General News
Nigeria elections under the spotlight; high-level US-China trade talks in focus
![](https://www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/buhari-atiku-nigeria-elections-1.jpg)
By Lukman Otunuga, FXTM Research Analyst
Tomorrow will be a monumental day for the Nigerian economy, as the presidential elections get under way. Although there was initially a sense of uncertainty after the elections were abruptly postponed last week, this feeling could be washed away by a market-friendly outcome. It will be interesting to see where the Nigerian stock market and Naira trade on Monday.
Global sentiment and risk appetite will be heavily influenced by the outcome of high-level trade talks between the United States and China that began in Washington yesterday.
While there is a growing sense of optimism over both sides securing a deal, a more realistic outcome will be for an agreement to extend the 1 March deadline. Such a development will open the doors to further negotiations down the road – ultimately removing some element of uncertainty over trade, while also reducing tensions. A return of risk appetite amid easing tensions will certainly be good news for global equities and emerging markets but will signal bad luck for King Dollar.
It has not been the best of trading weeks for the Dollar, especially after minutes from January’s FOMC meeting revealed that policymakers were unsure if rate hikes were needed this year. The Dollar is clearly facing multiple headwinds in the form of disappointing economic data and speculation over the Fed taking a long pause on rate hikes this year. While the economic and central bank divergence between the United States and everyone else seems to be supporting the Dollar, the question is – for how long? The Dollar may lose its throne, as fears over US growth slowing down sends investors to other safe-havens like the Japanese Yen and Swiss Franc.
In the United Kingdom, the Brexit saga has dragged on for too long and this fatigue is slowly being reflected in the Pound’s valuation. This was a week filled by Brexit noise, political drama in the UK and endless uncertainty. The pessimism over Theresa May securing any deal with the EU was re-confirmed this morning, after an EU official stated that “there will be no deal in the desert” at the summit in Egypt next week. I believe the Pound could still be offered a lifeline amid the chaos if the government extends Article 50 in an effort to prevent a no deal outcome. Taking a look at the technical picture, bears are seen to be re-entering the scene if a weekly close below the psychological 1.3000 level is achieved.
Taking a peek into the commodity markets, Gold is set to cap two consecutive weeks of gains after briefly reaching its highest level since April 2018 earlier this week. With US President Donald Trump set to meet China’s top trade negotiator, Vice Premier Liu He, later today, investors are left hanging on the edge of their seats just one week before the 1 March deadline. Any positive headlines of a trade deal being struck between the world’s two largest economies may put downward pressure on bullion prices. On the other hand, concerns about global growth momentum may offer support for Gold. Recently, weaker-than-expected economic data out of the US is starting to pose questions about the resilience of the world’s largest economy, especially when set against the slowdown evident in the EU and China.
In regards to the technical perspective, the precious metal seems to be in the process of creating a new higher low. The bullish trend on the daily charts remains valid above the $1303 support level.
General News
TD Africa Unveils Super App Version 2, Transforms Technology Access Across Africa
![](https://www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/TD.jpg)
TD Africa, a leading technology distributor in Africa, has launched TD Super App Version 2, an upgraded, feature-rich platform designed to revolutionize technology procurement for individuals and businesses.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Omowumi-Oladele-Project-Manager-TD-Africa.jpg?resize=300%2C187&ssl=1)
Omowumi Oladele, Project Manager, TD Africa
The enhanced App offers seamless access to a wide range of cutting-edge tech products at unbeatable prices, with faster delivery options to improve efficiency and convenience.
Available on both web and mobile, the revamped TD Super App boasts an intuitive, user-friendly interface, making it easier than ever for users to discover and purchase technology products.
This latest upgrade reaffirms TD Africa’s commitment to affordability, efficiency, and convenience, ensuring that businesses and individuals can access the tools they need to succeed.
With exclusive deals and discounts, registered users can enjoy significant savings on a vast selection of technology products, including computing devices, smartphones, consumer electronics, and power solutions. Optimized logistics and accelerated delivery times further enhance the shopping experience, ensuring that customers receive their technology essentials quickly and reliably.
“At TD Africa, we are dedicated to delivering value, efficiency, and cutting-edge technology solutions that drive business growth and streamline operations,” said Omowumi Oladele, Product Manager, TD Africa.
“The upgraded TD Super App Version 2 is designed to simplify procurement, enhance productivity, and maximize savings—empowering businesses and individuals across Africa.”
The App is now available for download on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Users can also access the platform via web browsers at superapp.tdafrica.com
General News
FG Drops Merger of NCAA, NAMA
![](https://www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Festus-Kayamo-Aviation-minister.jpeg)
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has stepped down the merger of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) as recommended by the Steve Oronsaye report.
He also revealed that the aviation industry was exempted from the foreign travel ban placed on federal government officials last year. The President announced the ban which took effect from April last year.
Keyamo disclosed that the aviation sector was exempted from the ban because President Tinubu is desirous of change and growth in the sector.
The ban was placed following the rising cost of travel expenses by Ministries, Department and Agencies of Government.
The memo released last year stated: “Considering the current economic challenges and the need for responsible fiscal management, I am writing to communicate Mr Presideni’s directive to place a temporary ban on all publicly funded international trips for all federal government officials at all levels, for an initial period of three months from 1st April 2024.
