Business
NCC Targets Broadband Gaps in Plateau
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has renewed its commitment to expanding broadband access to underserved communities in Plateau State, as part of a broader national push to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide and accelerate inclusive economic growth.
The Commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, March 26, 2026, in Abuja by its Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, following a high-level engagement between its Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, and Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang in Jos.
Makama described Plateau as a “strategic and indispensable partner” in Nigeria’s national broadband plan, citing its expanding innovation ecosystem, strong educational institutions, and youthful population as key enablers of digital growth.
Despite these advantages, she noted that significant connectivity gaps persist across rural Local Government Areas, limiting access to digital services, education, and economic opportunities.
“Many communities remain excluded from the digital economy that could transform livelihoods. Bridging that divide is a shared responsibility, and the NCC is ready to play its part,” she said.
Makama emphasised that the Commission is working to align its regulatory tools with Plateau’s development priorities, particularly through support for the Right of Way policy and the deployment of the Universal Service Provision Fund to reach unserved areas.
In response, Governor Mutfwang welcomed the initiative and called for a shift from policy commitments to measurable outcomes, highlighting ongoing collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to establish an innovation hub and drive digital growth in the state.
BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—More than 700 employees of AXA Mansard have participated in a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at combating child abuse and gender-based violence, reinforcing the company’s commitment to protecting vulnerable members of society.
The initiative, held across Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, formed part of the 2026 AXA Week for Good, the company’s global employee volunteering programme under AXA Hearts in Action, which encourages staff to support social causes through community service.
This year’s campaign, themed “Being a Child Shouldn’t Be a Risk,” focused on raising awareness about the prevention, identification and reporting of domestic and sexual violence affecting children and women.
As part of the outreach, employee volunteers carried out door-to-door sensitisation, community engagement and educational activities designed to help residents recognise signs of abuse, encourage reporting and promote collective responsibility for protecting vulnerable groups.
Chief Executive Officer of AXA Mansard Health, Tope Adeniyi, said the campaign reflects the company’s belief that businesses have a responsibility to contribute to safer and more inclusive communities beyond providing insurance services.
According to him, the large turnout of employees demonstrates AXA Mansard’s culture of compassion and commitment to making a meaningful social impact, particularly in addressing issues that affect children and families.
Chief Marketing Officer of AXA Mansard, Adebola Surakat, said the initiative aligns with the company’s broader mission of promoting safety, dignity and wellbeing, adding that sustained advocacy is essential to tackling abuse and violence in society.
The week-long programme concluded with a commemorative walk across participating cities, while the company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that address critical social challenges and create lasting value for communities across Nigeria.
The post Over 700 AXA Mansard Volunteers Join Fight Against Child Abuse appeared first on Business Today NG.
Business
Oyedele confirms Nigeria has drawn first $1.5 billion under $5 billion Abu Dhabi financing deal
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has confirmed that Nigeria has accessed the first $1.5 billion from its $5 billion financing arrangement with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).
Mr Oyedele disclosed this while speaking to journalists after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday.
He said the financing facility, which had earlier received approval from the National Assembly, is intended to refinance expensive debt, fund infrastructure projects and support budget implementation.
“The approval for that loan went to the National Assembly, so everybody is aware of it. It’s for refinancing of expensive debts, financing of infrastructure, as well as budgets,” he said.
He added that, “So, we don’t want to start making press releases each time we do a drawdown. It is not different from any other loan.”
The minister’s comments provide the first official confirmation that the government has begun drawing on the financing package.
Last week, Bloomberg reported that Nigeria had accessed about $1.5 billion through a Total Return Swap with First Abu Dhabi Bank, marking the first utilisation of the broader $5 billion facility.
Mr Oyedele said the government deliberately structured the financing arrangement to allow funds to be accessed in tranches rather than all at once.
READ ALSO: FEC approves N215bn for CNG buses, $900 million agriculture financing – Minister
According to him, the approach is intended to reduce borrowing costs by ensuring Nigeria only pays interest on funds that have been drawn.
“The loan is meant to be a drawdown in tranches, and one of the advantages of that is, if you need $5 billion and you take everything at once, you start paying interest, even though you’re not spending all of it now. So, this has been structured in a way that makes us even more efficient in the cost of borrowing by taking what we need part time,” he explained.
Mr Oyedele said the phased approach forms part of the government’s broader debt management strategy aimed at lowering financing costs while meeting critical funding needs.
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