Nigeria's Solar Revolution: From Power Deficit to Renewable Energy Manufacturing Hub

 

Nigeria's energy story is undergoing a remarkable transformation—one that is unfolding quietly but has the potential to redefine the country's electricity landscape for decades to come.

For years, the national conversation revolved around chronic power shortages, ageing infrastructure, and an overdependence on gas-fired electricity generation. Today, however, solar energy is emerging as one of the fastest-growing pillars of Nigeria's power sector, signaling a significant shift toward cleaner, decentralized, and more resilient energy systems.

According to the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Abba Aliyu, solar energy now accounts for approximately 20 percent of Nigeria's total electricity generation capacity. Speaking during the Nigerian Oil and Gas Energy Week in Abuja, Aliyu projected that if current investment and deployment trends continue, solar could contribute nearly 50 percent of the country's installed generation capacity before the end of the decade.

Just three years ago, such a projection would have been dismissed by many as overly ambitious. Today, it appears increasingly achievable.

The momentum is being driven by a combination of rising private-sector investment, supportive government policies, declining global solar technology costs, and the urgent need to provide electricity to millions of Nigerians who remain underserved by the national grid.

The REA has played a central role in accelerating this transition through rural electrification projects, solar mini-grids, solar home systems, and partnerships with development finance institutions. Thousands of communities previously disconnected from reliable electricity are now gaining access to clean power through decentralized renewable energy solutions.

Perhaps even more significant than Nigeria's growing domestic adoption is the emergence of a local manufacturing industry.

For decades, Nigeria relied almost entirely on imported solar panels and related equipment. That narrative is beginning to change.

Manufacturing clusters developing along the Lagos–Sagamu industrial corridor are assembling photovoltaic (PV) panels not only for domestic use but increasingly for export across West Africa. According to REA officials, factories are expanding production capacity to meet growing regional demand, positioning Nigeria as a potential manufacturing hub for renewable energy equipment.

The country's export performance already reflects this shift.

According to National Bureau of Statistics trade data, Nigeria exported approximately ₦85.8 billion worth of solar panels during the first quarter of 2026, with markets including Ghana and the United States purchasing Nigerian-assembled products. What was once a purely import-driven industry is gradually becoming an export opportunity capable of generating foreign exchange earnings and creating skilled manufacturing jobs.

Industrial capacity is also expanding rapidly.

REA officials say domestic photovoltaic manufacturing capacity has increased from approximately 120 megawatts two years ago to nearly 300 megawatts today, while an additional 3.7 gigawatts of production capacity is currently under development. If completed, these investments could significantly reduce Nigeria's dependence on imported solar equipment while strengthening local value chains.

(REA means Nigeria's Rural Electrification Agency, a Nigerian government agency responsible for expanding electric access across rural communities headed by Abba Aliyu)

Another important driver of growth is regulatory reform.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has introduced its Net Billing Regulations 2026, allowing eligible consumers who install rooftop solar systems to feed excess electricity back into the national grid and receive credits for the power they generate. This policy transforms households and businesses from passive electricity consumers into active electricity producers, creating new incentives for investment in distributed renewable energy.

NERC has also expanded opportunities for private developers by increasing the allowable capacity for mini-grid projects—from 1 megawatt to 5 megawatts and subsequently to 10 megawatts for interconnected systems. These changes make larger renewable energy projects commercially viable while extending electricity access to industrial clusters, commercial centres, and rural communities.

The implications extend far beyond electricity generation.

A thriving solar manufacturing industry could stimulate investment in glass production, aluminium fabrication, electrical components, battery storage, logistics, research, and technical training. Thousands of new jobs could emerge across engineering, manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and after-sales services, creating an entirely new industrial ecosystem around renewable energy.

For businesses, increased access to solar power offers a pathway to reducing reliance on expensive diesel generators, lowering operating costs, and improving competitiveness. For households, cleaner and more reliable electricity can enhance education, healthcare, digital connectivity, and overall quality of life.

Challenges nevertheless remain.

Grid infrastructure requires substantial modernization to integrate larger volumes of renewable electricity. Local manufacturers continue to face high financing costs, foreign exchange pressures, and competition from lower-priced imported products. Battery storage, transmission upgrades, and local supply chains must also expand if Nigeria is to sustain rapid growth in renewable energy deployment.

Even so, the direction of travel appears increasingly clear.

