Tag: Nigeria

February 2026 is shaping up to be a month of excitement for Nollywood fans. From heartfelt romance to powerful real-life stories, this month promises films that will entertain, inspire, and spark conversations. Here’s a look at the top three confirmed Nollywood releases you should not miss.

To Adaego With Love

Release Date: February 6, 2026

Genre: Romance / Period Drama

“To Adaego With Love” is one of the most anticipated Nollywood films of the year. Set in post-Civil War Nigeria (1975), the movie tells the story of a soldier and a school teacher from rival communities who fall in love against the backdrop of a society healing from conflict.

The film stars Chisom Agoawuike, Adam Garba, Chioma Chukwuka, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, and includes one of the final screen appearances of the late Onyeka Onwenu, adding a layer of historical and emotional significance. The movie is a perfect mix of romance, drama, and Nigerian history, making it both entertaining and culturally rich.

Viewers can expect a story of forgiveness, unity, and the power of love that transcends barriers. For lovers of romantic dramas with emotional depth, this is a film not to miss.

Love & New Notes

Release Date: February 13, 2026

Genre: Romance / Contemporary Drama

If you are looking for a light, modern romance, “Love & New Notes” is the perfect choice for Valentine’s season. Directed by Kayode Kasum and starring Timini Egbuson, the movie captures the humour, heartbreak, and charm of modern Lagos love stories.

The story combines witty dialogues, relatable relationship moments, and a cast that includes Odunlade Adekola, Eniola Badmus, and Sophie Alakija. Its Valentine’s release date positions it as the go to movie for couples and young adults looking for entertainment that reflects contemporary Nigerian love and life.

For anyone who enjoys romantic comedies with heart and strong performances, this film is set to be a standout of the month.

Mothers of Chibok

Release Date: February 27, 2026

Genre: Documentary / Social Issue

“Mothers of Chibok” is more than just a movie; it is a documentary that tells one of Nigeria’s most important stories. The film focuses on the mothers of the Chibok school girls abducted in 2014, sharing their stories of resilience, courage, and hope.

Directed by Kachi Benson, the documentary is a moving exploration of the human spirit and a reminder of the power of persistence in the face of adversity. It highlights how ordinary people can display extraordinary strength and determination.

This film is ideal for viewers who are drawn to stories that matter, films that educate, and narratives that inspire social awareness and empathy.

From historical romances to contemporary love stories and documentaries that touch the heart, February 2026 offers a diverse Nollywood lineup. Whether you’re a fan of love stories, historical dramas, or real-life social issues, these three films promise to deliver unforgettable experiences on the big screen.

Nigerian international Frank Onyeka has officially joined Coventry City on loan from Premier League side Brentford, marking a keen move for both the player and the Championship club. The loan deal runs until the end of the 2025/26 season, with an obligation for Coventry to make the move permanent if they secure promotion to the Premier League.

The midfielder, who has been a consistent presence in Brentford’s Premier League campaigns, expressed excitement about the new challenge. Frank Onyeka stated he is fully focused on giving 100% to help Coventry achieve promotion, bringing his experience and midfield versatility to a team looking to return to the English top flight.

For Frank Onyeka, this move represents an opportunity to play under Frank Lampard, gaining tactical guidance while taking a central role in Coventry’s midfield. Many football analysts see the loan as a smart step for the 25-year-old, giving him a platform to showcase his abilities and potentially secure a permanent move in the near future.

Social media reactions to his arrival have been a mix of excitement and curiosity. Fans of the club have praised the club for securing an experienced Premier League midfielder, with many noting that his addition strengthens Coventry’s promotion push.

One supporter wrote, “A smart loan move, playing under Lampard gives him guidance and a platform to shine in the Championship.” Another added, “Our new man. Welcome, Frank!”

However, some reactions showed surprise, with a few questioning the transfer decision. One fan tweeted, “Frank Onyeka to Coventry City. How?” reflecting the uncertainty some feel about him leaving the Premier League.

