General
Indorama Gets $1.25bn Loan to Ramp up Fertilizer Production in Nigeria
By Adedapo Adesanya
Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited Nigeria has received a $1.25 billion financing package to ramp up its fertilizer production and develop a port terminal for exports, supporting food production and food security across regional and international markets, while fostering job creation in Nigeria.
The investment came from the International Finance Corporation (IFC ) alongside the African Development Bank (AfDB), Bangkok Bank, British International Investment, Citibank, Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft (DEG), DZ Bank, and Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF).
Others include Rand Merchant Bank, Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden (FMO), Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank), Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM), the Standard Bank Group, Standard Chartered Bank, and the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
The financing package will fund Indorama’s plans to develop a third nitrogenous urea fertilizer production line and a new shipping terminal at its operations in Port Harcourt. The new production line is expected to have an annual capacity of 1.4 million metric tons of urea, one of the most widely used fertilizers worldwide.
The $1.25 billion facility includes a $215.5 million loan from IFC’s account; a $94.5 million loan through the Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program (MCPP); and $940 million financing mobilized from other development finance institutions and commercial banks. Joining IFC as joint mandated lead arranger and lender is Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Singapore Branch.
As part of the project, Indorama will implement a greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions strategy to reduce emissions at its petrochemical complex by 32 per cent by 2026, including by significantly reducing gas flaring and other improvements. This strategy aligns with Nigeria’s pledge to eliminate routine gas flaring by 2030 under the World Bank-led Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership.
Indorama’s two operational urea fertilizer lines serve Nigeria’s domestic market, supporting the country’s agricultural sector, which accounts for a quarter of its GDP and employs about a third of its labour force. The new production line and terminal, which will help meet the growing global demand for fertilizer, are expected to create up to 8,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Speaking on this, Mr Amit Lohia, Group Vice Chairman, Indorama Corporation, said, “We are grateful to our financial partners for their unwavering support and confidence. IFC has been a key partner for Indorama in Nigeria for almost two decades.
“This financing demonstrates the strong collaboration and alignment of interests between the public and private sectors to drive sustainable development and create value for all stakeholders.
“Indorama remains dedicated to playing a vital role in supporting global food security by ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality fertilizers in Africa, and beyond while contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic objectives.”
Manish Mundra, Group Director for Africa, Indorama Corporation, said, “The establishment of this fertilizer plant underscores Indorama’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s industrial growth, economic diversification, and leveraging its strategic geographic location. This landmark financing represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey towards becoming a major player in the global fertilizer market.
“With the addition of this third line, Nigeria is prepared to significantly ramp up its export capacity, thereby enhancing its position as a key exporter of fertilizers to Africa and the world. Furthermore, the establishment of this fertilizer plant will not only address critical issues such as broader food security but will also stimulate agricultural growth and create employment opportunities in Nigeria.”
Mr Sérgio Pimenta, IFC Vice President for Africa, said, “Reliable access to high-quality fertilizer is essential for food production and food security around the world. IFC’s investment in Indorama, along with African, Asian, European, and American partners, signals our joint commitment to support the agriculture sector, Nigeria’s economy, and the expansion of Indorama, an important supplier in the global food chain.”
Ms Monika Beck, Member of DEG’s Management Board, said “Indorama is a long-term client, as DEG has been the first DFI to finance the company. This recent investment, again, underlines our trustworthy cooperation. DEG’s special contribution to this transaction lies in trainings for smallholder farmers as part of the DeveloPPP programme. IFC and DEG have been financing partners for 30 years.”
Mr Benson Adenuga, Head of Office and Coverage Director for Nigeria at British International Investment, said, “We are delighted to partner with IFC, other impact investors, and the development finance community on this project, which will boost fertilizer production in Nigeria, support food security and create jobs. Our ongoing commitment to back Indorama’s expansion will also help to elevate Nigeria’s export potential and support the diversification of its economy.”
Mr Ousmane Fall, Acting Director, Industrial and Trade Development Department at the African Development Bank (AfDB), said “The AfDB is proud of its continued partnership with Indorama, the IFC and other lenders on this critical project as it is aligned with our strategic priorities to Feed Africa and Industrialize Africa while generating significant development outcomes in Nigeria.”
In addition, Mr Freddy Ong, Head of Client Coverage, Singapore, Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking at Standard Chartered Bank, said, “We are pleased to participate in this transaction, one of the many we have been a part of during our long-standing relationship with Indorama since 1997.
“We have been proud partners to Indorama across Standard Chartered’s footprint markets and especially at Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals Limited, where we have remained engaged since its inception.
“With this latest financing, we look forward to the successful completion of Indorama Eleme Fertilizer and Chemicals’ facility and the expansion of its urea fertilizer capacity that will help address global food security and strengthen its position as a leading supplier of essential materials in the global food ecosystem.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
