Economy
Market Gains N87bn as Interest in MTN, Banking Stocks Persists
By Dipo Olowookere
The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) further appreciated by 0.34 per cent on Wednesday as buying interest in MTN Nigeria and some banking stocks by investors persisted.
MTN Nigeria had earlier this week announced receiving final approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide financial services to Nigerians.
This triggered interest in the company’s shares as investors believe, going by the pedigree of the telco, it will not take long before it becomes a force to reckon with in the sector, translating into more income streams for the organisation and eventually more dividends to shareholders.
The buying pressure on the stock and others contributed to the growth printed by the bourse yesterday as the All-Share Index (ASI) jerked up by 162.28 points to 47,367.31 points from 47,205.03 points, while the market capitalisation went up by N87 billion to N25.536 trillion from N25.449 trillion.
Business Post reports that GTCO ended the session as the most traded stock at the midweek session, selling a total of 65.9 million units valued at N1.6 billion.
Zenith Bank transacted 43.9 million shares for N1.1 billion, UBA traded 28.9 million equities worth N235.7 million, Fidelity Bank exchanged 28.5 million stocks valued at N106.5 million, while MTN Nigeria sold 22.8 million equities for N4.8 billion.
When the market closed for the day, a total of 391.9 million stocks worth N10.0 billion exchanged hands in 5,419 deals as against the 245.4 million stocks worth N4.6 billion transacted in 5,832 deals on Tuesday, implying an increase in the trading volume and value respectively by 59.68 per cent and 117.27 per cent and a decline in the number of deals by 7.08 per cent.
On the price movement table, Meyer was the best-performing stock, rising by 9.56 per cent to N1.49, followed by Ikeja Hotel, which gained 9.24 per cent to trade at N1.30.
Caverton appreciated by 6.78 per cent to N1.26, Union Bank improved its share price by 6.56 per cent to N6.50, while FTN Cocoa expanded its value by 6.45 per cent to 33 kobo.
Conversely, Sunu Assurances was the worst-performing equity during the session as it fell by 7.69 per cent to 36 kobo, Sterling Bank depreciated by 6.00 per cent to N1.41, Unilever Nigeria dropped 4.51 per cent to N12.70, Coronation Insurance declined by 4.44 per cent to 43 kobo, while United Capital lost 3.97 per cent to sell for N13.30.
As for the sectoral performance, the insurance sector lost 0.18 per cent, the industrial goods index closed flat, while the banking, consumer goods and energy counters appreciated by 0.56 per cent, 0.03 per cent and 0.03 per cent respectively.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government is looking to remedy discrepancies in fiscal data across government institutions, which have affected Nigeria’s credit ratings and borrowing capacity.
This came as the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, has spearheaded a high-level Fiscal Data Harmonisation Meeting (FDHM).
The meeting was part of a bold move to revolutionize Nigeria’s economic landscape, marking a significant milestone in the country’s quest for economic stability and transparency.
The meeting which was held in his office in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Mrs Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Accountant General of the Federation, Mr Shamsedeen Babatunde Ogunjimi; and the Director General of the Budget Office, Mr Tanimu Yakubu.
Mr Edun emphasised the need for synergy between agencies such as the Budget Office, the Accountant General’s Office, and the Debt Management Office (DMO).
“Delivering accurate and comprehensive fiscal data is critical to economic stability and investor confidence,” he stated.
According to a statement, attendees agreed on the establishment of a Fiscal Data Coordination Framework, which includes a main committee, a subcommittee, and technical teams dedicated to standardising fiscal reporting methodologies and economic assumptions.
Mr Edun reaffirmed that Nigeria must take ownership of its fiscal data credibility, reducing dependence on external institutions.
The meeting concluded with a firm commitment to implementing the framework, reinforcing transparency, strengthening investor confidence, and enhancing Nigeria’s economic outlook.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Senate has directed the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to halt the planned sale of Lafarge Africa to Chinese cement maker, Huaxin Cement.