Coventry City have been active in the transfer market, and Onyeka’s arrival demonstrates their intent to compete at the top of the Championship. His combination of defensive stability and attacking drive will be crucial as the team seeks promotion. Lampard’s confidence in Onyeka signals that he will be integral to Coventry’s season ambitions.

Since joining Brentford, Frank Onyeka has developed into one of Nigeria’s promising midfield talents, earning caps for the national team and gaining Premier League experience. This loan provides him with a fresh challenge and the chance to lead a team striving for success in England’s second tier.

As Coventry City chase promotion, all eyes will be on Onyeka to see how quickly he adapts to the Championship. With his skill set and work ethic, the Nigerian midfielder has the potential to make a decisive impact this season, both for the club and his own career trajectory.

Currency strength is often misunderstood in Africa. A strong currency doesn’t necessarily mean a country is richer or more developed; it simply reflects how much value one unit of a currency holds against the U.S. dollar.

Using that measure, here’s a breakdown of Africa’s 10 strongest currencies as of January 2026, why they rank so highly, and why Nigeria’s naira is notably absent from the list.

1. Tunisian Dinar (TND) — Tunisia

The Tunisian dinar remains Africa’s strongest currency by exchange value, trading at under 3 dinars to the dollar. Its strength is largely driven by strict currency controls, which tightly regulate access to foreign exchange and limit speculation. While Tunisia faces economic challenges, the central bank’s tight grip on the dinar has helped preserve its nominal value, even when broader economic indicators suggest fragility.

2. Libyan Dinar (LYD) — Libya

Despite years of political instability, the Libyan dinar continues to rank among Africa’s strongest currencies. Libya’s oil-driven foreign exchange inflows play a major role here, providing the central bank with dollar liquidity to support the currency. Like Tunisia, Libya operates a managed FX system, meaning the dinar’s strength is less about market confidence and more about controlled supply.

3. Moroccan Dirham (MAD) — Morocco

Morocco’s dirham reflects a more balanced story. Backed by a diversified economy; spanning manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, and exports to Europe, the dirham benefits from relative macroeconomic stability. Morocco has gradually liberalized its exchange regime without allowing sharp volatility, helping the dirham maintain steady strength against the dollar.

4. Ghanaian Cedi (GHS) — Ghana

Ghana’s presence in the top four is notable given its recent debt restructuring and IMF-backed reforms. The cedi’s ranking reflects currency redenomination history and monetary restructuring, rather than pure economic dominance. While the cedi has experienced sharp swings in recent years, policy tightening and external support have helped stabilize its nominal value enough to keep it among Africa’s strongest by unit value.

5. Botswana Pula (BWP) — Botswana

Botswana’s pula is one of Africa’s most respected currencies, supported by strong institutions, prudent fiscal management, and diamond exports. The country’s conservative monetary policy and low public debt have made the pula relatively stable over time. Unlike many peers, Botswana has avoided extreme FX volatility, reinforcing confidence in its currency.

6. Seychellois Rupee (SCR) — Seychelles

Seychelles’ rupee ranks high largely due to the country’s tourism-driven foreign exchange earnings. With tourism accounting for a significant share of GDP, steady inflows of dollars and euros help support the rupee. While the economy is small, its openness and reliance on foreign visitors give the currency a consistent FX lifeline.

7. Eritrean Nakfa (ERN) — Eritrea

The Eritrean nakfa’s strength is almost entirely policy-driven. Eritrea operates one of Africa’s most tightly controlled economies, with fixed exchange mechanisms and limited currency convertibility. As a result, the nakfa’s nominal value remains high; though this does not necessarily reflect market demand or economic openness.

8. South African Rand (ZAR) — South Africa

Africa’s most traded currency, the rand earns its place through deep financial markets and global liquidity, not tight controls. While the rand is volatile and sensitive to global risk sentiment, South Africa’s advanced banking system, capital markets, and export base help prevent extreme devaluation compared to many peers.

9. Lesotho Loti (LSL) — Lesotho

The Lesotho loti is pegged one to one with the South African rand, meaning it mirrors the rand’s movements almost exactly. Its ranking here is therefore less about Lesotho’s domestic economy and more about its monetary union with South Africa, which provides currency stability and predictability.