Nigeria is no longer simply consuming solar technology—it is beginning to manufacture it, export it, and integrate it into the foundation of its future energy system.

If current investment trends, policy reforms, and industrial expansion continue, the country could emerge not only as one of Africa's largest renewable energy markets but also as a regional manufacturing powerhouse for clean energy technologies.

For a nation that has long struggled with electricity shortages, that would represent one of the most significant energy transformations in its modern history.

Read also Nigeria's Inflation Rising: Why Producing Locally Is No Longer Optional

World Bank: Nearly 8 in 10 Nigerians Still Poor or Vulnerable Despite Economic Reforms

 

Despite sweeping economic reforms aimed at stabilizing Nigeria's economy, the majority of Nigerians are yet to experience meaningful improvements in their standard of living, according to a new assessment by the World Bank.

The World Bank, in its newly approved Country Partnership Framework for Nigeria (2026–2032) and accompanying Streamlined Country Diagnostic, revealed that 79 percent of Nigerians are either living in poverty or remain vulnerable to falling into poverty. The report further states that 61 percent of the population lives below the national poverty line, while 33 percent are classified as ultra-poor, meaning they struggle to meet even basic food requirements. 

The findings come after nearly three years of major economic reforms introduced by the Federal Government, including the removal of petrol subsidies, the liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, tighter monetary policies, and tax reforms. These measures have been widely praised by international financial institutions for improving macroeconomic stability, boosting investor confidence, strengthening foreign reserves, and narrowing fiscal deficits. 

However, the World Bank argues that while these reforms have improved key economic indicators, their benefits have not yet translated into better living conditions for millions of Nigerians. Rising inflation, high transportation costs, unemployment, and declining purchasing power continue to weigh heavily on households across the country. 

The report underscores a growing disconnect between macroeconomic progress and the day-to-day realities faced by ordinary citizens. While economic growth has shown signs of recovery and investor sentiment has improved, many families continue to struggle with the rising cost of food, housing, healthcare, and education.

Economists note that structural reforms often require time before their benefits filter through the broader economy. However, they warn that without stronger social protection programmes, job creation, agricultural productivity, and investment in small businesses, many Nigerians may continue to face hardship despite encouraging headline economic figures.

The World Bank therefore recommends accelerating inclusive growth by expanding employment opportunities, improving access to quality education and healthcare, strengthening social safety nets, and encouraging greater private-sector investment capable of generating sustainable jobs.

The findings are likely to intensify public debate over Nigeria's economic direction. While government officials maintain that the reforms were necessary to correct long-standing economic distortions and place the country on a more sustainable path, many citizens continue to judge the reforms by one simple measure: whether life is becoming more affordable.

Ultimately, the report presents a sobering reminder that economic success cannot be measured solely by stronger fiscal balances or increased investor confidence. Lasting reform will be judged by its ability to reduce poverty, create opportunities, and improve the everyday lives of ordinary Nigerians.

Can Starlink Keep Up? Coverage Isn't Enough: Why Starlink Must Win the Capacity Battle

Starlink is currently battling what we are familiar with in Nigeria, Network Congestion!! The same problem Traditional telecoms are battling with.

For years, Starlink represented a technological revolution. By deploying thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites, Elon Musk's SpaceX promised to deliver high-speed internet to places where traditional broadband providers had failed remote villages, isolated islands, farms, ships at sea, and disaster zones.

The concept appeared almost limitless. Instead of laying expensive fibre-optic cables or building mobile towers, Starlink would beam broadband directly from space, bringing connectivity to virtually any location with a clear view of the sky.

Millions of users embraced the service, making Starlink one of the fastest-growing satellite internet providers in the world.

But success has brought a new challenge one that looks remarkably familiar.

As subscriber numbers continue to climb, Starlink is increasingly facing network congestion, regional capacity shortages, waiting lists for new customers, and growing pressure to invest even more heavily in infrastructure. In several high-demand markets, users have reported slower speeds during peak hours, while the company has introduced capacity management measures and, in some locations, higher prices or differentiated service plans to balance demand with available bandwidth.

The situation highlights a fundamental reality of telecommunications: coverage is not the same as capacity.

Coverage simply means a service is available in a particular location. Capacity determines how many people can use that service simultaneously while maintaining acceptable speeds and reliability.

