By Dipo Olowookere

The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited witnessed a significant rise in turnover last week, which had four trading sessions compared with the preceding week with three trading days.

According to data, investors bought and sold 7.821 billion shares worth N134.471 billion in 150,799 deals versus the 2.876 billion shares valued at N63.832 billion recorded in 80,229 deals a week earlier.

Last week, the market closed its doors to traders on Thursday for New Year’s day celebration, while in the preceding week, no trading activity happened on Thursday and Friday for Christmas and Boxing Day.

Last week, the financial services industry led the activity chart by volume with 5.992 billion equities sold for N67.024 billion in 55,598 deals, contributing 76.61 per cent and 49.84 per cent to the total trading volume and value apiece.

The ICT sector transacted 946.959 million shares worth N8.028 billion in 15,443 deals, and the consumer goods space traded 258.820 million stocks for N9.381 billion in 24,133 deals.

Cornerstone Insurance, Chams and Access Holdings accounted for 5.317 billion units worth N37.361 billion in 10,441 deals, contributing 67.97 per cent and 27.78 per cent to the total trading volume and value, respectively.

In the week, 73 equities appreciated versus 44 equities a week earlier, while 23 equities depreciated versus 30 equities in the previous week, and 51 equities closed flat versus 73 equities in the preceding week.

Austin Laz was the biggest price gainer with 45.94 per cent rise to close at N4.67, Aluminium Extrusion gained 45.57 per cent to finish at N23.80, Eunisell improved by 43.26 per cent to N126.00, ABC Transport zoomed further by 37.92 per cent to N4.51, and Honeywell Flour grew by 29.58 per cent to N23.00.

On the flip side, eTranzact was the biggest price loser after giving up 9.92 per cent to trade at N11.35, First Holdco lost 7.92 per cent to finish at N48.80, LivingTrust Mortgage Bank depleted by 7.61 per cent to N3.40, CAP shrank by 6.76 per cent to N69.00, and Champion Breweries weakened by 6.67 per cent to N14.00.

It was a bullish week as the All-Share Index (ASI) went up by 1.92 per cent to 156,492.36 points and the market capitalisation soared by 2.09 per cent to N99.938 trillion, with all other indices closing higher.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development recorded an increase in revenue, rising to over N70 billion in 2025 from about N16 billion in 2023.

The development was disclosed by Mr Segun Tomori, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake.

The statement attributed the growth to wide-ranging reforms and strategic policies that have repositioned Nigeria’s mining sector and attracted renewed global interest.

It was revealed that upon assumption of office, revenue from the sector increased from N16 billion in 2023 to N38 billion in 2024 and is projected to exceed N70 billion by the end of 2025.

He said the improvement followed the implementation of Mr Alake’s seven-point agenda, which focuses on reforms, transparency, investor confidence, and local value addition.

As part of the reforms, the ministry revoked 1,633 mining licenses in late 2023 over non-payment of annual service fees, while another 924 dormant licenses were revoked in early 2024 to create room for serious investors.

In addition, the guidelines for Community Development Agreements (CDAs) were revised to ensure host communities give consent before licences are approved.

Illegal mining, identified as a major challenge in the sector, has been addressed through the establishment of mining marshals in 2024.

Within a year, more than 300 illegal miners were arrested, about 150 are undergoing prosecution, and 98 illegal mining sites have been recovered.

Mr Tomori said nationwide satellite surveillance of mining sites is expected to commence in 2026 to strengthen enforcement.

At the continental level, Nigeria’s push for local value addition led to the formation of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, which elected Mr Alake as its pioneer chairman.

The statement added that the revenue growth, though unprecedented, remains a fraction of the sector’s vast potential, adding that reforms will be consolidated in 2026 to make solid minerals a major contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.

On federal and state conflicts over mining control, Mr Tomori said the minister introduced cooperative federalism, encouraging states to apply for mining licences and operate through limited liability companies.

The spokesperson said this approach has resulted in joint venture investments in states including Nasarawa, Kaduna, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He further disclosed that lithium processing plants are emerging across the country, a $400 million rare-earth metals facility is in the pipeline, and about $1.5 billion in foreign direct investment has been attracted to the sector since 2023.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Champion Breweries Plc recently issued its 5-year fixed rate senior unsecured bond to investors at a coupon of 19.50 per cent under its N45 billion bond issuance programme.

The exercise saw about N30 billion raised, with participation from a diverse set of institutional investors, including Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), asset managers, trustees, a bank, a registrar and High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs), underscoring strong confidence in Champion Breweries’ credit quality and long-term growth strategy under its management team and board of directors.

Business Post reports that one of the major facilitators of the transaction was Rand Merchant Bank, which acted as lead issuing house and bookrunner.

Proceeds from the issuance would be strategically used to enhance operational efficiency, enabling Champion Breweries sustain growth and deliver long-term value to stakeholders.

This landmark transaction marks a significant milestone as Champion Breweries continues to expand its footprint and strengthen its position in Nigeria’s beverage industry.

It is the first bond to be issued by a player in the breweries sub-sector in Nigeria, signalling the company’s ambition to diversify its funding sources, strengthen its capital structure, and position Champion Breweries for sustainable growth in a competitive market.

“The successful bond issuance is more than a financing milestone; it is a statement of intent. By accessing the debt capital markets, we have demonstrated the strength of our governance, the resilience of our business model, and the confidence investors place in our long‑term vision,” the chairman of Champion Breweries, Mr Imo-Abasi Jacob, commented.

On his part, the chief executive of Champion Breweries, Mr Inalegwu Adoga, said, “This successful Bond Issuance reflects investor confidence in Champion Breweries and our strategic direction under EnjoyCorp. With this capital, we are focused on driving operational efficiency and unlocking opportunities that will sustain growth and reinforce our leadership in Nigeria’s beverage market.”

Also speaking, an Executive Director at Rand Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited and Head of Investment Banking for Broader Africa, Mr Chidi Iwuchukwu, said, “Champion Breweries Plc’s maiden Bond Issuance is a significant milestone for the breweries sub-sector and reflects the increasing depth of Nigeria’s debt capital markets.

:Rand Merchant Bank is proud to have partnered with Champion Breweries as lead issuing house and bookrunner, leveraging our expertise in credit ratings advisory, transaction structuring, debt advisory, as well as investor and regulatory engagements to deliver seamless execution.

“This success reinforces our commitment to delivering holistic solutions that help clients achieve strategic objectives and set new benchmarks. We appreciate Champion Breweries Plc’s confidence in RMB Nigeria throughout this journey.”

The chief executive of RMB Nigeria, Mr Bayo Ajayi, said, “We are proud to have led and advised Champion Breweries through the process of accessing long-term funding from the debt capital markets.

“This transaction demonstrates the depth and sophistication of Nigeria’s debt capital markets. At RMB Nigeria, we remain committed to structuring solutions that meet our clients’ funding needs while contributing to the development of Nigeria’s capital markets. Champion Breweries’ successful issuance sets a strong precedent for future bond issuances from players in the breweries sub-sector.”