European financiers expand Nigeria investment portfolio with new €20 million facility
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
European development finance institutions have expanded their investment in Nigeria, announcing a new €20 million Nigeria Country Window and additional financing for infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, and small businesses. This announcement was made by the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS following the 10th Nigeria-European Union Business Forum in Abuja. European financiers stated that these new investments demonstrate growing confidence in Nigeria’s economic reforms and long-term growth prospects. The European Investment Bank reported signing over €500 million in financing for Nigeria in the past year across public and private sectors, with more investments expected. Loic Le Ruyet, Senior Investment Officer, Corporate Division, European Investment Bank, noted that the bank's portfolio includes sustainable transport, healthcare manufacturing, agriculture, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises. The €20 million Nigeria Country Window, jointly implemented by FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, and the European Development Finance Institutions Management Company, is part of the European Union’s AgriFI and ElectriFI blended finance programs. This facility aims to channel financing to small and medium-sized enterprises in agribusiness and rural electrification, while mobilizing additional private capital. Edilberto Jose Baquero of FMO highlighted that this financing model addr
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Frank Lampard has signed a new contract with Coventry, committing him to the Premier League club until 2029. The 48-year-old former England midfielder led the Sky Blues to English football's top-flight for the first time in 25 years by winning last season’s Championship. Lampard took over the Midlands club in November 2024, guiding them to a play-off finish in his initial season before their promotion. He expressed his delight at signing the new deal and acknowledged the collective effort in achieving promotion. Lampard, who previously managed Chelsea, Everton, and Derby, emphasized the need for the staff and players to recharge and focus on preparations for the upcoming Premier League season. Coventry faces a challenging start to their Premier League return, with an away match against champions Arsenal on August 21.
Must ReadThe Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association NECA has introduced Africa’s first Environmental, Social and Governance ESG Implementation Guide for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises MSMEs. Unveiled by Femi Jaiyeola, Chairman of the NECA ESG Advisory Board, during the 2026 Nigeria Employers’ Summit in Abuja, the guide aims to bolster business sustainability, enhance competitiveness, and align Nigerian firms with global investment standards. Jaiyeola emphasized that MSMEs are vital to Nigeria's economy and require practical tools to thrive in a sustainability-focused global market. He noted that ESG principles have evolved beyond mere compliance to become a crucial business survival strategy, with ESG reporting expected to become mandatory in Nigeria by 2030. The guide provides a step-by-step roadmap for small businesses to adopt ESG principles, offering benefits such as improved access to finance, stronger investor confidence, better market positioning, and long-term resilience. This initiative follows a national ESG assessment conducted by NECA with support from the International Labour Organisation ILO. Six NECA officials are currently undergoing specialized ESG training at the ILO International Training Centre in Turin, Italy, to subsequently train MSMEs across Nigeria. Adewale Smart Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA, highlighted the necessity of inclusive economic reforms supported by the organized private sector. The launch addresses a global trend where ESG complianc
Must ReadThe Federal Government plans to discontinue the policy separating Junior Secondary Schools JSS from Senior Secondary Schools SSS, following data indicating that over 20 million pupils dropped out before reaching the senior secondary level. Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa announced this decision in Abuja during the inauguration of the UBEC Ministerial Implementation and Monitoring Committee. Alausa stated that the "disarticulation policy," which mandated separate operations for JSS and SSS with distinct principals and facilities, has not achieved its objectives. He highlighted that 20 million students drop out between primary school and JSS, and noted an imbalance of 80,000 public primary schools compared to only about 15,000 junior secondary schools, leading to JSS overcrowding and underutilized SSS facilities. The minister emphasized that the policy has failed and will be phased out, with a proposal to abolish it to be presented at the next National Council on Education meeting. This policy change aims to enhance access and improve learning outcomes. Additionally, Alausa inaugurated a committee, chaired by Prof. Rashid Aderinoye, to oversee UBEC-funded Smart Schools, Bilingual Schools, and Alternative Schools, ensuring their completion, handover to states, and operational readiness, as many remain unfinished or unused despite significant investment.