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JUST IN: Tinubu Govt Announces Fresh Investment Funds For Startups
The Federal Government’s Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme has unveiled plans to launch two additional funds in 2026 aimed at boosting Nigeria’s technology and creative
The initiative targets early-stage and growth-driven start-ups across the country.
The announcement was made as the iDICE Steering Committee, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, confirmed the formal commencement of investments under the programme.
The milestone coincides with the successful $64 million first-round close of a new venture fund anchored by iDICE and managed by Ventures Platform, a leading pan-African seed-stage investor.
Ventures Platform was appointed Fund Manager for the technology component of iDICE in August 2025, following a competitive selection process supervised by the programme’s financing partners.
With the new capital, iDICE joins prominent institutional investors including the International Finance Corporation, Standard Bank of South Africa and British International Investment. The fund targets a final close of $75 million.
Vice President Shettima described the development as a major step toward unlocking the economic potential of young Nigerians.
The commencement of investing by iDICE is an exciting milestone and a leap forward in the determined efforts of the Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to deliver on our vision of unleashing the full potential of Nigeria’s young people, in line with the Renewed Hope agenda,” he said.
Managing Director/CEO of the Bank of Industry, Dr Olasupo Olusi, said the investment strengthens the Federal Government’s commitment to scaling up the technology and creative sectors through strategic funding.
According to him, the partnership with Ventures Platform will “catalyse meaningful investments in high-growth, technology-enabled ventures and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s broader economic transformation, job creation and entrepreneurial empowerment.”
Founding Partner of Ventures Platform, Kola Aina, expressed optimism about the collaboration.
“We are delighted to have been selected as the iDICE Technology Fund Manager, partnering with the Federal Government and other key stakeholders to achieve our collective goal of supporting Nigeria’s young entrepreneurs and innovators to bring their ideas to life, creating deep value and transforming the country’s economy,” he said.
Beyond the technology fund, iDICE confirmed that two additional funding structures will be rolled out in 2026:
A Creative Sector Fund, designed to invest directly in creative industry start-ups.
A Fund of Funds, which will invest in smaller funds supporting technology and creative-sector ventures.
The three funding channels will complement the programme’s broader agenda around enterprise development, skills acquisition, policy reforms and access to blended finance.
Naija News understands that iDICE is a $617 million programme launched by the Federal Government to support Nigerians aged 15–35 through enterprise funding, digital skills training and ecosystem development across the tech and creative sectors.
The programme is backed by the African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and the French Development Agency, with the Bank of Industry serving as co-investor and implementing agency.
Since its inception in 2016, Ventures Platform has invested in over 90 African start-ups, including Paystack, Piggyvest, Moniepoint and LemFi.
The new investments mark a fresh phase in Nigeria’s push to build a globally competitive innovation ecosystem.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the payment of a 13th-month pension bonus to all pensioners in the state, as well as a one-off welfare support of N10,000 in November 2026.
Speaking at the Ibom Hall grounds in Uyo on Friday, during the presentation of a merit award by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and an endorsement of his second-term bid, Eno said pensioners deserved to rest well after their meritorious service to the state.
Eno said he was particularly impressed by the pensioners’ sense of gratitude and assured them that the state government, under his leadership, would continue to prioritise the welfare of pensioners and elderly citizens.
He said, “This is indeed humbling to me. It shows that you are truly technocrats with a laudable sense of organisation. You may be retired but not tired. I celebrate and appreciate you greatly.
“I am now directing that N10,000 be added to the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner in support of your welfare.”
He urged them to enrol in the state’s health insurance scheme, which he said was free for people aged 65 and above, to enable them to enjoy quality healthcare.
Eno recalled that he had promised to clear the backlog of gratuities, adding that N100bn had so far been paid from the accumulated N111bn owed since 2012. He assured the pensioners that the outstanding balance would be cleared before the end of his first term.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for making funds available to states, saying this had enabled him to fulfil his promise to clear the gratuity arrears.
Eno called on the pensioners to vote massively for Tinubu in the 2027 elections, saying this would ensure the continued availability of funds for the prompt payment of gratuities and pensions, as well as other welfare packages.
He also urged pensioners from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to vote for the re-election of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Responding, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Mazi Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, commended Eno for what he described as his compassion and care for pensioners in the state.
Abumisi also praised Eno’s leadership and development efforts and urged pensioners across the state to support his second-term bid in 2027.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, thanked Eno for his leadership, saying his commitment to the welfare of elderly people and retired public servants was heartwarming.
“Governor Umo Eno is a true leader with the heart for humanity who deserves prayers and support from the people. I urge pensioners to support his administration,” he said.
The National Assembly has confirmed that 28 State Houses of Assembly have approved the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria, paving the way for the constitutional amendment bill to be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
According to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the 28 approvals exceed the two-thirds majority required under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, which translates to 24 states. The National Assembly can therefore proceed with the next stage of the process towards presidential assent.
The bill was forwarded to the 36 state assemblies on September 16, 2026, for consideration, with October 15 initially set as the deadline for them to communicate their decisions. Ogunlana, however, said his office would continue to receive and verify reports from the assemblies ahead of the bill’s transmission to Tinubu.
The 28 states that have approved the proposed establishment of state police are listed below:
Adamawa
Delta
Edo
Kwara
Nasarawa
Ogun
Osun
Oyo
Plateau
Rivers
Taraba
Zamfara
Enugu
Anambra
Imo
Ekiti
Kebbi
Akwa Ibom
Bayelsa
Benue
Cross River
Abia
Yobe
Kaduna
Lagos
Kano
Sokoto
Ebonyi
A new political prediction has emerged ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with a state-by-state electoral map showing the states former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi are projected to win.
The prediction, published by Statecraft, outlines the expected performance of the three major political figures across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the prediction, Tinubu is projected to win 15 states and the FCT, Atiku is expected to secure nine states, while Obi is tipped to emerge victorious in 12 states.
The map, which uses orange, blue and white colours to distinguish the three presidential contenders, provides a breakdown of the states each candidate is projected to win.
States Tinubu Is Projected to Win
According to the prediction, Tinubu is expected to win.
The FCT is also included in Tinubu’s projected victories.
States Atiku Abubakar Is Projected to Win
The former vice president is projected to win nine states.
States Peter Obi Is Projected to Win
Meanwhile, Obi is projected to secure 12 states.
The breakdown suggests a competitive presidential contest, with the three political figures projected to command support across different regions of the country.
Interestingly, the prediction places Tinubu ahead with 15 states and the FCT, followed by Obi with 12 states and Atiku with nine states.
However, it is important to note that the map represents Statecraft’s political prediction and not an official election result, an opinion poll or a declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The actual outcome of the 2027 presidential election will be determined by voters when Nigerians head to the polls.
The prediction has also raised questions about the possible political realignments, regional voting patterns and factors that could shape the contest in 2027.
JUST IN: Nigerian Gov Approves 13th-Month Bonus
Full List: 28 States That Approved State Police