10. Namibian Dollar (NAD) — Namibia

Like Lesotho, Namibia’s dollar is also pegged to the South African rand, ensuring parity in value. This peg helps Namibia maintain currency stability, benefit from South Africa’s financial infrastructure, and avoid the FX shocks seen in more isolated economies.

Where Is Nigeria’s Naira?

Nigeria’s naira does not feature anywhere near Africa’s strongest currencies list.

As of late 2025 and early 2026, the naira traded around ₦1,400–₦1,500 to the U.S. dollar, placing it among the weaker currencies on the continent by exchange value.

Nigeria’s currency struggles reflect structural FX challenges, not economic irrelevance. Persistent dollar shortages, high inflation, heavy import dependence, and long-standing FX market distortions have weighed heavily on the naira. While recent reforms have improved transparency and reduced volatility, they haven’t yet translated into a stronger nominal exchange rate.

Some of Africa’s strongest currencies exist in tightly controlled or small economies. Meanwhile, larger economies like Nigeria and Egypt operate weaker currencies shaped by market forces, trade deficits, and reform cycles.

Veteran Nollywood actor and filmmaker Prince Jide Kosoko has been formally declared the Oloja of Lagos-elect, marking a major development in the long-running succession process for one of Lagos State’s most historic traditional stools.

The declaration was made on Tuesday, January 28, 2026, by the King Kosoko Royal Family at the King Kosoko Palace in Ereko, Lagos Island, during a traditional gathering attended by royal family members, elders, and supporters.

The stool of the Oloja of Lagos has remained vacant since the death of Chief Adebola Ige in December 2017, creating years of uncertainty and internal deliberations within the Kosoko royal lineage.

At the palace ceremony, Mrs. Mutiat Ali-Balogun, the Olori Ebi General of the King Kosoko Royal Family, officially presented Jide Kosoko as the Oloja-elect in line with established palace customs. She was joined by Mrs. Oyindamola Ayepola, Deputy Olori Ebi General and head of the Meshimo Ruling House, reinforcing the family’s position on the succession.

The Oloja of Lagos is a significant traditional title within the Kosoko dynasty, historically linked to leadership, cultural preservation, and community representation in Lagos (Eko). The role carries symbolic and cultural authority, rooted in pre-colonial Lagos history.

While the declaration establishes Kosoko as Oloja-elect, it does not yet amount to a full installation.

Customary procedure requires that the Oloja-elect be formally installed and capped by the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, before assuming the full status of the title. As of now, no official date has been announced for this final stage of the process.

Until that ceremony takes place, Kosoko’s status remains elect, pending completion of traditional rites.

Prince Jide Kosoko is not only a member of the Kosoko royal family but also one of Nigeria’s most respected cultural figures. He began acting in the 1960s and has appeared in hundreds of Yoruba and English-language films, earning recognition as one of Nollywood’s longest-serving actors.

His emergence as Oloja-elect places a prominent public figure at the center of Lagos’s traditional leadership discourse, blending cultural heritage with contemporary relevance.

It is important to note that succession within the Kosoko royal family has not been entirely without contention. Other branches of the family have, in previous years, supported alternative candidates and petitioned relevant authorities for recognition.

These parallel claims highlight the complexity of traditional succession in Lagos, where family lineage, customary law, and state recognition often intersect.

Nigeria’s fintech sector has entered a new phase.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has officially upgraded the operating licences of several leading fintech companies and microfinance banks, including Opay, Moniepoint, Kuda Bank, PalmPay and Paga, granting them national operating status. While the announcement may appear administrative on the surface, it represents a significant shift in how Nigeria’s financial regulators now view fintechs no longer as peripheral disruptors, but as core players in the country’s financial system.

For years, these platforms have operated far beyond the limits of their original licences. Through mobile apps and vast agent networks, they already serve customers across all 36 states, powering everyday payments, savings, and business transactions. The CBN’s decision essentially aligns regulation with reality, formally recognising the nationwide reach these companies have long maintained.

