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Full Compliance Achieved: Police Enforcement Team Reports Zero Unauthorised VIP Escorts in Lagos

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Full Compliance Achieved: Police Enforcement Team Reports Zero Unauthorised VIP Escorts in Lagos

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced a significant achievement in its efforts to enforce the recent directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which banned the deployment of police personnel for VIP escort and guard duties.

The Force Headquarters, through its specially constituted enforcement team, reported a high and commendable level of compliance following a major monitoring exercise conducted across Lagos State on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Operation Details and Findings

The monitoring exercise commenced at approximately 10:00 hours and focused on key, high-traffic areas known for VIP movements.

  • Key Locations Monitored:

    • The Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge.

    • The Domestic Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA).

    • Several other strategic security points across Lagos State.

Crucially, the enforcement team recorded a perfect outcome: “No case of unauthorised deployment of police personnel for VIP escort duties was recorded during the monitoring, and consequently, no arrest was made.”

Commitment to Core Policing Duties

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, reiterated the Force’s unwavering commitment to the total and full implementation of the presidential directive nationwide.

The rationale behind the strict enforcement is the strategic redeployment of police manpower back to their primary, core policing functions:

  • Enhancing General Security: Freeing up officers to patrol and secure communities.

  • Crime Prevention: Increasing visibility and proactive policing efforts.

  • Protection of Lives and Property: Strengthening the Force’s ability to respond to emergencies and maintain public order.

The Police Force assured the public that the policy will be enforced “nationwide without fear or favour” as the NPF works towards establishing a more professional, efficient, and citizen-centered policing system for the country.

CSP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, anipr, mipra

Force Public Relations Officer

Force Headquarters, Abuja

Dangote to Nigerian Elite: Ditch Rolls-Royce and Private Jets for Industry Investment

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Dangote to Nigerian Elite: Ditch Rolls-Royce and Private Jets for Industry Investment

Africa’s richest man and Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has issued a powerful and direct challenge to Nigeria’s wealthy elite, urging them to immediately curb the culture of extravagant consumption and divert funds spent on luxury items like Rolls-Royce cars and private jets into productive local industries.

Speaking to correspondents after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa on Friday, Dangote argued that the nation’s economic development and crucial job creation goals hinge on the financial responsibility and commitment of its wealthiest citizens.

The Problem of Luxury Consumption

Dangote strongly lamented the prevalent display of wealth in non-productive assets, suggesting that this mindset is hindering Nigeria’s necessary industrialization.

“If you have money for Rolls-Royce, you should go and put up an industry in your locality or anywhere, part of Nigeria, wherever you feel there is a need,” Dangote stated. “Everybody has a private jet. Those private jets should be in industries, so that we can create jobs.”

The industrialist drew a historical comparison to Nigeria’s past, recalling a period where the President and common citizens used the same locally assembled vehicles, contrasting that humility with the current environment where private jets clutter Nigerian airports.

The Imperative of Industrialization

The billionaire stressed that for Nigeria to transition from an import-dependent economy to a self-sufficient powerhouse, the focus must shift aggressively toward manufacturing and agriculture, supported by a strong and reliable banking sector.

He underscored the severe demographic pressure facing the country:

  • Population Growth: Nigeria’s population grows by approximately 8.7 million babies every year.

  • Massive Demand: This growth necessitates colossal and immediate investments in essential areas like power, infrastructure, healthcare, and education, tasks that cannot be accomplished through imports or consumption alone.

Investing at Home vs. Wooing Foreigners

A core part of Dangote’s message was a clear dismissal of the nation’s heavy reliance on foreign direct investment (FDI). He insisted that local commitment must precede external interest.

“We should stop calling for foreign investors. There’s no foreign investor who will come here,” he argued. “The invitation of a foreign investor is for a domestic investor. What attracts a domestic investor is good policies, good governance, and the rule of law.“

Dangote maintained that once Nigerian entrepreneurs demonstrate confidence by investing their capital locally, foreign partners will naturally follow, either through partnerships or by setting up their own operations.

The Partnership for Prosperity

The Chairman of the Dangote Group also emphasized that national development requires a reciprocal partnership between the government and the private sector.