A satellite may cover an enormous geographical area, but it still has finite bandwidth. Every satellite can only transmit a certain amount of data at any given time. As more households, businesses, aircraft, ships, and mobile users connect, they all compete for that limited capacity.

The result is familiar to anyone who has experienced a slow mobile network in a crowded stadium or city centre. The signal exists—but too many users are trying to access it at once.

Ironically, this is the same engineering challenge that traditional telecommunications companies have battled for decades. Mobile operators continually add towers, acquire additional radio spectrum, upgrade equipment, and deploy fibre backhaul because growing demand constantly consumes available capacity.

Starlink may operate hundreds of kilometres above Earth, but it is discovering that physics imposes similar constraints.

Unlike fibre networks, where operators can often increase capacity by installing additional cables or upgrading equipment, satellite networks require launching new spacecraft into orbit, expanding ground infrastructure, and continually modernising user terminals. These upgrades demand billions of dollars in ongoing investment.

The challenge becomes even greater as demand for bandwidth accelerates.

Today's internet is far more data-intensive than it was just a decade ago. High-definition video streaming, cloud computing, artificial intelligence applications, online gaming, remote work, telemedicine, and connected devices all consume enormous amounts of bandwidth. Future technologies—including autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and immersive virtual reality—will require even greater network capacity.

This raises an important question for the future of global connectivity.

If a constellation comprising thousands of satellites can experience congestion in high-demand regions, can expanding coverage alone ever solve the world's connectivity problem?

Many industry analysts argue the answer is no.

Instead, the future will depend on a combination of technologies working together. Fibre-optic networks will continue to carry the vast majority of internet traffic in cities. 5G and future 6G mobile networks will deliver high-capacity wireless access in densely populated areas. Fixed wireless solutions will bridge gaps in suburban communities. Satellite internet will remain indispensable for remote regions, emergency communications, maritime operations, aviation, and areas where terrestrial infrastructure is impractical.

Rather than replacing traditional internet providers, satellite broadband is increasingly becoming another layer of the global communications ecosystem.

For Starlink, the current challenges are not necessarily signs of failure—they are evidence of extraordinary adoption. Any network that attracts millions of customers eventually encounters the difficult balance between demand and available infrastructure.

The company's response will likely involve launching more advanced satellites, improving spectrum efficiency, expanding laser-linked satellite networks, and increasing ground station capacity. These investments could significantly improve performance over time, but they also underscore an unavoidable truth: there is no shortcut around capacity.

The broader lesson extends far beyond Starlink.

Whether broadband is delivered through fibre buried beneath streets, radio towers on hillsides, undersea cables spanning oceans, or satellites orbiting hundreds of kilometres above Earth, every communications network ultimately faces the same challenge.

The future of connectivity is not simply about reaching more places—it is about ensuring networks have enough capacity to serve the billions of people and devices that increasingly depend on them.

In telecommunications, as in transportation, adding more roads means little if they become permanently congested. The same principle applies in space. More coverage is valuable, but without continuous investment in capacity, even the most ambitious satellite constellation will eventually encounter limits.

Read also Starlink’s Rise and the Nigerian Telecom Dilemma: When Competition Plays by Different Economics

A Dangerous New Chapter: Ukrainian Strike on Iranian Ship Raises Global Concerns

Key Points

• Ukraine struck an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, reportedly killing one sailor and injuring another.

• Kyiv says the vessel was linked to Russia's military logistics and later described the strike as unintended.

• Iran has condemned the attack, summoned Ukraine's envoy, demanded compensation, and warned of consequences.

• The incident marks one of the most significant military actions in the Caspian Sea since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.

• Analysts believe the strike could deepen tensions between Ukraine and Iran while increasing concerns about the conflict expanding beyond its traditional theatres

The war between Ukraine and Russia has taken another dramatic turn after a Ukrainian drone strike hit an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, opening a new front in a conflict that has increasingly drawn in regional powers. The incident, which reportedly killed one sailor and injured another, has sparked a diplomatic crisis between Kyiv and Tehran, with Iran warning that the attack "cannot go unanswered." 

According to Ukrainian officials, the vessel was believed to be transporting components linked to Russia's military supply chain, including equipment allegedly used in the production and delivery of Iranian-made drones supplied to Moscow. Kyiv has argued that disrupting such logistics is part of its broader strategy to weaken Russia's war effort. However, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha later told his Iranian counterpart that the strike on the Iranian vessel was unintended and urged Tehran not to escalate the situation. 

