Welcome to this week’s 234Digest: Sunday Edition—a round up of essential updates on Nigeria’s economy, business environment and culture. Published twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays, my aim is to deliver concise insights to help you stay informed without the information overload.

This week, we explore Aliko Dangote’s $400 million expansion in Ethiopia, the diplomatic tensions over Canada’s visa denial to Nigerian military officials, and the Nigeria Labour Congress’ standoff with telecom operators over tariff hikes. We also highlight Chinese investments in Nigeria’s lithium industry and Tems’ groundbreaking entry into sports ownership—a milestone that underscores Nigeria’s growing influence on the global stage.

It’s a packed Sunday evening. Let’s dive in.

—Samuel Okocha, Editor & Curator, 234Digest

Word for word

Today’s briefs

Dangote expands operations in Ethiopia with $400 million investment

Aliko Dangote has announced plans to double production at Ethiopia's Mugher cement plant with a $400 million investment. The expansion will increase capacity to 5 million tons per annum (MTPA) within 30 months and includes a new 3 MTPA grinding unit near Addis Ababa. Additionally, Dangote Group is collaborating with Ethiopian Investment Holdings to invest in the Omo Kuraz sugar factory.

Despite earlier challenges—including regional violence and tragic staff losses—the company has successfully repatriated profits from its Ethiopian operations, signaling renewed confidence in the country’s investment climate. With a total capacity of 55 MTPA across Africa, Dangote Group remains a leader in industrial growth on the continent.

Minister calls for diplomatic action over Canada visa denials

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has condemned Canada’s refusal to grant visas to Nigerian military officials scheduled to attend a veterans’ event. The delegation included Chief of Defence Staff General CG Musa.

Matawalle described the incident as an affront to Nigeria's national dignity and called for immediate diplomatic action. Discussions have since centered on reciprocity in visa policies and the broader implications for Nigeria's international standing.

NLC threatens nationwide strike over telecom tariff hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given telecom operators until March 1 to reverse a controversial 50% tariff hike on data and call services or face nationwide protests. The NLC accuses telecom firms of implementing the hike without due process during ongoing negotiations with regulators.

As an interim measure, Nigerians have been urged to boycott major telecom operators daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM until February 28th. Subscribers are also encouraged to suspend data purchases during this period.

The tariff hike has drawn criticism from consumer groups and lawmakers who argue that it undermines affordability in one of Africa’s largest telecommunications markets.

Chinese firms invest in Nigeria’s lithium industry

Two Chinese manufacturers—Canmax Technologies Co. Ltd. and Jiangxi Jiuling Lithium Co. Ltd.—have entered into joint ventures with Nigerian companies to develop lithium mining operations in Kebbi State and Nasarawa State. Canmax has committed $200 million to establish a modern lithium extraction facility in Kebbi in partnership with Three Crown Mines Limited.

In Nasarawa State, Avatar New Energy Materials recently launched Africa’s largest lithium processing plant with a capacity of 4,000 tons per day and plans for a second facility underway. These investments highlight Nigeria's growing role as a key supplier of lithium—a critical component for electric vehicle batteries—amid soaring global demand.

The projects are expected to create jobs, boost local economies, and position Nigeria as a significant player in the global energy transition.

Sunday special: Tems joins San Diego FC ownership

Grammy-winning artist Temilade Openiyi (Tems) has made history as the first African woman to own a stake in Major League Soccer (MLS). Through her company The Leading Vibe, she joined San Diego FC's ownership group alongside actress Issa Rae, World Cup winner Juan Mata, and MLB star Manny Machado.

Tems expressed her excitement:
"Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I’m excited to help build something special in San Diego."

San Diego FC Chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour praised Tems as a “globally significant artist” whose vision aligns with the club’s mission of fostering youth development through its partnership with the Right to Dream Academy, which nurtures talent across Africa and beyond.

This development highlights how Nigerian artists are expanding their influence beyond music into global industries like sports management—further cementing Nigeria's cultural footprint worldwide.

Catch up: Other highlights

• Dangote refinery nears full capacity: Africa’s largest oil refinery is set to process 650,000 barrels per day within 30 days—reducing Nigeria's reliance on imported petroleum products while boosting local production capacity.

• IFC backs Lagos Free Zone expansion: The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has committed $50 million to expand Nigeria’s Lagos Free Zone (LFZ), the country’s first private special economic zone integrated with a deep-sea port. This investment supports the development of infrastructure, including land preparation and construction of industrial facilities, which in turn facilitates trade competitiveness.

• Raenest raises $11 million: Nigerian fintech startup Raenest secured $11 million to expand operations across Africa and enter new markets. Its Geegpay product simplifies international payments for Africa's gig economy.

Photo of the day

And that’s a wrap. Until Wednesday when the next dispatch arrives, have a pleasant week ahead.