NIGERIA NEWS
Meet the COOs driving Nigeria’s fintech growth in 2025
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a pivotal role in shaping the growth, efficiency, and sustainability of fintech companies.
Tasked with overseeing day-to-day operations, the COO ensures seamless coordination across critical departments such as product development, customer service, compliance, and technology.
Their leadership transforms strategic vision into operational execution, enabling companies to thrive in competitive markets.
In fintech, the COO is often described as the operational heartbeat of the organization. This is because they balance the dual challenges of innovation and regulation, driving disruptive technology while ensuring adherence to strict financial oversight. Their ability to harmonize creativity with compliance is what makes them indispensable in such a dynamic industry.
Fintechs have continued to grow in Nigeria and Africa, attracting more investments. According to data compiled by Nairametrics Research, 80 African fintech startups raised over $661 million between January and June 2025.
The top 10 fintech fundraisers alone accounted for more than $470 million, up from $431 million in the same period last year.
Senegal, Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, and Ghana dominated the leaderboard, while the “Big Four” of Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa maintained their multi-year grip on the continent’s fintech capital flows, jointly securing 69.19% of total funding.
West Africa emerged as the top-performing region, pulling in $298.5 million (45.1% of total fintech funding). This was driven largely by Senegal’s record-breaking $137 million debt deal and Nigeria’s $112 million haul—more than double its H1 2024 figure.
Although some fintech firms have eliminated the COO role, particularly when not filled by a co-founder, many leading companies continue to retain it, underscoring the strategic importance of operational leadership in scaling businesses, navigating regulatory complexities, and sustaining long-term growth.
Here are the COOs driving Nigeria’s fintech revolution in 2025.
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8. Daniel Hegarty – Kuda
Daniel Hegarty joined Kuda as Chief Operating Officer in September 2024, bringing over a decade of experience in technology-driven financial systems. Based in London, he oversees Kuda’s global operations and plays a critical role in shaping the company’s future direction.
Beyond his role at Kuda, Hegarty is the founder of Communion, a platform designed to help individuals build financial resilience and improve their relationship with money. His entrepreneurial background complements his operational expertise, positioning him as a versatile leader in fintech.
Founded in 2019 by Babs Ogundeyi and Musty Mustapha, Kuda has grown into a full-service digital bank operating in Nigeria and the UK. With offerings such as zero maintenance fees, free transfers, and automated savings, Kuda continues to redefine digital banking under Hegarty’s operational guidance.
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8. Daniel Hegarty – Kuda
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A United States-based education-focused Non-Governmental Organisation, Values for Affordable Education (VOA) Charity, has awarded a Correspondent of Nigerian Tribune Newspapers, Mr Segun Kasali, Outstanding Journalist of the Year.
This was made known at the Organisation’s 3rd Anniversary Annual Fundraising Gala held at Civic Centre, Lagos on the 14th of December, 2025.
The Founder, Dr Olabisi Adekoya, described the award as a recognition of the Journalist’s outstanding contributions to the promotion of the values of education and dedication to the success of the policies of the Charity.
Segun Kasali has authored many articles, covering everything from politics and entertainment to health and social issues.
Awards and Recognition: He recently bagged the Ambassador of the Year award from the UK-based IA-Foundation, a non-profit focused on transforming lives through education in Nigeria and Africa. This highlights his passion for tackling issues like out-of-school children.
Storyteller Extraordinaire: Segun digs into impactful topics, calling governments to action through his reporting.
Influential Voice: He’s invited to significant events, like the London Mayor’s inauguration, showing his influence in Nigerian and international circles.
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Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, has flagged off the disbursement of ₦60 million to 600 youths trained in various skills under the State’s Skills Acquisition Program.
The beneficiaries, trained by SOSMEDAN and the Department of Community Development, received ₦100,000 each and working tools to support their entrepreneurial pursuits.
The governor said the training programs aimed to empower youths to become self-reliant and contribute to the state’s economic development.
He noted that his administration had trained over 3,750 young men and women in various skills.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Development, Alhaji Garba Maitumbi Kebbi, commended the governor for his support to the youth empowerment program.
The Secretary of SOSMEDAN, Hajiya Binta Usman, expressed gratitude to the governor for his vision and leadership.
The District Head of Wurno, Alhaji Kabiru Chigari Alhassan, representing the Sultan of Sokoto, commended the governor for his initiative, which he said aligned with Islamic teachings and the values of the Sokoto Caliphate.
