Economy
Macroeconomic Stability in Nigeria Has Improved—Report
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The latest findings from the Africa Trade Barometer Report 2022 have indicated that the macroeconomic stability in Nigeria has improved significantly, and business confidence has been boosted, with several small businesses growing through prudent fiscal and monetary policies.
This report was released by Stanbic IBTC Holdings, a member of Standard Bank Group, and it assessed key economic indicators in Africa, highlighting several noteworthy developments across 10 African countries.
According to the survey, Nigeria is placed eighth out of the 10 countries on the Africa Trade Barometer (ATB) after dropping one position (sixth to seventh place) on the Qualitative Trade Barometer (QTB) rankings and gaining two places (10th to eighth position) on Survey Trade Barometer (STB), which was driven mainly by directional improvements in the trader’s financial behaviour.
Nigeria’s economic growth has largely recovered after the 2020 recession (primarily brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic). The projected economic growth (3.2% in 2022-2024) is average.
The Head of Business and Commercial Clients at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Remy Osuagwu, noted that the report’s findings were a testament to the hard work and commitment of businesses and people in creating a conducive environment for economic development.
“The Africa Trade Barometer Report 2022 identifies several positive developments, challenges, and how to scale up a business in Nigeria’s trade sector.
“These developments demonstrate the country’s resilience and potential for growth and should encourage investors to explore opportunities in the region.
“At Stanbic IBTC, we remain committed to supporting our clients and partners in navigating the opportunities and challenges presented by the African market,” Osuagwu added.
A look at the report showed that it identified an increased trade openness across the continent, with various regional and multilateral agreements facilitating this positive trend, reducing trade barriers and improving market access.
Nigerian firms have become more optimistic about prospects for importing and exporting, with a significant increase in imports and a directional increase in exporting.
The report also provided insights into traders’ financial behaviour and access to finance, highlighting the need for financial institutions to provide affordable, accessible, and appropriate financial services to traders, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to support their growth and expansion.
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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