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Afreximbank Disburses $50bn to Nigeria in 19 Years

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Afreximbank

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) disbursed $50 billion for the execution of various projects in Nigeria in the last 19 years, the President of the Cairo-based lender, Mr Benedict Oramah, disclosed at the commissioning of the Afreximbank Africa Trade Centre (AATC) in Abuja.

At the event, he also reaffirmed the bank’s vision to dismantle trade barriers and promote African market integration.

“Over the last decade alone, total disbursements into Nigeria amounted to about 50 billion US dollars, spreading across vital sectors of energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, transport and financial services.

“Our support to the Nigerian financial services industry, amounting to 19 billion US dollars in the last decade, has helped to deepen and expand the sector and elevated their impact on the local economy,” he stated.

The Afreximbank president, who hinted at the establishment of other AATCs in Harare, Kampala, Cairo, and Yaoundé, described the relationship between the bank and Nigeria as mutually beneficial.

“Over the last three decades, successive governments have accorded unflinching support to Afreximbank, responding most positively to capital calls, creating a congenial environment for its smooth operations while providing the Bank significant domestic policy support that helped to execute many of the development programmes in Nigeria.”

Mr Oramah pledged to expand the influence of the Africa Export-Import Bank across the Atlantic, with AATCs in the Caribbean, adding: “We must reshape our future.”

“We mark the standing up of an edifice that defiantly roars: that we must reshape our future; that we can no longer be hostages to a colonial legacy deeply rooted on ‘divide-and-conquer’ — a legacy that makes Africans regard their colonisers as masters and brothers and sisters, as enemies, and even aliens,” he said of the commissioning of the Abuja AATC.

The launch of the Abuja centre underscores Nigeria’s commitment to economic growth and development, positioning the country as a leader in shaping Africa’s economic future.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the launch, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr George Akume, underscored the centre’s role in driving economic diversification, job creation, and access to finance, particularly for SMEs and women-led businesses.
He emphasised the importance of the initiative in advancing Nigeria’s economic agenda, adding that as the African Trade Centre begins operations, Nigerians and Africans alike can look forward to a brighter economic future, driven by increased trade, investment, and regional collaboration.
The initiative is poised to play a pivotal role in driving economic diversification, job creation, and sustainable development, cementing Nigeria’s position as a leader in Africa’s economic landscape.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Dangote Unveils Phone Number to Report MRS Stations Selling PMS Above N739

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Dangote monopoly Political Economy of Failure

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.

This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.

“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.

“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.

The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.

Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.

By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.

The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.

“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.

Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.

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ANLCA Airport Chapter Scores Salamatu High on Stakeholder Engagement, Trade Facilitation

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ANLCA Airport Chapter

By Bon Peters

The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.

At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.

At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.

“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.

He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.

The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating  trade and increasing Revenue generation.”

“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.

“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.

“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.

Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.

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FG Declares Holidays for Christmas, New Year Celebrations

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as public holidays

By Adedapo Adesanya

The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.

The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.

The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.

Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.

He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.

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