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The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted undeclared foreign currencies valued at more than N2.28 billion at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.
The seizure was announced on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, by the Customs Area Controller of the MMIA Command, Comptroller Chidi Nwokorie, during a media briefing.
He disclosed that the intercepted funds comprised €651,505 and $800,575.
According to Nwokorie, the interception highlights the Service’s firm resolve to curb financial crimes, block illicit financial flows, and protect Nigeria’s economic stability and national security.
He congratulated Nigeria on its recent exit from the Financial Action Task Force, FATF, Grey List, attributing the milestone to effective leadership and robust inter-agency cooperation.
He specifically praised the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for driving reforms and strengthening collaboration with sister agencies.
The Comptroller also commended officers of the Command’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Financing of Terrorism Unit for their professionalism and alertness, noting that their diligence led to the successful interception.
Nwokorie explained that the incident occurred at about 2:45 pm on Saturday, December 23, 2025, at Departure Terminal 2 of the airport.
An Austrian national, identified as Mr Kavlak Onal, was preparing to board an Emirates Airlines flight to Dubai when he allegedly failed to declare the foreign currencies in his possession, despite being questioned by Customs officers.
A detailed search of his luggage subsequently uncovered the undeclared cash.
He noted that the action violated regulations mandating travellers entering or leaving Nigeria to declare foreign currencies or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent.
The Comptroller added that the interception was in line with the legal mandate of the NCS to enforce anti-money laundering laws and prevent illicit financial movements across the nation’s borders.
Advising travellers and businesspersons, Nwokorie stressed the importance of full and accurate disclosure to avoid legal consequences, including prosecution and forfeiture.
“Possessing foreign currency above the approved $10,000 threshold is not an offence. However, failure to declare, false declaration or under-declaration is punishable under the law,” he stated.
The suspect, alongside his international passport and the seized currencies, was formally handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation.
Receiving the items on behalf of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the Commission Richard Adejumo, confirmed that the case had been taken over and assured the public of a comprehensive investigation.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring accountability and prosecuting offenders, while also commending the sustained collaboration between the EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Following an altercation over grazing, a farmer has shit dead a herder in Guwal Village, Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area of Borno State.
According to Zagagola Makama, the incident occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on December 15 when Adamu Salisu, aged 65, and his son, Salisu Adamu, aged 30, were harvesting crops on their farm.
The source said a herder, Saleh, aged 30, from Chalu Village, moved his cattle into the farm and began grazing on the farmer’s legumes, prompting a confrontation.
“An altercation ensued when Adamu Salisu cautioned the herder to remove his cattle. The herder then attacked the farmer and his son with a machete, injuring them on the hand,” the source said.
According to the source, the farmer retaliated by shooting the herder in the stomach with a Dane gun.
Saleh was evacuated to General Hospital, Kwaya Kusar by the police but was certified dead on arrival. The corpse was photographed and released to relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.
The farmer and his son received treatment for machete injuries sustained during the incident, while the suspect has been arrested and exhibits recovered.
It was gathered that authorities have urged residents to seek peaceful resolution in disputes and to report any violent incidents to security agencies to prevent escalation.
- A Nigerian father and his new wife have come under heavy public criticism after viral reports accused them of brutally abusing three young children following the death of their biological mother.
- The stepmother is alleged to have inflicted severe physical harm on the children, while the father reportedly failed to intervene, prompting widespread calls for their arrest and prosecution.
In a deeply disturbing case that has sparked nationwide outrage, a Nigerian father and his new wife are facing severe public backlash over the alleged brutal abuse of three young children following the death of their biological mother.
The children’s mother reportedly died last year after a prolonged battle with cancer. Instead of allowing time for healing and providing emotional support for his grieving children, the father allegedly remarried shortly after her death—a decision many believe exposed the children to grave danger.
The case gained widespread attention after shocking videos and reports surfaced on social media, showing the extent of the alleged abuse within the family home. The stepmother is accused of subjecting the children to inhumane treatment, including allegedly using razor blades to cut their lips and ears as a form of punishment.
What has angered the public even more is the father’s alleged silence and inaction. Despite being aware of the visible injuries and suffering of his children, he reportedly failed to intervene or protect them from the abuse, drawing fierce condemnation online.
