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FCMB Group Clarifies Capital-Raise Limit Increase Is Regulatory Compliance, Not New Fundraising

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Lagos, Nigeria – FCMB Group Plc has clarified that its recent decision to raise the ceiling of its capital-raising authority from ₦340 billion to ₦400 billion is a regulatory compliance measure and does not signify a new fundraising initiative.

The clarification follows an addendum issued by the company on November 21, 2025, which amended Resolution 1 of its Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) notice originally published on November 15. The EGM notice had earlier drawn attention after being reported by Nairametrics.

In the addendum, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Adedibu, Company Secretary of FCMB Group, emphasized: “Please note that this resolution supersedes Resolution 1 in the earlier published notice of extraordinary general meeting.” She explained that the adjustment in the capital-raise ceiling was prompted by revised regulatory expectations communicated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Under the amended resolution, the company’s Board of Directors is now authorized to raise capital up to ₦400 billion, or its equivalent in any other currency. The resolution allows the Board to utilize a range of instruments, including shares, notes, bonds, or other approved capital instruments, both locally and internationally, as deemed appropriate and in line with regulatory approvals.

FCMB Group stressed that the adjustment is purely a pre-emptive regulatory alignment and should not be interpreted as an imminent issuance of securities or a capital-raising exercise. The company reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining compliance with CBN directives while ensuring financial flexibility for strategic growth.

📷 FCMB Group Plc Corporate Communications

Nigerian Army Releases List of Successful Candidates for SSCC Course 49/2026

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Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Army (NA) has officially published the list of successful candidates for the Short Service Combatant Commission (SSCC) Course 49/2026 Selection Board, according to a statement issued by the Military Secretary of the Army.

Successful applicants are required to report to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Ribadu Campus, Old Site, Kaduna State, on December 1, 2025. Candidates are advised to arrive in Kaduna a day earlier, on November 30, 2025, and report to the Selection Board venue between 6:00 am and 11:00 am on December 1.

The official announcement emphasized that the full list of shortlisted candidates is accessible via the Nigerian Army recruitment portal at https://recruitment.army.mil.ng.

This selection forms part of the Army’s ongoing effort to recruit highly qualified personnel into the Short Service Combatant Commission, providing opportunities for individuals to serve in key operational roles within the Nigerian military.

Candidates and interested members of the public are encouraged to verify their status and follow the stated reporting schedule to ensure smooth participation in the course.

📷 Nigerian Army Recruitment Unit

CBN Issues New Directive on Minimum Paid-Up Capital for Banks and Financial Holding Companies

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Abuja, Nigeria – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a fresh directive providing clarity on the computation of minimum paid-up capital for banks and Financial Holding Companies, following weeks of uncertainty that delayed the release of some lenders’ half-year and nine-month financial results.

In a circular dated November 14, 2025, the apex bank stipulated that the minimum paid-up capital referenced under Section 7.1 of the 2014 Guidelines for Licensing and Regulation of Financial Holding Companies must be calculated strictly as the par value of issued shares plus any share premium arising from issuance.

The CBN emphasized that this clarification takes immediate effect and supersedes all previous interpretations, ensuring uniform application across the banking sector. The move is expected to provide regulatory certainty for financial institutions and facilitate the timely reporting of their earnings.

Industry analysts note that the directive underscores the CBN’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, transparency, and capital adequacy within the Nigerian banking system, while aligning regulatory practices with established international standards.

Banks and financial holding companies are advised to review their capital structures in line with the directive to ensure full compliance.

📷 Central Bank of Nigeria Official Communications

NNPC Limited Posts ₦5.4 Trillion Profit After Tax, Revenue Hits ₦45.1 Trillion in 2024

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Abuja, Nigeria – NNPC Limited has reported a profit after tax of ₦5.4 trillion for the 2024 financial year, alongside a revenue increase to ₦45.1 trillion, reflecting robust operational performance and growth across its core business segments.

During the company’s recent earnings call, executives highlighted that the results demonstrate significant year-on-year improvements, driven by stronger upstream and downstream operations, increased crude sales, and enhanced operational efficiencies.

The report underscores the company’s ability to sustain profitability despite global oil market volatility and domestic energy sector challenges. Analysts note that the performance reinforces NNPC Limited’s role as a key contributor to Nigeria’s fiscal revenues and the broader economy.

