The Nigerian movie industry, known as Nollywood, has been a breeding ground for talented actresses who have left an indelible mark on both the local and international entertainment scenes.

Over the years, Nollywood has seen tremendous growth, giving rise to a new generation of talented actresses. In 2023, these seasoned actresses have not only earned their place in the hearts of audiences but have also amassed significant wealth. We present to you the top five richest Nollywood actresses in Nigeria in 2023.

To read more, click the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/top-5-richest-nollywood-actresses-in-2023-number-2-would-shock-you/

Nigeria’s Minister of State Petroleum Resources, Ekperikpe Ekpo, has called on contractors overseeing the 614-kilometer Ajaokuta, Kaduna, Kano gas pipelines project to stay committed to the promised July/August 2024 completion deadline. Ekpo’s concerns about the project’s sluggish progress were voiced during a recent tour.

Emeka Okuosa, Chairman of Oilserve Limited, one of the project’s contractors, responded by affirming their commitment to meet the deadline despite challenges, including insecurity in neighboring Niger State and the formidable natural obstacles presented by rocky terrain and rivers along the route.

Minister Ekpo, accompanied by top officials and industry stakeholders, emphasized the importance of the July/August deadline. He urged contractors to make it “sacrosanct” and assured Nigerians that the AKK project would contribute to the nation’s economic improvement next year.

“Contractors, no excuses,” Minister Ekpo declared, sending a clear message that the deadline is non-negotiable.

To read more, click the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/no-excuses-for-august-2024-deadline-minister-charges-gas-pipeline-contractors/

The Nigerian Government is set to make airline operators accountable for flight delays and cancellations not attributed to natural occurrences.

During a recent meeting in Abuja, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, declared the government’s intent to enforce the NCAA Act and provide compensation to affected passengers.

Keyamo, addressing airline operators, passionately stated, “At times, they have finished passing through screening machines. They wait in the lounge for five hours and you cancel your flight.

“So, you see, after some time, we will start implementing the provisions of the NCAA Act. You know, Nigerians don’t know there is compensation for delay.

To read more, click the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/nigerian-govt-to-airlines-pay-passengers-when-you-delay-cancel-flights/

Shareholders in Nigeria’s tier 1 banks have witnessed a combined gain of N1.296 trillion during the first nine months of 2023. This performance has left investors astounded and eager to understand the driving forces behind this financial feat.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration, fresh policies, and a novel approach to exchange rates have contributed to this financial windfall. As inflation rates rise and concerns loom over the upcoming general elections, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NGX) All-Share Index managed to defy the odds, closing the third quarter of 2023 with 29.52% increase, reaching a 15-year high.

The NGX’s performance didn’t go unnoticed on the African stage, with the exchange ranking second among the best-performing exchanges in Africa for a three-month duration.

A closer look at the banking sector reveals an even more astonishing story. The banking index skyrocketed by 59.57%, with the five major tier-one banks enjoying substantial gains. Zenith Bank Plc led the pack with a 31.04% increase in share price. GTCO Holdings Plc followed closely with a remarkable 49.78% gain, while FBN Holdings Plc saw a 50% surge in share price.

To read more, click the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/nigerias-tier-1-banks-soar-as-shareholders-celebrate-n1-296trn-gain-in-9-months/

As food prices in Nigeria continue the relentless climb, latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals alarming spike in cost of essential items, leaving many struggling to afford basic needs.

The NBS’s freshly released report, titled ‘Selected Food Prices Watch (August 2023),’ paints a stark picture of the growing food inflation crisis in the country.

In a nationwide survey, the NBS examined the prices of various food commodities, including beef, tomatoes, beans, garri, yam, and more. The findings indicate that Nigerians are facing an increasingly challenging economic situation as they grapple with rising prices.

According to the report, the average price of 1kg of boneless beef surged by 30.75 percent from August 2022 to August 2023, reaching N2,799. This month-on-month increase amounts to 1.50 percent, compounding the woes of consumers already struggling to make ends meet.

Local rice, a staple in many Nigerian households, also witnessed a staggering price hike. On a year-on-year basis, the price of 1kg of loose local rice surged by an alarming 62.68 percent, soaring from N454.10 in August 2022 to N738.74 in August 2023. On a month-on-month basis, this essential commodity saw a 13.04 percent increase from July 2023.

To read more, click on the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/rising-food-prices-squeeze-budgets-stir-concerns-among-nigerians/

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has made a resounding call for the swift implementation of salary increments of 25% and 35% for workers in tertiary institutions.

The call comes directly from Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, the National President of SSANU, who conveyed the union’s demands during a communique released on Monday in Abuja.

This announcement follows the conclusion of the 45th regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held at the University of Maiduguri in Borno, where matters of national significance were addressed, with particular attention to the ongoing renegotiation of salaries for SSANU members.