By granting national status, the apex bank is also tightening oversight. Fintechs and microfinance banks at this level are subject to stronger regulatory requirements, including higher capital thresholds, more robust risk management standards, and stricter reporting obligations. The move is designed to reduce regulatory gaps as fintechs grow larger, handle more deposits, and play an increasingly important role in the financial lives of millions of Nigerians.

Consumer protection sits at the heart of this upgrade. Digital finance is no longer a convenience add-on; for many Nigerians, fintech apps are their primary banking tools. As usage grows, so do expectations around service reliability, dispute resolution, and data protection. National licensing gives the CBN clearer authority to enforce standards that safeguard users and promote system stability.

The decision also carries implications beyond regulation. Despite being digital-first, nationally licensed institutions are expected to maintain a physical presence in key locations. This could improve access to in-person support, particularly for users in informal sectors or regions where digital literacy and connectivity remain uneven. For small businesses and merchants who depend on platforms like Moniepoint and Opay for daily operations, the upgrade adds a layer of reassurance around continuity and accountability.

Agent banking, a major driver of financial inclusion in Nigeria, stands to benefit as well. With clearer national oversight, agent networks may become more structured and standardised, strengthening trust between fintech operators, agents, and the communities they serve.

More broadly, the CBN’s action signals a maturing financial ecosystem. The traditional divide between banks and fintechs continues to narrow as digital platforms expand into savings, lending, and business banking, while conventional banks deepen their digital offerings. By elevating fintechs to national status, regulators are acknowledging this convergence while reinforcing the need for responsibility at scale.

For users, the shift may come with gradual changes; updated policies, tighter verification processes, and clearer complaint channels. While regulation cannot eliminate all risks, it creates a stronger framework within which innovation and consumer protection can coexist.

Ultimately, the CBN’s upgrade of Opay, Moniepoint, Kuda, PalmPay, Paga and other financial institutions is more than a licence adjustment. It is a clear statement about the future of finance in Nigeria, one where fintechs are firmly embedded in the national system, innovation is balanced with accountability, and digital banking is treated as essential infrastructure rather than an experiment.

Nigeria’s Federal Government has pushed ahead with the rollout of genetically modified (GM) cotton seeds, launching two new varieties; Mahyco C567 BGII and Mahyco C571 BGII despite lingering backlash and the mixed performance of earlier GMO cotton initiatives.

The move signals a renewed commitment to biotechnology as a solution to Nigeria’s struggling cotton and textile industry, even as farmers, civil society groups and environmental advocates continue to question its long-term impact.

The new GM cotton varieties were unveiled through the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) in partnership with Mahyco Nigeria. According to officials, both Mahyco C567 BGII and C571 BGII are engineered with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) technology, designed to protect cotton plants against bollworm infestations, one of the crop’s most destructive pests.

Government representatives say the seeds are capable of delivering significantly higher yields, estimating production levels of 3.5 to 4.4 tonnes per hectare, compared to Nigeria’s current average of under 1.5 tonnes per hectare using conventional cotton varieties.

Other promised benefits include:

• Reduced pesticide use
• Lower production costs
• Improved fibre quality for textile manufacturing

Officials argue that widespread adoption could help revive dormant ginneries, support local textile mills and create jobs across the cotton value chain.

Nigeria’s renewed push for GM cotton comes against the backdrop of earlier GMO trials that failed to meet expectations.

In 2018, Nigeria approved commercial cultivation of Bt cotton, also developed by Mahyco. At the time, the seeds were promoted as a breakthrough that would transform cotton farming. However, several years later, industry stakeholders reported that yields remained low and that farmers saw limited economic improvement.

Critics argue that the government’s current approach risks repeating past mistakes by focusing heavily on seed technology while ignoring structural problems.

Beyond performance issues, the new GM cotton rollout has reignited broader debates around genetically modified organisms in Nigeria.

Civil society organisations and environmental groups have raised concerns about: Farmer dependence on proprietary seeds that cannot be replanted, Long-term environmental and biodiversity risks, Transparency in biosafety approvals and Insufficient independent impact assessments.

Some advocacy groups have called on lawmakers to suspend or restrict GMO approvals until stronger regulatory safeguards and long-term studies are made public.

