CNL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Jim Swartz made this known on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, during the visit of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri and his team to CNL’s operational hub in Escravos, Delta State.

Jim noted that Chevron is proud of its continuous investment in Nigeria for over 60 years and CNL’s contributions to the economic development of the country through its joint venture with the NNPCL and holding interests in both onshore and offshore assets across the Niger Delta.

He highlighted that at the core of CNL’s business is the Chevron Way, which outlines its core beliefs, values and purpose and also emphasises delivering affordable, reliable and ever cleaner energy, promoting human ingenuity to solve energy challenges, and operating with trust, integrity and accountability.

“We are proud to be aligned with the initiatives and aspirations of the Federal Government of Nigeria on the development of the Nigerian oil industry including the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, the presidential directives reforming the oil and gas sector, the Decade of Gas initiative and the building indigenous capacity through Nigerian Content development,” he stated.

He thanked the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Minister of State for the commendable leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and reiterated Chevron Nigeria’s commitment to help in unlocking Nigeria’s full energy potential and delivering lasting value to its people.

CNL’s Director, NNPCL/JV, Mr Segun Kuteyi Chevron’s highlighted CNL’s “North Star” strategy which aims to improve its base business performance, monetize existing gas resources, and grow crude oil production to meet the aspirations of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Some of the recent CNL milestones highlighted during the visit CNL include the conversion of legacy JV leases under the Petroleum Industry Act, renewal of deepwater leases, and the discovery of new oil fields such as Meji NW-1.

The Minister was taken through presentations of Chevron’s integrated operations in Escravos from its upstream assets in the swamp, shallow waters and deep offshore, to the midstream operations at Escravos Gas Plant and Escravos Gas-to-Liquids facility to the West African Gas Pipeline—supporting domestic power generation, fertilizer production, and regional energy security. The presentation also covered CNL’s significant socio-economic support to the communities through local community contracts and employment generation.

The Minister of State commended CNL for its incredible commitment to Nigeria’s development emphasizing that Chevron is the only IOC that remained in the swamp and shallow water areas of operations in the Niger Delta when other IOCs were divesting their assets. According to him, Chevron has demonstrated high sense of integrity and trust both in the way it engages with the communities and in the provision of contract and employment opportunities for the people.

Senator Lokpobiri thanked Chevron for being a pacesetter among the IOCs and commended the company for the use of technology in its operations especially in security surveillance and monitoring. The minister later took a tour of CNL’s oil and gas facilities during his visit.

The Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni who disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja, Nigeria, stated that the volume of non-oil export also increased to 4.04 million metric tons compared to 3.83 million metric tons recorded same period in 2024.

According to her, “The rising Demand from emerging countries such as India, Brazil and Vietnam, and also Africa, increased Nigeria’s non-export volumes for the first half of the year.”

“In the first half of the year 2025, a total of 236 different products were exported under the period under review, this represents an increase of 16.83% when compared to 202 distinct products exported in the first half of 2024.”

Ayeni said the products exported range from agricultural commodities, extractive industries, manufactured and semi-processed products.

She also disclosed that based on the data received from pre-shipment inspection agents, out of the top 20 products exported in the first half of 2025, cocoa beans was the most exported commodity with 34.88% value in terms of total export compared to 23.18% for the same period in 2024.

“Urea and fertilizer came second with 17.65% as against 13.78% for the first half of 2024, while cashew nuts came third with 12.35% of the total export also against 8.62% for the same period in 2024, while sesame seeds came fourth accounting for 4.23%.”

“Cocoa and its derivatives topped Nigerian non-oil exports in the first half of 2025 accounting for 41.11% of total export value due largely to rising global demand, higher prices and increased local processing capacity.

Thus, the export of value-added products such as cocoa butter, liqueur, and cakes reflects Nigeria’s progress in exporting value-added products.” NEPC boss explained.