He urged corporate citizens to fulfill their civic responsibilities, particularly the diligent payment of taxes. “When you have a company, the number one shareholder is the government… We, too, as corporate citizens, must make sure that we pay our taxes,” he said.

He linked tax compliance directly to social development, arguing that proper tax utilization could fund better schools and hospitals, thereby removing the need for the elite to travel to London or Cairo for medical care.

Financial System Warning: CAC Threatens to Blacklist Fintechs Enabling Unregistered PoS Operations

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Financial System Warning: CAC Threatens to Blacklist Fintechs Enabling Unregistered PoS Operations

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has issued a stern and decisive warning to the financial technology (fintech) sector, threatening to place companies on a watchlist and report them to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) if they continue to enable unregistered Point of Sale (PoS) operations across the country.

The warning, contained in a statement issued by the Commission’s management on Saturday, December 6, 2025, marks an escalation in the government’s year-long drive to formalize the ubiquitous agent banking system.

The “Reckless Practice” and New Deadline

The CAC observed a continued surge in unregistered PoS operators, a practice it described as “reckless and dangerous” to Nigeria’s financial stability. The Commission directly accused some fintech companies of enabling this trend by onboarding unregistered agents, which violates both the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 and the CBN’s Agent Banking Regulations.

The consequence for non-compliance is severe, with the CAC announcing a definitive enforcement date:

  • Final Deadline: January 1, 2026.

  • Enforcement Action: Starting in the new year, security agencies have been mandated to enforce nationwide compliance, including the seizure or shutdown of unregistered PoS terminals.

  • Fintech Sanctions: Fintechs found enabling illegal operations “will be placed on the watchlist and reported to the CBN” for regulatory action.

The Rationale: Curbing Fraud and Risk

The push for mandatory registration is driven by a need to curb rising financial crimes and security risks associated with unprofiled agents. Lawmakers and financial regulators have repeatedly expressed concern over:

  • Weak KYC: Unregistered agents often operate with weak Know-Your-Customer (KYC) standards, making them susceptible to exploitation.

  • Criminal Exploitation: The lack of formal registration and proper profiling makes it extremely difficult for security agencies to trace transactions linked to fraud, money laundering, and even the payment of ransoms in kidnapping cases.

By formalizing the sector, the CAC aims to assign a unique business identity to every operator, ensuring that all PoS accounts meet the necessary tier 3 verification standards for financial integrity.

History of the Directive

This renewed threat comes nearly a year after the CAC initially began enforcement efforts.

  • 2024 Deadlines: The initial mandatory registration directive was issued in May 2024, with a deadline set for July 7, 2024, which was later extended to September 5, 2024.

  • Low Compliance: Despite the extension, the CAC reported low compliance, noting that a significant number of operators failed to register their businesses. The Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) estimated that over 1.9 million PoS agents operate nationwide, with only a fraction achieving registration by the initial deadlines.

The latest announcement on December 6, 2025, serves as the final warning, demanding immediate regularization to protect consumers and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s digital financial system before the end-of-year deadline.

Would you like to know more about the specific requirements for PoS operators to register with the CAC or the potential legal consequences for non-compliant fintech companies?

Tipping the Scales: Nollywood Claims Victory in Nigeria’s N10 Billion Box Office Year (2025)

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Tipping the Scales: Nollywood Claims Victory in Nigeria’s N10 Billion Box Office Year (2025)

The year 2025 has been nothing short of transformative for the Nigerian box office, which officially crossed the ₦10 billion revenue mark by August—a significant leap that underscores the country’s growing appetite for theatrical entertainment. This record growth was fueled by an intensely competitive slate where high-quality Nollywood titles successfully challenged, and often outpaced, major international blockbusters.

Based on industry reports and cinema data compiled up to November 2025, the top-grossing chart reveals a dynamic ecosystem where local content is thriving alongside global spectacle.

The Top 10 Highest-Grossing Films of 2025 (as of November)

The 2025 chart is characterized by a strong six-to-four split in favor of Nigerian films, indicating a maturation of the local film industry in terms of production value and audience appeal.

