Economy
Lagos Governor Assures Investors Business-Friendly Environment
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Those interested in investing in Lagos State have been assured by the Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, of a business-friendly environment.
Mr Sanwo-Olu gave this assurance at the commissioning of the new ultra-modern Ecobank Nigeria head office, the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), in Victoria Island last week.
He said the state government was determined to continue to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs) as it is one of the critical needs of the state and Nigeria at large.
The Governor described the Ecobank building as a masterpiece, which he said has a strong connection that will enhance the state’s Smart City Project and modernize infrastructure within the metropolis.
He lauded the management of the Pan African bank for the vision behind the project as it was redefining building and infrastructure development in the state, stressing that the building meets the various vital parameter such as the latest energy-efficient technology, environmental sustainability, sparkling ambience and state-of-the-art amenities that will further enhance staff sustainability and service delivery.
He expressed excitement over the state-of-the-art facilities at the complex, noting that “This Pan African centre is indeed an intelligent building designed with energy efficiency and is one of the things we need in Nigeria.”
“I know that this building will speak to a lot of the very best. It is a state-of-the-art building focused on environmental sustainability and I am sure that from what I have seen around, it is a redefining building and infrastructural development,” he added.
Governor Sanwo-Olu further said, “The government of Lagos state is happy to let us know that we are building one of the audacious and vibrant infrastructures in the whole of Africa.
“You know that we are currently deploying over 3000 km of fibre connectivity to support businesses that require low-cost connectivity. We will continue to create enabling environment for you.”
While lauding Ecobank management for its sustained attainments of the bank over the years, he urged them to continue to attract the underbanked to the banking space.
Welcoming guests, Chairman, Ecobank Nigeria, Ms Bola Adesola, said the centre is a dream come true, noting that it is a tribute to the vision of the founding fathers in creating a world-class Pan-African Banking group and providing excellent financial services across Africa.
She said the centre with sparkling ambience boasts of state-of-the-art amenities, houses smart offices, a restaurant, multipurpose conference hall, gym, crèche, a parking lot that can accommodate 130 vehicles at a time, experience and game centre and a rooftop terrace, among others, stating it is targeted to further enhance productivity and service delivery to customers.
Also speaking, Group Chief Executive, Ecobank Transnational Incorporation (ETI), Mr Ade Ayeyemi, said EPAC is an important milestone as it consolidates achievements of several years of the company.
According to him, “The office complex brings together our staff. It is a testament to the effort of the people that have come before us. It allows us to be able to create a new working environment where our staff can attend to customers and our customers can do business in the smart working environment. We can bring all our staff to one location instead of distributing them across multiple locations.”
Talking about the uniqueness of the Ecobank brand, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Patrick Akinwuntan, said the vision of the founding founders was to build a pan African centre, stressing that the bank is presently in 35 countries of Africa.
According to him, “In Nigeria, we are a major player in the financial industry. Recall we launched the first international credit card in the history of banking in Nigeria, the Ecobank Master card and Visa card in 2004. We are also a pioneer in mobile banking, *326# was one of the first mobile banking platforms approved.
“In this era of AFCTA, where Africa aims at operating as one market, this pan African centre has opened its doors to every SMEs, individuals seeking to expand their business across Africa.
“We are the go-to bank for trade, payment, and collection in Africa because we have one pan African switch to make instant payment across Africa. The way you see the Nigerian Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS) transfer within Nigeria is the way Ecobank is across Africa. Our mobile app is one bank that has 33 countries on it.”
Economy
Zichis Confirms Intention to Borrow from Capital Market
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
One of the newest members of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, Zichis Agro-Allied Industries Plc, has confirmed its intention to approach the capital market to raise funds, subject to shareholder and regulatory approval.
However, it denied reports suggesting it’s “set to undertake an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or related capital raising activity.”