Ayeni stated that of the top 20 leading export companies, Indorama Eleme Fertilizer & Chemical Ltd and Starlink Global & Ideal Ltd. maintained their position as the first and second with 11.92% and 8.82% respectively, while Dangote Fertilizer Ltd. was third on the log with 6.39%.

“This is attributed to their notable export value of fertilizer and cocoa products”

“Nigeria exported products worth 662,000 metric tons to 11 ECOWAS countries, showing an increase in exported products as against the same period in 2024, in the same vein, Nigeria exported 488 metric tons of products worth $83 million to 21 African countries outside ECOWAS, reflecting an increase of 2.59%, a total value compared to 1.9% for the period in 2024.”

“Nigeria products were exported to Africa, to America, Asia, Europe and Oceania of all these countries, Netherlands with 18.64% and United States of America 8.42% and India 8.36% were the top 3 countries based on value of export of non-oil products from Nigeria,” she said.

The Series A equity round was led by Novastar Ventures, with participation from Y Combinator, AAIC Investment, Rebel Fund, GFR Fund, Kaleo, HoaQ and others. These investors bring deep expertise across different sectors, global networks, and operational insight that will support Chowdeck to scale sustainably and navigate Africa’s unique logistics and business environment.

The new funding will enable faster, more reliable delivery of food, groceries and medicine. The quick commerce strategy – supported by dark stores and hyperlocal logistics will further enhance delivery speed, improve depth of coverage, and accelerate expansion into additional cities across Nigeria and Ghana that are not yet served.

Since launching in October 2021, Chowdeck has emerged as the leading technology solutions provider for food and hospitality businesses in Africa. From logistics and inventory management to payments and performance tools, Chowdeck helps its partners streamline operations and meet rising customer expectations. With over 1.5 million customers and more than 20,000 riders across 11 cities, its tech-enabled logistics network enables businesses to deliver orders in an average of 30 minutes, while offering customers a seamless platform to access meals, groceries, and everyday essentials. In 2024, the value of meals delivered via the Chowdeck platform grew more than sixfold compared to the previous year. The company has already exceeded last year’s total and is firmly on track for another record-breaking year in 2025.

Chowdeck’s growth in Nigeria and Ghana has been driven by its hyperlocal execution, fast and reliable logistics, as well as strong vendor partnerships that position it as a growth partner rather than just a delivery app. Its recent acquisition of Mira, providers of modern point-of-sale (POS) solutions tailored for the food and hospitality industry, also enables it to leverage Mira’s exceptional product development capabilities to ideate and deliver new technology solutions to support growth and improve customer experience. Backed by a focused leadership team and rising customer demand for quick, digital-first services, Chowdeck is scaling rapidly by combining operational excellence with deep local insight.

Femi Aluko, CEO and co-founder of Chowdeck, said “we’re thrilled about this round as it brings us closer to our vision of becoming Africa’s number one super app, transforming how millions of Africans access food, groceries and essentials every day. This funding will supercharge our growth plans, enabling us to expand into more cities, reduce delivery times, scale our grocery footprint, and attract the best talent to drive innovation and customer satisfaction.”

Brian Waswani Odhiambo, Partner at Novastar Ventures, said: “Chowdeck is building the future of logistics for African cities by creating a platform that benefits consumers, vendors and riders alike. With deep local insight, a sustainability-first approach and impressive execution, Chowdeck is redefining last-mile delivery on the continent. We’re very excited to partner with Chowdeck in this next phase of growth as it scales its offering and helps create a more inclusive, sustainable and efficient urban economy.”

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a stricter corporate governance framework for telecom operators, aimed at enhancing transparency, internal controls, and risk management across the industry.

The Executive Vice-Chairman of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, made this known during the inauguration of the 2025 Guidelines on Corporate Governance on Wednesday in Lagos.

Maida said the new framework was designed to ensure long-term sustainability for telecom businesses, networks, as well as instill investor confidence.

“Corporate governance is no longer a soft requirement. It is now strategically imperative, especially in a sector that is central to Nigeria’s digital future and exposed to cybersecurity threats, climate risks, energy shocks and rising consumer expectations,” Maida said.

