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Employers Reject NLC’s Plan To ‘Shut Down Economy

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Employers Reject NLC's Plan To ‘Shut Down Economy’ The proposed strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) will be counter-productive if it goes ahead, private employers of labour cautioned yesterday. According to them, the NLC should seek better opportunities for its members to cushion subsidy removal pain through dialogue with the government. Early in the month, NLC President Joe Ajaero called out workers on a two-day warning strike, but it attracted mixed compliance on September 5 and 6. Announcing the warning strike, Ajaero, who shunned a meeting called by Labour Minister Simon Lalong, said a “total shut down of the economy” would follow in 14 days unless the government reversed the pump price of petrol to pre-May 29, among other reasons. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) which declined to join the NLC for the warning strike opted for a dialogue with the government within two weeks. In a September 8 letter to the government, the TUC said it is expecting a response from the government on its proposals. The NLC has, however, opted to go ahead with its plan to mobilise workers for an indefinite strike. But, a former Vice President of the NLC Comrade Issa Aremu said the industrial action is preventable. Aremu, who is Director General of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) said: “Strikes are just the means not to an end. The end is improved welfare for working men and women at this challenging times. “I know that President Tinubu is concerned about the plight of all. His quotable quote is ‘let’s the poor breath.’ Aremu said Lalong has demonstrated commitment to dialogue with NLC and TUC. He stressed: “Strikes are therefore, preventable. I think both government and organised labor will soon find a common ground. “Strike is certainly not inevitable, indeed it is preventable but rewarding negotiations and compromises by the two parties.” The Director-General of the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, who featured on a Television programme last night, said the proposed strike will be counter-productive, adding that it will hurt employers and employees. The NECA boss, who applauded the Federal Government for the steps taken so far, however, said there was need for the government to do more. He said: “The approval of N5billion to each state is a step, because if the money is well spent in a state economy, it will trigger some level of consumption, which will also go back into production. “We are also aware that the government is sharing rice. But, these efforts are not enough.” Oyerinde said the strike will not in any way address the challenges confronting employers, employees the generality of Nigerians. In his view, it is possible for parties in the dispute to renegotiate already agreed terms. Oyerinde added: “Our position remains the same on the issue. And that is, if you negotiate, courtesy demands that you live up to the terms of negotiation. “But, if anything arises that makes it difficult to live up to the terms of the negotiation, there is opportunity to renegotiate the terms that have been agreed upon, if you don’t have the capacity to implement.” The DG said going on strike will distress stakeholders. He stressed: “For us as employers, though we are paying beyond the minimum wage and we have also gone to provide succour, palliatives, welfare packages to make life easier for employees in the private sector, notwithstanding the fact that employers are currently bleeding and facing multi-dimensional challenges. “But, we have done well, as the President had also commended the employers in his August broadcast. A strike at this point will do two or three things. ”One, it will hinder the ability of the employers to meet their obligations and this will affect, not only the public sector, but even the workers. “When you go on strike, it will put the employers in double jeopardy, especially when we are not the protagonist and antagonists. And that remains our position.” Oyerinde urged the government to do everything possible to avert the industrial crisis. He said: “We are calling on the government to do all that is necessary to avoid the strike. “But if the strike should happen, it will be counter-productive for both employers and the workers.” Oyerinde said government should look at the payment of multiple taxes, VAT on diesel and petrol, creation of an enabling environment, and the forex challenge. NLC Head of Information Benson Upah said the planned nationwide strike by the NLC was on track. But the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour, Olajide Oshundun, said the ministry was yet to receive any notice of strike from the NLC. A member of the National Working Committee of the NLC said there was no need for a fresh notice as the communique issued at the end of the NEC meeting of the Congress on September 1, was enough for the government. Upah said the government had “not done anything to suggest that it was committed to the promises it made. ”The government has not done anything which will suggest that it was committed to the promises it has made. Our plans remain on course unless something dramatic happens,” he added. TUC awaits govt action on proposals FEDERAL Government’s action on some of the proposals by the TUC to cushion the impacts of fuel subsidy removal is still being awaited, the union has said. On September 4, Lalong asked for two weeks from the leadership of the TUC to communicate the proposals to President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The two-week window expires on Monday. But international engagements in New Delhi, India and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) have kept the President busy since last week. An official of the Labour and Employment Ministry told The Nation that Lalong has been unable to table the proposals by Labour before the appropriate authority. It was further learnt that government representatives and Labour leaders have not met since the September 4 parley, which was shunned by the NLC. The government called the meeting to avert the two-day warning strike called by the NLC. The Federal Government promised to work on the TUC proposals. The ministry official said: “No official discussion between government and Labour. But we are hoping that very soon the discussion will start again. “You know the minister requested for two weeks for the President to come back. The minister will take the proposals by Labour to the President. There are demands on the president’s table. “The president is already aware that there was a two-day warning strike by the NLC and there are discussions behind the scenes. I am sure the President will tell Nigerians what to expect.” Some of the TUC proposals are the implementation of palliatives; wage awards; tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers; modalities for the N70 billion for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW) crisis, among others. Osifo told The Nation that the congress was waiting for the outcome of the minister’s response. The TUC letter dated September 8 reads: “I convey to you, compliments from the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), especially the President, Comrade (Engr) Festus Osifo and wish to draw your attention to the above subject matter. “This letter is a follow-up to the last meeting held in your office on the 2nd day of September 2023. You can recall that in the last meeting sir, we promised not to wait until the expiration of two weeks before reaching out but will bring any information that could further add value to your pending presentation before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presentation. “We equally raised the issues of Taxation and the need for the government to grant tax waivers to employees that earn low income in public and private sectors as well as those in the informal sector. “We highlighted the need for effective collaboration with the minister of Finance and the coordinating minister for the economy who has made some comments around these in the past. “It is critical to resolve this urgently as we also implore your Excellency to bring the attention of the Taiwo Oyedele-led committee on taxation and fiscal reforms recently set up by the President to this. “Honorable minister sir, another critical issue that should be reviewed is the collection of levies in dollars on petroleum products imported into the country by NIMASA and NPA. “This act tends to lead to a further upward surge in the prices of PMS whenever the naira depreciates against the dollar as recently noticed during the floating of the naira. “We hereby call on your office to liaise further with the above-mentioned reform committee or bring this to the attention of the FEC which could compel the two agencies to immediately start charging their levies and taxes in dollars. “While we await your intervention, please accept the renewed assurances of our regards.”

