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Economy

Coronation Securities Helps Clients Understand Real Returns After Inflation—Owadokun

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Segun Owadokun

Nigeria’s economy is in a transition phase—marked by ambitious reforms, rising inflation, and a shifting investor landscape. The country recorded a 4.6 per cent GDP growth in Q4 2024, with 2025 projections at 3.6 per cent, driven by exchange rate unification, fiscal reforms, and a more market-driven policy approach.
At the same time, inflation—at 22.97 per cent as of May 2025—remains a concern. The Naira, while stabilising, still presents FX-related risks. Despite these headwinds, investors are beginning to regain confidence, and market reforms are gradually unlocking opportunities, particularly for digital-first institutions focused on access, trust, and financial empowerment.

In this interview shared with Business Post, the deputy chief executive of Coronation Securities, Mr Segun Owadokun, highlighted how the firm is positioning itself and its clients for long-term growth, navigating uncertainty, and building leadership in Nigeria’s capital markets. It has been edited for clarity. 

What strategies are you deploying to help clients preserve and grow wealth in a high-inflation environment?

Our strategy is focused on preserving real returns. We offer high-yield fixed income options like commercial papers and corporate bonds as well as strong equities with capital appreciation potential and consistent dividends. But more than just picking the right products, we help clients understand their real returns after inflation. We combine this with continuous investor education and active portfolio tracking, so clients stay nimble in a fast-moving market.

Has the unification of exchange rates influenced investor sentiment and portfolio strategy?

Absolutely. The FX unification has introduced more clarity and reduced the uncertainty that plagued investors for years. We’re already seeing renewed interest from foreign portfolio investors—this is key for liquidity and pricing efficiency. Clients can now manage currency risks more transparently, and that strengthens confidence. The FX reform is foundational—it’s building a more predictable investment environment.

What measures are in place to strengthen investor confidence during periods of economic uncertainty?

Investor confidence comes from consistency and clarity. At Coronation Securities, we provide timely insights, personalized advisory, and investor education. We run webinars, thought pieces, and send regular market updates that help clients understand the “why” behind our strategy. When clients feel informed and supported—even in volatility—they stay invested with confidence.

In what ways is Coronation Securities leveraging technology to enhance access and improve client engagement?

Technology is at the centre of how we engage. Our Coronation Wealth App and eBusiness Suite allow real-time trading, seamless onboarding, and full portfolio visibility from anywhere. We’ve also built a robust API hub that allows digital partners and aggregators to embed our services in their platforms—extending access to underserved audiences. As Nigeria’s digital-first capital markets platform, we’re rethinking access, efficiency, and scale.

Can you elaborate on your efforts to promote financial literacy, especially among retail and emerging investors?

We’re passionate about empowering informed investors. That’s why we launched the Coronation Investment Academy—a platform that simplifies financial concepts and helps new and seasoned investors build their knowledge base. We complement this with webinars, newsletters, articles, and partnerships with schools, youth groups, and regulators. For us, it’s about inclusion, empowerment, and building long-term investor confidence.

What advice does Coronation Securities provide to clients affected by infrastructure deficits and high operating costs?

We help clients, both businesses and individuals, stay resilient. For businesses, we recommend maintaining liquidity buffers, deploying capital into flexible, short-term fixed income instruments, and hedging where needed.
For individuals, we guide them toward conservative, yield-driven investments that protect capital and ensure flexibility. In volatile markets, agility and cash management are everything.

What strategies are being used to attract and engage younger Nigerians in wealth-building and investment?

At Coronation Securities, we have adopted a three-pronged approach to engage younger Nigerians in wealth creation, built around the philosophy of “Learn, Play, and Invest.” First, we launched the Coronation Investment Academy, an educational platform designed to bridge the knowledge gap by simplifying investment concepts and promoting financial literacy. Once users grasp the fundamentals, they transition to the Coronation Fantasy League App – a gamified, real-time simulation that allows them to build virtual investment portfolios using actual market data. It is a safe, engaging way to practice investing without risking real money. The final step is onboarding them onto the Coronation Wealth App, our fully digital investment platform that allows users to trade and invest seamlessly in the Nigerian capital market from anywhere. This ecosystem not only educates but also empowers young investors to take charge of their financial future in a fun, accessible, and practical way.

How are ESG principles reflected in your investment advisory and product development?

