General News
Systematic Reopening of the Nigerian Economy by the PTF
By Chido Nwakanma
Eight months later, the arteries of the economy are pumping once again. Airports have reopened, bringing in 5,000 to 7,000 passengers daily. Schools have resumed, as have formal and informal markets. Machines are humming again in hitherto shut factories.
The full reopening of the economy after months of a lockdown that required careful management and phasing to reopen has brought relief. Nigerians are eager to get on with their lives. For the managers of the system, it was a delicate balancing act between health and economics. At times, it was akin to the famed chicken and egg scenario.
Caution governed the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in the management of the closing and opening of the Nigerian economy in the wake of the global pandemic. It has involved monitoring of local incident statistics and case numbers, international comparison, and trend analysis. It has been sequential and systematic and, importantly, data driven.
Many factors inform this extra caution. COVID-19 came into our shores through a visiting Italian businessman. It came against the backdrop of well-founded fears that Nigeria and other African countries could not cope with any widespread infection. Experts are currently trying to unravel how and why Africa escaped the feared doom.
Across the country, citizens now move freely to do their businesses. It was not so beginning 29 March 2020 when the PTF led the health authorities to announce the first lockdown.
It lasted 14 days during which the country banned interstate movements and imposed a curfew on Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Federal Government ordered the full closure of all land borders and banned all large gatherings.
The ban on large gatherings affected many sectors of the economy from entertainment to religion and others in-between. Schools shut down with the more technically proficient turning to online lessons. Cinemas, restaurants, event centres and stadia all shut down.
The clampdown affected Lagos and Abuja the most for the simple reason that they had the most significant number of infections. Lagos has remained an epicentre of the incidence and spread of COVID19.
PTF then followed with two other shutdowns of less severity. At each stage, it eased the measures for each shutdown in line with what the figures and trends stated. For instance, while Europe and America are currently in the throes of a second round of the COVID-19, Nigeria’s incident numbers have remained low.
Health authorities in Nigeria worry about returnees for the Christmas period importing new cases into the country and the disregard of counsel on best practices to prevent infection by citizens in many cities across the country.
Opening of the economy followed even more caution and recommendations in the thematic areas the PTF established as a guide. These are movement, industry, labour, and community activities. Schools reopened, followed by the NYSC Orientation Camps. It was a significant test of its caution on mass gatherings.
As such, it followed the template of care and caution. Officials went round the states to certify the camps COVID-19 compliant. They then established COVID-19 testing facilities in each of the centres as well as the management of possible cases. It then lifted restrictions on outdoor sporting activities, including football, in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.
In recent times, PTF has increased the volume of its messaging on prevention practices. They include mandatory wearing of face masks in public settings, hand washing and sanitising routines, observing social distances of at least two metres between persons and limitations to the size of gatherings. No more than 20 people can stay together.
The PTF has since relaxed the restrictions on worship places. Worship places were a particular concern because of sensitivities around religion, but the intervention agency walked the tightrope skilfully.
Which comes first? The right to earn a living or the opportunity to stay alive in the first place?. Many a citizen fretted about the denial of the right to work, worship and gather during the restrictions.
Even in those periods, PTF allowed a window for the operations of banks, graduated opening of markets and shopping centres while exempting agricultural produce, petroleum products, manufactured goods, and essential services from the restrictions on movements. Logistics plays a central role in the chain of goods and services in the country.
With the international gateways now re-opened in select airports, Nigeria’s mandatory dual tests for incoming travellers is one of the strictest in the world.
Courtesy of the PTF, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health, persons arriving Nigeria via the airport gateways must do a COVID-19 CPR test five days before boarding their flight. They then do a confirmation test in Nigeria on Day 7 after arrival.
The test represents one of the mitigation measures Nigeria has implemented to checkmate the spread (and importation) of COVID-19. Additionally, a recent travel advisory by NCDC has urged international travelers to suspend holiday plans to Nigeria unless deemed essential.
Even so, records on 2 December 2020 showed Nigeria had 67, 960 cases of COVID-19. Deaths stood at 1,177 persons. Hospitals had discharged 63,839 COVID survivors. By that date, Nigeria had done 779,708 tests.
