A global campaign is under way to persuade people to rethink their negative perceptions of Nigeria.

Economic diversity will provide Nigeria with a stronger financial base and the country is seeking this through development of the private sector. James Eedes examines the government’s strategic blueprint for reform.

The big state-owned enterprises that provide key public services need serious attention How is the government going about readying them for privatisation and what has it learned from past failures?

The authorities are acting on many fronts against corruption but there is still a long way to go. They must succeed if they are to persuade the international business community that Nigerians are trustworthy business partners.

Like many other developing countries, the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector in Nigeria is considered crucial to job creation and broad-based economic development. Indeed, SME development has been a high priority ever since the transfer to civilian rule in 1999.

Nigeria’s capital market is sizzling and the stock exchange is working hard on various fronts to put it on the international scene. James Eedes reports on the problems and the progress.

Nigeria is burdened by debt. James Eedes looks at how the country is planning to tackle it.

Some bankers accept that, in the long run, a higher capital requirement is necessary to strengthen institutions. But some are unhappy about the impact on smaller banks and about the difficulties of raising capital.

Central Bank of Nigeria governor Charles Soludo talks to The Banker about his plan to increase banks’ minimum capital requirement.

Barely a month in the job, new Central Bank of Nigeria governor Charles Soludo has thrown down the gauntlet to the country’s banks. By demanding a huge hike in minimum capital requirements, Mr Soludo is forcing the weak and fragmented industry to consolidate, in a move that he insists will result in a stronger banking system that plays a more active role in economic development.