Many social media users have expressed that while both adults deserve punishment, the father bears greater responsibility for failing in his duty as a parent. As one viral comment put it:
“I condemn both of them, but I condemn the father more because he is the biological parent and failed these children.”
The incident has triggered intense reactions across digital platforms, with calls for the immediate arrest and prosecution of both the father and stepmother.
The late mother keeps appearing in dreams to a family member to check on her kids 😩😭😭.
See what the step mother did to these babies. And she has kids of her own ooo.
The useless father still let this woman near his kids,why?????
Some men are not normal,why let someone do this? pic.twitter.com/omZfnuZZha
— AMAJU (@Chef_Tee_) December 16, 2025
https://twitter.com/Chef_Tee_/status/2000909846418165996?s=20
https://twitter.com/Chef_Tee_/status/2001030327935057937?s=20
The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has outlined key priorities aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system, with emphasis on electoral reform, infrastructure development and voter education, during his maiden interactive meeting with the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters.
The meeting, held at Room 107 of the Senate New Wing on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, marked Professor Amupitan’s first formal engagement with the Committee since his assumption of office. He was accompanied by the full complement of National Commissioners, the Secretary to the Commission, and the Chairman’s technical aides, reflecting the importance INEC attached to the interaction. Members of the Senate Committee present included the Chairman, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, as well as Senators Adams Oshiomhole, Tony Nwoye, Ireti Kingibe, Ede Dafinone, Emma Nwachukwu, Kelvin Chukwu, and Sunday Katum.
In his remarks, Prof. Amupitan acknowledged the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s democratic architecture, noting that its legislative and oversight responsibilities directly impact the stability and credibility of the nation’s electoral system. He expressed appreciation to the Senate for the rigorous confirmation process that preceded his appointment, describing the engagement as a demonstration of institutional collaboration anchored on constitutional principles.
Reflecting on the early days of his tenure, the INEC Chairman recalled that the Commission was immediately confronted with the conduct of the Anambra Governorship Election of November 8, 2025. He reported that the election was successfully concluded in a single day, a notable departure from previous experiences, and attributed the outcome to effective inter-agency cooperation and the support of the National Assembly and other stakeholders. According to him, the exercise provided valuable lessons and insights into areas requiring further improvement, particularly in logistics and operational efficiency.
Prof. Amupitan emphasised that Nigeria’s electoral system operates within a tripartite framework comprising the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and INEC’s Regulations and Guidelines. While the Commission is empowered to conduct elections and issue regulations, he stressed that these responsibilities must remain consistent with the provisions of the Constitution and the laws enacted by the National Assembly. He commended the legislature for granting INEC the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing process of constitutional and electoral amendments.
Outlining his vision for the Commission, the INEC Chairman stated that supporting the National Assembly in achieving meaningful electoral reforms remains a core priority of his leadership. He further emphasised the need to strengthen existing infrastructure and deploy technology in a manner that enhances transparency, credibility, and inclusiveness in the electoral process. He acknowledged the challenges associated with public perception and expectations, emphasising the importance of adhering to constitutionalism, due process, and institutional boundaries in the conduct of elections.
The INEC chairman also identified voter education as a critical mandate that will receive increased attention under his leadership, noting that informed participation by citizens is essential to the integrity and credibility of elections. He emphasised the central role of logistics in electoral success and observed that preparations for forthcoming elections, including the FCT Area Council Election and other off-cycle elections scheduled for 2026, are closely linked to the timely conclusion of electoral reforms by the National Assembly.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Bako Lalong, welcomed Prof. Amupitan and his delegation, describing the interactive session as a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions. He reaffirmed the central role of INEC in shaping public confidence in governance and stressed that credible elections remain fundamental to democratic legitimacy.
Senator Lalong congratulated the INEC Chairman on his appointment and noted that he assumed office at a time of heightened public expectations and evolving challenges, including technological innovation, voter education, electoral security, logistics, and public trust. He assured the Commission of the Committee’s readiness to provide legislative support, constructive oversight, and policy guidance to enable INEC to effectively discharge its constitutional mandate.
He emphasised that the interactive session was designed to promote frank dialogue and institutional collaboration rather than ceremonial engagement. While reaffirming the Committee’s commitment to electoral reforms through legislation and budgetary support, Senator Lalong stressed that oversight does not amount to interference, noting that respect for INEC’s constitutional independence remains a guiding principle.
Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have begun gathering at the NLC Secretariat in Abuja for a nationwide protest against the rising insecurity across the country.
According to Channels Television, some of those already at the Secretariat include the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, and civil society allies.
Notable among them are Omoyele Sowore and his colleagues in the Revolution Now Movement
There is also a deployment of security personnel on the ground, comprising the police, civil defence, and officials of the Department of State Service (DSS).
Naija News recalls that the NLC had met with President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday night ahead of its nationwide protests against insecurity.
The President met with the labour union leadership with the hope of shelving a nationwide NLC protest scheduled for today.
The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, led the labour leaders to the meeting on Tuesday night at the State House, Abuja.
The meeting was also attended by the chairman of the APC governors’ forum, Hope Uzodimma; Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo; Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris and the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
When asked by State House correspondence after the meeting if the protest would still proceed as scheduled, Ajaero did not provide a direct response.
He said: “If I’m insisting (on proceeding with the strike), I’m not insisting. I will communicate to you. It is not an organisation that one person rules. Let’s go back now. You have a meeting of labour and the governor’s forum. We’ll go back to the drawing board and digest all that Mr President said to us, and move forward from there.”
- A Skypower Express Cessna 172 aircraft crash-landed and somersaulted at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri after declaring an emergency while en route from Kaduna to Port Harcourt.
- All four occupants onboard were hospitalised, with no fatalities recorded.
- The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has launched a full investigation into the incident.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed a serious accident involving a Cessna 172 aircraft at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.
The aircraft, operated by Skypower Express (registration 5N-ASR), was traveling from Kaduna to Port Harcourt when the crew declared an emergency and diverted to Owerri. At approximately 8:00 pm, the plane crash-landed and somersaulted on Runway 17.
NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, confirmed that “all four occupants of the aircraft were hospitalised following the incident, with no fatalities recorded”.
She further noted that despite the severity of the crash:
“There was no post-crash fire and that flight operations were not disrupted, as the runway remained active with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident,”.
NSIB Director-General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. stated that the bureau has “activated its investigation protocols and was coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site”.
Technical teams are currently working to evacuate the wreckage for a detailed examination, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Tuesday presented a ₦939.85 billion 2026 Appropriation Bill, tagged the Budget of Hope and Growth, to the Edo House of Assembly.
The proposal outlines an ambitious fiscal roadmap aimed at consolidating first-year gains and restoring public confidence in governance across the state.
Presenting the budget, Mr Okpebholo said it builds on the 2025 foundation, while expanding government programmes to “directly impact the lives of Edo people”.
According to him, priority sectors include security, infrastructure, agriculture, education, job creation and healthcare, which he described as critical to sustainable development.
He said his administration remains focused on delivering “development that the people can see and feel” in all communities.
The proposal allocates a total expenditure of ₦939.85 billion, comprising ₦637 billion for capital projects and ₦302 billion for recurrent expenditures.
Mr Okpebholo said the strong capital tilt reflects his resolve to fast-track development through investments in roads, schools, hospitals, housing and water supply.
Funding is projected from ₦160 billion Internally Generated Revenue, ₦480 billion FAAC inflows, ₦153 billion capital receipts and grants, and ₦146 billion from PPPs.
The governor assured residents that the government would not impose unnecessary burdens, pledging to strengthen revenue systems and block financial leakages.
The economic sector received the largest share, with ₦614.2 billion earmarked for agriculture, roads, transport, urban development and energy projects.
He listed priorities as road construction, two flyovers, drainage works, urban renewal, farm estates expansion and irrigation facilities.
The social sector was allocated ₦148.9 billion for education, healthcare, youth development, women affairs and social welfare programmes.
Plans include school renovations, teacher recruitment and training, healthcare expansion, and investments in youth skills, sports and entrepreneurship.
For governance, ₦157.7 billion was allocated to civil service reforms, digital tools, improved revenue systems, MDAs support and e-governance rollout.
READ ALSO: Edo reviews Radisson Hotel deal amid N385m monthly debt
The justice sector received ₦19 billion to strengthen courts, improve justice delivery and support legal reforms and access-to-justice programmes.
Regional development focuses on community roads, rural electrification, water and sanitation projects, grassroots empowerment and security outposts.
