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Lagos SMEs Embrace Oloja Platform as Over 37 Million Businesses Seek Digital Upgrade

Payxy-backed Oloja offers free online store, inventory, and payment tools; SMEDAN hails move to boost commerce

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Payxy-backed Oloja offers free online store, inventory, and payment tools; SMEDAN hails move to boost commerce

Thousands of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lagos and across Nigeria are rapidly adopting Oloja, a digital commerce platform developed by Payxy, as the push for accessible online business management gathers momentum. The platform, launched in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), became available nationwide on Tuesday, offering business owners an integrated dashboard to manage sales, payments, inventory, and reporting at zero upfront cost.

Oloja is designed to address persistent challenges faced by Nigeria’s over 37 million MSMEs—including those in fashion, electronics, food, and consumer goods—who often depend on informal systems like WhatsApp messaging and manual inventory tracking. The platform provides a branded digital storefront, secure Payxy-powered payment links that eliminate fake alerts, real-time inventory monitoring with low-stock notifications, order management tools, and automated business intelligence reports. Merchants can onboard within three minutes without needing a developer or website.

Nigeria’s digital payments sector has expanded significantly in recent years, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), but many small businesses have been left out due to lack of affordable digital tools. The MSME sector contributes nearly 50 percent of national GDP and accounts for about 80 percent of employment nationwide. Yet most merchants still rely on basic bank transfers and informal processes that limit their growth potential.

SMEDAN described the Oloja initiative as a critical step towards financial inclusion and economic formalisation for Nigerian entrepreneurs. “With this partnership, we aim to empower millions of local businesses to compete like big brands,” an official statement from SMEDAN noted on Tuesday. Industry analysts have also welcomed the solution as a locally-built alternative to expensive foreign e-commerce software.

Oloja charges no setup or monthly fees; transaction fees apply only when merchants make sales. Business owners who sign up receive a free business account in their company name—removing barriers created by traditional banking requirements. Stakeholders say if even a fraction of MSMEs adopt structured digital platforms like Oloja, it could drive significant gains in commerce efficiency and financial transparency across Nigeria’s economy.

The platform is now live at oloja.africa. As more SMEs seek sustainable ways to scale their operations online without heavy investment, Payxy and SMEDAN have urged entrepreneurs nationwide to take advantage of the free service.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/why-thousands-of-nigerian-entrepreneurs-are-moving-their-business-to-oloja-one-platform-zero-cost-2026061110435013334

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Nigeria News (Standard)

FIFA President Infantino Condemns US Denial of Entry to Somali Referee Ahead of World Cup

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, first Somali official selected for World Cup, blocked despite valid FIFA credentials; global football bodies express concern

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June 11, 2026

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Omar Abdulkadir Artan, first Somali official selected for World Cup, blocked despite valid FIFA credentials; global football bodies express concern

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described as “unfortunate” the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan by United States authorities ahead of the 2026 World Cup, raising fresh concerns over visa and travel challenges facing African officials. The incident occurred in the build-up to the tournament scheduled to begin in June across several US cities.

Artan, who was set to make history as the first-ever Somali referee appointed for a FIFA World Cup, was reportedly stopped at a US port of entry despite possessing all necessary FIFA credentials. The move has triggered worry among stakeholders in African football and renewed scrutiny of procedures affecting officials participating in international competitions.

The exclusion comes as Nigeria and other African nations look forward to representation at the global event. Observers note that such incidents could discourage officials from emerging football nations, impacting broader efforts to increase African presence at the highest levels of international sport.

In a statement on Tuesday, Infantino called the situation “unfortunate,” highlighting the need for improved support and coordination between host countries and FIFA. He said, “We are working closely with relevant authorities to address such challenges and ensure all qualified officials are able to participate without hindrance.” No immediate response was available from US immigration authorities as at press time.