Iran has rejected Ukraine's explanation, summoning Ukraine's chargé d'affaires in Tehran to formally protest the attack. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the incident as a violation of international law, insisting that attacks on Iranian citizens and commercial interests are unacceptable. Tehran is reportedly demanding compensation for the victims and damages while warning of possible consequences if similar incidents occur again. 

The Caspian Sea has largely remained insulated from direct military action throughout the Russia-Ukraine war, making this strike particularly significant. Analysts say it demonstrates Ukraine's growing willingness to target supply routes beyond the traditional Black Sea battlefield, especially those believed to support Russia's military operations. The move could also increase tensions among Caspian states, many of which have sought to keep the strategically important waterway free from the wider conflict. 

The incident also highlights the increasingly complex relationship between Iran and the war in Ukraine. Western governments have repeatedly accused Tehran of supplying Russia with drones and other military technology, allegations Iran has consistently denied or downplayed. Ukraine argues that any logistics network facilitating Russia's military campaign is a legitimate target, while Iran insists its commercial shipping must not be drawn into the conflict. 

Despite the sharp exchange, both governments have signaled that they wish to avoid a broader confrontation. Diplomatic contacts between Kyiv and Tehran continued after the incident, with both sides acknowledging the importance of preventing further escalation. Nevertheless, security experts warn that any future attacks involving Iranian assets could widen the geopolitical dimensions of the Russia-Ukraine war and complicate already fragile regional stability. 

Another Teacher Abducted in Oyo: As Schools Become Hunting Grounds, Is Nigeria Losing the War for Education?

Fear and uncertainty have once again gripped the education sector in Oyo State following the abduction of the headmaster of Nomadic Basic School, Igbojaye, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area.

The victim, Owoade Matthew Kolawale, was reportedly kidnapped by unidentified gunmen on Saturday at about 6:00 p.m. while returning from his farm at Budo Aare. According to reports, the attackers intercepted him along the route and whisked him away to an unknown destination, leaving family members, colleagues, and residents in deep anxiety.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Itesiwaju Local Government, Fabiyi Folashade, confirmed the incident and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the headmaster safely and apprehend those responsible.

The latest abduction comes barely days after another traumatic incident in Oyo State, where teachers and pupils who were kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15 eventually regained their freedom after spending days in captivity. While their release brought relief, the fresh kidnapping has reignited fears that schools and educators are becoming increasingly vulnerable targets for criminal gangs.

The recurring attacks raise disturbing questions about the safety of teachers, particularly those serving in rural and hard-to-reach communities. Many educators already work under difficult conditions, battling inadequate infrastructure, poor road networks, and limited resources. The growing threat of kidnapping now adds another layer of danger to a profession that is vital to national development.

Education experts warn that persistent insecurity could discourage qualified teachers from accepting postings in rural areas, deepen the shortage of educators, and force parents to withdraw their children from school out of fear. Such developments could undermine years of investment aimed at improving access to education, especially in underserved communities.

Across Nigeria, attacks on schools have become one of the country's most troubling security challenges. In recent years, students, teachers, and school administrators have increasingly become targets for kidnappers seeking ransom, turning places of learning into zones of fear rather than hope.

Beyond the immediate trauma suffered by victims and their families, these incidents carry long-term consequences. Interrupted learning, psychological distress, declining school enrollment, and reduced teacher morale all threaten the future of a generation whose education is already facing multiple challenges.

The abduction of Owoade Matthew Kolawale is therefore more than another kidnapping statistic, it is another reminder of the urgent need to strengthen security around schools and protect those entrusted with educating Nigeria's future.

As security agencies intensify efforts to secure the headmaster's release, many Nigerians are asking difficult questions about the country's priorities. Every teacher abducted represents not only a family thrown into distress but also a classroom left without leadership and pupils whose education is disrupted.

One week, the nation debates education funding and school reforms. The next, it is counting missing teachers and praying for their safe return.

A country where educators fear travelling to work cannot fully build the future it desires. Protecting schools and those who teach in them is no longer merely an education policy issue, it is a national security imperative.

Burnham's Public Control Agenda Faces Its Biggest Test: How Will Britain Pay for It?

