Economy
Boosting development in North-West via World Bank-funded projects
The Community and Social Development Project of the World Bank (CSDP) is a programme initiated to boost development in poor communities.
Thirty states are participating in the community-driven programme that started in 2009.
The programme provides 90 per cent of funds needed for projects solely initiated by poor communities, for which they are to contribute at least 10 per cent in cash and in kind.
During a recent assessment tour of projects in the North-West states of Kebbi, Katsina and Zamfara, benefitting communities were in agreement that the programme has impacted positively on the lives of rural dwellers.
In Kebbi, the CSDP provided mini motorised water schemes, constructed one block of classrooms and health post in Kuyu and Chalgai communities in Gwandu, Local Government Area.
Kuyu with an estimated population of over 2000 people, are mainly farmers and cattle rearers, while the Chalgai, a hard to reach village, with a population of over 800 inhabitants, are mainly subsistence farmers.
Malam Bello Magawata, the Chairman, Kuyu Community Project Management Committee (CPMC), said this was the first time the community had motorised water scheme, block of classrooms and health post.
He said that before the construction of the borehole, the community relied on a 200- metre deep well for water.
Magawata said prior to the intervention of the CSDP in 2018, the community had its primary school operating under a tree with low pupil enrolment.
” I was born and brought up in this village over 50 years ago, I have never seen or heard of any water scheme, block of classrooms or health post provided for this community.
” We only see children in neighbouring communities attending schools and become nurses, soldiers, engineers and all that, but we don’t have such educational or health facilities in this community.“
Similarly, the Secretary of Chalgai, CPMC, Sani Mohammed, said before the construction of the solar mini water scheme by the CSDP, the community depended on an old well dug during the administration of former Premier of Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello.
Mohammed said the provision of the water scheme had improved the living condition and economic status of the people of the community.
” Our animals drink water at ease and we are also building many houses now due to the availability of water. No doubt the projects have changed the fortunes of this community,” he said.
Mohammed also said that the provision of classrooms was a welcome relief to the people of the community, adding that in the past, ” we used to send our children to Tambuwal and Dogon Daji local government areas in Sokoto State to attend primary school.
The CSDP also upgraded and equipped Kalgo Youth Skills Acquisition Centre.
Coordinator of the centre Zulkiflu Mohammed disclosed that the centre is affiliated to Usman Danfodio University Sokoto Consultancy.
He added that the centre has graduated over 1,000 people on different skills in the last 10 years.
Alhaji Babale Yauri, Secretary to the Kebbi State Government (SSG), said CSDP was one of the best projects initiated by the Federal Government, adding that the government of Kebbi considered CSDP projects as one of the best because it touches the lives of rural dwellers.
Yauri, who stated that Kebbi was a rural state, added that any project that focused on the lives of rural people was a project that was dear to the state government.
“If you go round the state you will find a lot of sign boards indicating different CSDP projects across the state.
“In fact, the CSDP projects have boosted the morale of an ordinary man in Kebbi who now believes that he can contribute to the development of his locality in particular and state in general.
“CSDP is one of the projects that the government of Gov. Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi considers as one of the best projects initiated by the Federal Government and in fact it has been completely supported by the governor,” he said.
On his part, Alhaji Yakubu Yeldu, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Kebbi CSDP, said the organisation spent over N2 billion to finance over 669 micro projects in remote communities in 20 local government areas of the state over the last 10 years.
“As we speak, over 669 micro projects have been completed and people are benefiting from all of them. We don’t have a single abandoned project.
“Right now in our record, we have over 300 applications for new community projects, and not only that, we received phone calls every day,” Yeldu said.
He revealed that demand for provision of potable water constituted almost 80 per cent in every micro project application from most communities in the state.
In Zamfara CSDP built a Primary Health Care Clinic (PHC) in Gurbi, Talatan Mafara Local Government, build schools, drilled boreholes and renovated computer- based centre.
Malam Abdullahi Bello, the Vice- Chairman, Gurbi Community Project Management Committee, expressed delight for the execution of various projects in the area.