 

Employers Reject NLC’s Plan To ‘Shut Down Economy

 

 


The proposed strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress  (NLC)will be counter-productive if it goes ahead, private employers of labour cautioned yesterday.

 

 

 

 


According to them, the NLC should seek better opportunities for its members to cushion subsidy removal pain through dialogue with the government.

 

 


Early in the month, NLC President Joe Ajaero called out workers on a two-day warning strike, but it attracted mixed compliance on September 5 and 6.

 

 

 

Employers Reject NLC's Plan To ‘Shut Down Economy’ The proposed strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) will be counter-productive if it goes ahead, private employers of labour cautioned yesterday. According to them, the NLC should seek better opportunities for its members to cushion subsidy removal pain through dialogue with the government. Early in the month, NLC President Joe Ajaero called out workers on a two-day warning strike, but it attracted mixed compliance on September 5 and 6. Announcing the warning strike, Ajaero, who shunned a meeting called by Labour Minister Simon Lalong, said a “total shut down of the economy” would follow in 14 days unless the government reversed the pump price of petrol to pre-May 29, among other reasons. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) which declined to join the NLC for the warning strike opted for a dialogue with the government within two weeks. In a September 8 letter to the government, the TUC said it is expecting a response from the government on its proposals. The NLC has, however, opted to go ahead with its plan to mobilise workers for an indefinite strike. But, a former Vice President of the NLC Comrade Issa Aremu said the industrial action is preventable. Aremu, who is Director General of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) said: “Strikes are just the means not to an end. The end is improved welfare for working men and women at this challenging times. “I know that President Tinubu is concerned about the plight of all. His quotable quote is ‘let’s the poor breath.’ Aremu said Lalong has demonstrated commitment to dialogue with NLC and TUC. He stressed: “Strikes are therefore, preventable. I think both government and organised labor will soon find a common ground. “Strike is certainly not inevitable, indeed it is preventable but rewarding negotiations and compromises by the two parties.” The Director-General of the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, who featured on a Television programme last night, said the proposed strike will be counter-productive, adding that it will hurt employers and employees. The NECA boss, who applauded the Federal Government for the steps taken so far, however, said there was need for the government to do more. He said: “The approval of N5billion to each state is a step, because if the money is well spent in a state economy, it will trigger some level of consumption, which will also go back into production. “We are also aware that the government is sharing rice. But, these efforts are not enough.” Oyerinde said the strike will not in any way address the challenges confronting employers, employees the generality of Nigerians. In his view, it is possible for parties in the dispute to renegotiate already agreed terms. Oyerinde added: “Our position remains the same on the issue. And that is, if you negotiate, courtesy demands that you live up to the terms of negotiation. “But, if anything arises that makes it difficult to live up to the terms of the negotiation, there is opportunity to renegotiate the terms that have been agreed upon, if you don’t have the capacity to implement.” The DG said going on strike will distress stakeholders. He stressed: “For us as employers, though we are paying beyond the minimum wage and we have also gone to provide succour, palliatives, welfare packages to make life easier for employees in the private sector, notwithstanding the fact that employers are currently bleeding and facing multi-dimensional challenges. “But, we have done well, as the President had also commended the employers in his August broadcast. A strike at this point will do two or three things. ”One, it will hinder the ability of the employers to meet their obligations and this will affect, not only the public sector, but even the workers. “When you go on strike, it will put the employers in double jeopardy, especially when we are not the protagonist and antagonists. And that remains our position.” Oyerinde urged the government to do everything possible to avert the industrial crisis. He said: “We are calling on the government to do all that is necessary to avoid the strike. “But if the strike should