Economy
Transportation Revolution: CNG Initiative for Mass Vehicle Conversion
The Federal Government aggressively promoted the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative over the past year.
However, some states exhibited lukewarm responses, leading to a slowdown in progress.
Furthermore, the unavailability of gas significantly hindered participation, particularly in the Southeast and Northeast geopolitical zones, which failed to engage with the initiative.
Currently, only 23 out of the 36 states have joined the CNG revolution, which the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration has intensified since his inauguration on May 29 last year, where he announced the end of fuel subsidies.
Despite these challenges, the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas (Pi-CNG) successfully distributed 150,000 kits and converted 50,000 vehicles from petrol to CNG.
This marks a significant increase from last year, which saw only 2,000 kits and the conversion of 4,000 vehicles.
The CNG initiative provides an alternative to petrol, especially after the recent price surge caused by subsidy removals.
Additionally, CNG is recognized as a cleaner energy source.
Pi-CNG Programme Director Michael Olugbemi stated,
“President Tinubu’s decisive policy to eliminate petrol subsidies has made CNG a more viable alternative, as it is 70-90% cheaper, cleaner, safer, and more reliable.”
Moreover, the Pi-CNG has achieved notable milestones, including the production of 807 CNG buses, the procurement of 3,500 CNG tricycles, and the training of 1,000 auto technicians nationwide.
According to projections from the Presidential Initiative, the goal for next year is to convert 100,000 cars, with an ambitious target of 1,000,000 conversions by 2027.
The rapid CNG Initiative has attracted approximately $450 million in investments, potentially leading to an investment drive of about $3 billion by 2027.
CNG training
The Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative launched comprehensive training programs to equip auto technicians for Nigeria’s growing CNG vehicles.
These programs focus on critical areas such as CNG system operation, safety protocols, and the installation of conversion kits.
Trainees learn essential maintenance and repair techniques while gaining proficiency in using diagnostic tools essential for evaluating CNG systems.
Upon completion, technicians receive certifications to enhance their employability within the industry.
The initiative’s emphasis on safety ensures that technicians adhere to strict handling protocols.
In addition to technical training, participants benefit from industry linkages that provide exposure to real-world practices and potential job opportunities.
This focused approach strengthens the workforce as the country advances its transition to cleaner energy through the CNG initiative.
However, the CNG’s Conversion Incentive Program (CIP) thrives mainly in Northcentral and Southwest regions, expanding into Northwest and South South
Next year, CIP plans to extend into Northeast and Southeast, contingent on gas availability in those regions
The Pi-CNG 2024 Year-End Updates highlight impressive progress, raising the number of kits to 50,000 cars this year.
Pi-CNG pursues three core objectives: incentivizing CNG adoption, deploying CNG vehicles, and providing discounted conversion kits and training.
Additionally, the initiative facilitates investments to fill gaps in conversion workshops, infrastructure, and CNG supply nationwide for better accessibility.
Moreover, the Pi-CNG streamlines regulations to ensure safety and reliability while promoting rapid CNG adoption and interoperability.
The initiative achieved remarkable growth, increasing conversion centers from seven to 150 and CNG refueling stations from 12 to 58.
Furthermore, mobile refueling units increased from zero to seven, and the Pi-CNG introduced five modular CNG units this year.
Lastly, the initiative expanded Mini-LNG facilities from one to four, while procuring 807 buses and 3,500 tricycles.
The investment drive has reached approximately $450 million, aiming for 1,000 conversion centers and 1,000,000 CNG vehicles by 2027.
In response to inquiries, Olugbemi stated President Tinubu’s decision to remove petrol subsidies boosted the success of the CNG initiative.
He highlighted that prior administrations did not prioritize a cleaner energy transition like the current administration is doing.
“The President’s vision for nationwide mass transit aims to stimulate demand, exemplified by the Conversion Incentive Programme (CIP) that offers one million free conversions for mass transit vehicle owners, thereby fostering a business-friendly investment environment in the CNG sector—a clear departure from past failures in promoting CNG adoption.”