Rank Title Domestic Gross (₦) Genre / Type Key Takeaway
1 Sinners (Michael B. Jordan) ₦478.0M+ Hollywood (Drama/Thriller) The year’s top film, demonstrating the enduring pull of A-list Hollywood star power.
2 Gingerrr ₦428.8M+ Nollywood (Heist Thriller) Nollywood’s highest-grossing film, proving local genre films can challenge global leaders.
3 Ori: The Rebirth ₦419.57M Nollywood (Traditional Epic) Solidifies the commercial viability of high-budget cultural epics.
4 Superman ₦375.0M+ Hollywood (Superhero) A core tentpole that delivered massive returns typical of a major superhero franchise.
5 The Fantastic 4 – First Steps ₦365.0M+ Hollywood (Superhero) Another blockbuster demonstrating the continued dominance of the superhero genre.
6 Reel Love ₦356.82M Nollywood (Romantic Drama) Shows that well-produced, contemporary romantic dramas maintain a dedicated audience.
7 Iyalode ₦306.36M Nollywood (Drama) An impressive performance for a pure drama, highlighting diverse audience appeal.
8 Labake Olododo ₦264.28M Nollywood (Cultural Drama/Comedy) The commercial power of films rooted in local culture and language.
9 Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning ₦258.0M+ Hollywood (Action/Spy) The resilience of established, high-octane action franchises.
10 Owambe Thieves ₦205.63M Nollywood (Comedy) The continued foundational role of comedy in the Nigerian film landscape.

🔑 Key Box Office Trends Defining 2025

1. Nollywood’s Strong Majority

The most striking trend is the dominance of local content, with six Nigerian films securing spots in the top ten. This performance is a clear signal that Nigerian audiences are demonstrating a strong preference for local storytelling, provided the production quality and marketing efforts are world-class. Nollywood has successfully captured the core market share, making its box office less reliant on foreign titles.

2. Diversification Beyond Comedy

Traditionally, Nigerian comedies were the only local films guaranteed to cross the eight and nine-figure marks. However, 2025 proved the commercial viability of other genres:

  • The Power of Epics: Ori: The Rebirth and Gingerrr demonstrated that high-budget cultural epics and genre thrillers are now major revenue drivers, diversifying the industry’s output and increasing its profit ceilings.

  • Contemporary Drama: The strong showing of Reel Love and Iyalode suggests that audiences are engaging deeply with complex, modern dramatic narratives.

3. Hollywood’s Enduring Spectacle

While Nollywood claimed more spots, Hollywood franchises continued to deliver massive numbers, reinforcing the appeal of the theatrical experience for global tentpoles. Films like Sinners (the highest grosser overall), Superman, and the action-packed Mission Impossible sequel capitalized on established intellectual property and cinematic spectacle, cementing their position as essential calendar events for Nigerian moviegoers.

4. The N10 Billion Threshold

Perhaps the most important milestone is the industry’s Record Growth. Eclipsing the ₦10 billion total revenue mark by August signals a healthy, expanding, and resilient cinema market. This growth is critical not only for cinema owners but for the entire production value chain, promising increased investment, higher production budgets, and greater returns for both local and international distributors.

The performance in 2025 solidifies Nigeria’s position as the leading cinema market in West Africa, driven by a powerful synergy between high-quality local films and globally recognized blockbusters.

New Era for NCS Abuja: Young Innovators Founder Andrew Agbo Abu Elected FCT Chairman

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New Era for NCS Abuja: Young Innovators Founder Andrew Agbo Abu Elected FCT Chairman

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has ushered in a fresh wave of leadership for its Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, announcing the election of Mr. Andrew Agbo Abu as its new Chairman.

The election, which took place during the Chapter’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja, represents a strategic pivot for the professional body, signaling a strong commitment to bridging the gap between traditional IT practice and the vibrant startup ecosystem.

A Mandate for Innovation

Andrew Agbo Abu is a recognized figure in the Nigerian technology space, best known as the Founder of Young Innovators of Nigeria (YIN). His work has largely focused on empowering young talent, fostering grassroots innovation, and driving digital skills acquisition across the country.