happen, it will be counter-productive for both employers and the workers.” Oyerinde said government should look at the payment of multiple taxes, VAT on diesel and petrol, creation of an enabling environment, and the forex challenge. NLC Head of Information Benson Upah said the planned nationwide strike by the NLC was on track. But the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour, Olajide Oshundun, said the ministry was yet to receive any notice of strike from the NLC. A member of the National Working Committee of the NLC said there was no need for a fresh notice as the communique issued at the end of the NEC meeting of the Congress on September 1, was enough for the government. Upah said the government had “not done anything to suggest that it was committed to the promises it made. ”The government has not done anything which will suggest that it was committed to the promises it has made. Our plans remain on course unless something dramatic happens,” he added. TUC awaits govt action on proposals FEDERAL Government’s action on some of the proposals by the TUC to cushion the impacts of fuel subsidy removal is still being awaited, the union has said. On September 4, Lalong asked for two weeks from the leadership of the TUC to communicate the proposals to President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council (FEC). The two-week window expires on Monday. But international engagements in New Delhi, India and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) have kept the President busy since last week. An official of the Labour and Employment Ministry told The Nation that Lalong has been unable to table the proposals by Labour before the appropriate authority. It was further learnt that government representatives and Labour leaders have not met since the September 4 parley, which was shunned by the NLC. The government called the meeting to avert the two-day warning strike called by the NLC. The Federal Government promised to work on the TUC proposals. The ministry official said: “No official discussion between government and Labour. But we are hoping that very soon the discussion will start again. “You know the minister requested for two weeks for the President to come back. The minister will take the proposals by Labour to the President. There are demands on the president’s table. “The president is already aware that there was a two-day warning strike by the NLC and there are discussions behind the scenes. I am sure the President will tell Nigerians what to expect.” Some of the TUC proposals are the implementation of palliatives; wage awards; tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers; modalities for the N70 billion for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW) crisis, among others. Osifo told The Nation that the congress was waiting for the outcome of the minister’s response. The TUC letter dated September 8 reads: “I convey to you, compliments from the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), especially the President, Comrade (Engr) Festus Osifo and wish to draw your attention to the above subject matter. “This letter is a follow-up to the last meeting held in your office on the 2nd day of September 2023. You can recall that in the last meeting sir, we promised not to wait until the expiration of two weeks before reaching out but will bring any information that could further add value to your pending presentation before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presentation. “We equally raised the issues of Taxation and the need for the government to grant tax waivers to employees that earn low income in public and private sectors as well as those in the informal sector. “We highlighted the need for effective collaboration with the minister of Finance and the coordinating minister for the economy who has made some comments around these in the past. “It is critical to resolve this urgently as we also implore your Excellency to bring the attention of the Taiwo Oyedele-led committee on taxation and fiscal reforms recently set up by the President to this. “Honorable minister sir, another critical issue that should be reviewed is the collection of levies in dollars on petroleum products imported into the country by NIMASA and NPA. “This act tends to lead to a further upward surge in the prices of PMS whenever the naira depreciates against the dollar as recently noticed during the floating of the naira. “We hereby call on your office to liaise further with the above-mentioned reform committee or bring this to the attention of the FEC which could compel the two agencies to immediately start charging their levies and taxes in dollars. “While we await your intervention, please accept the renewed assurances of our regards.”