Olugbemi explained the government’s inclusive approach, emphasizing that it encourages increased private sector investment in CNG initiatives.
Regarding expansion plans for the next year, he stated, “Much of our success stems from the inclusive implementation approach that has encouraged private sector participation and investment in driving adoption.”
He further clarified,
“Pi-CNG acts as a catalyst, ensuring that it does not replace private sector initiatives and innovations.”
In 2025, we will consolidate private sector investments, drive vehicle conversions, and expand infrastructure, especially in the North.
This expansion will align with major infrastructure breakthroughs, such as the Olugbemi mini-LNG projects and the AKK Pipeline completion.
assured that the CNG initiative would soon fully activate in the Northeast and Southeast through the CIP.
He mentioned, “The CIP provides free CNG conversions for commercial drivers. The CIP in Enugu and Abia will launch in February when gas becomes available.”
He acknowledged that the gas distribution network has expanded from seven states at the program’s inception to 17 states now participating in the CIP.
“To achieve our goals, we require daughter stations and CNG dispensing facilities, and private sector actors will lead these investments,” he added.
“We anticipate extending services to the Northeast by late 2025 or early 2026 when gas projects in Ajaokuta are completed.”
Economy
Fidelity Bank Resumes International Transactions on Naira Debit Cards

Tier-one Lender, Fidelity Bank Plc., has announced the resumption of international transactions on its Naira Debit Cards.
This recommencement gives customers the freedom to make seamless payments abroad, online, and at ATMs outside the country.
The Divisional Head of eBanking, Fidelity Bank, Ifeoma Onibuje, shed light on the development.
Onibuje said: “We are delighted to inform the public that Fidelity Naira Cards are now enabled for global use.
“This means that our travelling customers can now utilize their Naira Debit cards outside the country to shop, spend and withdraw internationally without hassles.”
“Consequently, our customers can now spend up to $1,000 quarterly for international POS and online transactions; and withdraw up to $500 quarterly on international ATMs.”
The announcement offers Fidelity Bank customers another way to complete international transactions, in addition to the Bank’s existing foreign currency debit and credit cards.
The bank stated that it further reinforces its commitment to delivering solutions that fit seamlessly into customers’ lifestyles.
With Fidelity Bank’s VISA and Mastercard Naira Debit Cards, Nigerians can now enjoy effortless global access.
Beyond payments, Fidelity VISA cardholders, one of the variants of the bank’s card offerings, also enjoy premium travel and lifestyle benefits.
The benefits range from airport lounge and spa access via the Visa Airport Companion App, to fast-track immigration lanes and 20% discounts on SIXT car rentals worldwide.
This move, the bank said, also reflects its commitment to provide secure, convenient, and reliable banking services that empower customers in Nigeria and beyond.
The bank noted that it has deliberately made the process of getting a Fidelity Naira card seamless.
It stressed that customers can easily apply for their Fidelity VISA or Mastercard Naira Debit card via the Fidelity Mobile App or simply visit the nearest Fidelity bank branch to request for one and they can start transacting globally with ease.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.
Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
Celebrity/Entertainment
How Nigerian TikToker Geh Geh Made ₦45 Million in One Night

A Nigerian TikTok sensation known as “Geh Geh” has stunned the internet after pulling in over $30,000 from a single live session that attracted more than 177,000 viewers.
The young entertainer, who calls his platform the “University of Wisdom and Understanding,” has quickly built a cult following with his raw and unfiltered lectures about women, money, and survival in Nigeria.
During the live broadcast on Thursday, August 21, viewers showered him with virtual gifts that he later calculated to be worth over $30,000.
The milestone instantly pushed him into the spotlight as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising online personalities.
Reacting in disbelief after the stream, Geh Geh said:
“More than 177,000 people watch my lectures today. Jesus! University of wisdom and understanding, the only university where once you graduate, woman go fear to ask you for money.”
Despite not having a formal education, Geh Geh proudly calls himself “the first illiterate to find a university in the history of Nigeria.” In a video after the viral live, he reminded fans of his humble background:
“I no be graduate too, but by the grace of God, I don find school. I be orphan, but now Nigerians don show me love.”