NNPC management indicated that the focus for the coming year will include continued optimization of production, expansion of strategic investments, and strengthening operational transparency to maintain growth momentum.

📷 NNPC Limited Corporate Communications

Africa Is No Monolith: Crafting Tech Solutions That Truly Fit the Market

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Africa’s technology landscape is often discussed as a single, homogenous market, yet this perception obscures the continent’s staggering diversity in culture, infrastructure, and consumer needs. With over 1.4 billion people across 54 countries, each with distinct languages, regulatory frameworks, economic realities, and technological adoption rates, building effective tech solutions requires far more than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Tech entrepreneurs and investors are increasingly recognizing that successful products must be hyper-localized. What works in Lagos may not work in Nairobi; what resonates with consumers in Cape Town may be irrelevant in Accra. Factors such as internet connectivity, mobile payment adoption, language preferences, and local business practices all shape how technology is designed, deployed, and scaled.

Take mobile financial services, for example. While Kenya’s M-Pesa succeeded by leveraging widespread mobile penetration and existing informal banking practices, attempts to replicate the model in other countries have required significant adjustments to align with local user behavior and regulatory conditions. Similarly, e-commerce platforms that thrive in Nigeria must navigate logistics, infrastructure, and payment systems that differ markedly from South Africa or Morocco.

Successful African tech companies increasingly embed user-centered design principles, engaging directly with communities to understand pain points and adapt solutions. This approach not only improves adoption but also ensures sustainability, as technologies evolve alongside the social and economic realities of their target markets.

Investors and developers are also recognizing that partnerships with local stakeholders—including governments, telecom operators, and small businesses—can accelerate adoption and reduce operational friction. Tailoring solutions to local contexts, rather than simply transplanting foreign models, has become a cornerstone of scaling tech in Africa.

Ultimately, the lesson is clear: Africa is no monolith. To unlock the continent’s vast potential, tech innovators must respect its complexity, designing products that respond to local realities while remaining flexible enough to adapt across regions. Those who succeed are not just building technology—they are shaping the future of African markets on African terms.

📷 Illustration: African tech ecosystem with diverse markets and digital innovation hubs

Snapchat Introduces Age Verification in Australia Ahead of Under-16 Social Media Ban

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Sydney, Australia – Snapchat has begun implementing age verification measures for its Australian users as the country prepares to enforce a government-mandated social media ban for individuals under 16, set to take effect on December 10, 2025.

The new verification process allows users to confirm their age through one of three methods: linking a bank account, submitting a government-issued ID, or using facial recognition technology. Accounts found to belong to users under the age of 16 will be automatically locked once the law comes into force, restricting access to the platform.

Australian regulators have introduced the legislation as part of broader efforts to protect minors from potential online harms, including exposure to inappropriate content and online exploitation. Social media platforms operating in the country are required to comply with these measures or face penalties.

Snapchat’s rollout follows similar actions by other global platforms seeking to align with local digital safety laws, reflecting a growing trend of age-specific restrictions and verification protocols worldwide.

The company has urged users to complete the verification process ahead of the December deadline to avoid account disruptions, while emphasizing that data submitted for verification will be handled securely in accordance with privacy regulations.

📷 Snapchat Australia / Regulatory Compliance Team

United States Removes 15% Tariff on Ghanaian Cocoa and Agricultural Exports

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Accra, Ghana – The United States has officially lifted the 15% tariff on Ghana’s cocoa and other agricultural exports, reversing a policy that had previously increased costs for Ghanaian produce in the U.S. market. The tariff removal took effect on November 13, 2025, according to Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister confirmed that the policy change is expected to significantly enhance the country’s cocoa export revenue, potentially adding millions of dollars to annual earnings. Analysts estimate that the adjustment could contribute to an increase of up to $60 million annually, benefiting cocoa farmers and the broader agricultural sector.

The move also marks a positive development in U.S.–Ghana trade relations, reinforcing bilateral cooperation in agriculture and signaling a commitment to facilitating fair trade practices. Observers note that this policy shift may also pave the way for further collaboration in areas such as investment, technology transfer, and agricultural development.

For Ghanaian exporters, the removal of the tariff is anticipated to improve market competitiveness in the U.S., making cocoa and other agricultural commodities more accessible to American buyers while supporting the livelihoods of farmers across the country.