The legislators made the move on national security and economic sovereignty grounds.
“The Senate notes that discussions are underway regarding the divestment of Lafarge Cement Plc, with reports indicating potential Chinese investors. This has sparked concerns over the possibility of foreign dominance in a key sector of the Nigerian economy,” the motion stated.
It further observed that Holcim AG, the majority shareholder, is planning to offload its 83.8 per cent stake in Lafarge Africa to Huaxin Cement Co., a Chinese cement manufacturer.
The $1 billion deal is expected to be finalized in 2025, pending regulatory approval.
“The cement manufacturing industry is vital to national security due to its role in infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, housing, and public works,” the motion continued.
“Excessive foreign control in this sector could pose risks to Nigeria’s economic sovereignty and security interests.”
Some of the senators who backed the call included Mr Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, who said, “We cannot afford to wake up one day and realise that our cement industry, one of the backbones of our economy, is entirely in foreign hands. We must ensure that strategic assets like Lafarge Africa remain in the hands of those who have the country’s best interests at heart.”
On his part, Mr Olamilekan Adeola said, “The company is about to be divested and the transaction has been shrouded in secrecy. What the motion is simply asking for is that we want this transaction to be as transparent as possible. By the time the eventual sale of this company is done, we will be fully satisfied that Nigeria’s economy will be protected.”
Concerns have reportedly been raised that the deal could lead to capital flight, job losses and reduced regulatory oversight over a sector vital to national development.
Mr Jimoh Ibrahim cautioned against using the Senate to obstruct the federal government’s efforts to attract foreign investment.
He argued that investors should not feel restricted when they decide to exit or divest from their holdings.
His sentiment was echoed by Mr Sunday Karimi, advising against any legislative action that might hinder the sale.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Five stocks kept the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange in the negative territory by 0.14 per cent on Thursday, March 27.
When the alternative stock exchange ended trading activities for the day, the NASD Unlisted Security Index (NSI) was down by 4.70 points to 3,310.51 points from the previous trading day’s 3,315.21 points.
In the same vein, the market capitalisation of the bourse fell further by N2.72 billion at session to settle at N1.912 trillion compared with the preceding day’s N1.914 trillion.
The volume of securities traded at the bourse yesterday rose by 2,272.7 per cent to 712,439 units from the 30,026 units recorded on Wednesday just as the value of securities traded went up by 728.2 per cent to N30.5 million from the N3.7 million quoted at the preceding session, with the number of deals executed at the Thursday session increasing by 253.9 per cent to 46 deals from 13 deals.
Okitipupa Plc lost N16.00 to sell at N240.50 per unit versus Wednesday’s value of N256.50 per unit, Afriland Properties Plc dropped 58 Kobo to trade at N18.92 per share compared with the previous day’s N19.50 per share, FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc depreciated by 27 Kobo to N36.73 per unit from N37.00 per unit, Geo-Fluids Plc crashed by 15 Kobo to trade at N2.50 per share versus N2.65 per share and Food Concepts Plc fell by 5 Kobo to N1.30 per unit from N1.35 per unit.
On the flip side, Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc improved by N1.68 to N25.21 per share from N23.53 per share and Nipco Plc gained 70 Kobo to settle at N200.50 per unit, in contrast to the previous rate of N199.80 per unit.
FrieslandCampina Wamco Nigeria Plc became the most traded stock by value (year-to-date) with 13.7 million units valued at N528.90 million, Impresit Bakolori Plc followed with 533.9 million units worth N520.9 million, and Afriland Properties Plc with 17.8 million units valued at N364.2 million.
However, Impresit Bakolori Plc remained the most active stock by volume (year-to-date) with 533.9 million units worth N520.9 million followed by Industrial and General Insurance (IGI) Plc with 70.0 million units worth N23.8 million and Geo-Fluids Plc with 44.0 million units valued at N89.0 million.
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