The TikTok star admitted he was overwhelmed by the generosity of his supporters.
“See gift I made over… more gift when they give me today is worth about $30,000. I no go take this love for granted, because I no really do anything for am.”
His rise has been hailed as proof of how social media is transforming lives in Nigeria. With no degree, no rich background, and no industry connection, Geh Geh has managed to build a fanbase that now calls themselves “students” of his unusual university.
Still, his controversial views on women and relationships continue to spark heated debates. While some dismiss his advice as reckless, others insist his boldness speaks directly to Nigeria’s frustrated youth.
Reflecting on his sudden fame, Geh Geh compared himself to great thinkers:
“If Nigeria be country wey value great people, by now them suppose dey compare people like me with Aristotle, Wole Soyinka, Einstein… but I thank God say people dey see my head and my own difference.”
From an orphan with no prospects to a viral star earning in dollars, Geh Geh’s story has become one of digital empowerment.
His journey shows how platforms like TikTok are creating new forms of fame, money, and influence for Nigerians especially those once written off by society.
Africa
UK Dominates Nigeria’s Q1 2025 Capital Inflows With N5.5tn — NBS

The United Kingdom has once again cemented its position as Nigeria’s leading source of foreign capital, accounting for more than N5.5 trillion in inflows during the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Figures from the Capital Importation Report show that capital from the UK rose to $3.68bn (N5.52tn) in Q1 2025, representing 65.26% of Nigeria’s total $5.64bn inflows for the quarter.
This marked a 29.2% rise from the $2.85bn recorded in Q4 2024 and more than double the $1.81bn inflows seen in Q1 2024.
This underscores Britain’s dominance in Nigeria’s external financing profile and highlights the strong bilateral financial ties between both nations.
Breakdown of Q1 2025 Capital Inflows by Country
United Kingdom: $3.68bn (65.26%)
South Africa: $501.29m (8.88%)
Mauritius: $394.51m (6.99%)
United States: $368.92m (6.54%)
United Arab Emirates: $301.72m (5.35%)
Together, these top five countries accounted for over 92% of Nigeria’s capital inflows, reflecting both the concentration of Nigeria’s foreign investments and the risks of over-dependence on limited markets.
Other contributors included:
Cayman Islands: $114.76m (up sharply from $0.64m in Q4 2024)
Belgium: $70.54m
France: $47.33m
Netherlands: $42.68m (down significantly from $425.61m in Q4 2024)
Singapore: $36.79m
Overall, capital importation into Nigeria stood at $5.64bn in Q1 2025, up 10.9% from Q4 2024’s $5.09bn, and a remarkable 67.1% higher than the $3.38bn recorded in Q1 2024.
The NBS noted:
“Capital Importation during the reference period originated largely from the United Kingdom with $3,681.96m, showing 65.26 per cent of the total capital imported.”
A separate survey by Strategy Management Partners (UK) reveals that British companies are increasingly targeting Africa as a strategic growth frontier.
50% of UK firms with annual turnover above £20m are already operational in Africa and planning expansions.
Another 28% of executives said they are interested but remain cautious about entry strategies.
Africa’s appeal lies in its resource wealth and demographic potential:
30% of the world’s mineral reserves
8% of natural gas reserves
12% of oil reserves
65% of the world’s arable land
Projected to host 25% of the global workforce by 2035
Seven key sectors remain magnets for foreign capital inflows into Nigeria and Africa at large:
1. Technology
2. Oil & Gas
3. Power and Renewable Energy
4. Agriculture
5. Manufacturing
6. Infrastructure
7. Strategic Minerals
Analysts warn that while Nigeria’s reliance on UK-driven inflows reflects strong global confidence, the concentration of sources exposes the economy to external shocks if investor sentiment shifts in these countries.
Diversification of investment partnerships particularly within Asi
a, the Americas, and intra-African trade will be crucial to ensuring long-term resilience in capital inflows.
