By Dipo Olowookere

The local stock exchange recorded a marginal 0.06 per cent surge on Tuesday as the bulls and the bears engaged in a fierce battle for control of the bourse.

Business Post reports that the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited experienced a mix of profit-taking and bargain-hunting, with two of the five key sectors ending in green.

According to data from Customs Street, the banking counter lost 1.30 per cent, the consumer goods sector decreased by 0.39 per cent, and the energy index tumbled by 0.09 per cent.

However, the industrial goods and the insurance indices appreciated by 1.64 per cent and 0.19 per cent, respectively, as a result of buying pressure.

Consequently, the All-Share Index (ASI) went up by 135.97 points to 218,249.81 points from 218,113.84 points, and the market capitalisation soared by N87 billion to N140.523 trillion from N140.436 trillion.

The market breadth index for the session was negative, like the preceding session, with 26 price gainers and 45 price losers, showing bearish investor sentiment.

Again, NASCON led the advancers’ group after it chalked up another 10.00 per cent to close at N171.60. Union Dicon increased by 9.92 per cent to N19.95, Lafarge Africa gained 9.64 per cent to trade at N273.00, Trans-Nationwide Express appreciated by 8.27 per cent to N7.20, and UAC Nigeria rose by 7.84 per cent to N110.00.

On the other side, Legend Internet depreciated by 9.92 per cent to N5.63, Abbey Mortgage Bank shed 9.59 per cent to quote at N6.60, Stanbic IBTC weakened by 8.96 per cent to N154.50, Access Holdings dropped 8.83 per cent to close at N29.95, and Veritas Kapital crashed by 7.50 per cent to N1.85.

On top of the activity chart yesterday was Access Holdings with 110.7 million shares sold for N3.6 billion, FCMB transacted 57.7 million equities valued at N751.5 million, Fidelity Bank exchanged 44.8 million stocks worth N1.0 billion, Zenith Bank traded 44.2 million equities for N5.5 billion, and UBA transacted 43.6 million shares valued at N2.2 billion.

At the close of trades, 842.5 million stocks worth N44.9 billion exchanged hands in 61,617 deals versus the 984.0 million stocks valued at N50.8 billion executed in 76,410 deals on Monday, indicating a shortfall in the trading volume, value, and number of deals by 14.38 per cent, 11.61 per cent, and 19.36 per cent, respectively.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ibeto Seaport and Terminals Command, Port Harcourt, and the Nigeria Police Force have renewed their commitment to joint security operations at the nation’s maritime corridors, following a strategic meeting between top officials of both agencies.

According to a statement, the renewed partnership came as the Commissioner of Police, Eastern Port Police Command, CP Shuaibu Audu, paid a working visit to the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Usman Yahaya, at the Command headquarters on April 17, 2026.

The engagement, according to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Tangwa Emmanuel, was aimed at strengthening inter-agency cooperation and boosting operational efficiency within the port environment.

Speaking during the visit, Comptroller Yahaya described the engagement as significant, stressing that sustained collaboration among security agencies remains critical to safeguarding national assets and ensuring seamless port operations.

This visit is timely and highly appreciated. It reflects the importance of sustained cooperation among agencies entrusted with the security of our nation and the protection of critical economic assets,” he said.

He assured the police boss of Customs’ readiness to maintain strong working relations with the Eastern Port Police Command.

“We are fully committed to working with the new Commissioner of Police and giving all necessary support towards the successful discharge of his responsibilities,” Mr Yahaya added.

The Customs Area Controller noted that the synergy between both agencies has continued to play a vital role in maintaining order, facilitating legitimate trade and curbing criminal activities within the port system.

This was contained in a statement shared via the Customs official X handle.

Customs and the Police share common responsibilities in safeguarding the port environment. Synergy remains the cornerstone for achieving our collective mandate,” he stated.

He also briefed the visiting Commissioner on the operational relevance of the Ibeto Seaport and Terminals Command, reiterating the Command’s commitment to strengthening maritime security.

On his part, CP Audu said the visit was part of efforts to consolidate existing ties between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Customs Service.

“My presence here today is to reinforce the cordial relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Customs Service. No organisation can function effectively in isolation,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration among security agencies, particularly in securing the nation’s ports, which he described as vital to economic stability.

Synergy among security agencies is essential to addressing emerging threats. Our ports are strategic national assets, and we must work together to keep them secure,” Mr Audu stated.

The police commissioner also sought continued support from Customs officers in advancing shared security objectives.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Mr Taiwo Oyedele has become the new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy after the exit of Mr Wale Edun.

This announcement was made on Tuesday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation via a statement signed by Mr Yomi Odunuga, the Special Adviser of Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr George Akume.

It was disclosed that President Bola Tinubu approved the removal of Mr Edun as Finance Minister as well his counterpart in the Housing and Urban Development Ministry, Mr Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.

According to Mr Akume, “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

In approving the cabinet reshuffle, the President has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended), he added.

Before this minor cabinet reshuffle in the membership of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Mr Oyedele the Minister of State for Finance.

Mr Muttaqha Rabe Darma has now been named as the ministerial nominee and minister designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.

Mr Tinubu thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours, reminding others that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.”