The PTF has gradually unsealed the taps to allow the full blossoming of the economy. National Coordinator Dr Aliyu and the Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation Mr Boss Mustapha continue to tread with caution even as they open up more and more of the economy.
Jumia, pan-African e-commerce platform, has launched its highly anticipated annual ‘Tech Week’ campaign, bringing consumers amazing deals on the latest gadgets and smart devices.
Under the theme “Future is in Your Hands,” this year’s campaign is designed to inspire Nigerians to embrace cutting-edge technology and innovation. Running from March 17th to March 30th, 2025, the campaign offers millions of customers access to unbeatable discounts on a wide range of tech essentials, including smartphones, laptops, home appliances, and entertainment systems.
In partnership with leading global and local brands such as Xiaomi, Oraimo, Binatone, Itel, SilverCrest, Ecoflow, Tecno, Realme, Skyrun, Century Appliances, Hisense, PZ Cussons, Unilever and Nivea, Jumia is committed to ensuring a seamless shopping experience with the best deals on high-quality tech products.
“We’re excited to present Jumia Tech Week 2025, a platform to enable Nigerians to have access to high-quality devices. With the rapid growth in digital adoption across the country, this campaign is designed to put the latest innovations within reach, helping customers stay connected, productive, and entertained. Our strategic partnerships with top brands allow us to deliver premium products at the best prices, making tech upgrades accessible to all,” said Sunil Natraj, CEO, Jumia Nigeria.
Commenting on the partnership with Jumia for Tech Week, Sylvie Zeng, Head of E-Commerce, Xiaomi, said “Xiaomi is focused on bringing cutting-edge technology to everyone, and Jumia Tech Week 2025 is the ultimate opportunity to experience our diverse range of innovative products at unbeatable prices.
“From the high-performance Poco series to the reliable and stylish Redmi smartphones, and a wide selection of AIoT devices designed to enhance your smart home, Xiaomi offers powerful, beautifully crafted technology for every need. This Tech Week, don’t miss out on the best deals to upgrade your lifestyle with Xiaomi, exclusively on Jumia!”
With over 142 million active internet subscribers reported in January 2025, Nigeria continues to witness an accelerated digital transformation. Jumia Tech Week caters to this dynamic shift, offering consumers a trusted platform to explore and acquire the latest tech essentials conveniently.
Beyond amazing discounts, Jumia Tech Week 2025 features exclusive flash sales, brand days, exciting giveaways, and interactive games throughout the campaign. Consumers can enjoy a seamless online shopping experience with secure payment options and pay-on-delivery services, ensuring accessibility for all.
General News
GOMYCODE Partners Woolf University to Offer Globally Recognised Master’s Degree in Software Engineering in Nigeria
GOMYCODE, a leading technology education provider, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Woolf University, a global collegiate higher education institution, to offer Master of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Software Engineering to aspiring and established tech professionals in Nigeria.
This collaboration aims to provide accessible, high-quality, globally recognized education to individuals seeking to advance their careers and expand their opportunities.
The Master’s program is designed to empower busy professionals and ambitious individuals with advanced skills and qualifications, opening doors to global job opportunities and facilitating potential emigration for those seeking international careers.
“We are thrilled to partner with Woolf University to bring this exceptional opportunity to Nigeria,” said Yahya Bouhlel, Co-founder of GOMYCODE. “In today’s competitive tech landscape, advanced degrees are increasingly essential.
“This partnership allows us to provide a flexible, world-class education that empowers our students to achieve their career aspirations, whether they seek to excel locally or on a global stage.”
The program’s online, flexible structure caters to the demands of working professionals, enabling them to balance their studies with existing commitments. Students will benefit from Woolf University’s rigorous academic standards and GOMYCODE’s practical, industry-relevant approach to learning.
“Woolf University is excited to collaborate with GOMYCODE to expand access to quality higher education in Nigeria,” stated Naveen Jangir, Head of Strategy and Growth, from Woolf University. “Our mission is to democratize education, and this partnership aligns perfectly with our goal of providing accessible, accredited degrees to learners worldwide.