Africa
U.S. Govt Reacts to Nigerian Minimum Wage

The United States government has said that Nigeria’s new N70,000 minimum wage has lost real value due to the sharp fall of the naira, leaving millions of workers trapped in poverty.
According to the 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, released by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, the wage translates to just $47.90 per month.
The report noted that currency devaluation and weak enforcement have undermined the wage increase.
The report also revealed that many states are yet to implement the new wage law. Several governors cited financial challenges as the main excuse.
Even where the law exists, compliance remains poor because of limited labor inspectors and weak oversight from authorities.
Wage Devaluation and Exclusion
The report highlighted that firms with fewer than 25 workers are excluded from the minimum wage law, leaving millions of employees without protection.
This also explained that about 70 to 80 percent of Nigeria’s workforce operates in the informal sector, where wage and labor rights are almost never enforced.
This means a majority of Nigerians continue to earn far below the national benchmark, despite the government’s approval of N70,000 as the new minimum wage.
The U.S. report stressed that the naira’s sharp decline, trading above N1,500 to the dollar, had worsened the wage erosion. This has left workers unable to afford basic needs, pushing many deeper into poverty.
Human Rights and Labor Challenges
The document pointed out that weak enforcement of labor laws contributes to worsening poverty levels in the country.
Workers in the informal sector, such as street vendors, artisans, and small traders, rarely benefit from labor protections.
The report also noted that Nigeria’s minimum wage is rarely sufficient to cover basic food, housing, and transport needs.
This has further exposed structural gaps in the government’s approach to economic reforms and poverty reduction.
Governors Push Investment Platform
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has launched a new investment initiative called NGF Investopedia.
The platform seeks to attract capital flows into bankable projects across all 36 states, with the goal of tackling Nigeria’s annual $100 billion infrastructure financing deficit.
The launch event in Abuja gathered governors, international partners, and investors. The forum described the platform as a long-term strategy to unlock growth opportunities across states and strengthen Nigeria’s subnational economies.
NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, said Nigeria must urgently leverage its human and natural resources to address poverty and joblessness.
“Here is Africa’s largest economy, endowed with abundant human and natural resources,” he said, stressing that state governments must play a bigger role in attracting investments and supporting local industries.
A Widening Gap
The contrast between the U.S. report on wage decline and the governors’ push for investment highlights Nigeria’s economic paradox.
While authorities promote foreign capital inflow, millions of workers continue to survive on wages that have lost most of their value.
With inflation rising, food prices soaring, and the naira weakening, the gap between earnings and cost of living keeps widening.
Unless enforcement improves and the informal sector is integrated into wage protections, the N70,000 benchmark may remain symbolic rather than effective.
Economy
Global Card: Fidelity Bank Hits Milestone As Fidelity Naira Card Accepted Globally

Fidelity Bank may have hit another milestone the Fidelity Naira Card is now accepted globally.
This was disclosed in a message sent to Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) via email on Monday.
According to the statement entitled “Your Fidelity Naira Card Now Works Globally; Shop, Pay and Withdraw with Ease!“, customers can buy favourite global brands online using their Fidelity Naira Card.
The band also stated that they can equally pay at POS terminals abroad and make cash withdrawals at ATMs as they travel.
The message reads:
“We’re excited to let you know that your Fidelity Naira Card is now enabled for global use — so you can shop, spend and withdraw internationally with confidence.
“Here’s what you now enjoy every quarter:
Channel |
Transaction Limit |
ATM Withdrawal abroad | $500 |
Online/Web & POS Payments | $ 1,000 |
“What does this mean for you?
- Shop your favourite global brands online
- Pay at POS terminals abroad with ease
- Withdraw cash at ATMs when you travel.”
The statement, however, noted that the $1,000 quarterly limit applies to all international transactions combined, including ATM withdrawals, online purchases, and POS payments.
The bank urged customers who may need assistance with setting card limits or activating their cards for global use, to contact the bank’s customers care “Centre Trueserve”, which is available round the clock, whether in Nigeria, or outside the country.
“Your world, your card — spend smart, spend globally with Fidelity,” the message concludes.
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