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We cannot all be Capitalists

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  Imagine Nigeria's business landscape as a vibrant marketplace. Bustling stalls overflow with ideas, but everyone's selling the same "hustle" brand. This brand is headquartered in the city of Lagos, Nigeria, where no body is welcomed but rather reminded that "This is Lagos!" and "Eko o ni baje!", a colloquial phrase that loosely translates to Lagos will prevail. Therefore, those that are caught in the hustle and bustle either by default or design, seemingly have no choice but to embrace its energy. Everybody must hustle! This has undoubtedly played a part in birthing some of the wealthiest individuals in Africa and has largely contributed to Lagos alone being amongst the top 10 largest economies in Africa but amidst such opulence lies an underbelly of abject poverty. Kano, an ancient city in the Northern part of Nigeria, is also known for its hustle culture but rather than the cutthroat Lagos version, the hustle tends to be tempered by a combinati...

Shackled by Suspicion: How Lack of Trust Stifles Nigeria's Economic Potential

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  Nigeria, a nation pulsating with entrepreneurial spirit and brimming with abundant resources, stumbles upon a hidden hurdle – a seemingly intangible but deeply entrenched obstacle: lack of trust. This pervasive atmosphere of suspicion, like a noxious weed, chokes the soil of our business environment, hindering growth and prosperity. To truly unlock the potential of our nation, we must confront this issue head-on, understanding its insidious effects and fostering a culture of trust-based collaboration. The Foundations of Trust: Trust is the bedrock upon which successful businesses are built. It is the currency of transactions, the lubricant of partnerships, and the cornerstone of investor confidence. The roots of this trust deficiency lie in a complex web of historical experiences and contemporary realities. Decades of corruption and mismanagement have left scars of disillusionment, breeding scepticism towards institutions and actors alike. Weak enforcement of laws further erodes ...

The Informal Sector: The Backbone of Nigeria's Economy

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  https://global.ariseplay.com/amg/www.thisdaylive.com/uploads/b62dcef5-pension-pix-2.jpg In the bustling streets of Lagos, the vibrant markets of Kano, the industrious areas of Onitsha and the rural villages that dot the Nigerian landscape, a dynamic economic force thrives, often overlooked yet undeniably influential. This is the informal sector. The Nigerian economy is characterized by a vibrant informal sector, which operates outside the formal regulatory framework. This sector is composed of small-scale, unregistered enterprises. The lady that sells roasted corn on the roadside or "mama put", the roadside mechanic, "mai shayi", and the street affiliate marketer aka "oso ahia", can all be classified as informal workers. Despite its undocumented nature, the informal sector plays a pivotal role in the economic development of Nigeria. It provides employment opportunities, generates income and fosters entrepreneurial spirit, thus making it an undeniably inf...

Leadership sans frontière: Why Nigeria Must Lead the Way in Intra-African Trade

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  In today's interconnected world, the concept of international trade is not new. Nations have been engaging in the exchange of goods and services for centuries. However, when it comes to trade within the African continent, there is still enormous untapped potential. Nigeria, with its population of over 211 million people and its booming economy, is the largest economy in Africa. It is also a major player in global trade. However, Nigeria's intra-African trade is still relatively low, accounting for only about 13% of its total exports in 2020. This is in contrast to other regions of the world, such as the European Union, where intra-regional trade accounts for over 70% of total exports. Nigeria, as the most populous and economically influential country in Africa, has a crucial role to play in leading the way in intra-African trade. There are a number of reasons why Nigeria must take the lead in intra-African trade. First, it is essential for the economic development of the enti...

Sukuk - More Than Just a Bond: Shaking Up Nigeria's Infrastructure Game!

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  https://cdn.punchng.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/06104612/Sukuk-road-1280x720-1.jpg Nigeria is a rapidly developing country with a population of over 200 million people. The country is blessed with abundant natural resources, but it also faces a number of challenges, including a significant infrastructure deficit. Infrastructure development is essential for economic growth and job creation. It helps to reduce the cost of doing business, improve the movement of goods and people, and attract foreign investment. It's the backbone of progress, connecting cities, empowering industries, and improving the lives of millions. Finding innovative solutions to bridge this gap is paramount. One such solution so far seems to be Sukuk financing. Sukuk is an Islamic financial instrument that is similar to a conventional bond. However, Sukuk investors are essentially financing the purchase of an asset, which is then leased back to the issuer and instead of paying interest, sukuk investors recei...

"Borrow Pose": Nigeria's Debt Situation and Its Path to Economic Resilience

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  Nigeria is Africa's largest economy and most populous country. It is also one of the most indebted countries in the world. In recent years, the country has faced a significant challenge in managing its debt situation. Nigeria's debt has grown over the years, driven by both external and domestic factors. External factors include fluctuations in global oil prices, which have a direct impact on its revenue generation due to its heavy reliance on oil exports. Domestic factors include fiscal deficits, inefficient public spending, and inadequate revenue diversification. According to figures from the Nigeria Debt Management Office ( DMO ), Nigeria's public debt stock stood at N87.36 trillion ($113.4 billion) as of June 30, 2023. This represents about 33% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). While this debt-to-GDP ratio is relatively low compared to some other countries, it is still a significant burden for Nigeria, given its low level of income. In this article, we...