Business
Ikorodu roads deadlier than Badoo Cultists – Security expert
Foremost security outfit, Halogen Security Company Limited, has called on the federal government to urgently come to the rescue of residents in Ikorodu area of Lagos state. According to the organization, the traumatic experience of commuters on the Ikorodu-Shagamu road on a daily basis, coupled with the social problems they’ve had to endure in recent times were too much to bear.
“I think it is high time the government recognized the extreme risks commuters on the Ikorodu-Shagamu road are exposed to and act immediately. It is now commonplace for thieves, kidnappers, rapists and other criminal elements to lodge themselves in the worst portions of the roads where all vehicles practically come to a halt and carry out their nefarious activities especially at night. I cannot but agree with those who call that road a death trap. I dare say that the Ikorodu road at the moment is deadlier than the Badoo cultists that ravaged the communities a few months ago, Mr Wale Olaoye, MD, Halogen, said in a statement in Lagos today.
He lamented the fact that besides the dire security risks, the bad roads affect in no small way, the economic conditions in that axis. “Commercial activity will suffer there because goods and services will be in short supply leading to price increases in virtually all consumer items. Vehicle owners cannot use their vehicles optimally as the many potholes and detours mean that vehicles keep breaking down and they end up at mechanics’ workshop at the end of most journey. The implication of this is that commuters plying that road are exposed to safety risk, health risk and their livelihood is also affected.”
He further emphasized that the presence of a number of federal and state institutions on the road, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), 174 Battalion Army Barracks, the Lagos State Polytechnic, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) and many others, including major industrial companies explains the high density of vehicular movement on the road with associated security and enterprise risks.
Olaoye advised the government to set up a think tank to develop a national security and enterprise risk policy to guide with short – and long-term strategies for improving the safety and security of the nation’s assets and its people.
“We can have a formula that looks at the management of our infrastructure from three perspectives. First is ‘Natural Events’ (Potential Disasters) such as flooding etc. Here we can analyse its frequency and severity based on actuarial data and it can be mitigated through sensors, design, and response. Next is what we call ‘Unintentional Events’ (Failures, Incidents). This can be gauged also by its frequency and severity based on experience and it can be managed through design, training, and response. The third perspective is that of ‘ Intentional Attacks’ (Acts of sabotage, Vandalism). Here the frequency and severity is difficult to predict but it still can be mitigated through security, design, and response.
“Dilapidated roads affect both security and performance of a transportation system. There are a number of rehabilitation techniques that can both reduce the rate of aging of a structure and in turn, improve their security. We can utilize technology that would undoubtedly improve the government’s ability to effectively analyze its infrastructural assets and allocate resources to those that are most vulnerable.”
Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
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