what Optasia, the South African-listed fintech founded by Lebanese-Nigerian entrepreneur Bassim Haidar, did in April 2026, and Nigerians should be furious about it.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) had spent the better part of a year trying to bring Optasia and its Nigerian subsidiary, Nairtime Nigeria Ltd, into line with the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025. The rules were generous: an initial 90-day compliance window ran from July 2025, and when that proved insufficient, the FCCPC extended the deadline all the way to January 5, 2026. Six months of grace. By any standard, that is not a regulator being unreasonable.

Under Haidar's watch, Optasia did not comply.

Instead, on April 24, 2026, the company went to the Federal High Court in Abuja and obtained an interim injunction (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/779/2026) restraining MTN Nigeria and Airtel Networks from suspending or interfering with Nairtime's access to the telecoms platforms through which it operates. In plain terms: a company founded by a man who proudly describes himself as Nigerian-born used Nigerian courts to prevent Nigerian telcos from obeying a directive issued by a Nigerian regulatory body. The FCCPC, stung, accused "vested interests and their foreign collaborators" of spreading misinformation to undermine consumer protection efforts.

Haidar's company dressed this up in the language of consumer welfare, arguing that millions of Nigerians who depend on airtime credit would suffer. That framing deserves scrutiny. If Optasia truly cared about those consumers, it had six months to regularise its operations and ensure service continuity on compliant terms. It chose not to. The court manoeuvre was less about protecting Nigerians, than it was about protecting a business model that Haidar built, deliberately, to operate outside the reach of any framework that might allow Nigerian competitors a foothold.

The FCCPC's new lending regulations are a framework for transparency regarding fair loan terms, disclosed charges, ethical debt recovery, and data sharing with credit bureaus. These are not radical demands. Rather, they are the baseline expectations that Optasia meets without complaint in the more than 30 other countries where it operates. The question Nigeria needs to ask is a simple one: why is Haidar's company willing to play by the rules everywhere else, but fights them tooth and nail here? The answer, most likely, is that it has found Nigeria easy enough to push around.