ESG is no longer a cliché – it is becoming central to how we approach investments. At Coronation Securities, we are gradually embedding ESG principles into our advisory process. We have started integrating ESG screening into our equity research and are actively guiding clients towards emerging opportunities like green bonds and sustainable finance instruments. While corporate governance has always been a key pillar in our analysis, we are now seeing growing investor interest in broader social and environmental factors, such as workplace diversity, product safety, and climate responsibility. Our clients increasingly want to align their portfolios with their values, and we are right there with them. For us, it is not just about financial returns anymore – it is about making a meaningful impact through smarter and more responsible investing.

What risk management practices help safeguard client portfolios amid current macroeconomic risks?

At Coronation Securities, we take a proactive and disciplined approach to risk management. Our dedicated risk and investment teams continuously monitor market dynamics, conduct regular stress testing, and adjust portfolio strategies to anticipate and respond to potential shocks. We emphasise diversification, real-time scenario analysis, and dynamic asset allocation to cushion against volatility. By staying ahead of economic trends and maintaining strong internal controls, we aim to ensure our clients’ portfolios remain resilient, even in volatile macroeconomic environments.

Could you share recent innovations tailored to today’s market challenges?

We’ve launched a Fixed Income Trading Desk to give clients access to high-yield, short-term products. Our digital platforms now feature tailored investment recommendations and thematic watchlists—helping clients act swiftly and strategically.

How does Coronation Securities navigate the evolving regulatory landscape to ensure compliance and investor protection?

We maintain direct engagement with regulators and run rigorous internal audits. Continuous training and transparent governance ensure we manage client assets with integrity and protect investors at all times. Our strong governance framework guarantees that client assets are managed with the highest level of integrity and transparency, safeguarding investor interests at all times.

Are there any strategic partnerships that Coronation Securities is leveraging to enhance product offerings or market reach? Absolutely. Our collaborations with fintechs and ecosystem players help us scale offerings, improve execution, and reach new segments. These partnerships keep us agile, innovative, and deeply connected across Nigeria’s financial landscape.

What is your outlook for Nigeria’s investment market over the next 3 to 5 years?

We’re optimistic. Economic reforms are gaining traction—fueling deeper market participation, diverse products, and foreign capital inflows. While fixed-income yields may normalize, equities in banking, telecoms, and FMCG will shine. Digital evolution will continue democratizing access for more Nigerians.

What practical advice would you offer to new and existing investors looking to capitalize on opportunities in Nigeria’s current economic environment?

Our advice is simple: Stay informed. Diversify. Think long term. Spread investments across sectors and work with trusted advisors like Coronation Securities. In a reforming economy, disciplined and research-based investing is the best way to unlock opportunity.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Economy

FG Enlists DSS, EFCC, Police to Tackle Cooking Gas Hoarding, Smuggling

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cooking gas outlet

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources has conscripted the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigeria Police Force to address the hoarding and diversion of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), also known as cooking gas, to neighbouring countries.

A statement by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on Monday stated that the move followed the recent increase in LPG (cooking gas) prices and developed coordinated measures to improve supply, affordability, and market stability across the country.

Business Post reports that in recent weeks, prices of the fuel have gone as high as N2,400 per kg in some areas in Lagos and Ogun State, but have since dropped to around N1,900 and N2,000 in the last few days.

In a statement by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) on Monday, the meeting also brought together other key government officials, regulators, producers, marketers, terminal operators, and industry associations to examine factors contributing to rising LPG prices and agree on practical interventions to strengthen the value chain.

Speaking at the engagement, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Patience Oyekunle, described LPG as a critical energy source for households and an important component of Nigeria’s energy transition agenda.

She noted that rising LPG prices are putting additional pressure on household budgets and increasing the cost of essential goods, stressing the need for collective action to improve access to affordable cooking gas.

While speaking at the meeting, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated that President Bola Tinubu is concerned about the impact of rising LPG prices on Nigerians and has directed relevant agencies to take proactive steps to address the situation.

He emphasised that increased supply must be supported by efficient logistics, improved infrastructure, and transparent pricing mechanisms to ensure consumers benefit from interventions across the sector.

The chief executive of the NMDPRA, Mr Rabiu Umar, noted that high landing costs continue to influence cooking gas prices but expressed optimism that ongoing measures across the value chain would begin to ease market pressures in the coming weeks.

He added that the authority is working with producers and other stakeholders to increase domestic supply, strengthen market oversight, and support interventions that will improve availability.

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Economy

NNPC, Dangote Import 38,000 Barrels Daily in May as Petrol Imports Rebound

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Imported Petrol

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and Dangote Refinery imported a total of 38,000 barrels per day of petrol in May 2026 as the country returned actively to the importation of the fuel.