His emergence as Chairman is significant for several reasons:

  • Youthful Leadership: The election underscores a deliberate shift within the NCS to embrace younger, dynamic leadership capable of navigating the rapid evolution of the global digital economy.

  • Ecosystem Integration: As a founder deeply embedded in the innovation ecosystem, Abu is positioned to connect the professional structure of the NCS with the agility of Nigeria’s tech startups and hubs.

  • FCT Focus: With Abuja rapidly growing as a technology hub (hosting heavyweights like the NITDA and NCC headquarters), the FCT Chapter plays a critical role in policy advocacy and government relations.

Strengthening the Tech Community

The Nigeria Computer Society remains the umbrella organization for all Information Technology professionals, interest groups, and stakeholders in Nigeria.

Stakeholders expect that under Abu’s leadership, the FCT Chapter will prioritize:

  • Enhanced mentorship programs for aspiring technologists.

  • Stronger collaboration between the private sector and government agencies in Abuja.

  • Initiatives that promote digital inclusion and local content development.

This leadership transition sets the stage for a revitalized NCS FCT Chapter, ready to tackle the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

 

Nigeria’s AI Ambitions Halted by Lack of “AI-Ready” Data Centres

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Nigeria’s AI Ambitions Halted by Lack of “AI-Ready” Data Centres

Nigeria’s rapidly accelerating interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) faces a fundamental infrastructure roadblock, as a top industry executive has revealed that not a single data centre in the country is currently equipped to support true, core AI workloads.

Speaking at the CEO Breakfast Roundtable organized by the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) in Lagos, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, the Chief Executive Officer of Digital Realty Nigeria (formerly Medallion Communications), issued a stark warning: while the nation boasts a thriving AI ecosystem, the necessary physical foundation to host it locally is missing.

The Missing Link: High-Density Infrastructure

According to Nnamani, the existing data centres in Nigeria, though vital for cloud services and traditional enterprise hosting, were not designed for the extreme computational demands of modern AI.

“There is no data centre in Nigeria today that is AI-ready,” Nnamani stated emphatically. “Local AI companies are creating solutions, but they are hosting abroad because the infrastructure here cannot support the kind of computing AI requires.”

The key difference lies in the technical specifications required to run systems like Large Language Models (LLMs), deep learning clusters, and advanced inference engines:

  • High-Density Workloads: AI demands Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) and specialized processors that generate immense heat and require significantly more power per rack than traditional servers.

  • Advanced Cooling Systems: Air cooling, common in current Nigerian data centres, is insufficient for these high-density racks. AI-ready facilities require liquid cooling or other advanced thermal management solutions to prevent equipment failure and ensure efficiency.

  • Massive Power Availability: AI compute environments require a far more robust and stable power supply—an ongoing challenge for infrastructure operators in the country.

The Threat to Digital Sovereignty

Nigeria’s AI ecosystem is not small; Nnamani disclosed that a local AI association boasts over 300 members actively developing or selling AI solutions. The CEO warned that the lack of local, AI-ready hosting capabilities poses multiple risks:

  1. Data Sovereignty: By forcing local AI solutions to be hosted abroad, Nigeria risks losing control and governance over sensitive national data.

  2. Increased Latency: Hosting AI models outside the country introduces delays that hinder real-time applications critical for fintech and e-commerce.

  3. Capital Flight: The nation loses out on the substantial revenue and value creation associated with maintaining and operating high-performance computing infrastructure.

A Look at the Competition

Nnamani benchmarked Nigeria’s situation against the continent’s digital leader, citing Teraco (Digital Realty’s South African subsidiary) which recently built an AI-ready data centre equipped with liquid cooling and a massive IT load.

The comparison highlighted the scale of the challenge: the sheer IT load of one of Teraco’s facilities is reportedly larger than the combined capacity of all existing data centres in Nigeria.

The Way Forward: Global Partnership and Hyperscale

While the infrastructure gap is significant, Nnamani offered a pragmatic outlook, estimating that Nigeria is still two to three years away from having functional, true AI-ready data centres.

He stressed that the rapid development of this infrastructure will depend heavily on global operators with the technology, experience, and, crucially, the financial muscle to deploy high-performance computing environments. Digital Realty, through its ongoing expansion and planning for hyperscale facilities in Nigeria, is positioning itself to lead this next wave of development.

