
The Federal Government plans to invest $75 million in Flutterwave's proposed $250 million initial public offering, marking the fintech's first listing of shares on a stock exchange. This investment, approved by President Bola Tinubu and to be executed through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, aims to deepen participation in Nigeria's technology sector and strengthen confidence in domestic capital markets. The move is part of Flutterwave’s strategy to raise capital and broaden ownership through a public listing that could value the company at over $3 billion. Sources indicate that the government conducted extensive due diligence, including reviews by two of the Big Four accounting firms, before approving the investment. This proposed stake is intended to boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy and demonstrate the country's ability to support globally competitive technology companies. A source familiar with the deal stated that sovereign participation could help anchor the offering and attract additional institutional investors. This initiative follows months of engagement, including discussions in October 2025 between the Ministry of Finance, MoFI, and Flutterwave regarding a broader partnership to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and expand financial inclusion through payments infrastructure, SME support, and cross-border trade facilitation. Flutterwave, founded in 2016, is a leading African payments company providing cross-border payment solutions acro
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Must ReadThe Presidency announced on Thursday that substantial progress has been made towards establishing state police, with constitutional amendments anticipated soon. Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, shared this update after a consultative meeting in Abuja. Discussions on the state police framework began months ago under President Bola Tinubu's directive and have now reached the stage of considering necessary constitutional changes. Gbajabiamila emphasized that the process requires careful consideration of constitutional and legal issues. He stated that the focus is currently on the constitutional amendment, with enabling legislation to follow. The push for state police has gained momentum due to persistent security challenges like banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping. Critics argue that the current centralized Nigeria Police Force is overstretched and disconnected from local realities. Some states have already formed complementary security networks, such as Amotekun, which operate without full constitutional backing. Gbajabiamila noted a growing national consensus on the need for state police, shifting discussions from whether to adopt it to how to develop the appropriate legal and institutional framework. President Tinubu, a proponent of state police for strengthening Nigeria’s security, will receive a comprehensive report on the meeting's outcome. The meeting is part of ongoing federal consultations to create a workable framework for state police, aiming to en
Must ReadA Federal High Court in Abuja has directed Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, to begin his defense in a criminal defamation case. The case centers on allegations that Sowore made false claims against President Bola Tinubu, describing him as “a criminal” on his X and Facebook accounts. Justice Mohammed Umar issued the directive on Thursday, rejecting an application from Sowore’s counsel, Marshall Abubakar, for an adjournment until after the court’s upcoming vacation. The judge ordered that proceedings continue daily, in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, with Sowore scheduled to start his defense on Friday, June 5. Prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde SAN, informed the court that the Chief Judge had declined Sowore’s request to reassign the case to another judge and directed the trial court to proceed. Kehinde opposed Abubakar’s request for an adjournment, arguing that the Chief Judge’s letter did not advise filing a formal application for recusal and that the criminal proceedings were unrelated to political activities. Justice Umar reviewed the Chief Judge’s response and agreed with the prosecution, stating that the letter did not instruct the defendant to file an application for recusal. The judge reiterated that the matter had reached the defense stage and directed Sowore to proceed. Despite a renewed request for adjournment by Abubakar, the court maintained its order for a day-to-day
Must ReadMohamed Malick Fall, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, has urged the immediate and safe release of students and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states. He described these incidents as threats to education and child protection. Fall's call followed a meeting with a delegation from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre in Abuja, led by Commandant, Dr Samuel Umanah. The UN official expressed concern over the worsening security situation affecting schools across the country. On May 15, gunmen attacked three schools in Orire local government in Oyo State, kidnapping over 40 school children, including toddlers, and seven teachers. One teacher was reportedly killed during the attack, and another was later beheaded. In Mussa, Borno State, gunmen attacked three schools on a Friday morning, abducting over 50 children, mostly between two and five years old. Fall emphasized that schools must remain safe havens for learning and that children should never be targets. He noted that the recent attacks highlight the urgent need for stronger measures to protect children, teachers, and educational facilities. While acknowledging government efforts, he urged authorities to intensify actions for the swift and safe return of all abducted victims and to bring those responsible to justice. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator reaffirmed the United Nations system’s commitment in Nigeria to supporting initiatives that pro
Must ReadLiverpool has appointed Andoni Iraola as their new manager, replacing Arne Slot, who was dismissed after a disappointing Premier League title defense. Iraola, 43, quickly became the top candidate for the role. While the club did not disclose the contract length, British media reported a two-year deal. Iraola expressed his excitement about joining Liverpool, calling it a "massive club" and a "special club." He is expected to bring a more urgent and aggressive style of football, reminiscent of former manager Jurgen Klopp's approach. Iraola previously managed Bournemouth, leading them to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League and securing their first qualification for the Europa League. His tenure at Bournemouth saw consistent improvement, with the team finishing 12th, ninth, and then sixth. He was praised for his tactical acumen and development of young players. Iraola's appointment comes after Slot's second season at Anfield, which saw Liverpool finish fifth, 25 points behind champions Arsenal, despite a strong start that included a record-equalling 20th English league title in his debut season. Slot faced challenges including the death of forward Diogo Jota, underperforming new signings, and a deteriorating relationship with Mohamed Salah.