Economy
IMF Okays $134m for Niger
By Dipo Olowookere
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a three-year arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) for the republic of Niger for $134.04 million, or 75 percent of Niger’s quota in support of the authorities’ national plan for economic development.
The new program aims to enhance macroeconomic stability and foster high and equitable growth, boost incomes and create jobs, while strengthening the foundations for sustainable development. The program will build on the lessons from the previous ECF arrangements.
The Executive Board’s decision will enable an immediate disbursement of $19.15 million.
The remaining amounts will be phased over the duration of the program, subject to semi-annual reviews.
During the same meeting, the Board also concluded the 2016 Article IV consultation.
Following the Executive Board discussion on Niger, Deputy Managing Director Mr Mitsuhiro Furusawa, and Acting Chair, said: “Niger has been able to maintain macroeconomic stability despite major security challenges, continued low oil and uranium prices, and regional economic slowdown. Growth has improved and inflation remains subdued, well below the WAEMU convergence criterion. Significant progress was made under the 2012-16 Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement, including in strengthening public financial management, debt management and deepening the financial sector, but the impact of the adverse shocks, policy slippages and weak capacity limited the improvement in broader development indicators. Niger remains one of the least developed countries with numerous social and development challenges.
“The new Arrangement under the ECF aims to sustain macroeconomic stability, make growth more inclusive, and reduce poverty, in line with the government’s strategy as laid out in the Economic Development Document. Specific focus is given to enhancing fiscal space and further improving public financial management and the efficiency of spending to facilitate the attainment of Niger’s development goals, in particular to finance infrastructure and social spending.
“The medium-term economic outlook is favourable, underpinned by improved agricultural production and a pick-up in natural resource exports. Nevertheless, to address the persisting challenges and risks, policy priorities ahead need to focus on preserving fiscal and debt sustainability. A strong reform agenda anchored on more efficient investment, improved business climate, more inclusive financial development, and a comprehensive strategy for addressing gender issues as well as harnessing the demographic dividend will be critical.”
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The pre-registration training and examination for capital market operators (CMOs) for the second quarter of 2026 has been postponed.
Business Post gathered that the new date for the exercise is now Monday, June 15, 2026.
This information was disclosed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) through a circular on Monday, June 8, 2026.
The Nigerian capital market regulator stated that this postponement has also resulted in the extension of the deadline for registration to Friday, June 12, 2026.
In the notice today, the SEC expressed its regret for the inconvenience this action may cause operators, who had prepared for the initial date of the training and examination.
“Further to the recent circular on Q2 2026 Pre-registration Training and Examination, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) hereby informs all eligible applicants for the Q2 2026 Pre-registration Training and Examination that the commencement date has been postponed to Monday, June 15, 2026.
“Registration on the designated portal has also been extended to Friday, June 12, 2026. All other conditions contained in the circular remain unchanged.
“The commission regrets any inconvenience this postponement may cause and appreciates the understanding of all applicants,” the disclosure noted.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
One of the leading healthcare firms in Nigeria, Fidson Healthcare Plc, has listed additional shares on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.
The new stocks absorbed into the stock market were 600 million units, raising the total issued and fully paid-up shares of Fidson to 3,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each from 2,400,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each.
The fresh equities came from the company’s rights issue of 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N35.00 per share.
They were issued to existing investors on the basis of one new ordinary share for every existing four ordinary shares held as of the close of business on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Confirming the development, the regulator in a notice said, “Trading licence holders are hereby notified that an additional 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each of Fidson Healthcare Plc were on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, listed on the daily official list of Nigerian Exchange Limited.
“The additional shares arose from the company’s rights issue of 600,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N35.00 per share on the basis of one new ordinary share for every existing four ordinary shares held as at the close of business on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
“With the listing of the additional 600,000,000 ordinary shares, the total issued and fully paid-up shares of Fidson Healthcare Plc have now increased from 2,400,000,000 to 3,000,000,000 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
This news will surely excite local contractors with verified claims of N100 million or less, as the federal government has approved their payments.
This approval for the disbursement was given by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Taiwo Oyedele.
This followed a verification and reconciliation exercise designed to ensure only validated claims qualify for payment.
The beneficiaries cover contractors across multiple ministries, departments and agencies. The release of the funds is expected to enable contractors to return to project sites, pay workers, settle suppliers and meet outstanding financial commitments.
In an announcement on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Finance also said this latest batch of payments would ease liquidity pressure on small businesses and accelerate economic activity nationwide.
It was noted that the payments for verified claims of N100 million below were strategically done to spread economic impact broadly rather than concentrate disbursements among a handful of large firms.
The payments form part of a broader push to clear inherited contractor obligations, with over N700 billion verified in recent months.
“For many beneficiaries, the release of funds represents more than a financial transaction. It provides the certainty needed to sustain operations, preserve jobs, complete ongoing projects, and contribute to economic recovery and growth,” the ministry said in a statement.
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