Agribusiness gets lion share as BOI disburses record funds
Agribusiness took the largest share of development financing in 2025, attracting N202 billion about 32 per cent of total disbursements far ahead of other sectors, as funding priorities shifted toward food security and value-chain expansion.
- Agribusiness gets lion share as BOI disburses record funds
- El-Rufai slips the net after airport clash with security agents
- Nigerians face power cuts as gas maintenance shuts 935MW generation
- Ademola Lookman shines as Atlético Madrid crush Barcelona 4-0 in Copa del Rey clash
- Nigeria’s Cashew Processors Struggle to Compete Globally
Infrastructure received N100 billion, manufacturing N79 billion, extractive industries N77 billion, and services N55 billion, with the milestone achieved despite global macroeconomic pressures that widened financing gaps and boosted demand for Bank of Industry loans due to their relatively cheaper rates and longer tenors.
El-Rufai slips the net after airport clash with security agents
Security operatives on Thursday attempted to arrest former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport shortly after his arrival from Cairo, Egypt.
According to his media aide, El-Rufai declined the move, insisting on a formal invitation, with no official explanation from authorities as of press time
Nigerians face power cuts as gas maintenance shuts 935MW generation
Nigerians are set to experience power outages this week as maintenance on key gas infrastructure forces the shutdown of nearly 1,000 megawatts of electricity generation, tightening supply in Africa’s largest economy. The Nigerian Independent System Operator warned that generation will fall by 934.96MW between February 12 and 15, representing a 19.7 per cent reduction from the current available capacity of 4,753.10MW.
The reduction in supply is expected to trigger structured load shedding across the country, although the system operator said priority will be given to hospitals, emergency services, and other critical infrastructure. Consumers are advised to prepare for intermittent electricity as the maintenance work continues over the coming days.
Ademola Lookman shines as Atlético Madrid crush Barcelona 4-0 in Copa del Rey clash
Ademola Lookman starred for Atlético Madrid, scoring one goal and setting up another, as Diego Simeone’s side crushed Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at the Metropolitano Stadium on Thursday.
The hosts struck early when Eric García’s own goal handed Atlético the opener, before Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead in the 14th minute. Lookman then added a composed finish in the 33rd minute, putting Atlético firmly in control.
The emphatic win gives Atlético a commanding advantage heading into the second leg, leaving Barcelona with a steep task to overturn the deficit.
Nigeria’s Cashew Processors Struggle to Compete Globally
Nigeria’s cashew processors face high costs and poor infrastructure, making it hard to compete with countries like Vietnam, India, and the Ivory Coast, despite rising local production and government support.
Experts say the sector has strong potential for growth and job creation if local processing is expanded. “Nigeria’s processing capacity for cashew nuts is declining despite efforts to boost value addition,” said Daniel Gemana, managing director of Vertex Agro.