According to a report by Argus, gasoline (petrol) deliveries to Nigeria were a four-month high of 57,000 barrels a day in the review month.

This came after import permits were issued for the second quarter and market participants flagged maintenance works at independently-owned Dangote’s 700,000 barrels per day Lekki refinery.

The platform reported that petrol exports from Nigeria were 23,000 barrels per day, of which Dangote carried out 65 per cent of the product at 15,000 barrels per day.

This meant Nigeria returned to net gasoline importer status in the month, after net exporting 49,000 barrels per day in April and 6,000 barrels per day in March, citing Kpler data.

The sole destination of all Nigeria’s petrol imports in May came from Europe. A breakdown showed that Nigeria got 37 per cent (21,000 barrels per day) from Norway, Italy provided 16 per cent (9,000 barrels per day), and France covered 14 per cent (8,000 barrels per day).

Out of the 57,000 barrels per day of product brought into the country, Dangote Refinery bought 27,000 barrels per day while the state-owned NNPC brought in 11,000 per day.

Argus, citing Kpler, said the buyer or buyers of the remaining 19,000 barrels per day. These were likely independent marketers who were issued import licenses during the month.

This means Dangote remains the top petrol producer and importer in the country. The refinery owner brought in 29,000 barrels per day of the 67,000 barrels per day total petrol imports in January-May.

According to the Argus report, Nigerian petrol imports have been elevated so far in June, with license holders likely to exercise their allocations before expiry at month-end. AA Rano has landed 56,000 barrels per day, and NNPC has imported 121,000 barrels per day. The 177,000 barrels per day of petrol cargo arrivals in June to date are three times higher than in May and up from 140,000 barrels per day in June 2025.

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Economy

Agama Calls for Greater Collaboration Among African Capital Markets

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African Capital Markets

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mr Emomotimi Agama, has called for stronger collaboration among African capital markets to enhance regional integration, promote cross-border investments, and drive economic growth across the continent.

Mr Agama made the call in Abuja on Monday during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) of Rwanda.

The agreement is aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two regulatory bodies in areas including investor education, capital market development, information exchange on regulatory and market developments, capacity building, technical assistance, and cooperation on enforcement and supervisory matters.

According to the MoU, both parties recognise the importance of collaboration in fostering confidence, innovation, market development, and sound practices within their respective capital markets, while also supporting regional and international engagement.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Agama emphasised the need for African countries to deepen cooperation and invest in one another’s markets to build a more interconnected and prosperous continent.

“We are excited about this opportunity to help develop your capital market. We need to cooperate in Africa, invest in each other’s markets and grow our continent. In so doing, we will build collaboration so that, as Africans, we can have a common focus and create a strong interconnection. The time is now for us to look inwards,” he said.

The SEC Director-General commended Rwanda’s economic progress and acknowledged the country’s achievements in attracting investment and promoting commerce.

“We appreciate the strength of the Rwandan economy and the efforts made to rekindle the real value of the African race. On our part, we have a very strong capital market structure, and we want to see what role the capital market can play in advancing Africa’s development agenda,” Agama stated.

He described the capital market as the nerve centre of the economy, stressing the need for citizens to understand and utilise it as a tool for wealth creation and improved living standards.

“The capital market is an enabler of economic development, and we believe there is much Rwanda can learn from Nigeria’s experience to strengthen its market. We are willing to contribute to the success of other nations because our relationship and integration will help build both markets and improve the lives of our citizens,” he said.

Mr Agama further urged African governments to leverage long-term capital from the market to finance infrastructure projects, describing the capital market as a critical solution for mobilising sustainable development financing.

“We see the capital market as a solution provider for moving economies forward. We want to make Africa better and a destination of choice for investors. We are committed to working jointly with other regulators to achieve this objective,” he added.

In his remarks, Chief Executive Officer of the Capital Markets Authority of Rwanda, Mr Romeo Ngarambe, welcomed the partnership and expressed confidence that the collaboration would support the growth of Rwanda’s capital market.

“We are here to learn from Nigeria, which has a more advanced capital market. We are confident that the lessons and experiences shared will contribute significantly to the development of our market. Whatever knowledge you provide, we will make good use of it, and we look forward to a fruitful partnership,” Mr Ngarambe said.

The MoU is expected to strengthen regulatory cooperation between both countries and support broader efforts toward the integration and development of African capital markets.

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