The Gild Blog

Finance/FinTech Nov 1, 2025

₦757bn for Speed: MTN Supercharges Network as Data Usage Jumps 36%

MTN Nigeria is clearly not playing this year. The telecom giant has pushed a massive ₦757 billion into network expansion — nearly three times its previous spending levels — as data demand in Nigeria continues to skyrocket. With data traffic up 36%, MTN is doubling down on infrastructure, fiber rollout, data-center capacity, and core tech upgrades to keep users streaming, scrolling, and transacting without stress. This move isn’t just about waves; it's all about staying ahead of the competition and positioning itself for long-term dominance in Nigeria’s digital economy.

Finance/FinTech Nov 1, 2025

Commodity Prices Headed for a 6-Year Low by 2026 — World Bank Says Global Market is Entering "Cool-Down Mode"

The World Bank has dropped a fresh economic alert: global commodity prices are projected to slide to their lowest level in six years by 2026. According to its latest Commodity Markets Outlook, this decline — driven by weak global growth, rising oil supply, and policy uncertainties — could help ease inflation but may hit commodity-dependent economies hard. Think cheaper fuel vibes for consumers, but potential budget headaches for governments that rely heavily on oil, minerals, or agricultural exports.

Finance/FinTech Oct 29, 2025

Tinubu Vows Nigeria Will Retain Major Value from Africa’s $120bn Oil, Gas Investment

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared Nigeria’s commitment to taking a leading role in ensuring Africa retains more value from its oil and gas resources. With Africa’s hydrocarbon sector representing an estimated $120 billion annual investment opportunity, Tinubu emphasized that the continent can no longer afford to export crude and import refined products at heavy costs. His message: it’s time for Africa — and Nigeria in particular — to keep the real value of its energy wealth within the continent.

Finance/FinTech Oct 23, 2025

Lagos Launches Fresh Wave of Empowerment for Retirees to Start New Businesses

Retirement in Lagos isn’t what it used to be — the days of just chilling on pensions are fading fast. Lagos State is now flipping the script by turning retirees into business owners. Through its Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment and LASPEC, the state is giving ex-civil servants a second act — with skill training, start-up packs, and pension payouts that can double as seed capital for small businesses.

Finance/FinTech Oct 23, 2025

Nigerian Breweries Reaffirms Stakeholder Collab Goals to Boost Industry Growth and Sustainability

“Collaboration — not just conversation — is how we’ll grow the industry.” That was the vibe from Nigerian Breweries Plc (NB) as it renewed its promise to work closely with customers, partners, regulators, and local communities. The move came during the company’s Customer Tour of the Lagos Brewery in October 2025 — a bold signal that NB is going all in on partnership-driven growth.

Finance/FinTech Oct 22, 2025

Dangote Set to Level Up — Plans to Double Refinery Capacity to 1.4 million Barrels Daily

Dangote No Dey Chill! Just when everyone thought Aliko Dangote was done shaking the table, man said, “Hold my jollof.” Reports now suggest that the billionaire businessman wants to double his refinery’s output to a jaw-dropping 1.4 million barrels per day (mbpd). Yup, you read that right — 1.4 million! The move, if successful, could completely transform Nigeria’s oil industry and give the economy the long-awaited boost.

Finance/FinTech Oct 21, 2025

ChatGPT Plus Just Got Pricier for Nigerians as OpenAI Adds 7.5% VAT

If you’re one of those Nigerians who rely on ChatGPT for work, school, or business, brace yourself — things just got a bit more expensive. From November 1, 2025, OpenAI will start adding a 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) to all paid ChatGPT subscriptions in Nigeria. The move comes as part of Nigeria’s new digital service tax policy, which requires foreign tech companies to charge VAT on digital services provided to local users. So yes, ChatGPT has officially joined the “taxed tech” crew — right alongside Netflix, Google, and Meta.

Finance/FinTech

Dollar to Naira Rate Today – October 21, 2025

Na still wahala for the naira today as dollar don show muscle again. Vanguard report say for the official market (NFEM), dollar dey go for around ₦1,468 – ₦1,470 per dollar. But for black market, e don jump reach ₦1,480 – ₦1,495. Sites like Investing.com and Wise confirm say naira never stable yet, even with all the new CBN policy wey dem roll out recently.