He explained that under the new rules, telecom licensees would be required to implement balanced board structures, improve transparency, and establish tighter internal control systems.

The NCC boss noted that members of boards were expected to include executive, non-executive, and independent directors with demonstrated expertise in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and cybersecurity.

He added that the commission now formally recognised regulatory officers within licensees’ operations as key contacts for compliance monitoring.

“A major highlight of the new framework is the emphasis on internal audits and risk control.

“Operators are expected to conduct structured risk assessments and empower internal audit functions to ensure oversight.

“The guidelines mandate submission of mid-year and annual compliance reports, which must be certified by the board of directors.

“Our goal is simple, to ensure that telecom boards and management are properly structured to provide reliable services, protect infrastructure, and respond to the dynamic challenges of the industry,” Maida said.

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According to him, the commission’s internal review shows a clear link between strong governance and superior performance in the telecoms sector.

“We conducted a comprehensive analysis, and the results were compelling.

“Companies with robust governance frameworks consistently outperformed others in areas of service delivery, financial management, and regulatory compliance,” the NCC boss noted.

While acknowledging that tighter regulations may initially disrupt some operators, the commission stressed that the long-term benefits would outweigh any temporary challenges.

Maida reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to stakeholder engagement, capacity-building and technical support, while stressing that accountability would be strictly enforced.

“With over 200 million active subscriptions, the telecoms sector is now considered essential to Nigeria’s economy, supporting digital infrastructure across finance, education, healthcare, and government services,” he said.

Maida said that the new governance framework was necessary to keep pace with the sector’s scale and complexity.

He emphasised that the guidelines would be rolled out in phases, depending on the category of licence held, but stressed that enforcement would be rigorous.

“Operators must view this not as a regulatory burden but as a blueprint for long-term value creation.

“Where there is non-compliance, the commission will not hesitate to apply sanctions after remediation windows close,” he said.

In his goodwill message, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), commended the NCC for updating the guidelines to reflect current realities.

He noted that some of the current realities reflected included Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities.

Ajogwu, who led the committee that produced the first Code of Corporate Governance for the telecoms sector in 2014, described the revised guidelines as timely and critical.

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Also, Titus Osawe, Coordinating Director, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), also lauded the initiative, describing it as a key step towards strengthening good governance in a vital sector of the economy.

Osawe noted that industry-specific governance frameworks helped reinforce accountability and investor confidence.

This was announced during a strategy session at CHI Pharma’s Lagos headquarters. The partnership gives Getz Pharma access to over 5,000 registered pharmaceutical outlets already covered by CHI Pharma, a network that reaches more than half of Nigeria’s licensed pharmacies.

“This is not just another handshake,” said Shriram Iyer, Chief Operating Officer at CHI Pharma. “Getz Pharma chose us for a reason. We have built deep relationships across Nigeria’s pharmaceutical landscape for almost three decades, and now, they are tapping into that infrastructure to bring lifesaving medications closer to the people who need them most.” 

The collaboration, formalised after six months of due diligence, is built on a multiple distribution model that ensures product availability and business continuity.

“Patients suffer when quality drugs are unavailable,” said Syed Khairat Haider, General Manager – Commercial, Getz Pharma Nigeria. “This model ensures pharmacies and hospitals always have access. We are investing in sustainability, scale, and speed.”

With a combined field force of over 60 people focused on activation, awareness, and distribution, the partnership allows each company to focus on their core strengths: Getz Pharma will drive physician engagement and education, while CHI Pharma manages last-mile delivery and retail placement.

“We have built this model to ensure deep penetration of Getz Pharma brands into pharma channels such as wholesale pharmacies, retail pharmacies and” added Timothy Olabiyi, Sales Director for General Trade at CHI Pharma. “We have done this successfully with over 17 other partners, and each time, the focus is the same: access, affordability, and ethical distribution.”