He explained that prior to the provision of the health facility, the people of the community used to travel a distance of five kilometres to get medical treatment in Talatan Mafara Local Government headquarters.
He also revealed that based on high demand for potable water, CSDP drilled hand pump borehole.
“We largely depended on well water which dry up during dry season. So, we decided to approach CSDP office in the state capital and seek their intervention to support us with two micro projects.
” The officials of CSDP came and conducted feasibility studies and directed us to mobilise our 10 per cent of the total sum of the project and to glory of God the project was completed and impacting positively on our lives.’’
Contributing, Ms Talatu Adamu, Senior Community Health Extension Worker at the PHC, disclosed that the centre was used as COVID-19 vaccination centre, adding that no fewer than 127 persons took their first jam of COVID-19 vaccine at the centre.
She also revealed that the clinic attended to over 25 patients daily, adding “sometimes I receive calls in the midnight to attend to pregnant women.’’
The CSDP also renovated and furnished the Talatan Mafara Development Trust Fund Computer-Based Centre.
The centre was also provided with
motorised water scheme and cameras .
Alhaji Yusuf Mafara, manager of the centre and Chairman Community Project Management Committee (CPMC), said that the centre was dilapidated and inactive before the intervention of CSDP.
“Whenever our children want to write a computer-based test they have to go to the state capital which a distance of about 80km.
“That was why the community approached CSDP to help renovated the centre for the use of Gumi, Anka, Maradun, Bakura, Bukyu, Talatan Mafara local government areas.”
He said that as part of efforts to ensure sustainability of the centre, the community partnered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that resulted to donation of 300 laptops with all networking equipment to the centre.
Commenting on CSDP , the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Attahiru, said CSDP projects were touching the lives of vulnerable people.
He said that the programme had positively impacted the lives of the vulnerable people since the creation of the state.
He also solicited support toward the rehabilitation of people and communities affected by the lingering security challenges in some parts of the state.
“If there is any single intervention programme in the state since its creation, I think it is the largest that has touched the lives of people who are very vulnerable and in dire need.’’
He disclosed that CSDP renovated and equipped a learning centre for an orphanage established by Yar Rugga Community under the Bungudu Emirate Council.
Prior to the intervention of CSDP, the hall was in deplorable condition. After we reached out to them and completed all the process, CSDP converted the hall into library, laboratory and semi skills acquisition centre,” Attahiru said.
On his part, Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara, noted that the CSDP had impacted positively on the lives of the people due to the additional support and encouragement provided by the state government.
” The CSDP performed creditably from 2019, when we assumed office. The state government has approved and released N150 million to the Zamfara State CSDP from 2019 to 2020.“
Also, Alhaji Garba Muhammad, the General Manager of Zamfara CSDP, disclosed that the project provided financial support to various communities in the state to implement 744 micro projects worth N2.063 billion.
Muhammad explained that the main areas of intervention were education, provision of health facilities and water.
According to him, educational projects took about 60 per cent of the resources that CSDP gave to communities to execute projects.
“From July 2009 to September 2020, CSDP has assisted 262 communities and groups to implement 744 projects at the total cost of over N2.063 billion.”
Appraising the performance of CSDP, Dr Mustapha Inuwa, the Secretary to the Katsina State Government, commended the community driven approach.
He advocated the adoption of the community driven development model in the country, saying that it was more economical and sustainable.
Inuwa assured that the state would continue to support CSDP and the state agency, noting that there was no better time that Katsina State needs support from CSDP than now.
Also, Alhaji Muhammad Abdul’aziz,
the General Manager, Katsina State CSDP, said that 494 micro projects were completed in the state, explaining that 50 per cent of the interventions were in the education sector.
“The sectors that follow are water and health. We spent N2.5 billion on projects from July 2009 to September, 2020.’’
Undoubtedly, CSDP has proved to be an
elixir to boost development in the North-West. Benefitting states of CSDP projects should sustain adherence to guidelines in order to deepen development, especially in poor communities.(NAN)
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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