The message is clear: for Nigeria to fully realize its ambition of building a $1 trillion economy and cementing its place as an African AI leader, the focus must shift from merely building more data centres to building smarter, AI-optimized data centres capable of sustaining the computational demands of the future.

Customs Seizes 25.5kg of Cocaine Aboard Brazilian Ship at Apapa Port

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Customs Seizes 25.5kg of Cocaine Aboard Brazilian Ship at Apapa Port

In a significant victory against the international drug trade, the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a massive haul of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden aboard a Brazilian-flagged vessel.1

 

The drug bust, which led to the immediate detention of the ship, underscores the intensified collaboration between the Customs Service and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to secure Nigeria’s maritime gateways.2

 

The Details of the Seizure

The illicit drugs were discovered on the vessel, identified as MV San Anthonio, which had sailed from Brazil.3

 

  • Quantity Seized: 25.5 kilograms of cocaine.4

     

  • Concealment: The drugs were tightly packaged in 24 parcels/slabs and concealed within five bags found onboard the ship.5

     

  • Vessel Detained: The ship, MV San Anthonio, has been detained pending further investigation.6

     

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the Customs Area Controller for the Apapa Port Command, revealed that the breakthrough was a direct result of meticulous profiling and intelligence-led operations carried out in synergy with the NDLEA.7

 

The International Trail

Customs intelligence indicated that the Brazilian ship raised red flags due to its itinerary:

“Our intelligence discovered that upon her departure from Brazil, which is the ship’s country of origin, she had called at ports in Honduras, Guatemala, and other places suspected to be hubs for illicit drug trade8,” Comptroller Oshoba stated.9

 

This established pattern of movement through notorious drug trafficking corridors confirmed the need for a targeted inspection, which ultimately led to the discovery of the hard drugs.10

 

Zero Compromise on National Security

The seizure aligns with the directive from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on maintaining a zero-compromise posture against unlawful trade.11

 

Comptroller Oshoba reiterated the command’s commitment, particularly as the Yuletide season approaches:12

 

“This seizure and detention of the ship should send a strong message of warning that should resonate with perpetrators of unlawful trade within our port system… As we approach the Yuletide season, we will not sacrifice national security and economy on the altar of trade facilitation.”

Following the procedure for drug seizures, the Customs Service has officially handed over the 25.5kg of cocaine to the NDLEA, represented by the Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command, CN Haliru Umar, for further investigation and prosecution of all parties involved.13

 

The successful operation serves as a potent deterrent, reaffirming Nigeria’s resolve to dismantle international drug cartels attempting to use its ports as transit points into West Africa and beyond.

From Port to Presidential Suite: Inside Taiwo Afolabi’s Billion-Naira Masterpiece—The Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja

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From Port to Presidential Suite: Inside Taiwo Afolabi’s Billion-Naira Masterpiece—The Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja

In a move that highlights the immense capital and diversified interests of Nigeria’s business titans, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, the founder and CEO of the sprawling SIFAX Group conglomerate, has established a towering monument to luxury in Lagos’s highbrow Ikeja GRA: the Lagos Marriott Hotel.

This venture, managed by the world-renowned Marriott International, solidifies Dr. Afolabi’s transition from a logistics mogul—whose empire dominates the maritime, aviation, and oil and gas sectors—into a major player in the premium hospitality space.

🌟 A Five-Star Jewel in Ikeja

Completed in May 2021, the Lagos Marriott Hotel instantly redefined the luxury landscape in the Mainland area of Lagos. Built on a sprawling 7,000 square meter site, the seven-storey structure is not merely a hotel; it is a full-service experience designed for discerning local and international travelers.

The hotel is a key project of Mac-Folly Hospitality Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, reflecting the Group’s strategic diversification drive which began decades ago.

  • Structure and Scale: The hotel boasts 251 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, catering to everything from corporate stays to lavish leisure trips.

  • Design & Construction: The project was reportedly designed by G1 Architecture, with construction handled by Dori Construction and Engineering, ensuring international standards in aesthetics and structural integrity.