 

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has set out one of the most ambitious domestic policy agendas in recent UK political history one that seeks to return greater public control over essential services while easing the financial burden on ordinary households. But as enthusiasm for his vision grows among supporters, a difficult question continues to dominate political and economic debate: where will the money come from?

Burnham has repeatedly pointed to Greater Manchester as proof that public control can deliver better services. Under his leadership as Mayor, the city's bus network was brought back under local government control through the Bee Network, replacing the fully deregulated private model with a system where services are privately operated but strategically planned and overseen by public authorities. He has presented this as evidence that stronger public oversight can improve reliability, affordability, and accountability. 

Now, as Prime Minister, Burnham wants to extend that philosophy far beyond transport. His broader agenda includes increasing public control over water, energy, and social housing sectors he argues are too important to be left entirely to market forces. According to Burnham, restoring public influence over these essential services would help tackle the cost-of-living crisis, improve long-term infrastructure, and give communities greater control over their economic future. 

However, the ambition of the programme is colliding with Britain's fiscal reality.

Burnham has pledged to respect the government's borrowing rules, limiting how much additional debt can be taken on even as he pursues major public investment. That commitment has reassured financial markets wary of rising government debt, but it also significantly narrows his room for maneuver. 

Economists argue that if borrowing remains constrained, the government is left with only a handful of difficult options. It could reduce spending in other departments, increase taxes, improve efficiency across government, or rely on stronger economic growth to generate additional revenue. Each option carries political and economic risks.

Analysts have warned that Burnham's first Budget may become a balancing act between fulfilling campaign promises and maintaining fiscal discipline. While early measures such as the temporary removal of VAT on electricity bills offer immediate relief to households, they do not resolve the larger challenge of financing long-term structural reforms. 

The challenge becomes even greater when combined with commitments to expand affordable housing, improve social care, and increase defence spending. Delivering all these priorities simultaneously without breaching borrowing limits could force difficult political choices in the months ahead. (The Guardian)

Supporters argue that Burnham's strategy is focused on long-term national renewal rather than short-term political gains. They believe better-managed public services and targeted investment could stimulate economic growth, reduce inequality, and lower future public costs. Critics, however, contend that without a clearly identified funding plan, the agenda risks becoming financially unsustainable.

For now, Burnham's vision represents one of the boldest attempts to reshape Britain's economic model in decades. Whether he succeeds may depend less on the popularity of his ideas than on his ability to solve the fiscal puzzle at the heart of them.

The coming Budget is therefore expected to become the defining test of Burnham's premiership. It will reveal whether his government can reconcile expansive public sector ambitions with strict borrowing rules or whether difficult decisions on taxation, spending cuts, or policy priorities will prove unavoidable.

Tinubu's Diplomatic Snub Raises Pressure on South Africa Over Renewed Xenophobic Attacks

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken one of his strongest diplomatic positions yet against South Africa's handling of renewed xenophobic violence, declining to personally receive a special envoy sent by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa amid growing outrage over attacks targeting Nigerians and other African migrants.

The South African delegation, led by International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, arrived in Abuja carrying what Pretoria described as an important message from President Ramaphosa. However, rather than meeting the delegation himself, President Tinubu directed that it be received by Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye. The move has been widely interpreted as a deliberate diplomatic signal that Nigeria is dissatisfied with South Africa's response to recurring attacks on its citizens.

The decision comes as tensions between Africa's two largest economies continue to rise following another wave of anti-immigrant violence in South Africa. Nigerian officials have repeatedly expressed concern that both documented and undocumented Nigerians have become victims of mob attacks, intimidation, and, in some cases, deadly violence. The reported killing of a Nigerian citizen in Cape Town shortly before the delegation's visit further heightened diplomatic tensions.

During discussions with the South African delegation, Nigerian officials condemned what they described as persistent "Afrophobic" attacks and called on Pretoria to take stronger measures to protect foreign nationals. They also questioned reports of alleged police inaction during some of the attacks, warning that failure to enforce the law undermines confidence in South Africa's commitment to ending xenophobic violence.

South Africa, through Minister Lamola, reiterated that the government does not support xenophobia, racism, or discrimination and promised continued efforts to investigate criminal incidents and improve the safety of all residents regardless of nationality. Pretoria has maintained that criminal elements not government policy are responsible for the violence, while insisting that perpetrators should be prosecuted under the law.