“All government officials who intend to go on any publicly funded international trips must seek and obtain Presidential approval at least two weeks before embarking on any such trip, which must be deemed necessary”.
The Minister disclosed the reasons for the exemption in Abuja at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
On the merger of NCAA and NAMA, he said: “From modest beginnings, we have witnessed remarkable transformations in our sector, ranging from enhanced supervisory measures and policies formulation, safety and security oversight, robust legislative and regulatory frameworks, advancements in air traffic management, development, expansion and certification of airports, accurate meteorological services, timely accident investigations, manpower development, and indeed, the growth of indigenous airlines.
“These achievements have not come without challenges. However, with the efforts of past administrations and the total support of the present administration under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu through the Renewed Hope Agenda and the five focus areas of the ministry, we have overcome challenges and reached new heights.
“NCAA is a child of God, and despite turbulent waters and attempts sometimes to kill the NCAA, the NCA has survived 25 years. And I’m sure you know that any child that is born at the age of 25, of course, is undoubtedly an age of maturity.
“The Oronsanye reports also recommended the merger of NCAA and NAMA. And so that was also another attempt to kill the NCAA. That report was passed from Jonathan’s government to Buhari’s government, and then to the present government.
“It was one of the first items we considered in this government. So the Oronsanye reports came up that day, and the president went on and on, considered every item in the Oronsanye report, and asked the council to vote. And for each item, they would listen to the ministers and so the president came to the merger of NCAA and NAMA as one body.
“I raised my hand, I spoke for about five minutes and because we have a wonderful president who listens to good counsel and good arguments, after I finished speaking, he said, an item dropped, the merger of NCAA and NAMA would not remain”.
On the reasons for the exemption, he said: “It is a fact that the aviation sector remains a pillar of national development, facilitating trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange. Whilst it is yet to realize its true potential in terms of contribution to our nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), we must renew our commitment to ensuring a more progressive, sustainable, inclusive, innovative, and prosperous aviation industry.
“This necessitates the continuous adoption and integration of emerging technologies, enhancing infrastructure, and investing in human capital development to keep our skies safer and secure and attain cohesive and efficient air transportation services.
“The President directed that foreign travels should stop, except in exceptional circumstances. Last year, there was a memo around March that said it was for three months, and the President, because of his desire to ensure that we are frugal in our spending; there was another memo again in December reiterating that memo last year we should cut down on foreign travels, except by direct presidential approval.
“But let us also give particular thanks to Mr. President, because despite that memo, since last year, he has made an exception for the aviation industry. I wrote a memo to him after that directive on behalf of the entire agency that says; Sir, we respect your directive; yes, we need to be frugal because the Nigerian people have also tightened their belts in the face of the economic reforms that are taking place.
“However, because of the safety of this sector, Sir, we need to make some exceptions for this sector. And the President graciously granted this for the aviation sector”.
General News
Researchers Develop Innovative Treatment for Malaria
![](https://www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/malaria-vaccine.jpg)
An international team of researchers have introduced a groundbreaking drug, known as the covalent kinase inhibitor, which shows promise in combating treatment-resistant malaria.
Developed by chemists and bioscientists from the University of Glasgow, this innovative drug could surpass current medications by effectively targeting and disabling the proteins used by the Plasmodium falciparum parasite to replicate within the human body.
This is according to a report titled “Targeting Pf CLK3 with Covalent Inhibitors: A Novel Strategy for Malaria Treatment.”
The development, led by chemists and bioscientists from the University of Glasgow, was outlined in a November publication in the “Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.”
According to the researchers, covalent inhibitors form bonds with proteins, usually irreversibly modifying them, and this new drug could be more effective than current medications at all stages of malaria infection.
The new drug works by permanently disabling a protein that Plasmodium falciparum, one of the mosquito-borne parasites that spread malaria, uses to replicate itself inside the human body.
The drug also has the potential to work as a single-dose treatment, a significant improvement over existing therapies.
This breakthrough marks the first adaptation of an approach from cancer treatments to tackle malaria.
The team expressed optimism that the parasite is unlikely to develop resistance to the new drug, which targets the protein Pf CLK3 and disrupts the parasite’s ability to splice RNA.
The researchers, including Prof. Martins Emeje from the Nigerian Natural Medicines Development Agency and Prof. Oyewale Tomori from the West African Academy of Sciences, emphasise the importance of regular calibration and accreditation for medical laboratories to ensure accurate results and reliable treatment.
- E-Financial1 day ago
FG Seeks Fresh $300m Loan from World Bank for Health Security
- E-Financial1 day ago
SERAP Gives CBN 48-Hour Ultimatum to Withdraw ATM Fee Hike
- News1 day ago
Binance Chief Insists Some FG Officials, Reps Demand $150m Bribe
- General News1 day ago
FG Drops Merger of NCAA, NAMA
- News1 day ago
inDrive Unveils Cashless Bank Transfer Feature in Nigeria
- E-Financial1 day ago
CardinalStone Acquires Radix Pension Managers
- Telecom1 day ago
NITDA Pledges to Foster Innovation with Cloud Infrastructure and AI Applications
- Telecom5 hours ago
Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO again Defends Tariff Hikes amidst Backlash