💰 The Price of Unmatched Luxury

The investment’s scale is immediately reflected in its premium pricing, placing it firmly at the apex of Nigerian hospitality:

Room Type Estimated Price Range (Naira) Estimated Price Range (USD)
Standard/Base Rooms ~N583,635 ~$378
Presidential Suite Up to N3.9 million Up to ~$2,539

Note: Room prices are dynamic and subject to exchange rate fluctuations, but consistently reflect the premium quality and five-star service delivered by the Marriott brand.

⚓ The SIFAX Group Story: From Freight to Fortune

The story of the Lagos Marriott is inextricably linked to the visionary leadership of Dr. Taiwo Afolabi.

Dr. Afolabi established SIFAX Group in 1988 as a modest freight forwarding agency. Through shrewd business acumen, hard work, and strategic acquisitions, he transformed it into one of West Africa’s most prominent integrated service providers. The Group’s influence now stretches across critical economic arteries:

  • Maritime: Terminal operations and shipping.

  • Aviation: Through subsidiaries like Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO).

  • Logistics: Haulage and warehousing.

  • Hospitality: Anchored by the Lagos Marriott.

The successful launch and operation of a world-class hotel under a brand as globally respected as Marriott International is a powerful testament to the financial might and execution capability of the SIFAX Group. It serves as a major vote of confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to host and sustain high-end luxury ventures.

The Visual Architects: Nigeria’s Top Music Video Directors with Over 100 Million YouTube Views

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The Visual Architects: Nigeria’s Top Music Video Directors with Over 100 Million YouTube Views

 Nigeria’s music industry has evolved into one of the world’s most dynamic creative exports, with Afrobeats now firmly established as a central force in global pop culture. While the recording artists often take center stage, the Afrobeats ecosystem is sustained by a robust network of creatives, including producers, stylists, and crucially, music video directors.

The industry is not only culturally influential but economically significant. As streaming numbers skyrocket, the visual component of the music has become the primary vehicle for exporting Nigerian culture to the world.

A recent report by Nairalytics highlights the elite league of Nigerian cinematographers who have successfully guided music videos past the coveted 100 million views mark on YouTube. These are the directors defining the visual identity of Afrobeats.

1. Daps — The Global Heavyweight

Video: Bad & Boujee (Migos)

Views: 1.3 Billion

Leading the pack with a staggering 1.3 billion views is Oladapo Fagbenle, professionally known as Daps. While he is a major player in the Nigerian scene, his chart-topping entry here is the global hip-hop smash Bad & Boujee by Migos. Daps represents the bridge between the Nigerian diaspora and the global music industry, having directed for international superstars while maintaining deep roots in the African creative space. His ability to deliver billion-stream visuals sets the gold standard for production quality.

2. Director Kay — The Viral Visionary

Video: Calm Down (Rema)

Views: 668 Million

Holding the second spot is Director Kay, the eye behind Rema’s global anthem, Calm Down. With 668 million views, this video was instrumental in propelling the song to international stardom before the remix with Selena Gomez even dropped. Director Kay’s work on this project highlights the shift in Nigerian videography toward storytelling that resonates with a global Gen-Z audience, utilizing vibrant colors and youthful energy.

3. Meiji Alabi — The Aesthetic King

Video: On The Low (Burna Boy)

Views: 450 Million

Meiji Alabi is synonymous with the “Afro-fusion” visual aesthetic. His work on Burna Boy’s On The Low ( 450 million views) is widely considered a classic in the genre. Alabi is known for bridging the gap between London and Lagos, bringing a polished, high-fashion, and cinematic texture to music videos. His visuals often feel like short films, contributing significantly to Burna Boy’s “African Giant” persona.

4. TG Omori — The Blockbuster Director

Video: Buga (Kizz Daniel)

Views: 268 Million

ThankGod Omori, popularly known as “Boy Director,” has redefined the scale of Nigerian music videos. Known for his maximalist style, massive crowds, and elaborate costumes, his work on Kizz Daniel’s Buga garnered 268 million views. Omori is currently one of the most sought-after directors in the industry, commanding high budgets that reflect the growing economic power of the Nigerian music label system.