For Nigeria, however, the issue has moved beyond diplomatic assurances. President Tinubu has consistently condemned xenophobic attacks and previously directed Nigerian missions in South Africa to establish crisis response mechanisms for Nigerians facing threats. The latest diplomatic snub suggests Abuja now expects visible action rather than repeated promises.

The renewed friction threatens to strain relations between two countries that have historically been economic and political heavyweights on the African continent. Nigeria and South Africa maintain significant trade, investment, and security cooperation, but recurring outbreaks of xenophobic violence have repeatedly tested bilateral ties.

Analysts say Tinubu's refusal to receive Ramaphosa's envoy personally was not a rejection of diplomacy itself but a calculated message that the safety of Nigerians abroad has become a top foreign policy priority. The coming weeks will likely determine whether South Africa's promised actions are enough to ease tensions or whether relations between the two nations enter another period of diplomatic strain.

How Ebele Enunwa Built Market Square into One of Nigeria's Fastest-Growing Retail Giants

 

Nigeria's organised retail industry has witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade, but few indigenous brands have expanded as rapidly and strategically as Market Square. From a single vision to a nationwide supermarket network, the company has become one of the country's leading homegrown retail success stories—transforming how millions of Nigerians shop while creating thousands of jobs.

Behind this remarkable journey is Ebele Enunwa, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sundry Markets Limited, whose combination of banking expertise, hospitality experience and entrepreneurial vision has helped redefine modern grocery retail in Nigeria.

From Banking Executive to Retail Entrepreneur

Before becoming one of Nigeria's leading retail entrepreneurs, Ebele Enunwa enjoyed a distinguished career in banking. He served as Regional Manager at Stanbic IBTC Bank, where he supervised business operations across Nigeria's South-South and South-East regions.

His years in the financial sector equipped him with strong management skills, strategic planning abilities and a deep understanding of consumer markets—qualities that would later prove invaluable in building successful consumer businesses.

Recognising the enormous opportunities in Nigeria's growing middle class and changing consumer preferences, Enunwa made the bold decision to leave banking and pursue entrepreneurship.

Building the Sundry Empire

In 2005, Enunwa founded Sundry Foods Limited, introducing the now-popular Kilimanjaro Restaurants, which has grown into one of Nigeria's largest quick-service restaurant chains.

But his ambition extended beyond the food service industry.

Seeing the increasing demand for organised grocery shopping, he launched Market Square in 2015 under Sundry Markets Limited, with a clear mission:

To provide Nigerians with quality products, excellent customer service and affordable prices through a modern supermarket experience.

That vision has since evolved into one of Nigeria's biggest indigenous supermarket success stories.

A Homegrown Retail Success Story

In just a decade, Market Square has expanded from a single outlet into more than 40 supermarkets spread across multiple Nigerian states.

Its rapid expansion has positioned it among Nigeria's largest indigenous supermarket chains, competing strongly in a sector once dominated by foreign-owned brands.

The supermarkets offer customers an extensive range of products, including:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• Groceries and packaged foods

• Household essentials

• Electronics

• Cosmetics and personal care products

• Bakery items

• Frozen foods

• Beverages

• Local and imported products

Its spacious stores, competitive pricing, efficient checkout systems and emphasis on customer satisfaction have made Market Square a preferred shopping destination for many Nigerian families.

Strengthening Nigeria's Retail Economy

Market Square's success goes beyond supermarket shelves.

The company has become a major contributor to Nigeria's organised retail ecosystem by supporting local manufacturers, farmers and suppliers.

Through increased local sourcing, Sundry Markets helps reduce dependence on imported goods while providing market access for Nigerian producers.

Its expansion has also generated thousands of direct and indirect jobs, including opportunities in:

• Retail operations

• Logistics

• Warehousing

• Procurement

• Information technology

• Marketing

• Administration

• Supply chain management

This employment impact extends beyond supermarkets, thanks to the wider Sundry Group, which also operates Kilimanjaro Restaurants and other food service businesses.

Innovation Driving Growth

One of Market Square's biggest strengths has been its commitment to retail innovation.

Rather than simply opening stores, the company has focused on improving the shopping experience through:

• Modern supermarket layouts

• Efficient inventory management

• Strong supply chain systems

• Competitive pricing

• Reliable product availability

• Customer-focused service

These operational efficiencies have enabled Market Square to expand steadily while maintaining consistent service quality across its growing network.

