By Etop Ekanem 

Chief Executive Officer of Jumia Group, Francis Dufay, has offered a perspective that placed Nigeria not at the margins of risk, but at the centre of reform, growth and stability.

Speaking during a panel on emerging markets, at the Sohn Conference in New York, Dufay described the period between 2021 and 2024 as one of the most difficult economic cycles in recent memory for African markets, with Nigeria among the hardest hit. 

Sharp currency swings, weakened consumer purchasing power, and inflation created a challenging operating environment, particularly for sectors tied to imports, logistics, payments, and retail demand. For businesses like Jumia, where pricing stability, inventory planning, and payment predictability are critical, the volatility tested resilience.

But according to Dufay, the pressure forced structural responses, arguing that Nigeria’s reform trajectory, particularly under President Bola Tinubu, has marked the beginning of a new macro-cycle. Measures around exchange rate unification, fiscal adjustments, and broader economic restructuring, he suggested, are gradually creating a more transparent and stable operating environment for compliant businesses.

He pointed to Nigeria as a clear case study of reform under strain. “Nigeria was in a tough situation three or four years back,” he noted. 

adding that recent policy shifts are laying the foundations for greater stability. For e-commerce and digital platforms, that stability translates directly into improved pricing models, better supplier relationships, stronger payment flows, and renewed investor confidence.

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By Elizabeth Adegbesan

Despite the moderation in inflation rate reported by the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, the financial burden of feeding on Nigerian households may have intensified as the national average Cost of a Healthy Diet (CoHD) climbed to N1,541 per adult per in March 2026, about 4.4 per cent up from N1,477 in March 2025.

The Bureau had reported a steady downward trend in inflation rate up till February 2026 but the trend reversed marginally in March and April.

On a month-on-month basis, nutritious food prices rose by 1.89 percent from February 2026.

However, NBS noted that the upward movement in CoHD was driven by price hikes across almost all essential food groups.

It stated: “The national average Cost of a Healthy Diet was N1,541 per adult per day in March 2026.

“On a month-on-month basis, the cost increased by 1.89 percent compared to February 2026 (N1,513).

“The increase was driven by the rise in prices across all food groups.”

Data from the report revealed sharp geographical divides in food affordability.

Southern states bear the heaviest financial burden, while northern regions enjoy lower costs.

NBS said: “At the State level Ekiti, Imo and Abia States recorded the highest cost at N2,091, N2,052, and N1,970 respectively.

“Adamawa, Federal Capital Territory and Taraba State accounted for the lowest costs at N1,004, N1,113 and N1,149 respectively.”

Zonally, the South-East emerged as the most expensive region at N1,899 per day, followed closely by the South-West at N1,801.

The North-East remained the most affordable zone at N1,233 daily.

The report further showed that meeting dietary guidelines for animal-source foods proved to be the most expensive component.

This category accounted for 39 percent of total daily costs while delivering just 13 percent of total calorie intake.

Fruits and vegetables also strained budgets due to their low calorie-to-price ratio.

Fruits consumed 16 percent of the daily budget for a mere 7 percent of calories.

Vegetables consumed 14 percent of the budget while providing only 5 percent of calories. Legumes, nuts, and seeds remained the most economical choice, representing just 7.0 percent of total costs.

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By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

The Federal Government has unveiled new guidelines for the safe and efficient interconnection of solar mini-grids to electricity distribution networks, aimed at accelerating renewable energy deployment and improving electricity access across Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) and Chief Electrical Officer of the Federation, Engr. Olusegun Adesayo, described the document as “a major milestone in Nigeria’s drive towards achieving a safe, reliable, sustainable and inclusive electricity supply industry.”

According to him, solar mini-grids have emerged as a critical solution for electrifying unserved and underserved communities, making clear operational standards necessary.

“The Guidelines provide comprehensive procedures, technical requirements, interconnection models and operational standards for integrating solar mini-grids into distribution networks without compromising grid stability, power quality, system reliability and public safety.

“The Guidelines seek to reduce uncertainties for investors and developers while strengthening collaboration among Distribution Companies, mini-grid developers, regulators and other stakeholders,” he said..

Adesayo added that the framework aligns with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, the Mini-Grid Regulations 2026 and relevant national and international standards, including IEC standards.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mahmuda Mamman, represented by the Director of Distribution, Mustapha Abba, said renewable energy, particularly solar mini-grids, plays a strategic role in expanding electricity access, improving energy security and promoting sustainable economic growth.

“As this segment of the electricity market continues to grow, it becomes imperative to establish clear technical and operational frameworks that will ensure safety, reliability and efficient coordination between solar mini-grid systems and existing distribution infrastructure,” he said.

“The Guidelines being launched today provide an important framework for ensuring the safe, reliable and efficient interconnection of solar mini-grids to distribution networks across Nigeria.”

Mamman said the guidelines would strengthen investor confidence, reduce technical and regulatory uncertainties, improve system reliability and support the sustainable integration of renewable energy solutions into Nigeria’s electricity network.

Representing the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Programme Manager, Energy and Circular Economy, Mr. Godfrey Ogbemudia, said: “The launch of these Guidelines is particularly significant. We are confident that the Guidelines will provide consistency and increase investor confidence in interconnected mini-grid projects.”

He reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s energy transition and electrification ambitions, while Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, Dr. Karin Jansen, said Germany remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to expand energy access, strengthen institutions and mobilise private investment in renewable energy.

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