While some CHI Pharma’s proprietary brands continue under a separate umbrella, the Getz partnership like other distribution partnerships will be carried out by our field force sole focused on product placement and visibility within pharma channels.

“Within the first few days of activation/ launch, we have already surpassed our initial sales targets,” said Haider. “This is just the beginning. We are looking to expand into biologics and innovative therapies to raise the standard of care in Nigeria.”

This new alliance follows recent CHI Pharma collaborations with EVA Pharma and Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals, reinforcing the company’s role as a trusted distribution partner for global and local pharmaceutical players targeting Nigeria.

Daikin, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched a nationwide initiative to promote highefficiency inverter airconditioners as a sustainable solution to Nigeria’s escalating energy demands.
The launch event, held at Abuja Continental Hotel, marked a significant step in driving energy savings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the adoption of modern cooling technology.
During the event, Daikin’s Executive Officer Mr. Junichi Omori, stated Daikin’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 and highlighted the superior performance of air conditioners with inverter compressors that use lowGWP R32 refrigerants, technology shown to reduce electricity consumption compared to conventional systems.
JICA Chief Representative, Mr. Susumu Yuzurio affirmed their commitment to support Nigeria’s energy transition by facilitating access to ecofriendly climate control solutions. The seminar is being held under JICA scheme to encourage the application of innovative technologies and products by private companies in Japan to the socio-economic development of partner countries.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Junichi Omori, Executive Officer, Daikin Industries Ltd underscored Daikin’s long-term commitment to the Nigerian market, and stated “Nigeria is a country with ample potential in business and is characterized by stability, strong government initiatives, population growth, and economic growth and High-efficiency air conditioners are essential devices to curb Nigeria’s surging energy demand and contribute to reducing GHG emissions”
Mr. Susumu Yuzurio, Chief Representative, JICA Nigeria Office, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy transition, when he said that “The Daikin team has conducted a study to evaluate the applicability and effectiveness of implementing high-efficiency inverter ACs to support energy conservation in Nigeria and align with climate action goals. We believe that the results of this demonstration will not only be a possibility of technology transfer, but also a theme for future economic cooperation between Japan and Nigeria. Improving the efficiency of energy use will contribute to reducing government costs and reducing emissions in society, and ultimately lead to the benefit of the people”
The programme set out to boost energy efficiency nationwide, cut operation costs for businesses and households, and align with Nigeria’s environmental objectives through the adoption of high efficiency air conditioners.
The event was part of a comprehensive plan to encourage the adoption of high efficiency inverter air conditioners and share the results of a demonstration test where a high-efficiency R32 inverter air conditioner and R22 non-inverter were monitored and studied over a period of time.
According to Nigeria’s Cooling Action Plan, by 2050, the demand for air conditioners is projected to increase by 8 times, and the demand for electricity and greenhouse gas emissions will increase by 7 times.
To test the theory that inverter AC can achieve energy savings of 20% to 50% compared to non-inverter AC, the demonstration test was conducted in two different locations in Lagos. Various parameters such as energy consumption, voltage, current, active power, ambient temperature, ambient humidity, room temperature, and indoor humidity were monitored and collected.
As a result of the demonstration test, the inverter AC showed consistently lower power consumption compared to the non-inverter AC.
About Daikin
Daikin Industries Ltd is a global leader in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) solutions, with over 100 years of innovation. Daikin has maintained a strong presence in Nigerian markets, previously opening the first dedicated Nigeria brand shop and establishing the Daitech Solutions Centre in Lagos daikinmea.com.

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The feature debuts with four leading proof-of-stake assets: Cosmos (ATOM), Solana (SOL), Polkadot (DOT) and NEAR Protocol (NEAR). With these, users can begin earning rewards by simply holding their assets, without trading or taking on additional exposure. Rewards are paid out regularly, and staked assets remain accessible at all times, with no minimum amounts required and no fixed lock-up periods or hidden fees.