The government, however, maintains that the seeds have passed biosafety reviews and insists that biotechnology is essential to achieving food security and agricultural competitiveness.

Nigeria once had a thriving cotton sector that supported a robust textile industry. Today, most textile mills operate far below capacity, while cotton production remains fragmented and underfunded.

The introduction of Mahyco C567 BGII and C571 BGII represents another attempt to reverse that decline. Whether these new varieties will deliver better results than earlier GMO cotton and whether farmers will see sustainable gains remains uncertain.

For now, Nigeria’s cotton revival strategy rests once again on genetically modified seeds, even as the debate over their effectiveness, safety and long-term impact continues.

Nigeria develops two new improved cotton seed varieties pic.twitter.com/A2RovSEjDi

— Africa Independent Television (@AIT_Online) January 25, 2026

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has officially commenced enforcement of the long-standing ban on sachet alcohol and alcoholic beverages packaged in PET bottles below 200 ml across Nigeria.

The move marks the end of a multi-year grace period given to manufacturers and distributors and signals a decisive regulatory shift aimed at addressing growing public health and youth safety concerns.

The sachet alcohol ban was first introduced in 2018 following consultations between NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and industry stakeholders.

At the time, regulators cited the widespread availability of high-alcohol products in small, inexpensive packaging as a major risk factor for underage drinking, alcohol abuse, and unsafe consumption habits.

Manufacturers were initially granted a phase-out period, which was later extended multiple times. The final deadline for compliance was set for December 31, 2025, after which full enforcement was mandated.

Earlier this year, the Nigerian Senate directed NAFDAC to proceed with enforcement nationwide, ruling out any further extensions.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye confirmed that the agency has begun coordinated enforcement actions to halt the production, distribution, and sale of sachet alcohol and sub-200 ml PET-packaged alcoholic drinks.

According to NAFDAC, some of the banned products previously contained extremely high alcohol concentrations, in some cases exceeding levels considered safe for responsible consumption.

Public health advocates have largely welcomed the enforcement, arguing that sachet alcohol’s affordability and portability made it particularly appealing to minors and vulnerable groups.

However, industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the economic impact, warning that the ban could affect small-scale manufacturers, distributors, and retailers who rely heavily on sachet sales.

Some industry groups have also cautioned that enforcement without sufficient consumer education could drive demand toward unregulated or illicit alcohol products, a risk NAFDAC says it is monitoring closely.

NAFDAC has reiterated its commitment to public awareness campaigns while urging manufacturers and sellers to comply fully with the law.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a sweeping, industry-wide offensive against the growing threat of digital fraud, introducing new measures aimed at slashing fraud response times across Nigeria’s financial system to under 30 minutes.

The initiative was unveiled at the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) Technical Kick-Off Session, bringing together regulators, commercial banks, fintech firms, payment service providers, and law enforcement agencies in a coordinated push to strengthen fraud prevention and response mechanisms nationwide.

At the heart of the new framework is speed. The CBN has directed financial institutions to significantly shorten the time it takes to detect, escalate, and respond to fraud incidents, warning that delays allow criminals to move stolen funds across multiple platforms before recovery efforts begin.

By enforcing a sub-30-minute response window, the apex bank aims to improve recovery rates, limit customer losses, and reduce systemic risk within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital payments ecosystem.

The initiative emphasizes deep collaboration across the financial ecosystem, requiring banks, fintechs, and payment processors to break down operational silos and share intelligence in real time. According to the CBN, coordinated monitoring and joint response protocols are now critical as fraud schemes become more sophisticated and cross-platform.

Stakeholders are also expected to align their internal systems with shared industry standards for fraud detection, reporting, and escalation.

Nigeria’s digital economy has expanded rapidly, driven by mobile banking, instant transfers, and fintech adoption. While recent reports indicate a moderation in electronic fraud cases, the CBN has stressed that cybercriminals continue to evolve, making proactive regulation and faster intervention essential.

The regulator reaffirmed its commitment to stronger identity verification frameworks, including the continued integration of Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and National Identification Numbers (NIN), alongside advanced analytics and real-time transaction monitoring tools.