Announcing the warning strike, Ajaero, who shunned a meeting called by Labour Minister Simon Lalong, said a “total shutdown of the economy” would follow in 14 days unless the government reversed the pump price of petrol to pre-May 29, among other reasons.

 

 



The Trade Union Congress (TUC) which declined to join the NLC for the warning strike opted for a dialogue with the government within two weeks.

 

 

 


In a September 8 letter to the government, the TUC said it is expecting a response from the government on its proposals.

 

 

 


The NLC has, however, opted to go ahead with its plan to mobilise workers for an indefinite strike.

 


But, a former Vice President of the NLC Comrade Issa Aremu said the industrial action is preventable.



Aremu, who is Director General of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) said: “Strikes are just the means not to an end. The end is improved welfare for working men and women at these challenging times.

 

 

 



“I know that President Tinubu is concerned about the plight of all. His quotable quote is ‘let’s the poor breath.’

 

 


Aremu said Lalong has demonstrated commitment to dialogue with NLC and TUC.

 

He stressed: “Strikes are, therefore, preventable. I think both government and organized labor will soon find a common ground.

 

 

 



“Strike is certainly not inevitable, indeed it is preventable but rewarding negotiations and compromises by the two parties.”

 

 


The Director-General of the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, who was featured on a Television programme last night, said the proposed strike will be counter-productive, adding that it will hurt employers and employees.

 

 


The NECA boss, who applauded the Federal Government for the steps taken so far, however, said there was a need for the government to do more.

 

 

 



He said: “The approval of N5billion to each state is a step because if the money is well spent in a state economy, it will trigger some level of consumption, which will also go back into production.

 

 

 


“We are also aware that the government is sharing rice. But, these efforts are not enough.”

Oyerinde said the strike will not in any way address the challenges confronting employers, employees the generality of Nigerians.

 

 

 



In his view, it is possible for parties in the dispute to renegotiate already agreed terms.

Oyerinde added: “Our position remains the same on the issue. And that is, if you negotiate, courtesy demands that you live up to the terms of negotiation.

 

 

 


“But, if anything arises that makes it difficult to live up to the terms of the negotiation, there is opportunity to renegotiate the terms that have been agreed upon, if you don’t have the capacity to implement.”

 

 

 


The DG said going on strike will distress stakeholders.

 

 

He stressed: “For us as employers, though we are paying beyond the minimum wage and we have also gone to provide succour, palliatives, welfare packages to make life easier for employees in the private sector, notwithstanding the fact that employers are currently bleeding and facing multi-dimensional challenges.

 

 

 


“But, we have done well, as the President had also commended the employers in his August broadcast. A strike at this point will do two or three things.

 

 


”One, it will hinder the ability of the employers to meet their obligations and this will affect, not only the public sector, but even the workers.