The renegotiation process, initially led by the late Prof. Nimi Briggs, is in its final stages. Mr. Ibrahim noted that while SSANU had initially requested a substantial 700% wage increase, the committee’s offer now stands at 23.5% and 35% for its members.

To read more, click the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/ssanu-calls-for-25-35-salary-increments-in-universities/

In September 25th, 2023, the world mourned the loss of Zoleka Mandela, the granddaughter of South Africa’s iconic anti-apartheid hero, Nelson Mandela.

Zoleka’s life was marked by remarkable achievements and an unyielding commitment to raising awareness about cancer. As we remember her, here are ten facts that illuminate her inspiring journey:

Family Legacy: Zoleka was born into a family with a rich history of activism and resilience. She was the daughter of Nelson Mandela’s youngest daughter, Zindzi Mandela.

A Resilient Warrior: Zoleka was a fierce fighter in the battle against cancer. She openly shared her journey, shedding light on the challenges faced by those affected by the disease.

Advocate for Awareness: Zoleka’s dedication to raising awareness about cancer was unwavering. She inspired countless individuals to prioritize early detection and treatment and emphasized the critical importance of cancer prevention.

To read more, click on the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/zoleka-mandela-10-facts-about-her-life-and-legacy/

As Nigeria continues to experience foreign exchange (forex) crisis, leading to a steep depreciation of the naira, an economic expert has attributed the cause to activities in the political circle which puts high pressure on the system.

Energy economist, Dr Onuoha Nnachi, who is the Managing Partner, DPH Investments, said that apart from the fact that the country has low production, coupled with demands by manufacturers, that of the political class puts more pressure on the foreign exchange market in the country.

Dr Nnachi, who appeared on Channels Television Sunrise Daily show on Tuesday morning, accused the political class of “dollarizing corruption.” He claimed that there is no sitting state governor in the country today who does not do up to $1 million in purchases of foreign currency for use. He said he had studied the trend over time and found out that up to a 5 per cent jump in the exchange rate occurs at the end of every month.

To read more, click the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/politicians-dollarization-of-corruption-puts-high-pressure-on-fx-expert/

The Big Brother Naija show, has solidified its status as one of the most celebrated and influential show in Africa.With seven successful editions under its belt, this cultural phenomenon has left an indelible mark on the continent’s entertainment landscape.

Through its extensive viewership, the show has given birth to a new generation of celebrities who, despite not claiming the coveted title, have carved their niche in the entertainment industry.

As we approach the grand finale of the BBNaija All Stars season on Sunday, October 1, 2023, where one of the six finalists will emerge as the ultimate winner of the 120 million Naira prize and other rewards, it’s worth celebrating the contestant who didn’t secure the winner’s title but have gone on to make a significant impact in various fields.

To read more, click the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/from-bbnaija-to-stardom-six-popular-contestant-who-did-not-win-the-show/

In his entire eight years in office, President Muhammadu Buhari maintained a gung ho look, almost like an ultra-human from the outer planet. He rarely, if ever, granted press interviews let alone come close to his subjects in town halls. This heightened the laughable joke cracked by Buhari himself about being a body double.

Even during elections, televised debates did not happen. So grim and cultural was Buhari’s official alienation from the people that President Bola Tinubu seemed to mimick the Buhari parody of successful public evasion during the 2023 presidential election campaigns.


Governors are a bit different as they are known to wine and dine with the people only during election campaigns. Afterwards, many of them remain physically and emotionally detached from the people, making leadership at the highest level seem a sombre, macabre and extra-mundane affair. Not so for Ademola Adeleke, the dance persona and performer of a leader!

One writer described the contrast between Adeleke and Gboyega Oyetola, his predecessor: “A man of advancing years, Oyetola tends to be grave, studied and soft-spoken, but Adeleke is a hurricane — free, lively and in no way reserved – and connects with young people in ways that many can only dream of”. Now with state power, Adeleke adds stage power to enthrall his subjects. In so doing, he occasionally lightens the burden of Nigeria as one of the worst places in the world to be a human being.

To read more, click the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/ademola-adeleke-the-osun-governor-and-his-dance-cap/

In a resounding call for an open and secure internet across Africa, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, asserted the Nigerian government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and fostering innovation throughout the continent.

Speaking at the recently concluded Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) held at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, Tijani underscored the importance of international collaboration in achieving these goals.

“The need for our consistent collaboration to develop our economy collectively is preeminent in the agenda of the current administration in Nigeria,” said Minister Tijani, addressing a virtual audience.

He emphasized the importance of this kind of forum to bridge digital divides, enhance cybersecurity, safeguard digital rights, and promote innovation. “It is, therefore, our collective duty to ensure that the Internet remains open, safe, and beneficial for all,” he urged, addressing parliamentarians and participants from across Africa.

