🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Payaza achieves upgraded credit ratings and launches new payment features for African businesses
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Payaza, a payments infrastructure company, has received two new ratings: a DataPro upgrade from A to AA- and an A- investment-grade credit rating from Intelligent Africa. These mark the company's fourth credit rating, affirming its financial strength, operational discipline, governance standards, and strategic direction. The Chief Executive Officer of Payaza Africa, Mr. Seyi Ebenezer, stated that these ratings confirm Payaza's growth with strength, structure, and sustainability, reflecting a commitment to building a world-class institution. In addition to the ratings, Payaza introduced "Chat and Pay by Payaza," a feature allowing merchants to accept payments and generate receipts via WhatsApp, and Shopaza, a storefront solution for business owners to sell products and collect payments. These innovations aim to simplify commerce for businesses and consumers. The new ratings are expected to enhance Payaza's standing with investors, regulators, partners, and clients, reinforcing its role in Africa's financial infrastructure.
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A heated confrontation erupted in the Nigerian House of Representatives during a session on Thursday, stemming from a dispute over the leadership of the opposition caucus. Mr. Philip Agbese, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, accused fellow lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere, representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, of forging his signature on a document purportedly nominating Ugochinyere for the position of Minority Leader. Agbese stated he never signed such a document, despite discussions with Ugochinyere, and called for an investigation into what he described as an attempt to damage his reputation. He also denied receiving money to support any candidate. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen acknowledged the complaint and assured an investigation, while also announcing a closed-door meeting for minority lawmakers to address the leadership crisis. Ugochinyere, in turn, denied the forgery, claiming Agbese personally endorsed his nomination form in front of witnesses and that his bid has overwhelming support from opposition members. The exchange led to a shouting match in the chamber, highlighting deep divisions within the opposition bloc. This confrontation occurs amid uncertainty in the opposition caucus following political shifts and the defection of the former Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda. The outcome of the Speaker's meeting is expected to be crucial in determining the future leadership of the minority caucus.
NerdzFactory Company and Research Links, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and Digital Opportunity Trust, completed the MasterCrafters Assessment and Training Programme in April 2026. The program certified 201 skilled tradespeople across ten trades in Lagos, Nigeria, as structured mentors prepared to train new apprentices. This initiative falls under the Indigenous Apprenticeship to Work Programme, part of the Employee Innovation Fund, which aims to drive sustainable change in Nigeria’s informal skills economy. The program addressed the lack of structure and formal certification pathways in Nigeria's informal apprenticeship system. It mobilized experienced craftspeople from Lagos communities, assessing their technical competence and mentorship readiness, and providing them with teaching frameworks. The assessment phase, conducted from April 16-18, 2026, covered ten trades: fashion designing and tailoring, auto mechanics, carpentry and furniture making, catering, hair making, photography, cosmetology, art and craft, nail technology, and shoe making. Of the 201 certified MasterCrafters, 186 are women and 15 are men, reflecting a focus on inclusion. Four certified MasterCrafters are persons with disabilities. Training at the end of April included safeguarding, ethical apprenticeship practices, mentorship, communication, financial literacy, inclusion, and conflict resolution. All 201 MasterCrafters received formal certification through Nigeria’s Recognition of Prior L
The National Association of Nigerian Students NANS has reaffirmed its commitment to the rescue of abducted students and teachers across Nigeria, declaring support for advocacy efforts by the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC and the Nigeria Union of Teachers NUT. NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, stated on Thursday in Abuja that the student body remains focused on ensuring the freedom of all abducted individuals and will continue to engage relevant authorities and mobilize support for their rescue. Akinteye emphasized that the safety of students and teachers must be a national priority, warning that insecurity could undermine access to education if not addressed urgently. He added that NANS will work with labor unions, parents, community leaders, and security agencies to pressure the government until the abductees are rescued. While commending the NLC and NUT for their advocacy, Akinteye stressed that NANS's primary concern is the welfare of the victims, not political considerations. He distanced the association from politically affiliated groups, insisting that the campaign for rescue should not be used for partisan interests. Akinteye also dismissed reports questioning his studentship status, reiterating that he is a bona fide student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology. He urged media organizations to verify information to avoid distracting from the urgent task of addressing insecurity in schools. The statement follows heightened concerns over school securit
Napoli, the Italian Serie A runners-up, announced on Thursday the departure of coach Antonio Conte and his staff after two years, with an agreement reached to part ways before their contracts expired. The club expressed gratitude for their work and wished them well for future endeavors. Conte, 56, who led Napoli to the Serie A title in the 2024/25 season, is reportedly a leading candidate to become the next Italy coach, a role he previously held from 2014 to 2016. Napoli is said to be in advanced discussions with Massimiliano Allegri, 58, who was recently dismissed from AC Milan.