 

 

 

“When you go on strike, it will put the employers in double jeopardy, especially when we are not the protagonist and antagonists. And that remains our position.”

Oyerinde urged the government to do everything possible to avert the industrial crisis.

 

He said: “We are calling on the government to do all that is necessary to avoid the strike.

“But if the strike should happen, it will be counter-productive for both employers and the workers.”

Oyerinde said government should look at the payment of multiple taxes, VAT on diesel and petrol, creation of an enabling environment, and the forex challenge.

 

 


NLC Head of Information Benson Upah said the planned nationwide strike by the NLC was on track.

But the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour, Olajide Oshundun, said the ministry was yet to receive any notice of strike from the NLC.

 

 

A member of the National Working Committee of the NLC said there was no need for a fresh notice as the communique issued at the end of the NEC meeting of the Congress on September 1, was enough for the government.

 

 

Upah said the government had “not done anything to suggest that it was committed to the promises it made.

 

 

 

”The government has not done anything which will suggest that it was committed to the promises it has made. Our plans remain on course unless something dramatic happens,” he added.


TUC awaits govt action on proposals

FEDERAL Government’s action on some of the proposals by the TUC to cushion the impacts of fuel subsidy removal is still being awaited, the union has said.

On September 4, Lalong asked for two weeks from the leadership of the TUC to communicate the proposals to President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The two-week window expires on Monday.

But international engagements in New Delhi, India and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) have kept the President busy since last week.

An official of the Labour and Employment Ministry told The Nation that Lalong has been unable to table the proposals by Labour before the appropriate authority.

It was further learnt that government representatives and Labour leaders have not met since the September 4 parley, which was shunned by the NLC.

The government called the meeting to avert the two-day warning strike called by the NLC.

The Federal Government promised to work on the TUC proposals.

The ministry official said: “No official discussion between government and Labour. But we are hoping that very soon the discussion will start again.

“You know the minister requested for two weeks for the President to come back. The minister will take the proposals by Labour to the President. There are demands on the president’s table.

“The president is already aware that there was a two-day warning strike by the NLC and there are discussions behind the scenes. I am sure the President will tell Nigerians what to expect.”

Some of the TUC proposals are the implementation of palliatives; wage awards; tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers; modalities for the N70 billion for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers(NURTW) crisis, among others.

Osifo told The Nation that the congress was waiting for the outcome of the minister’s response.

 

 

 



The TUC letter dated September 8 reads: “I convey to you, compliments from the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), especially the President, Comrade (Engr) Festus Osifo and wish to draw your attention to the above subject matter.

 

 

 

 


“This letter is a follow-up to the last meeting held in your office on the 2nd day of September 2023. You can recall that in the last meeting sir, we promised not to wait until the expiration of two weeks before reaching out but will bring any information that could further add value to your pending presentation before the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presentation.

 

 

 


“We equally raised the issues of Taxation and the need for the government to grant tax waivers to employees that earn low income in public and private sectors as well as those in the informal sector.

 

 

 

 

“We highlighted the need for effective collaboration with the minister of Finance and the coordinating minister for the economy who has made some comments around these in the past.

 

 

 

“It is critical to resolve this urgently as we also implore your Excellency to bring the attention of the Taiwo Oyedele-led committee on taxation and fiscal reforms recently set up by the President to this.

 

 

 

“Honorable minister sir, another critical issue that should be reviewed is the collection of levies in dollars on petroleum products imported into the country by NIMASA and NPA.

 

 

“This act tends to lead to a further upward surge in the prices of PMS whenever the naira depreciates against the dollar as recently noticed during the floating of the naira.

 

 

“We hereby call on your office to liaise further with the above-mentioned reform committee or bring this to the attention of the FEC which could compel the two agencies to immediately start charging their levies and taxes in dollars.

“While we await your intervention, please accept the renewed assurances of our regards.”

