Zambia has withdrawn request for a one-year extension of its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Fund confirmed on Wednesday with no reason provided for the reversal. The ECF, agreed in 2022, aimed to help Zambia stabilize its finances after defaulting on international debt in 2023. A one-year extension would …
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has listed 521 digital lending companies under its regulatory oversight as Nigeria’s digital credit sector faces stricter enforcement. The January 5, 2026, deadline for full compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025 has now passed. Of the 521 companies, 457 have full …
KPMG has flagged key concerns over the Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) and the Nigeria Tax Administration Act (NTAA), warning that several provisions could create legal uncertainty. The firm outlined the errors and gaps in a recent report titled ‘Nigeria’s New Tax Laws: Inherent Errors, Inconsistencies, Gaps and Omissions.’ Pinnacle Daily reports that the implementation of …
There are concerns that the crisis in Venezuela presents a significant risk for Nigeria’s 2026 budget and the broader economy. While Venezuela and Nigeria are geographically distant, they are direct competitors in the global oil market. After months of tactical preparations, the United States invaded Venezuela during the weekend. The U.S. military force launched strikes …
Nigeria’s non-oil exports rose by 21 per cent to $12.8 billion in the first half of 2025, data from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment showed. The figures were contained in the ministry’s 2025 activity review and outlook for 2026, which assessed Nigeria’s economic repositioning under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The ministry said …
Company executives, customs brokers, and trade lawyers are preparing for a potential Supreme Court ruling on the legality of President Donald Trump’s global tariffs, which could trigger a fight over up to $150 billion in refunds for duties already paid. The tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977, have faced …
Chinese smartphone maker Realme announced on Wednesday that it will be integrated into Oppo as a sub-brand. The move aims to pool resources and reduce costs for both companies, which share the same parent firm. Realme, known for its smartphones in India, Southeast Asia, and Europe, is owned by Chinese consumer electronics giant BBK Electronics, …
The United States attempted to seize a Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuela on Wednesday, escalating tensions in Latin America and straining relations with Moscow. The move is part of President Donald Trump's push to control oil flows in the region and pressure Venezuela’s government to cooperate with U.S. interests. The U.S. Coast Guard and military …
Currency strategists are forecasting a continued soft outlook for the U.S. dollar at the start of 2026, citing concerns over Federal Reserve independence and the likelihood of further interest rate cuts. The dollar fell nearly 10% against major currencies last year, marking its weakest performance since 2017. Investors weighed the impact of record-high U.S. tariffs, …
The Budget Office of the Federation (BOF) has dismissed public criticism of the repeal and re-enactment of the 2024 and 2025 Appropriation Acts. In a statement on Wednesday, BOF Director-General Tanimu Yakubu said the actions did not constitute a constitutional breach, fiscal illegality, or a denial of access to budget documents. Yakubu emphasised that while …
