Economy
The MPC Now Walking Tall
By FBNQuest Research
When we read the personal statements of members of the monetary policy committee (MPC) following their meeting in late May, we noticed a distinct rise in their confidence. Their mood in the previous 12 months could be described as one of despair. In layman’s language, the prevalent view was that they were not responsible for the contraction in the economy or the surge in inflation and that somebody else (ie the FGN) had to pick up the pieces. The game changer, of course, has been the new fx policy.
The new confidence is in danger of developing into exuberance. One member accepted that “the economy is not entirely out of the woods”. The confidence, however, has legitimately grown since the last meeting. The investors’ and exporters’ window (NAFEX) has gained in momentum.
Members lauded the convergence of fx rates. One estimated that the margin between the interbank and bureaux de change (BdC) rates had narrowed from 150% in Q4 2015 to 23%, while noting that a margin of 5% was sustainable in most jurisdictions. Another argued strongly that multiple currency practices should be retained and made the point that the then BdC rate of N380 per US dollar was a little off his estimated PPP rate of N350.
On inflation, we isolate the view that the rate is far above the level that could be viewed beneficial to growth. Another member warned of the threat from another hike in the electricity tariff, which he termed inevitable in view of the structural crisis in the industry.
Members are without exception oil price bears. A typical view cited reports that oil majors are to invest US$10bn in shale oil prospects in the US in the hope of driving production costs down to US$20/b.
Another theme is the build-up of pressures in the banking sector. One member cited data showing that its assets had declined in US dollar terms by 27.4% in 2016 due to fx “depreciation”. NPLs had increased while credit extension growth (other than to government) had fallen sharply. A better informed member acknowledged that a few banks had let the side down.
For the “off-message” argument in the statements, we choose a strong case put forward against the CBN’s expanded developmental role. This argument pointed to the negative impact on money supply, inflation and the banking industry of the CBN’s many sector-based credit interventions. It suggested that the interventions amounted in some cases to the application of sticking plaster to very large problems, and queried their legitimacy since the National Assembly is supposed to approve all appropriations.
Source: FBNQuest Research
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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