Football analysts say Artan’s case underscores longstanding concerns about travel restrictions facing African sports professionals. With the World Cup approaching, FIFA is expected to engage both US officials and affected federations to prevent further disruptions. Meanwhile, Nigerian football authorities have not commented publicly on the matter but are monitoring developments closely.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/somalia-referees-case-is-unfortunate-fifa-boss-infantino/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

BINANI Air Reaffirms Commitment to Reliable Aviation Services After Inaugural Flights in Lagos

Airline pledges focus on professionalism, operational excellence as Group President Aminatu Chiroma highlights economic impact of improved connectivity

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June 11, 2026

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Airline pledges focus on professionalism, operational excellence as Group President Aminatu Chiroma highlights economic impact of improved connectivity

BINANI Air has reiterated its commitment to professionalism and service excellence barely one month after commencing operations in Lagos, stating that resilience and leadership remain crucial for building a trusted airline in Nigeria. The announcement came on Tuesday, as the airline’s management addressed journalists on its progress since the inaugural flights.

The Group President of BINANI Air, Aminatu Dahiru Chiroma, said the company is determined to strengthen operational reliability and enhance customer experience across its routes. She noted that the airline will prioritise sustainable growth by building an aviation brand Nigerians can trust. “Airlines do more than move passengers from one city to another. They create links between communities, industries and opportunities,” Chiroma stated, emphasising the broader role of aviation in national development.

Chiroma described improved air transport as a key driver of economic growth, tourism, and investment within the country. According to her, enhanced connectivity directly supports business expansion and provides vital infrastructure for national progress, particularly as Nigeria seeks to boost non-oil sectors.

The management further assured stakeholders that service quality would not be compromised despite prevailing challenges facing domestic carriers in Nigeria. BINANI Air’s leadership said it would continue to invest in staff training and technology upgrades to ensure safety and efficiency remain top priorities.

Industry observers note that BINANI Air’s early focus on reliability and professionalism could set it apart in a competitive market that has seen several entrants struggle with operational difficulties. The airline says it will maintain open channels for customer feedback while exploring new destinations as part of its growth strategy.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/aviation-business/resilience-leadership-key-to-building-an-airline-in-nigeria-says-binani-air/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Durex Nigeria Records 37.4 Million Impressions with Detty December Campaign in Lagos

Brand achieves 10.9 million reach and over 282,000 engagements by embedding sexual wellness message in festive Lagos events

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June 11, 2026

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Brand achieves 10.9 million reach and over 282,000 engagements by embedding sexual wellness message in festive Lagos events

Durex Nigeria achieved a major milestone during the December festive season in Lagos, recording 37.4 million impressions through an innovative cultural marketing campaign. The campaign, which ran across Pulse Fiesta, South Social, and Love in the Boulevard events, was executed throughout December 2025 and reached over 10.9 million people with more than 282,400 direct engagements.

Unlike previous years where brands focused on event sponsorships and billboards to gain visibility during Detty December, Durex Nigeria adopted a different strategy by integrating its message into social experiences where young Nigerians were already active. The campaign centred on raising awareness around the ‘orgasm gap’—the disparity in sexual satisfaction between men and women—and introduced Durex’s Mutual Climax condom variant to address this issue.

The campaign’s organisers said they designed each activation to fit the unique atmosphere of the various Lagos events. At Pulse Fiesta, the focus was large-scale brand awareness. South Social featured interactive elements such as the Durex Kissing Booth to encourage direct engagement, while Love in the Boulevard created space for conversations on intimacy and anticipation. According to peer-reviewed studies cited by campaign strategists, women report lower orgasm rates compared to men due to a mix of biological, behavioural, and cultural factors.

Rather than leading with product claims, Durex placed discussions about attraction and relationships at the heart of environments where such themes are already popular among young adults. Marketing experts say this approach reflects a wider shift among Nigerian consumers—especially youth—who now prefer brands that participate authentically in their cultural experiences instead of interrupting them with standard advertising.

As competition for consumer attention intensifies during high-traffic periods like Detty December, industry analysts believe campaigns that prioritise cultural relevance over visibility may become more effective. Stakeholders note that brands looking to stand out must find credible ways to connect their message to real consumer needs within their environment.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/374-million-impressions-how-durex-nigeria-turned-detty-december-into-a-test-case-for-cultural-marketing-2026061111394647899

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