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Aliko Dangote Foundation, WEF Unveil 2026 YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows

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5 hours ago

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May 11, 2026

By

Titans and Trailblazers: Nigeria’s Great Entrepreneurs from Abiola to Dangote — The Story of Wealth, Influence, and National Impact. By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by saharaweeklyng.com 

Aliko Dangote Foundation, WEF Unveil 2026 YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows

…Spotlighting Africa’s Next Generation of Change Leaders

 

 

 

World Economic Forum (WEF) in partnership with the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has announced the 2026 cohort of the Young Global Leaders (YGL) Aliko Dangote Fellows, highlighting a new generation of African leaders committed to expanding opportunity and strengthening institutions across the African continent.

 

 

 

The Fellowship serves as a critical bridge between Africa’s emerging changemakers and the global Young Global Leaders network, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development. The YGL Aliko Dangote Fellowship supports high-impact African leaders by enabling their full participation in the Forum of Young Global Leaders (YGL) programme and broader WEF activities.

 

WEF said the 2026 YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows represent diverse professional backgrounds spanning healthcare, technology, entrepreneurship, and advocacy across sub-Saharan Africa. The newly selected fellows are Dr. Esperance Luvindao; Charlot Magayi, Founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves; Rewa Udoji, Founder of Cranstoun; Dr. Stephen Modise; Dr. Musa Kika; Hatim Eltayeb; Kemi Lala Akindoju; and Vimbai Masiyiwa.

 

 

 

With a strong emphasis on empowering women leaders, the Fellowship is designed to support Africans shaping solutions to pressing social and economic challenges while strengthening leadership capacity across key sectors.

 

 

 

Over the past 14 years, the Aliko Dangote Foundation–powered Fellowship has supported more than 130 young African leaders, providing access to Davos meetings, executive education opportunities, and influential peer networks that amplify African voices on the global stage.

 

 

 

Commenting on the announcement, Fatima Aliko Dangote, Trustee of the Aliko Dangote Foundation and Group Executive Director, Oil & Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, described the 2026 fellows as “leaders who will expand opportunity and strengthen institutions, advancing Africa on its own terms.”

 

She added: “Africa’s future will be defined by the strength of its people. When the right leaders—especially women—are empowered and given a global voice, they do not just lead; they reshape what is possible. That is why we invest in people: because it is the surest path to lasting global prosperity, stability, and self-determination. The 2026 cohort embodies this vision.”

 

According to her: the 2026 YGL Aliko Dangote Fellows represent that future leaders who will expand opportunity and strengthen institutions, advancing Africa on its own terms while helping define a world whose future will be shaped by the continent.

 

 

 

 

 

She explained that the idea behind the YGL Aliko Dangote Fellowship is to cultivate, empower, and support exceptional African leaders under 40, ensuring they have the resources to participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF)’s Young Global Leaders (YGL) community. It specifically aims to accelerate their impact on the continent and globally.

 

 

 

 

 

Details of the new fellows in the announcement indicated that; Hatim Eltayeb, is the Chief Executive Officer of African Leadership Academy, strengthening one of the continent’s most important leadership institutions; Dr Esperance Luvindao, Namibia’s Minister of Health and Social Services, combining clinical experience with digital health and grassroots innovation; Charlot Magayi, the Kenyan founder of Mukuru Clean Stoves, linking clean energy, public health and livelihoods; Dr Stephen Modise, Botswana’s Minister of Health, bringing a data-driven approach to public health reform.

 

 

 

 

 

Dr Musa Kika, Executive Director of the Institute for Human Rights and Development in Africa, using law to defend constitutionalism and civic space; Rewa Udoji, the Nigerian artist and finance professional whose work bridges culture, capital and women’s economic literacy; Kemi Lala Akindoju, the Nigerian producer and actor helping reshape the creative economy through talent development, financing and more grounded storytelling; and Ms Vimbai Masiyiwa, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Batoka Africa, building a model of tourism rooted in sustainability, community ownership and women’s empowerment. Together, they reflect the range of leadership the fellowship is designed to support public leaders, entrepreneurs, institution-builders and cultural actors already shaping systems in very different ways.

 

 

 

It would be recalled that Aliko Dangote YGL Fellowship has supported more than 90 Fellows from over 25 African countries, thus enabling full participation in the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders programme through access to convenings, executive education, peer networks and global platforms.

