News
73% of Nigerian SMBs on Facebook Remain Optimistic about Future of their Businesses Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic – Report

To lay bare the scale of challenges small businesses are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to understand their ongoing challenges and areas for further support, Facebook today published the Global State of Small Business Report.
Compiled in partnership with the World Bank and the OECD, it surveyed over 30,000 small business owners and employees from around the world in over 50 countries. In Nigeria, the survey reveals that despite the challenges, SMBs are very optimistic about the future of their businesses.
Over 73% of operational SMBs on Facebook feel optimistic about the future of their business, with 77% of female led SMBs on Facebook (and 72% of male led SMBs) currently operational or engaging in revenue lead activities.
Compared to other African small, medium businesses (SMBs) surveyed, Nigerian SMBs on Facebook seem to be more optimistic when looking ahead to cash flow over the coming months, with 37%, compared to 45% in South Africa, 47% in Kenya and 42% in Ghana saying they expect cash flow to be a challenge in the next few months.
Despite the positive outlook, 46% of operational SMBs on Facebook have reduced the number of employees/workers as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 37% of those operational reported that their sales this year were lower than last year.
However, digital continues to play a key part in the economic recovery of these businesses, with 43% of operational SMBs on Facebook reporting 25% or more of their sales were made digitally in the past month.
“Small businesses are the heart of our communities – from coffee shops, and bookstores to plumbers, taverns and graphic designers,” said Nunu Ntshingila, Regional Director, Facebook Africa. “But we know they are facing the challenge of a lifetime. These survey results further highlight what we are already seeing, that the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t just a public health emergency, but also an economic crisis that is hitting SMBs exceptionally hard, and one that collectively as a community we need to urgently address.”
The global survey also highlights that globally the tourism and hospitality sector worldwide has borne the brunt of COVID-19 related restrictions and reduced consumer spending – with around half of businesses in these sectors reporting that they have had to close.
Smaller businesses, those owned and operated by one person, have seen these closures at a greater rate than others, with globally 26% of SMBs reported that they had closed between January and May 2020 – over 50% in some countries.
Ntshingila added: “Globally more than 160 million businesses use Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, or WhatsApp every month to reach their customers, sell their products or services and ultimately to grow. They are the heartbeat of Facebook’s community and since the early days of the pandemic we have taken steps to help them weather the storm. These are tough times for businesses all over the world, we would like to help with their recovery.”
As part of its ongoing commitment, Facebook continues to support SMBs and has created a Business Resource Hub where SMBs can get training, advice, and information – including from healthcare experts.
News
Tinubu Congratulates Osakwe, Nigerian on Winning UK Top Cyber Security Award

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Dr Fene Osakwe on winning the Cyber Personality of the Year award at the 2025 Cyber Security Awards in the UK.

Dr Fene Osakwe
According to Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the President in a statement, Dr Osakwe is the chairman of the Lagos State Cybersecurity Advisory Board and the first African to win in the Cyber Security Awards category.
He was recognised for his exceptional leadership, advocacy, and expertise in cybersecurity and data privacy, clinching the prize ahead of other finalists from the United States, the UAE, Qatar, the Netherlands, and the UK.
President Tinubu celebrates Dr Osakwe’s achievements, underscoring his immense contributions to cybersecurity and his efforts to evolve new horizons in the field.
The President described the 2025 Cyber Personality of the Year as an exceptional Nigerian and a worthy representation of Nigeria’s talented, innovative, and pace-setting youth.
While extolling the youth as Nigeria’s greatest asset, President Tinubu stated that Dr Osakwe’s nomination and subsequent win foreground the global impact of young African professionals in cybersecurity.
The President wished Dr Osakwe more success in his endeavours.
News
Insight Publicis Announces Resignation from Airtel Nigeria Account

Insight Publicis, one of Nigeria’s leading integrated marketing communications agencies, has announced its decision to resign from the Airtel Nigeria account, effective immediately.
This decision follows an extensive evaluation of the engagement, during which both parties were unable to reach an agreement on terms that appropriately reflect the scope of work and the value Insight Publicis brings to the partnership.
While both organizations hold each other in high regard, the agency remains committed to engagements that align with its strategic priorities and industry benchmarks.
Speaking on this, Dolapo Ogunbambo, chief operating officer of Insight Publicis, said “Our commitment to excellence necessitates that we engage in partnerships where there is mutual alignment on value creation and strategic objectives.
“We have valued our association with Airtel Nigeria and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.”
Insight Publicis will ensure a seamless transition and remains focused on delivering exceptional marketing solutions to its diverse clientele across various industries. She said.
Founded in 1979, Insight Publicis is a pioneer in Nigeria’s marketing communications landscape, offering a full suite of services, including brand strategy, multimedia creative solutions, digital marketing, and consultancy. As part of the global Publicis Groupe, Insight Publicis combines deep local expertise with international insights to drive impactful brand storytelling and business growth.
News
Aero Contractors and NSIB Forge Partnership to Elevate Aviation Safety and Training in Nigeria

Aero Contractors, Nigeria’s foremost aviation company, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) to strengthen aviation safety through data sharing, training, and collaboration on key safety initiatives.
This partnership highlights Aero Contractors’ commitment to operational excellence and adherence to global safety standards. Both organizations will work together to foster a proactive safety culture, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance aviation protocols and prevent incidents.
Speaking on the significance of the collaboration, Capt. Ado Sanusi, Chief Executive Officer of Aero Contractors, emphasized, “At Aero Contractors, safety is not just a regulatory requirement—it is a fundamental responsibility.
This partnership with NSIB reinforces our dedication to safety through knowledge-sharing, advanced training, and data-driven decision-making. By working together, we will mitigate risks and improve overall flight safety.”
Similarly, Capt. Alex Badeh Jr., Director General of the NSIB, described the partnership as a major step forward in strengthening transportation safety across Nigeria.
In his words he said, “This collaboration is a testament to the power of synergy, combining the regulatory and investigative expertise of the NSIB with the technical and operational insight of Aero Contractors.
Through this MOU, we are committed to enhancing safety standards by equipping our Transportation Safety Officers with practical, hands-on experience and technical knowledge.”
As part of the agreement, Aero Contractors will provide on-the-job training opportunities for NSIB personnel, focusing on incident prevention, emergency response, and safety management systems.
The NSIB will also support Aero Contractors’ technical personnel with training in accident investigation, ensuring a two-way exchange of expertise that enhances overall safety across the industry.
Capt. Alex Badeh Jr. further outlined the impact of the initiative. “This partnership will introduce customized training programs, drawing from Aero’s state-of-the-art facilities, simulators, and technical resources.
“Additionally, we will collaborate on industry conferences, seminars, and symposiums, where best practices will be shared, new training needs will be explored, and capacity-building efforts will be strengthened,” he noted.
The partnership marks a significant milestone in the Nigerian aviation sector, reinforcing a joint commitment to safety, knowledge-sharing, and professional development.
The collaboration aligns with Nigeria’s broader aviation safety objectives and underscores the importance of industry-wide cooperation in building a safer and more resilient air transport system.
Capt. Ado Sanusi of Aero Contractors reaffirmed the importance of the initiative, stating, “This partnership goes beyond training; it is about cultivating a safety-first culture where industry stakeholders collaborate to prevent accidents and enhance operational standards. Today, we embrace a shared vision—one that places safety at the heart of our industry.”
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