5. Dammy Twitch — The Clean Cut

Video: Alcohol (Joeboy)

Views: 184 Million

Dammy Twitch has carved a niche for clean, sharp, and narrative-driven visuals. His direction of Joeboy’s Alcohol (184 million views) proves that a video doesn’t always need a cast of hundreds to be effective; it needs the right mood. His lighting techniques and editing style have made him a favorite for artists looking for a sleek, modern look.

6. Clarence Peters — The Godfather

Video: Johnny (Yemi Alade)

Views: 177 Million

No list of Nigerian directors is complete without Clarence Peters. A veteran who professionalized the industry, his work on Yemi Alade’s Johnny stands at 177 million views. Peters has remained relevant for nearly two decades, transitioning through different eras of technology and style. Johnny remains one of the most watched African music videos of all time, a testament to his enduring legacy.

7. Perlinks — The New Wave

Video: Charm (Rema)

Views: 136 Million

Another entry for Rema’s discography is Charm, directed by Perlinks, with 136 million views. This entry signifies the rise of new talent in the directing space. As the demand for content increases, directors like Perlinks are stepping up to handle major projects for A-list artists, proving that the industry has a healthy pipeline of rising technical talent.

8. Director Pink — Breaking Boundaries

Video: Egwu (Chike ft. Mohbad)

Views: 130 Million

Rounding out the list is the phenomenal Director Pink (Pinkline Films), with 130 million views for Chike’s hit Egwu. As a female director in a heavily male-dominated field, Director Pink is a trailblazer. Her presence on this list signals a necessary and welcome shift in the industry, showcasing that women are not just in front of the camera in Afrobeats, but are also the powerful creative forces behind it.

Why This Matters

These numbers are not just vanity metrics; they represent revenue. YouTube monetization, brand partnerships, and the ability to tour globally are all tied to the visibility these videos provide. As these directors continue to push the boundaries of cinematography, they are ensuring that the Nigerian music industry remains not just a cultural movement, but a sustainable economic powerhouse.

Source: Data and rankings via Nairalytics.

Written By Adesina Kasali

Dangote Urges African Entrepreneurs to ‘Invest At Home’ to Attract Global Capital

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Dangote Urges African Entrepreneurs to ‘Invest At Home’ to Attract Global Capital

OWERRI, Imo State—Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has issued a powerful challenge to entrepreneurs across the continent, urging them to prioritize local investment as the essential catalyst for attracting foreign capital.

Speaking on Thursday at the Imo State Economic Summit 2025 in Owerri, Dangote emphasized that African investors must lead by example before the global investment community will take the continent seriously.

Domestic Investment as the Foreign Magnet

Dangote stressed that the responsibility for Africa’s development rests squarely on the shoulders of its own business leaders. He affirmed that foreign investors use domestic commitment as the key metric for confidence.

“Our job is to keep investing at home. If we don’t invest at home, there is nobody on earth that will come and invest here. What attracts foreign investors is the domestic investment, and that’s what we are doing.”

— Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group

The billionaire referenced his own commitment, noting that when questioned by CNN about his decision to double the capacity of the Dangote Refinery, he responded, “I don’t have anywhere else to go and invest but at home. When I say at home, I mean Nigeria and Africa.”

He further pointed out that Africa holds about 30 per cent of the world’s mineral resources, cautioning that local leaders must act decisively to develop these assets or risk losing the opportunities to external interests.

Commendation for Tinubu’s Bold Policies

Dangote used the platform to commend the bold economic reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu, stating that the policies are already starting to show positive results and have created a favourable environment for investment.

He specifically praised key structural changes:

  • The removal of the fuel subsidy.

  • The exchange rate reforms (unification of the Naira).

  • Other decisive policy shifts that provide the clarity and stability necessary for long-term business planning.

Comparing the Nigerian economy to a lottery ticket, Dangote said, “Nigeria is like a scratch card. You only see the good of it when you scratch the card. Some of us who have scratched the card are seeing the results.”

The industrialist also reaffirmed his group’s commitment to new ventures, assuring the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, that the Dangote Group is ready to become one of the state’s biggest investors, especially in the fertilizer sector, with plans to become the world’s number one fertilizer producer by 2028.

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