General
EDC, eTranzact Highlights AI Readiness of Nigeria SMEs
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A new report showing how small businesses in Nigeria are adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scale up their operations has been released by the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of the Pan-Atlantic University in partnership with eTranzact International Plc.
The survey, titled Artificial Intelligence Readiness of Nigeria SMEs, explored where businesses in the Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) currently stand on the AI journey, including their readiness, their hurdles, and the incredible opportunities ahead.
It also made some recommendations, including tasking the government to prioritise and invest in locally relevant AI solutions, and also focus on affordable tools for SMEs.
The report called for the promotion of indigenous AI tools that are culturally sensitive and linguistically accessible, and recommended the development of AI –friendly policies, including tax incentives, simplified regulations, and data privacy safeguard.
The private sector was also charged to develop and offer affordable, user-friendly AI solutions tailored to SME needs and invest in AI skill training and capacity building through partnership and educational programmes.
At the unveiling of the study in Lagos, the Director of Programs and Partnerships at EDC, Dr Olawale Anifowose, said, “The AI readiness study reveals both challenges and opportunities, while awareness of AI technologies is growing, especially in information and communication technology (ICT) and creative sectors, overall adoption remain low, particularly in agriculture and fashion.”
“SMEs are drawn to affordable and user-friendly AI tools like Google, Maps, ChatGPT, and Google Assistant, but face significant barriers, including high implement costs, inadequate infrastructure and lack of technical expertise.
“Lack of local adaptation and acceptance, data privacy concerns and the absence of a supportive regulatory framework further hinder AI adoption,” he added.
He said, “At the EDC, Pan-Atlantic University, we’ve always championed the growth and resilience of SMEs. They are not just business- they are builders of livelihood, innovators, and job creators. And we believe that embracing emerging technologies like AI is no longer optional; it is essential.”
On his part, the chief executive of eTranzact, Mr Niyi Toluwalope, said, “As a superfintech enabling inclusive growth in Nigeria, we recognise the vital role SMEs play in driving economic development, employment, and innovation.”
“What emerged from the study is clear, while there is strong enthusiasm for AI-powered solutions, there is still a gap in awareness, access and contextual relevance.
‘The insight from this report offer a timely compass for policymakers, financial service providers, innovators, and SME leaders seeking to design the next ear of inclusive digital tools for Nigeria’s mostly informal SME sector,” he added.
At eTranzact, he said, “This is a not a research, it is a call to action. It affirms our resolve to co-create with the ecosystem, deploy intelligent solutions tailored for real-world business challenges, and continue investing in technologies and solutions that empower SMEs and businesses every day.”
It was learned that the study adopted a mixed-method research approach, involving the use of both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods. The quantitative approach was implemented through a sample survey of SMEs with 5,290 responses across 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
General
NDIC Seeks EFCC Enhanced Support on Asset Tracing, Recovery
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has sought an enhanced collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in areas including asset tracing, recovery, and management.
This was hinged on a recent visit by the chief executive of the corporation, Mr Thompson Oludare Sunday, to the chairman of the anti-graft agency, Mr Ola Olukoyede.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr Sunday stressed that the visit offered an opportunity for formal engagement with the EFCC for further collaboration between the two organizations.
“We aim to further strengthen our collaboration, deepen institutional synergy and explore additional avenues for mutual support in the pursuit of national financial system stability. The EFCC has been our partner and we want this to continue. We look forward to an expanded and more impactful partnership between our two esteemed institutions,” Mr Sunday said.
Further in his request, he stated that the NDIC sought to leverage on the EFCC’s technical expertise in asset tracing, recovery and management, particularly in cases involving debtors of banks in liquidation.
“Your experience has and will continue to greatly enhance our recovery efforts. Additionally, we have that strategic responsibility for prosecuting individuals whose actions contribute to the failure of banks. We therefore seek closer collaboration with the Commission in this critical area.”
On his part, Mr Olukoyede, remarked that both agencies of government have a longstanding record of collaboration, pledged to amplify the working relationship.
He emphasized that the NDIC and EFCC are like inseparable twins, working together for years. He reminded the NDIC’s boss that the EFCC had been supporting his agency in the area of investigation, while the NDIC had been supporting the EFCC in the area of training.
“So, there has been this mutually beneficial relationship between NDIC and EFCC and we never intend to stop. We’ll continue to take it to a higher level, and continue to strengthen it,” he said.
Mr Olukoyede reiterated that his policy directive was to stimulate the Nigerian economy with the anti-graft war, leverage productive entities and enhance the capacities of other government agencies through needful interventions.
“One of the things I promised when I resumed was to use the instrumentality of this work to stimulate the economy, not just to make noise all over the place; to strengthen and encourage the internal processes of entities that are doing well and design fraud risk assessment for them. That was what necessitated my establishing a new department called Fraud Risk Assessment and Control.
“We don’t have to always wait for money to be stolen. Let us work with you and stakeholders in the economy to fine tune our system and make sure that we clean our financial ecosystem. You’re a key player in that area, and we are always willing to collaborate with you,” he added.
General
Again, Nigeria’s Electricity Grid Collapses, Triggers Nationwide Blackout
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria’s electricity grid collapsed again on Tuesday morning, cutting power supply nationwide after generation and load allocation dropped to zero across all distribution companies,.
The incident marks the second recorded collapse of the national power grid in 2026, the second as well in five days following last Friday’s inclident.
This also means the third time in one month after a similar failure on December 29, 2025.
The system failure occurred at about 10:50 a.m, when electricity allocation to all electricity distribution companies fell to zero. Data from the grid operator showed that power generation plunged to zero megawatts, triggering a total shutdown of supply across the country.
A review of the national distribution load profile at the time of the incident indicated that all distribution companies, including Abuja, Eko, Benin, Enugu, Ibadan, Ikeja, Jos, Kano, Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Yola, recorded zero load, confirming a nationwide outage.
All 23 power generation plants connected to the national grid reportedly lost output during the incident, resulting in zero power allocation to each of the 11 electricity distribution companies.
As of time of filing this report, no official confirmation has been provided by the government authorities.
General
Military Confirms Attempt to Overthrow Tinubu, to Arraign Coup Plotters
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Nigerian military on Monday, January 26, 2026, confirmed that some of its personnel actually attempted to overthrow the government of President Bola Tinubu in October 2025.
It was earlier speculated that the October 1 parade last year was abruptly cancelled due to an alleged attempt to remove Mr Tinubu from office by some members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), with 16 persons arrested over the issue.
Providing an update on the matter today, the Director of Information for the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Major General Samaila Uba, said investigations have “identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government” and would be “formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panel to face trial.”
“It would be recalled that the Defence Headquarters issued a press statement in October 2025 regarding the arrest of sixteen officers over acts of indiscipline and breaches of service regulations. The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) wishes to inform the general public that investigations into the matter have been concluded and the report forwarded to appropriate superior authority in line with extant regulations.
“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. The findings have identified a number of the officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.
“The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks. The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” the statement read.
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