As demand grows for more stable, passive income options in the Nigerian crypto space, users have typically faced limited, often risky choices – relying on offshore platforms. Luno’s introduction of a high-yield staking option responds directly to this gap by offering a first-of-its-kind, locally available, and compliance-led solution. For the first three months, significant platform fees will be waived, increasing the rewards customers receive.

Speaking about the launch, Ayotunde Alabi, CEO of Luno Nigeria said, “It has become evident over time that Nigerians are increasingly looking beyond trading to build long-term value with digital assets. We’ve evolved beyond the era of speculation and hoping a reward is earned. People are seeking informed, safe, and equally rewarding alternatives, and staking offers that path. It represents a new phase of crypto adoption, one rooted in sustainability and utility. Our aim is to support this shift with tools that are easy to use, transparent, and aligned with real financial goals, all while maintaining our high standards of safety and compliance as a licensed operator.

The launch in Nigeria follows Luno’s earlier rollouts in South Africa and Malaysia, where it has seen strong adoption. In South Africa alone, over 150,000 customers have opened staking wallets, with more than R1.5 billion worth of crypto assets staked via the platform, further signalling the growing appetite for passive crypto products in regulated environments.

The exchange’s model is designed to lower barriers for participation while maintaining full transparency. Customers retain full control over their assets, can unstake at any time, and begin earning with as little or as much crypto as they choose.

This latest addition reinforces Luno’s commitment to expanding secure and practical financial tools for everyday users across Africa, while continuing to lead the way in responsible innovation within the crypto industry.

The YouGov Most Recommended Brands rankings measure the percentage of a brand’s customers who would recommend it to a friend or colleague. This year, Emirates achieved an outstanding score of 88.4%, with a significant lead on the next closest brand. Fuelled by insights from YouGov BrandIndex, Recommend scores are based on over a million customer surveys in 28 markets, tracking brand performance daily between June 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Positive Recommend scores for each top 10 global brand are aggregated and weighted by the size of the brand’s current customer base per market.

Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said, “This recognition underscores the deep connection and loyalty we’ve built with passengers all over the world, who trust us not only to get them to their destination, but to do so with care, reliability, and excellence.  We will continue to evolve our already exceptional experience and set new benchmarks in travel to ensure Emirates is always a brand that our customers are proud to recommend.”

Emirates has always kept customers at the heart of its operations, providing memorable journeys at every touchpoint, every time. Continually investing in the finest products and exceptional signature services, the airline provides a world-class travel experience in-air and on-ground.

In the first half of 2025, Emirates expanded its global network with route launches to three new destinations, with Hangzhou to follow; inaugurated nine reimagined travel retail stores in Asia, Africa and Europe; introduced its newest aircraft type, the A350, to 10 destinations; and achieved its designation as the world’s first Autism Certified Airline, making significant headway on its journey to make travel accessible to all.

And Emirates shows no signs of slowing down.

By December 2025, the airline will serve over 70 cities with aircraft fitted out with the latest interiors on Boeing 777s, A380s and A350s, representing almost 50% of its network, and offer over 2 million Premium Economy seats, enabling more travellers to enjoy Emirates’ latest generation premium onboard experience.

Emirates has been recognised by YouGov before, as the most recommended brand in the UAE in the Recommend 2024 rankings with a score of 92.6. In YouGov’s 2024 US airlines report, Emirates recorded the “most satisfied customers amongst US flyers” and was one of the top 10 airlines considered by US Millennials and Gen Zs. As an international online research data and analytics firm, YouGov pioneers accessible and neutral market research and consumer interest surveys, utilising its flagship tracking tool, YouGov BrandIndex.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, and Chancellor of the EAU awarded the graduates with their well-earned certificates. Also in attendance were Emirates Group executives, elated graduates and their equally happy families and friends, and the university’s erudite and experienced faculty.

