By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A €200 million financial partnership to support the development of small-scale investments of Nigerian enterprises contributing to the country’s green and digital economy has been signed by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) and the development arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, EIB Global.

The funds would be disbursed to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria, with a focus on agriculture, renewable energy, digitalisation and innovation.

The collaboration aligns with EIB Global’s strategy to support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth in Nigeria under the Global Gateway Initiative.

The investment programme will boost private sector development in Nigeria and support entrepreneurs and job creation by easing access to suitable finance for MSMEs and Midcaps.

It will also strengthen Nigeria’s green transition by expanding financing opportunities for companies in the renewable energy and agribusiness sectors.

In agriculture, it will help improve productivity, develop local supply chains, and strengthen food security for a country that hosts the largest population in Africa.

On the energy side, improved financing for renewable energy businesses will support clean energy access, reduce carbon emissions, and help build climate resilience in underserved communities.

“This partnership with DBN will strengthen the competitiveness of Nigeria’s private sector, especially for SMEs in the green and digital sectors.

“In supporting green projects and women entrepreneurs, we are also fostering inclusive growth and climate action.

“This is a powerful example of EIB’s real impact on the ground,” EIB Vice-President, Mr Ambroise Fayolle, said at a signature ceremony on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Lagos office of the DBN.

Also commenting, the chief executive of DBN, Mr Tony Okpanachi, described the investment as a significant milestone in efforts to drive Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainability.

“The €200 million investment from EIB Global is a significant milestone in our mission to drive Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainability. By supporting local financial institutions and MSMEs in key sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, digitalisation, and innovation, we’re empowering entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of sustainable innovation,” he stated.

By Adedapo Adesanya

Nigeria has the potential to produce 1.9 million barrels of crude oil per day, having hit a peak production of 1.86 million barrels per day in May, according to the chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.

The NUPRC chief said this on Wednesday during a meeting with the chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Mr Zacch Adedeji, at the NRS headquarters in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the agency’s Head of Media and Corporate Communications, Mr Eniola Akinkuotu, it was disclosed that the country’s oil industry has continued to record production growth, noting that crude output reached a peak of 1.86 million barrels per day in May, placing the industry on a stronger recovery path.

The meeting also focused on strengthening collaboration between the two agencies to promote transparency, accountability and efficiency in the collection of oil and gas revenues.

Speaking during the engagement, Mrs Eyesan commended the leadership of the NRS for reforms that culminated in the enactment of the NRS Act and described the transition of revenue collection responsibilities as smooth.

Mrs Eyesan said the process had been seamless. The CCE also highlighted the Commission’s efforts in creating an enabling environment for operators in the oil and gas industry.

“We are here to enable them, enable their businesses, ensure that they survive and succeed. And we want to grow the pie because when you grow the pie, everybody benefits,” she said.

She also disclosed that recent gains in crude production demonstrate that industry reforms and collaborative efforts by stakeholders are beginning to yield positive results.

“We are back to production. We are ramping up now, and we want to continue working. We still recognise the constraints. Infrastructure and asset integrity are major constraints, but we will work on these. Even human capacity in the industry—we see that because we want to grow, we must also grow that capacity to meet the demands,” she said.

The NUPRC boss also pointed out that one of the key targets upon assuming office was the digitisation of NUPRC’s operations, a goal she said has largely been achieved.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has called for an immediate reduction in ex-depot and retail pump prices of petroleum products, as global oil prices dropped below $80 per barrel.

The association’s National President, Mr Billy Gillis-Harry, made the call in a statement signed by PETROAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Mr Joseph Obele.

According to Mr Gillis-Harry, the downward movement in international crude oil prices presents an opportunity for stakeholders in the downstream petroleum sector to pass on the benefits of lower crude costs to Nigerian consumers.

He stressed that prevailing market conditions should be reflected in both ex-depot and retail pump prices to ensure fairness and provide economic relief to Nigerians.

“The recent drop in global crude oil prices offers an opportunity for stakeholders in the downstream petroleum sector to pass the savings on lower crude costs to Nigerian consumers,” he said.

He added that “market realities should be reflected in both ex-depot and retail pump prices in the interest of fairness and economic relief for the public.”

The PETROAN president noted that Brent crude oil prices have fallen to about $77–$78 per barrel following the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran and expectations of a gradual normalisation of oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

He said market analysts currently project Brent crude to trade between $75 and $82 per barrel next week, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude is expected to remain within the $72 to $79 per barrel range.

Mr Gillis-Harry attributed the decline in crude oil prices to the continued implementation of the U.S.-Iran peace agreement, increased crude exports from the Middle East and concerns over weaker global oil demand.

While acknowledging that fresh supply disruptions, a breakdown in peace negotiations or unexpected production cuts by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies could trigger price increases, he maintained that the current outlook for the oil market remains relatively stable to bearish.

The PETROAN president also expressed concern that the landing cost of imported petroleum products appears, in some cases, to be lower than the prices offered by domestic refiners.

“According to him, this development is surprising and underscores the need for a more competitive downstream petroleum market that guarantees consumers access to the most affordable products available,” the statement said.

To address the situation, Mr Gillis-Harry urged the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to continue issuing import licences to qualified marketers.

He explained that “increased competition among suppliers would help moderate prices, discourage monopolistic tendencies, and ensure a steady supply of petroleum products across the country.”

The PETROAN president maintained that competition remains critical to achieving efficiency and consumer protection in the sector.

“Competition remains one of the most effective mechanisms for driving efficiency, reducing costs, and protecting consumers,” he said.

He added that a competitive market environment would encourage all market participants to review their prices downward in line with prevailing market realities.

PETROAN further called on the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mr Bayo Ojulari, to facilitate discussions with two Chinese firms that have expressed interest in operating the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

Mr Gillis-Harry said the successful revival and operation of the facilities under private-sector management could further drive down petroleum product prices.

“If these refineries are successfully revived and operated as private-sector-driven facilities, petroleum product prices are expected to decline further due to improved efficiency and increased domestic refining capacity,” he said.

He noted that the resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries under competent private management would enhance supply stability, promote healthy competition and ultimately make petroleum products more affordable for Nigerians.

The PETROAN president added that sustained moderation in crude oil prices, combined with stable exchange rates and refining costs, should support lower petrol prices and provide relief to consumers and businesses grappling with economic challenges.