Tijani called upon stakeholders to prioritize a collaborative approach to shaping policies and strategies that will determine the future of the internet in Africa, one that reflects the continent’s shared values, aspirations, and diversity.

To read more click the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/fg-calls-for-open-secure-internet-at-africa-internet-governance-forum/

Nigeria Social Commerce Market Intelligence and Future Growth Dynamics Databook – Q2 2023 Update” report has unveiled a dynamic trajectory for Nigeria’s social commerce industry.

Bucking expectations, the sector is poised for an astonishing annual growth rate of 43.3%, projected to catapult the industry to a substantial $1.19 billion by the end of 2023.

According to Research And Markets, Beyond this immediate milestone, the report charts an even more impressive journey, forecasting a staggering Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 33.4% from 2023 to 2028.

This meteoric rise in the Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) is set to see the industry’s worth ascend from $1.19 billion to an eye-popping $5.04 billion by 2028.

The report’s data-centric analysis provides an intricate assessment of the social commerce landscape, offering businesses an invaluable understanding of market opportunities and associated risks.

To read more, click the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/nigerias-social-commerce-to-reach-5-04-billion-by-2028/

In a week marked by pivotal central bank meetings, global financial markets remain relatively calm as investors prepare for key policy decisions. The US Dollar Index slips after nine weeks of gains, while gold shines amidst receding US yields.

As the week kicks off, investors worldwide are keeping a close eye on the looming central bank policy meetings, which are poised to set the tone for financial markets.

The week’s highlights include announcements from the People’s Bank of China and the Federal Reserve on Wednesday, followed by the Swiss National Bank, the Bank of England, and the Bank of Japan.

To read more, click the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/global-investors-brace-for-central-bank-showdown-dollar-weakens-gold-shines/

In a two-minute documentary in early September entitled “War on Crude Oil Theft”, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) said it found and destroyed 93 illegal pipeline connections and 69 illegal refineries between July 15 and 21, 2023 in the Niger Delta. The NNPC documentary reminded Nigerians about the loss of at least 100 lives to a terrible fire incident in Egbema, Imo State in April 2022 when an illegal refinery went up in flames. These illegalities and avoidable deaths speak to the country’s culture of waste of human capital, natural resources and precious property. The exploits of NNPCL are at best peripheral, and a fire-brigade approach to solving Nigeria’s notorious cases of oil theft, illegal refineries and pipeline vandalism.

Nigeria depends on war-torn Ukraine for wheat and other cereal crops, yet its army, so good at spotting and destroying illegal refineries, have not done much to stop terrorists from killing farmers and animals destroying crops around Nigeria. Nigerian farmers live in internally displaced camps, while herders roam free with guns. Make no mistakes, illegal refineries are unlawful, and there is enough evidence to show that they contribute enormously to fouling the environment, just as gas flaring by multinational oil companies since the 1950s. But the high-rise 47% youth unemployment and run-away official corruption in Nigeria are major contributory factors to the booming illegal trade in oil refining, which has become so flourishing that heavy-duty trucks are known to load from the businesses.

To read more, click the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/nigeria-destroying-illegal-refineries-yet-no-legal-refinery/

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu is considering a groundbreaking step for the country by joining the prestigious G20 bloc of major economies.

The news was unveiled by the president’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, who shed light on the government’s careful deliberations regarding the potential advantages and drawbacks of such a significant move.

Ngelale said: “While Nigeria’s membership of the G-20 is desirable, the government has embarked on wide-ranging consultations to ascertain the benefits and risks of membership.” This move marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s international stance and aspirations.

The revelation came just days before President Tinubu’s scheduled departure to attend the G20 summit in India, a move that underscores Nigeria’s determination to explore this new avenue.

To read more, click on the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/nigeria-considers-g20-membership-tinubu-to-attend-summit-in-india/

In a shocking exposé, it has come to light that the Nigerian tertiary education system is entangled in a web of corruption, dubious accreditation practices, and a deficit of competent management. What follows underneath is a harrowing reality of financial corruption, the detrimental “ECOMOG” syndrome surrounding the National University Commission (NUC) accreditation, and the severe lack of management skills plaguing Nigeria’s public tertiary education. The repercussions of these systemic failures are detrimental to students and the country’s future as a knowledge-driven nation.
According to Transparency International, 66% of the money allocated by the Nigerian Government to education is stolen by corrupt officials. Notably, the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) projects, among others, intended to enhance infrastructure and academic resources, have become breeding grounds for corruption. In 2017, over 200 billion naira was disbursed by TETFund to universities but none of the university unions including ASUU monitored the disbursement of the funds. Earlier in 2016, a range of fraud allegations ran through some Nigerian universities.

