Author: Temitope Nlewemchi
Nigeria’s equities market suffered a major decline, losing N476 billion in a week as investor sentiment weakened amid economic uncertainties and foreign exchange volatility. The downturn, which affected major stocks across different sectors, was fueled by profit-taking activities, concerns over inflation, and cautious trading in response to policy shifts in the financial landscape. The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) recorded a series of losses throughout the trading week, with key market indicators reflecting declining investor confidence. The All-Share Index (ASI) dropped as several blue-chip stocks faced sell-offs, leading to a significant contraction in market capitalization. Analysts attribute the bearish trend to a…
Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp) has recorded a remarkable financial performance, posting a profit of N94 billion, a significant increase driven by strong revenue growth and strategic investments across its business segments. The company’s latest earnings report reflects its resilience in Nigeria’s challenging economic environment and its ability to capitalize on opportunities in the energy and hospitality sectors. The impressive profit surge comes amid ongoing macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and foreign exchange volatility. Despite these challenges, Transcorp has maintained a steady growth trajectory by optimizing its operations, expanding its asset base, and leveraging synergies across its subsidiaries. The group’s diversified portfolio,…
Metro Africa Xpress (MAX), a leading mobility company, has intensified its investment in electric mobility innovation as part of its commitment to sustainable transportation solutions across Africa. The company, known for pioneering tech-driven mobility services, is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) offerings to address the growing demand for cleaner and more efficient transportation alternatives. With rising fuel costs, environmental concerns, and increasing urbanization, the shift to electric mobility has become a strategic priority for many transportation firms. MAX has positioned itself at the forefront of this transition by developing electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers tailored to the African market. These vehicles…
A rift has emerged between the federal government and tanker drivers over the enforcement of a ban on 60,000 unfit trucks operating across the country. The government’s decision to take unsafe petroleum tankers off the roads has sparked resistance from the drivers’ union, which argues that the move could lead to job losses, fuel distribution disruptions, and economic hardship for thousands of workers. The federal government, through regulatory agencies, has insisted that the ban is necessary to improve road safety, reduce accidents, and prevent environmental hazards caused by faulty petroleum tankers. Officials have cited numerous incidents of fuel tanker crashes,…
A new report has revealed that the federal government is losing an estimated N120 billion annually due to illegal private jet charter operations. The findings indicate that unregistered operators are bypassing regulatory fees and taxes, depriving the government of significant revenue. According to industry experts, many private jet owners engage in unauthorized commercial operations without the necessary permits, exploiting loopholes in aviation regulations. These illegal charters, often arranged discreetly, offer services at lower rates than licensed operators, creating unfair competition in the sector. Aviation regulators have expressed concerns over the impact of these activities, not only on government revenue but…
The federal government has encouraged women to take advantage of opportunities in the capital market to achieve financial independence and long-term wealth creation. Officials emphasized the need for increased female participation in investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, highlighting their potential to provide stable returns and economic security. Speaking at a financial literacy workshop, government representatives stressed the importance of informed investment decisions, urging women to seek professional guidance and leverage digital platforms for easy access to market trends. They noted that despite the growing number of women in entrepreneurship, many still shy away from capital market investments…
The Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) has paid tribute to its founding president, honoring his contributions to the development of corporate communications and public relations in Nigeria’s banking sector. The late pioneer, whose leadership laid the foundation for ACAMB’s growth, was remembered for his dedication to promoting professionalism and ethical standards in the industry. In a statement, ACAMB described its founding president as a visionary who played a critical role in shaping the association’s mission and fostering collaboration among corporate affairs professionals in the financial sector. His efforts were instrumental in strengthening the reputation of banks through…
Friends, family, and industry leaders gathered to celebrate the 60th birthday of a former President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), recognizing his contributions to the Nigerian insurance sector. The event, which was attended by top executives, regulatory officials, and professionals from the insurance and financial industries, highlighted his impact on industry reforms, professional development, and mentorship. Speakers at the celebration praised his leadership in driving innovation, enhancing regulatory compliance, and promoting ethical standards in the insurance profession. During his tenure at CIIN, he played a key role in advancing policies that improved insurance penetration in Nigeria, strengthened…
Vice President Kashim Shettima and former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, were among the key dignitaries present at the rebranding event of Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA). The event marked a new phase for the organization as it continues its mission to drive financial inclusion and innovation in Nigeria. During the event, Shettima emphasized the federal government’s commitment to expanding financial access, particularly for underserved communities. He highlighted the role of fintech and digital banking in bridging the financial gap and fostering economic growth. Sanusi, a strong advocate for financial inclusion, commended EFInA’s contributions to improving access to…
TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc has projected a revenue of N192 billion for the second quarter of 2024, reflecting the company’s confidence in sustained growth despite ongoing economic challenges. The forecast is based on strong demand for petroleum products, strategic cost management, and increased operational efficiency across its business segments. The company’s revenue outlook comes at a time when Nigeria’s energy sector continues to navigate forex volatility, inflation, and regulatory changes. Despite these hurdles, TotalEnergies remains optimistic about its performance, driven by steady fuel sales, growing demand for lubricants, and expansion in the renewable energy space. The firm has also intensified…
The President has appointed Taiwo Ogunjimi as the new Accountant-General of the Federation, marking a significant leadership change in the nation’s financial management. Ogunjimi, a seasoned financial expert with years of experience in public sector accounting, is expected to bring stability and efficiency to the role. His appointment comes at a crucial time when the government is focusing on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability in managing public funds. As the chief financial officer of the federal government, Ogunjimi will oversee budget implementation, treasury operations, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with national and international financial standards. Analysts view his selection as…
The Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has been honored with a prestigious award in recognition of outstanding contributions to the development and management of Nigeria’s inland waterways. The award highlights the manager’s leadership in enhancing water transport efficiency, safety, and infrastructure within the Lagos region. Under the manager’s tenure, NIWA Lagos has implemented key initiatives aimed at improving waterway navigation, regulating boat operations, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. These efforts have been instrumental in reducing accidents and promoting the use of inland waterways as a viable mode of transportation. The recognition comes at a…
The World Bank has called on the Federal Government to tackle key obstacles hindering private sector growth in Nigeria, stressing that reforms in critical areas could unlock billions of dollars in investment and drive economic expansion. In its latest assessment, the global financial institution highlighted issues such as inconsistent policies, inadequate infrastructure, forex shortages, and high operational costs as major constraints affecting businesses in the country. It emphasized that without urgent interventions, private sector-driven economic recovery could be stalled. The World Bank advised the government to create a more stable policy environment, improve access to credit, and enhance ease of…
Oando Plc has been named the preferred bidder for the lease of the Guaracara Refinery, a major step in the company’s ongoing expansion in the oil and gas sector. The selection positions Oando to take over operations of the refinery, located in Trinidad and Tobago, as part of efforts to revamp and optimize its refining capacity. The bid process, overseen by the Trinidadian government and relevant industry regulators, was highly competitive, with multiple international firms vying for the lease. Oando’s selection underscores its growing influence in the global energy market and its capacity to manage and enhance refining infrastructure. The…
The Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP) has partnered with Ecobank to provide training for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the renewable energy sector. The initiative aims to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and financial support needed to scale their businesses and contribute to the growth of sustainable energy solutions across West Africa. With the increasing demand for clean and affordable energy, SMEs play a critical role in driving innovation and expanding access to renewable power sources. However, many small businesses in the sector face challenges such as limited funding, lack of technical expertise, and regulatory hurdles. The…
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has emphasized the importance of barge operations in enhancing cargo evacuation and easing congestion at the nation’s ports. The council noted that the efficient movement of goods via barges is essential to decongesting road networks and improving overall port efficiency. According to the NSC, barge operations provide a viable alternative to road transport, reducing traffic bottlenecks caused by heavy-duty trucks and minimizing delays in cargo movement. With the increasing volume of imports and exports, the council stressed the need for greater investment in waterway infrastructure to support seamless logistics operations. Stakeholders in the maritime sector…
A Nigerian fintech user has shared how OPay’s NightGuard feature prevented him from losing his entire savings to fraudsters. The customer, who recounted his experience, explained that cybercriminals attempted to drain his account during late-night hours, but the security measure stopped the unauthorized transactions. NightGuard, a recently introduced feature by OPay, is designed to protect users from fraudulent activities by restricting large transactions during high-risk hours unless explicitly authorized. According to the user, he received multiple alerts of attempted withdrawals while he was asleep, but thanks to the system’s automatic security block, the transactions did not go through. With increasing…
The Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank have reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to empowering women through financial inclusion, business support, and leadership opportunities. Their renewed commitment aligns with the bank’s ongoing initiatives to create a more inclusive financial system that caters to the needs of female entrepreneurs and professionals. Speaking at a recent event, Wema Bank executives emphasized the importance of providing women with access to capital, mentorship, and digital banking solutions. They highlighted various programs designed to support women-led businesses, including loan facilities, capacity-building workshops, and networking platforms aimed at fostering economic growth and stability. Over the…
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the recent dismissal of workers by the Ibadan and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Companies, calling it an unjust and unacceptable move. According to reports, hundreds of employees were laid off without due process, sparking outrage among labor unions and affected workers. The NLC has accused the electricity distribution companies (Discos) of disregarding labor rights and failing to provide adequate severance packages for those affected. In response, workers at Kaduna Electric staged a protest, demanding immediate reinstatement and fair treatment. The NLC has vowed to take further action if the Discos do not reconsider…