Mr Okpebholo said the budget is anchored on his SHINE Agenda, an acronym for Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and Education.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for the reforms that have boosted state revenues and commended the assembly for its cooperation and continued support.
The governor formally laid the 2026 appropriation bill before the House for consideration and approval.
(NAN)
By Chuks Oyema‑Aziken
A coalition of farmers, scientists and researchers, nutritionists, legal practitioners, medical practitioners, civil‑society organisations, women’s groups, and youth groups has again raised the alarm that the lives of millions of Nigerians are at risk if genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are allowed into the country.
The warning was issued at a rally for food sovereignty and environmental justice organized by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) and GMO‑Free Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.
The group, representing millions of Nigerians, called on the government to ban GMOs, following the 2024 recommendation by the House of Representatives.
The rally proceeded to the National Assembly, where a petition was submitted to the House, stressing that the continued deployment and commercialisation of GMOs in Nigeria poses grave risks to food sovereignty, biodiversity, farmers’ livelihoods, public health, and environmental health.
Speaking at the rally, the Executive Director of HOMEF—represented by Joyce Brown, Director of Programmes—said, “Key concerns regarding GMOs that we cannot afford to overlook include the contamination and loss of Nigeria’s genetic resources and diversity due to cross‑pollination from genetically engineered crops; soil degradation resulting from the transfer of toxins from GMOs such as Bt cowpea and cotton (produced by the introduction of the Cry1Ab toxin from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis); and the loss of food sovereignty as corporations control the seeds, forcing farmers to buy seeds season after season—negating the age‑long Nigerian/African culture of saving and sharing seeds.”
Mariann Bassey‑Olsson, Deputy Director of Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, noted that resistance to GMOs is not unique to Nigeria.
“More than 30 countries worldwide have banned GMOs, including EU members such as France, Germany, Austria, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Poland, Denmark, Malta, Slovenia, Italy, and Croatia.
“Switzerland and Russia also maintain GMO bans. In the Asia‑Pacific region, Australia, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Bhutan, Japan, and Saudi Arabia have restrictions. In the Americas, Belize, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela have banned GMOs, while African nations such as Algeria, Madagascar, and Zimbabwe prohibit both importation and cultivation.
“In 2024, Mexico imposed an indefinite ban on genetically engineered corn, citing evidence that it poses “the risk of imminent harm to the environment.”
Dr. Jacqueline Ikeotuonye, Country Director of the Bio‑Integrity and Natural Food Awareness Initiative, refuted the claim that GMOs increase yields. She cited a 2024 report by the National Cotton Association of Nigeria (NACOTAN) showing that farmers did not record any significant yield increase compared with local seed varieties; after three years of planting the GM variety, yields per hectare remained almost unchanged.
“NACOTAN also reported that no other plants have been able to germinate on farmlands where GM seeds were planted, even after four years.
Dr. Ikeotuonye added that farmers across the country complain that productivity declines in the second planting season, forcing them to purchase new seeds each season.
Martins Ogunlade, Associate Director of the Climate and Environment Programme at Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), stressed the need for accountability from the regulatory agency—the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA). He pointed out that, to date, no evidence of long‑term risk assessments or clinical trials has been provided before the commercial release of GM crops in Nigeria.
Other speakers cited studies linking GMO consumption to a range of health problems, including antibiotic resistance.
They noted that the commercially approved Bt cowpea expresses an enzyme, neomycin phosphotransferase II (NPTII), which confers antibiotic resistance. Multiple animal studies have shown significant immune dysregulation, including up‑regulation of cytokines associated with asthma, allergy, and inflammation.
A woman farmer at the rally, Lovelyn Ejim, emphasized that government decisions must serve the Nigerian people. Since 2013, there has been a growing public demand—expressed through online media and other forums—for a ban on GMOs. “It is clear that Nigerians do not want this technology in our food, and the government’s persistent approval of GMOs shows a disregard for the rights of the people and reveals vested interests in this technology,” she concluded.
Key demands of the rally participants include an immediate ban on all GMO materials for planting, food, feed production, and processing in Nigeria; A ban on all imported processed foods containing bio‑engineered ingredients from Nigerian market shelves; Nullification of all permits granted so far, as they are not supported by adequate, certified, and sufficient risk assessments; and Investment in agro‑ecology, organic farming, and other food‑production practices that ensure food security and sovereignty while strengthening the Nigerian economy.