Category: Business

  • Naira Strengthens to N1,350/$ in Parallel Market

    Naira Strengthens to N1,350/$ in Parallel Market

    The Nigerian naira experienced a notable uptick yesterday, reaching N1,350 per dollar in the parallel market, marking a significant improvement from Monday’s rate of N1,430 per dollar. Similarly, within the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), the naira saw a positive trend, appreciating to N1,382.95 per dollar. Data sourced from FMDQ indicated a decline in the…

  • CBN Increases Benchmark Interest Rate to 24.75%

    CBN Increases Benchmark Interest Rate to 24.75%

    The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a hike in the benchmark interest rate to 24.75 percent. This decision, revealed in a communique issued by CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso after the MPC meeting in Abuja, marks an increase from the previous rate of 22.75 percent set about a…

  • Economy Sees 2% Growth in Credit to Reach N114.7 Trillion

    Economy Sees 2% Growth in Credit to Reach N114.7 Trillion

    In February 2024, the financial sector’s credit to the economy witnessed a notable increase, rising by two percent to N114.7 trillion compared to N112.4 trillion in January 2024. Detailed insights from the Money and Credit Statistics report released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) indicate a six percent month-on-month surge in banks’ credit to…

  • “Calls for Economic Stability as Naira Appreciation Fails to Impact Prices”

    “Calls for Economic Stability as Naira Appreciation Fails to Impact Prices”

    By Milcah Tanimu Despite the recent appreciation of the Naira, concerns arise as the expected impact on the prices of goods and services remains elusive. Many express a desire for the exchange rate to stabilize at N1600 to a dollar, hoping for improved purchasing power. The disparity between the strengthening Naira and its reflection in…

  • Minister Ignites Controversy Over N40bn Metering Contract Award to Foreign Firm

    Minister Ignites Controversy Over N40bn Metering Contract Award to Foreign Firm

    By Milcah Tanimu The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has sparked controversy following the Federal Government’s decision to award a N40 billion mass metering contract to a foreign firm, De Haryor Global, sidelining indigenous meter manufacturers. Despite the government’s assertion that the move aims to eliminate estimated billing in the sector, stakeholders have criticized the…

  • UAE Simplifies Visa Regime: Limited Access for African Nations

    UAE Simplifies Visa Regime: Limited Access for African Nations

    By Milcah Tanimu The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a significant simplification of its visa regime, granting visa-on-arrival access to citizens of 87 countries. However, it’s notable that among African nations, only Mauritius and Seychelles are included in this update, while countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya are currently excluded. Previously, visitors from many…

  • Nigerian Breweries Records N106.3 Billion Loss in 2023 Due to FX Strain

    Nigerian Breweries Records N106.3 Billion Loss in 2023 Due to FX Strain

    By Milcah Tanimu Nigerian Breweries Plc, the leading brewer in Nigeria, faced a substantial financial setback in 2023, registering an after-tax loss of N106.31 billion. This stark reversal stemmed primarily from foreign exchange losses, as revealed in its latest financial report. The company transitioned from a profit of N105.8 billion in 2022 to this significant…

  • Federal High Court Orders Binance to Provide Nigerians’ Information to EFCC

    Federal High Court Orders Binance to Provide Nigerians’ Information to EFCC

    By Milcah Tanimu A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a directive to Binance Holdings Limited, requiring the company to furnish the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with information regarding Nigerians trading on its platform. The court’s decision came in response to an ex-parte motion filed by the EFCC, with the suit marked…

  • Binance Executives Detained by Nigeria Identified

    Binance Executives Detained by Nigeria Identified

    By Milcah Tanimmu Recent reports confirm that Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of investigations, and Nadeem Anjarwalla, a British lawyer and manager overseeing Binance’s operations in Africa, have been detained by Nigerian authorities. The two executives traveled to Nigeria in response to the country’s crackdown on several cryptocurrency trading platforms. Upon their arrival, they were detained…

  • Nigeria’s Foreign Trade Surges by 37.2% to N71.88 Trillion in 2023

    Nigeria’s Foreign Trade Surges by 37.2% to N71.88 Trillion in 2023

    By Milcah Tanimu In 2023, Nigeria witnessed a remarkable surge in its total foreign trade, reaching N71.88 trillion, reflecting a substantial increase of 37.2% compared to the N52.38 trillion recorded in 2022. This encouraging growth is outlined in the fourth-quarter foreign trade report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The report signals positive…