CBN officials signaled that compliance with the new response-time benchmark will be closely monitored. Banks and payment service providers are expected to invest in robust fraud prevention infrastructure and staff capacity to meet the regulator’s expectations.

The move reflects a firmer regulatory stance as the CBN seeks to protect consumer confidence, strengthen financial stability, and support long-term growth in Nigeria’s digital financial services sector.

By framing digital fraud as a collective industry challenge, the CBN’s latest initiative marks a strategic shift in how Nigeria confronts financial crime. If fully implemented, the sub-30-minute response target could redefine fraud management standards and significantly weaken the operating space for digital fraudsters.

In a historic moment for the global digital community, IShowSpeed (Darren Jason Watkins Jr.) has officially surpassed 50 million subscribers on YouTube and he did it live on his 21st birthday while streaming from Nigeria. The milestone marks a defining moment not only for Speed’s career but also for Black creators on the platform.

Fans from around the world watched as the YouTube subscriber counter ticked past 50 million during his Africa tour livestream. Nigeria, one of the stops on his “Speed Does Africa” tour, became the backdrop for what many are calling a landmark achievement for Black creators in YouTube history. Social media exploded as viewers celebrated both his birthday and the historic milestone.

Social media reports confirms that IShowSpeed’s main channel now officially stands at 50,000,000 subscribers, cementing him as a true digital powerhouse.

One of the standout moments from Speed’s time in Nigeria was his verdict on Nigerian jollof rice live on stream, he declared Nigerian jollof the best he’d had so far in comparison with Senegalese jollof, a declaration that delighted viewers and reignited the long‑standing West African jollof debate. 

Social posts from fans also echoed that sentiment, noting how the streamer reacted to the spiciness and flavour of local dishes during his livestream in Lagos. 

Real‑time posts on community forums show Nigerians celebrating his presence, reacting positively to his content, and noting that he’s actively absorbing cultural experiences rather than just passing through. Many locals highlighted how he engages with audiences and talks about Nigerian culture to his millions of viewers live on stream. 

The ongoing stream content indicates that Speed has been interacting with his surroundings, food, and local energy in Lagos; typical of how he’s been doing in other countries on the tour. 

This milestone is more than just numbers; it’s a statement about the power of youth, global audiences, and cultural representation in the digital space. 

Nigeria is emerging as one of the world’s most active users of artificial intelligence, according to a new Google-Ipsos study. The report reveals that 88% of Nigerian adults have used an AI chatbot, placing the country far ahead of the global average of 62%.

Titled Our Life with AI: Helpfulness in the Hands of More People, the study highlights how Nigerians are already integrating AI into education, work, and income-generating activities not as a future concept, but as a practical everyday tool.

The data positions Nigeria among the highest adopters of AI chat tools globally, with usage rising sharply over the past year. Google notes that chatbot adoption in Nigeria increased by 18 percentage points, a growth rate that outpaces most regions surveyed.

This level of engagement suggests that AI tools are no longer niche technologies in Nigeria. Instead, they are becoming mainstream digital utilities, used across age groups and professional backgrounds.

One of the strongest use cases identified in the report is learning.

According to the survey: 93% of Nigerians use AI to learn or understand complex topics, compared to a global average of 74%.

Students, professionals, and self-learners are increasingly turning to AI chatbots to:

• Break down difficult subjects
• Explain concepts in simpler terms
• Support exam preparation and research
• Learn new digital and professional skills

Beyond education, AI is playing a growing role in workplace productivity.

The report shows that: 91% of Nigerian respondents use AI to assist with work tasks

These tasks range from:

• Writing and editing content
• Research and information gathering
• Planning and organising projects
• Brainstorming ideas and presentations

Perhaps most notably, the report highlights AI’s role in entrepreneurship and side hustles, a critical part of Nigeria’s economy.

Google’s findings reveal that: 80% of Nigerians use AI to explore business ideas or career opportunities, nearly double the global average of 42%.

In a country where many people combine multiple income sources, AI is becoming a low-cost tool for experimentation and growth.