In a notice on Monday, the firm affirmed proposing “to seek shareholders’ approval at its forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) to raise additional capital, which may be through equity, debt, or a combination of both, subject to regulatory approvals and market conditions.”
“At this stage, the structure, timing, and details of any such capital raising have not been finalised, and no specific transaction has been concluded,” a part of the statement signed by the company secretary, Solomon Itsede, stressed.
Zichis expressed its commitment to upholding “the highest standards of corporate governance, transparency, and timely disclosure.”
“Accordingly, any material corporate actions or capital market activities will be formally communicated through the appropriate regulatory channels,” it said, advising shareholders and the investing public “to rely solely on official disclosures and filings made by the company through the NGX and other authorised regulatory platforms when making investment decisions.”
Zichis welcomed the “continued interest of investors and market participants in its operations and performance,” promising to remain focused on delivering sustainable value through disciplined strategic execution.
It also lauded the continued support of its shareholders, saying it remains committed to maintaining transparency in all its communications.
Economy
NERC Orders Transparent Reporting of Transmission Loss Factors
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has issued a directive to ensure transparency in reporting the Regional Electricity Transmission Loss Factor, as it remains above the 7 per cent threshold.
In a public notice posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the order, contained in No. NERC/2026/026 is aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s power grid through enhanced reporting of Regional Transmission Loss Factors (TLF).
The regulator disclosed that the order is backed by the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, which enables the commission to regulate, monitor, and ensure efficiency in the power sector.
According to the statement, the Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) indicate that the national average TLF was 8.71 per cent in 2024 but was reduced to 7.24 per cent in 2025.
The statement added that the report exceeds the 7 per cent benchmark approved by NERC in the Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO).
The statement reads, “The Order dated 8 April 2026 establishes a formal framework for reporting transmission losses across regions operated by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
“Taking effect from 13 April 2026, the Order is backed by provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, which empower NERC to regulate, monitor, and ensure efficiency in the electricity market.”
The directive reads, “NISO to install smart meters at all boundary regional interconnection points by December 2026 to accurately measure energy flows for each region of the transmission network.
“NISO to measure and document all energy flow of power transformers at transmission substations.
“NISO to file quarterly reports on TLF to NERC on a regional basis.”
It added, “TCN to file an action plan by July 2026 on the reduction of TLF to a value within the 7 per cent approved benchmarks in the regions.
“TCN to ensure that TLF across transmission regions shall not exceed 6.5 per cent by December 2026.”
NERC concluded that the order is designed to strengthen accountability in transmission operations and support better grid performance through structured loss reporting.
Economy
Dangote Refinery Plans Cross-border Listing of Shares
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigerian businessman, Mr Aliko Dangote, is planning to list shares of his $20 billion oil refinery on multiple African stock exchanges.
The landmark cross-border public offering on the continent was disclosed by the chief executive of the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), Mr Frank Mwiti, following a meeting held last week in Lagos between Mr Dangote and several heads of African exchanges.
Last year, Mr Dangote unveiled plans to list a 10 per cent stake in his Lagos-based refinery on the Nigerian Exchange this year.
According to a Bloomberg report, citing an email from the chief executive of FirstCap, Mr Ukandu Ukandu, Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited, Vetiva Advisory Services Limited, and FirstCap Limited have been appointed as advisers for the initial public offering of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.
Mr Mwiti said the proposed listing is designed to cut across multiple markets and deepen investor participation across the continent.
“The plan is to structure a pan-African IPO,” he said.
Bloomberg also reported that a spokesman for the Dangote Group confirmed that discussions had taken place between Mr Dangote and exchange officials but declined to provide further details.
In February 2026, Mr Dangote said that the IPO could be launched within the next five months.
“But individually Nigerians too will have an opportunity in the next maximum four or five months, they will actually be able to buy their shares,” he said at the time.
He added that investors would have flexibility in how they receive returns.
“People will have a choice either to get their dividends in naira or to get their dividends in dollars because we earn in Dollars.”
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