“We believe this program will equip Nigerian tech professionals with the skills and credentials they need to thrive in the global economy.”
Babatunde Olaifa, Country Head of GOMYCODE in Nigeria, emphasized the significance of this partnership for the Nigerian tech ecosystem.
“This collaboration represents a significant leap forward for tech education in Nigeria. By offering a globally recognized Master’s degree, we are empowering our professionals to compete on a global scale.
“This is a chance for people to level up their careers, and to open doors that they previously thought were closed.
“We are very excited to see the impact that this program will have on the lives of our students and the broader Nigerian tech community.”
This Master of Science in Computer Science with Specialization in Software Engineering program is ideal for tech professionals seeking to enhance their qualifications; Individuals aiming for global job opportunities; those considering emigration and requiring advanced degrees; ambitious individuals looking to accelerate their career growth.
GOMYCODE and Woolf University are committed to providing a supportive and enriching learning environment that fosters innovation and excellence.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s leading philanthropy empowering entrepreneurs is set to announce the 11th cohort of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
The 2025 announcement comes at a critical time, as Africa’s entrepreneurship ecosystem faces funding constraints and global economic headwinds. TEF continues to provide much-needed support, empowering African entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into sustainable businesses and engines of economic growth.
Each selected Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur will receive $5,000 non-refundable seed capital, a world-class business training on TEFConnect, one-on-one mentorship, and access to global networks and investment opportunities. The selection process is being conducted by Ernst & Young, to ensure independent assessment.
The impact of the Tony Elumelu Foundation extends beyond funding. It is changing lives and shaping Africa’s future, as witnessed by beneficiaries of the catalytic TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.
Ahead of the upcoming announcement, Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R., Founder of TEF and Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings, reiterates his unwavering belief in the potential of Africa’s entrepreneurs:
“I believe that Africa’s transformation will not be led by aid, but by empowering the next generation of African entrepreneurs—giving them the tools, the funding, the training, and the networks to build sustainable businesses that create jobs and drive economic growth.
Over the past decade, we have nurtured entrepreneurs from inception to success, scaling our impact across all 54 African countries. We have provided capital and also developed a robust monitoring and evaluation framework that allows us to track the progress of our entrepreneurs and measure their contributions to their communities and economies.
No other organisation is implementing entrepreneurship development at this scale across Africa. We have learned, we have refined, and we continue to improve, ensuring that African entrepreneurs—women and men—are at the forefront of solving our continent’s challenges and creating wealth for themselves and their communities. Entrepreneurship is the key to Africa’s prosperity. I wish the 2025 cohort of Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs success, as they chase their ambitions, and play their part in Africa’s transformation.”
The Tony Elumelu Foundation is the leading philanthropy empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, driving poverty eradication, catalysing job creation across all 54 African countries and ensuring inclusive economic empowerment.
Since the launch of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme in 2015, TEF has lifted over 2 million Africans out of poverty, provided 2.5 million young Africans with access to training on TEFConnect, and disbursed more than $100millon in direct funding to thousands of African entrepreneurs who have gone on to create over 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs and generate over $4.2 billion in revenue.
Tony Elumelu Entrepreneur Testimonials from Previous Years:
“I started my agribusiness with nothing but an idea. TEF changed everything. With the funding, training, and mentorship, I have now expanded across three countries and employ 25 people.”
– Fatima Diallo, Senegal, Agritech Entrepreneur
“As a woman in the fintech industry, it was difficult to secure funding. TEF not only provided me with capital but also the confidence and skills to build a business that is now attracting international investors.”
– Mary Okeke, Nigeria, Fintech Founder
“The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme helped me commercialise my clean energy innovation. Today, we provide solar solutions to over 50,000 homes in rural Tanzania.”
– Juma Nyerere, Tanzania, Renewable Energy Entrepreneur
For more details on the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s impact visit our Impact Page, African Success Stories Page, and Annual Report Page.
For Media Inquiries: media@tonyelumelufoundation.org
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