Business
China to establish electric vehicle plants in Nigeria – Envoy
China to establish electric vehicle plants in Nigeria – Envoy
China has pledged to deepen its economic partnership with Nigeria, particularly in the solid minerals sector, by setting up electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing plants and expanding industrial collaboration.
During a courtesy call on Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, over the weekend, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, reiterated his country’s commitment to fostering stronger ties, describing Nigeria as a key partner in China’s foreign relations.
“Nigeria is a great country blessed with tremendous natural resources. Chinese companies are already deeply involved in Nigeria’s mining sector, from exploration to processing.“We aim to deepen this collaboration, especially in line with President Tinubu’s eight priority areas, notably economic diversification through solid minerals,” he said.
Dunhai pointed to the recent meeting between Presidents Bola Tinubu and Xi Jinping as a turning point in relations, noting that both leaders had agreed to upgrade bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
He also stressed the importance of ethical practices by Chinese enterprises in Nigeria.“We have zero tolerance for illegal mining. The Chinese government is ready to cooperate with Nigerian authorities to bring any culprits to justice,” he stated, while highlighting efforts by the Chinese embassy to ensure its companies comply with local laws and uphold corporate social responsibility, as well as environmental and safety standards.
Responding to the ambassador’s remarks, Minister Alake acknowledged the role of Chinese investment in Nigeria’s development but also addressed concerns about unlawful practices by a minority of firms.
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“We’ve taken action against illegal operators, including some Chinese nationals. While isolated, such incidents undermine the good work of many compliant Chinese firms. We need your cooperation in ensuring that such culprits are brought to justice,” he stated.
He referred to a recent viral video that allegedly showed a Chinese national attempting to bribe local security officials and emphasized that such behavior cannot be tolerated.
Alake highlighted new government initiatives aimed at addressing illegal mining, including the deployment of Mining Marshals, which he said has improved compliance among industry players.
He further stressed the government’s intention to shift from raw mineral exports to domestic processing, encouraging value addition within Nigeria.
“For years, our minerals have been exported raw to fuel foreign industrialisation. That must change. We now prioritise local processing to drive Nigeria’s development.“For instance, with the abundance of lithium, we want to see local manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries,” he explained.
The minister urged Ambassador Dunhai to encourage Chinese companies to adopt end-to-end operations—from extraction to processing—within the country, noting that this would better harness Nigeria’s market potential and support clean energy goals.
In his closing remarks, Dunhai affirmed China’s support for this vision, revealing that preparations are already underway to launch EV production and related manufacturing projects in Nigeria.
He said the initiative aligns with President Xi Jinping’s broader strategy to support Africa’s industrial advancement.
China to establish electric vehicle plants in Nigeria – Envoy
Auto
Lagos NURTW Chairman Sego Distributes Exotic Cars, Luxury Items to Cabinet Members (Video)
Lagos NURTW Chairman Sego Distributes Exotic Cars, Luxury Items to Cabinet Members (Video)
The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), popularly known as Sego, has distributed exotic cars, luxury items, and other valuables to members of his cabinet.
The development, which took place on Tuesday, drew attention across Lagos as beneficiaries reportedly received high-end vehicles and other expensive gifts as part of what insiders described as a reward and appreciation gesture.
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Sources within the union disclosed that the items shared included luxury cars, household equipment, and other high-value materials, aimed at boosting morale among cabinet members and strengthening loyalty within the leadership structure of the union.
Observers say the move highlights the growing influence and financial strength of transport unions in Lagos, particularly the NURTW, which plays a key role in the state’s transport sector.
While supporters of the chairman have praised the gesture as a sign of generosity and leadership, critics argue that such displays of wealth raise questions about transparency and accountability within union operations.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from Sego addressing the distribution, but the development has continued to generate reactions among stakeholders in the transport industry and the wider public.
The Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), popularly known as Sego, has distributed exotic cars, luxury items, and other valuables to members of his cabinet
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Lagos NURTW Chairman Sego Distributes Exotic Cars, Luxury Items to Cabinet Members (Video)
Business
Naira Slides to ₦1,415 per Dollar in Parallel Market as Official Rate Weakens
Naira Slides to ₦1,415 per Dollar in Parallel Market as Official Rate Weakens
The Nigerian Naira continued its downward trend yesterday, trading at ₦1,415 per US dollar in the parallel (black) market, up from ₦1,405 per dollar last Friday. This latest depreciation underscores ongoing pressure on the currency amid high demand for foreign exchange and limited supply.
Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the naira also weakened in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), trading at ₦1,386.75 per dollar, a drop from ₦1,384.25 recorded last week. This reflects a modest ₦2.50 decline at the official window.
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The gap between the parallel and official rates widened further to ₦28.25 per dollar, compared with ₦20.75 over the weekend, highlighting persistent market distortions between formal and informal forex channels.
Analysts say the naira’s slide is largely driven by rising dollar demand from importers, investors, and corporate traders, while supply remains constrained despite CBN interventions aimed at stabilising the currency. Recent policy adjustments, including allowing oil exporters more flexibility to repatriate proceeds, have yet to significantly ease pressure on the naira.
The depreciation in both the parallel and official markets has direct implications for import costs, inflation, and the purchasing power of Nigerian households and businesses. Market watchers are closely monitoring the CBN’s next moves, with expectations that further policy actions may be needed to curb the naira’s decline.
Naira Slides to ₦1,415 per Dollar in Parallel Market as Official Rate Weakens
Business
NCC Orders MTN, Other Telcos to Compensate Subscribers for Poor Network Service
NCC Orders MTN, Other Telcos to Compensate Subscribers for Poor Network Service
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed major mobile network operators (MNOs), including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, to compensate subscribers affected by poor network quality in areas where performance falls below regulatory standards. The move is part of a broader shift toward a consumer-focused approach aimed at protecting users and strengthening accountability in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
In a statement on Sunday, Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs at the NCC, emphasized that subscribers should not bear the full burden of service disruptions caused by operators’ failure to meet prescribed benchmarks. She explained that compensation will be provided in the form of airtime credits, calculated based on subscribers’ average spending patterns and the duration of service outages in affected areas.
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“Erring operators will compensate affected users directly for breaches of quality of service key performance indicators within specified time frames,” Ukoha said. She added that while regulatory fines have traditionally served as a deterrent against poor service delivery, the commission is now adopting a more consumer-centric approach that ensures users directly benefit from enforcement actions.
Under the directive, tower companies and network providers are also required to reinvest fines and penalties into infrastructure upgrades, aimed at addressing coverage gaps and improving overall network quality. Subscribers are encouraged to report service interruptions to their operators and the NCC to ensure timely compensation.
Industry observers have welcomed the move, describing it as a significant step toward empowering telecom users, improving quality of service (QoS), and holding operators accountable for network performance failures. The NCC will monitor compliance closely and take further action against any operators that fail to meet the compensation and service standards.
NCC Orders MTN, Other Telcos to Compensate Subscribers for Poor Network Service
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