To read more, click on the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/crisis-in-nigerias-tertiary-education-ecomog-financial-corruption-management-deficiencies-et-al/

Studying in the United Kingdom (UK) can be an exciting and rewarding experience for Nigerian students. Not only does it provide access to world-class education, but it also opens up opportunities for part-time employment that can help cover living expenses and enhance your overall experience.

Here, we’ll explore 15 available jobs for Nigerian students in the UK, ranging from on-campus roles to off-campus positions.

Campus Ambassador:

Many universities in the UK hire students as campus ambassadors to represent their institutions to prospective students. This role involves giving campus tours, attending recruitment events, and answering questions about student life.

Library Assistant:

Working in the university library is a great way to earn money while studying. Library assistants help with tasks such as shelving books, assisting students with research, and maintaining the library’s organization.

To read more, click on the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/15-available-jobs-for-nigerian-students-in-the-uk/

Former Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, has stated that with the 2023 general elections over, the fate of the country’s democracy now lies on the outcome of the ongoing judicial process.

Speaking in an interview with Africa Independent Television (AIT) at a forum organised by #FixPolitics Initiative and AIT in Lagos, Ezekwesili said that democracy is the anchor on which citizens determine how they are governed.

“It becomes very important that the bedrock of democracy, which is elections that are credible, based on fairness and transparency, should matter to all citizens regardless of their political persuasion. To the extent of the 2023 elections, it is very clear, even by the most charitable of people, that the elections were subpar,” Dr Ezekwesili said.

To read more, click on the link below :
https://www.primebusiness.africa/2023-polls-fate-of-nigerias-democracy-lies-on-judicial-process-outcome-oby-ezekwesili/

Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has called for the release of a humanist, Mubarak Bala, who is serving a 24-year prison sentence over charges of blasphemy.
Soyinka described his conviction as “unjust” and urged those sympathetic to Mubarak Bala’s case to intensify their efforts toward securing his release.

Mr. Bala, the President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, was convicted after he reportedly pleaded guilty to an 18-count charge of blasphemy levelled against him by the Kano State Government in 2022.

He was accused of making a blasphemous post on Facebook against Islam and was held for two years without charges following a petition by a group of Muslims in Kano.

To read more, click on the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/soyinka-seeks-release-of-nigerian-humanist-mubarak-bala-sentenced-to-24-years-jail/

The authorised dealers in the official market sold the United States Dollar (USD) at the rate of N774.77/$1 at the end of trading on Tuesday.

According to data released by the FMDQ Exchange, the dollar rate increased by N30.36 kobo compared to Monday’s closing rate of N744.41/$1.

This indicates the naira depreciated in value by 4.07 per cent in the Investors’ and Exporters’ window of the official market during the review period.

Furthermore, the data showed that the day’s high was N799.90/$1 rate, while the lowest rate for the day was put at N740.60/$1.

By the end of trading in the Investors’ and Exporters’ window, over $95.79 million was transacted among foreign exchange traders.

To read more, click on the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/authorised-dealers-increase-price-of-dollars/

President Bola Tinubu is considering selling a stake in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and 19 other national assets or entities.

Tinubu is looking to raise capital from the sale of the stakes to finance his administration’s project to reduce the government’s dependence on loans.

The Chief Executive Officer at Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance, Armstrong Takang, said that the Federal Government is weighing options that include strategic sales and initial public offerings of stakes in the entities.

Takang said the plan will be implemented within 18 months, noting that the private sector will take controlling shares in some of the assets.

To read more, click the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/tinubu-to-sell-stake-in-nnpc-19-other-govt-entities/

Amaechina Chimbusonma Nwadiuto, a remarkable student from Regina Pacis Girls’ Secondary School in Garki, Abuja, is making waves in the academic world.

With an exceptional achievement in this year’s West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE), conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), she has become a strong contender for the prestigious National Merit Award.

Aged 16 and hailing from Anambra State, Miss Amaechina has achieved an astonishing feat by securing A1 grades in all nine subjects she undertook during the examination.

To read more, click on the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/16-year-old-amaechina-scores-nine-a1s-in-2023-wassce/

The electrifying atmosphere of the Big Brother Naija All Stars house reached a boiling point last night as the fourth week’s Head of House (HOH) games took centre stage, culminating in an explosive clash between housemates Adekunle and Pere.

The dynamics of alliances added fuel to the fire, turning the games into a battlefield of strategies and emotions. In a bid to secure victory within the round of six during the HOH game, housemates aligned themselves into groups, with Adekunle and Pere standing on opposing sides of these alliances.

Tensions escalated once the games concluded and the housemates returned to the house from the arena. Neo, seemingly infuriated by Adekunle’s gameplay, expressed his frustration over Adekunle’s strategic move to hinder Neo from placing sand in his designated box.

To read more, click on the link below
https://www.primebusiness.africa/you-are-marked-pere-threatens-adekunle/