HH Sheikh Ahmed said: “Emirates Aviation University’s contribution to nation building, particularly in relation to the country’s key aviation sector, is well recognised. The university has been an important pivot not just for training and education, but also for research, development and community engagement within aviation. Our commitment to EAU is unwavering, and we enhance and amplify its capabilities with support from our Group’s senior leadership team and our solid investments in its future. Congratulations to our graduates – they have every reason to feel proud!”

This year’s cohort represented over 25 nationalities and a range of postgraduate and undergraduate degrees and disciplines, including aviation management, aviation safety, air transport management, aerospace and aeronautical engineering.

Reflecting on EAU’s 35^th year, Professor Ahmad Al Ali, Vice-Chancellor of Emirates Aviation University said: “This generation of graduates are stepping into the world of aviation at a pivotal moment of rapid transformation – in the UAE and globally. Their commitment and innovation will not only propel the industry forward but will also help to sustain it long-term as the world navigates the shortage of an expert and experienced workforce. Congratulations to our graduates – their achievements are a testament to our successful academic journey.”

The graduating class of 154 students includes 24 postgraduate and 130 undergraduate students, and some who are Emirates-sponsored. The university honoured 19 exemplary students across all disciplines.

Over 650 undergraduate students received the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to intern with the Emirates Group for more than one semester in the last 4 years. The Emirates Group Internship Programme offers students valuable real-world experience as an integral part of their academic studies. Undergraduate students undertake a one-semester placement, earning up to 15 credit hours toward their degree.

This strategic partnership has applied a data-driven, community-based model and low-bandwidth digital solutions to ensure broad accessibility, especially for underserved youth aged 18 to 35.

Recently in Nigeria, Jobberman convened the Technology and Employment Inclusion in Marginalised Contexts (TEIMC) Roundtable in Abuja, shifting the focus to some of the continent’s most vulnerable youth: women in disadvantaged communities, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The event brought together leaders from across government, civil society, tech platforms, and the private sector to tackle the structural and digital barriers these groups face in accessing employment opportunities.

“Technology can and must be a force for inclusion, not division,” said Hilda Kabushenga, CEO of The African Talent Company. “As the world of work evolves, we must ensure that no one is left behind. These conversations are about equity, access, and opportunity.”

The Roundtable also marked the launch of a groundbreaking report: “Technology and Employment Inclusion in Marginalised Contexts”, which revealed that while 72% of employers in Nigeria make no effort toward inclusive hiring, digital tools and remote work are beginning to create new entry points for underserved populations. Notably, 55% of PWDs and 44% of displaced women surveyed had secured some form of work, mainly through self-employment in creative media and agriculture sectors.

“Inclusion is not a side conversation, it is the main agenda,” said Rosy Fynn, Country Director, Mastercard Foundation Nigeria. “We must design systems where marginalised groups are not just considered, but centred.”

The roundtable’s policy briefs and programme recommendations will inform the Young Africa Works learning agenda and guide future employer training, platform design, and inclusive employment programming.

Axel Konjack, Head of Global Marketplaces and Member of the Ringier Group Executive Board, added, “Africa is home to the world’s youngest and fastest-growing workforce, and that presents both an incredible opportunity and a responsibility. If we want to build a truly inclusive global economy, we must invest in equipping young Africans with the skills, tools and access they need to thrive in the evolving labour market.”

Building on this five-year partnership in Nigeria, impact activities are underway in BrighterMonday Kenya and BrighterMonday Uganda, as the Mastercard Foundation and The African Talent Company extend efforts to scale inclusive youth employment solutions across the continent. The deepened partnership is already delivering results. In Kampala, BrighterMonday Uganda hosted a Career Clinic that brought together government and private sector leaders under the theme “Skills For Today: Empowering Uganda’s Youth To Take Control Of Their Future.” Numerous young job seekers accessed CV reviews, coaching, and digital skills training, reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to hands-on, work-readiness programming.

“This expansion reflects our belief that every young African, regardless of circumstance, deserves the opportunity to earn a dignified livelihood,” said Hilda Kabushenga. “The partnership in Nigeria has laid a strong foundation, but the real work has just begun.”