A Strong Educational Foundation

Enunwa's business success is underpinned by an impressive academic background.

He earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Ilorin before obtaining a Master's degree in Hospitality Management from Cornell University, one of the world's leading institutions for hospitality and business education.

The combination of accounting, finance and hospitality management has shaped his customer-first approach to business, blending operational discipline with service excellence.

The Future of Indigenous Retail

As Nigeria's population continues to grow and urbanisation accelerates, organised retail is expected to play an even bigger role in the country's economy.

Market Square is well positioned to benefit from this transformation. With continued investments in new store openings, technology, local sourcing and customer experience, the company is strengthening its position as one of Nigeria's foremost indigenous supermarket chains.

At the same time, its growth demonstrates that Nigerian-owned businesses can successfully build large-scale retail enterprises capable of competing with international brands.

A Legacy Built on Vision

Ebele Enunwa's entrepreneurial journey—from banking executive to the founder of Kilimanjaro Restaurants and Market Square—illustrates the power of strategic thinking, disciplined execution and long-term vision.

What began with a restaurant business has grown into a diversified retail and food service enterprise that serves millions of customers, supports local industries and creates thousands of employment opportunities.

As Market Square continues its nationwide expansion, it stands as more than just a supermarket chain—it is a symbol of indigenous innovation, enterprise and the growing strength of Nigerian retail.

Closing Thought

From banking boardrooms to supermarket aisles, Ebele Enunwa has demonstrated that bold vision, disciplined leadership and a commitment to quality can build enduring businesses. Market Square's rise is not just a corporate success story—it is a testament to the potential of Nigerian entrepreneurship to reshape industries and drive economic growth.

Saudi military strikes Houthi targets in Yemen after Iran-backed militia attacked Red Sea shipping

 

• The Saudi strikes “focused solely on legitimate military targets” used by Houthis to attack shipping in the Red Sea, a Saudi military spokesperson said.
• Air defenses in Saudi Arabia reportedly intercepted two ballistic missiles from Yemen.
• The Iran-backed Houthis claimed to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea earlier in the week.
• On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would hold Iran responsible for further attacks by the Houthis.

• Saudi Arabia said on Saturday that its coalition forces struck Houthi militia in Yemen after the Iran-backed group claimed to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea earlier in the week.

  Air defenses in Saudi Arabia reportedly intercepted two ballistic missiles from Yemen.

  The latest salvos appeared to indicate an escalation in fighting in a second front in the Iran war.

  The Saudi strikes “focused solely on legitimate military targets that the terrorist Houthi militia uses to threaten commercial vessels in the Red Sea,” Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, said in a statement.

  On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump said he would hold Iran responsible for further attacks by the Houthis, after the militant group said it had struck the Saudi tankers.

  “If they do this again, the U.S. will hold Iran responsible, in that the Houthis are a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran, and major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves,” he said in a Truth Social post.

  The Houthis declared a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia on Monday, threatening to cut off the kingdom’s oil exports through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

  Al-Malki said the Houthis had carried out a “reckless and cowardly act by targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea.”

  Reuters quoted Greek security sources as saying that air defense systems in Saudi Arabia intercepted two ballistic missiles from Yemen on Saturday targeting oil refineries in Yanbu, a day after U.S. forces launched fresh air strikes on Iran.

  Saudi Civil Defence said it issued several warnings for Yanbu, located on the Red Sea, and later said the danger had passed. There were no immediate official reports of damage.

  The defense system was operated by Greek military personnel, the sources were quoted as saying.

  U.S. forces had launched air strikes on Iran late on Thursday and early on Friday, the 13th consecutive night of attacks.

  The military reportedly attacked a merchant vessel that was trying to breach its blockade of Iran’s ports,

  The Associated Press quoted U.S. Central Command spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins as saying that American forces disabled the M/T Lavine in the Gulf of Oman after the ship attempted to run the blockade at least four times.

  Trump said he will soon make a decision on whether to launch a “massive attack” on Iran.

  At the same time, Pakistan is looking for ways to restart stalled peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, Reuters reported Friday morning, citing three Pakistani sources.

  Speaking  on Thursday, the president said that the proposed strikes would be bigger than anything seen in the war so far, and that Iran has not “received enough pain yet.”

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• Read also Houthis Escalate Threats Against Saudi Arabia, Announce Maritime Blockade