📷 Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Trade and Export Division

Nigeria Engages Chinese Delegation to Boost Road Sector Through Technology and Capacity Development

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Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government of Nigeria has commenced discussions with a Chinese delegation from CGGC Global aimed at strengthening collaboration in capacity building, equipment support, and technology transfer within the country’s road infrastructure sector.

At a meeting in Abuja, Works Minister of State Bello Goronyo emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing road construction and maintenance practices. He outlined plans to provide enhanced training programs for engineers and technical staff, deploy improved road maintenance equipment, and adopt modern construction techniques aligned with international standards.

The discussions reflect Nigeria’s broader strategy to leverage foreign expertise to accelerate infrastructure development while fostering local technical capacity. Officials noted that partnerships with companies like CGGC Global could help reduce project costs, improve road durability, and ensure timely delivery of critical transport projects.

CGGC Global representatives expressed readiness to support Nigeria’s road sector through knowledge transfer, advanced machinery, and technical assistance, highlighting the potential for long-term collaboration that benefits both countries.

The talks are expected to culminate in concrete agreements that will enhance the efficiency and quality of Nigeria’s road networks, strengthen local capacity, and create opportunities for skills development across the construction and engineering workforce.

📷 Federal Ministry of Works & Housing / CGGC Global

Olivia Yacé Steps Down as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania Days After Bangkok Coronation

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Olivia Yacé, who represented Côte d’Ivoire at Miss Universe 2025 and was recently named Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, has announced her resignation from the continental title only days after the coronation held in Bangkok.

Olivia Yacé Steps Down as Miss Universe Africa and Oceania Days After Bangkok Coronation

Her decision was disclosed in an official statement in which she explained that the choice was rooted in personal principles she considers essential to her public life and professional conduct. She cited respect, dignity, excellence and equal opportunity as values she intends to protect as she plans her next steps.

Yacé’s withdrawal marks an unexpected development in the aftermath of the global pageant, where she had been celebrated as one of the leading finalists. Her statement did not outline further details regarding the circumstances surrounding her departure, but it made clear that the decision was deliberate and aligned with her long-standing commitments.

Pageant officials in Côte d’Ivoire are expected to release additional guidance on the transition process and the implications for regional representation within the Miss Universe organisation.

Ogun State Moves to Prosecute DJ Chicken Over Multiple Road Accidents

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Ogun State, Nigeria – 24 November 2025 — The Ogun State Ministry of Justice has announced that it is fast-tracking legal action against Ademola Abiodun, popularly known as DJ Chicken, following a series of road traffic incidents that have raised public safety concerns.

The move comes after multiple crashes involving Mr. Abiodun, including a serious accident on 1 November 2025 in Sagamu, Ogun State. On that day, Mr. Abiodun collided with two motorcycles, leaving a rider and a female passenger with significant injuries. Reports indicate that he attempted to leave the scene without rendering assistance, prompting passersby to intervene until law enforcement arrived. The Ogun State Police Command launched an investigation, ensuring that medical care and privacy for the victims were prioritized.

Concerns escalated on 23 November 2025, when Mr. Abiodun was involved in another vehicle crash in Lekki, Lagos State. Although no injuries were reported, the lone-car incident narrowly missed pedestrians, who only avoided harm due to quick reflexes. Authorities note that this marks at least the third documented accident involving Mr. Abiodun in the last two months. Video footage of at least two of the crashes has circulated widely, showing the reckless nature of his driving.

In a statement, the Ministry emphasized that while civil remedies such as compensation for accident victims are possible, some road users present such a clear danger to public safety that criminal intervention is necessary. “Mr. Abiodun’s repeated disregard for road safety, including returning to the wheel only three weeks after a serious crash, makes it imperative for the State to act to protect the public,” the statement read.

Accordingly, the Attorney-General and Honourable Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, SAN, has directed that relevant officers expedite proceedings on the pending Sagamu crash case for prompt arraignment. The Office of the Attorney-General is coordinating closely with the Ogun State Police Command to ensure swift and thorough legal action.

The State Ministry of Justice reaffirmed its commitment to public safety, warning that reckless driving will not be tolerated and that individuals who endanger lives on the roads will be held fully accountable under the law.