 

Over that period, Fellows have taken part in more than 400 engagements across Annual Meetings, regional summits and learning modules, contributing to debates on finance, climate, health, technology and governance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund Eyes Partnership with Dangote Group on Africa Investments

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6 hours ago

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May 11, 2026

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Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund Eyes Partnership with Dangote Group on Africa Investments

 

The President/Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has held a high-level meeting with Nicolai Tangen, the Chief Executive Officer of Norges Bank Investment Management, the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund manager, overseeing assets valued at approximately $1.9 trillion.

 

At the meeting, the Norwegian investment institution expressed strong interest in partnering with Dangote Group to expand its footprint across the African continent, with a focus on strategic sectors including power, energy, renewables, agriculture, fertiliser and cement.

 

Also present at the meeting were Svein Tore Holsether, Chief Executive Officer of Yara International, one of the world’s leading fertiliser and agricultural companies, and Terje Pilskog, Chief Executive Officer of Scatec, a global renewable energy company.

 

The engagement shows growing global investor confidence in Africa’s industrial and infrastructure potential, as well as the increasing role of indigenous conglomerates such as Dangote Group in driving large-scale economic transformation.

 

For Dangote Group, the potential partnership represents a significant opportunity to deepen its investments across key sectors critical to Africa’s development, particularly in energy transition, food security and industrial capacity expansion.

 

The Norwegian sovereign wealth fund, widely regarded as a benchmark for global institutional investment, has in recent years shown increased interest in emerging markets, with Africa seen as a frontier for long-term value creation.

 

The collaboration between the fund and Dangote Group could unlock substantial capital flows into critical infrastructure and industrial projects, further accelerating economic growth and regional integration across the continent.

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Fidelity Bank Provides Critical Funding Support to Abuja Special Needs Orphanage

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3 days ago

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May 8, 2026

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Fidelity Bank Provides Critical Funding Support to Abuja Special Needs Orphanage

 

Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP), has funded critical support for the JKS Special Needs Academy in Abuja to ensure continued shelter and care for vulnerable children.

 

 

 

The intervention was facilitated by a group of the bank’s newly recruited employees known as Team Valorem, as part of their induction activities. Through the FHHP, employees are empowered to actively contribute to social development by dedicating their time, resources and skills to impactful projects. Projects executed under the initiative are employee-driven, with teams encouraged to identify causes, contribute fifty percent of the project funding, while the bank matches the contribution.

 

Speaking during the outreach, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, highlighted that the initiative aligns with the Bank’s CSR pillars focused on health & social welfare, and youth empowerment.

 

“This intervention reflects our belief that building a better society is a shared responsibility. Through the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme, we empower our employees to actively contribute to meaningful social causes. The funding provided will secure the orphanage’s accommodation for an additional year, ensuring a stable and safe environment for the children. This support guarantees that these children continue to have a place they can call home,” Nwagboh remarked.

 

He also commended caregivers at the facility for their dedication and called for increased focus on empowerment and skill development for children with special needs.

 

“Beyond providing basic needs, we must provide these children with opportunities to develop skills and become self-reliant. Everyone, regardless of their physical or socio-economic status, has a role to play in the society,” he said.

 

In her response, Director of JKS Special Needs Academy, Mrs. Nifemi Ajileye, expressed deep appreciation to Fidelity Bank and its staff for the timely intervention.

 

“We are truly grateful to Fidelity Bank for this support. It will significantly improve the welfare of the children under our care and help us sustain our operations,” she said.

 

Ajileye highlighted the high cost of caring for children with disabilities, stating that, “Many of the children require continuous medical attention and therapy, which are quite expensive. Support like this helps us bridge critical gaps and continue delivering quality care. This support from Fidelity Bank is timely and it means the world to us and to these children. It will help us continue our work and secure a better future for them,” she added, while calling for sustained support from other organisations.

 

As an institution with a heart for people, Fidelity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to social responsibility by driving inclusive growth and social impact through initiatives that empower communities and improve lives across Nigeria.

 

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 10 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK.

 

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

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