Connect with us

Business News

Afreximbank Board Retains Nigeria as Chairman *Shareholders to Enjoy $69m Dividends

Published

on

Afreximbank
Share
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) will pay a total of $69 million to its shareholders as dividend from its 2018 earnings, according to decisions reached during the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) of the Bank which ended in Moscow on Sunday.

The shareholders also appointed one new member to its Board of Directors and decided to retain Nigeria, which has been its Chairman since the last meeting in Abuja in 2018, in that position for one more year.

According to a statement from the Bank made available to Daily Asset in Abuja on Sunday, the AGM also approved the Bank’s 2018 Annual Report which includes the 2018 Financial Statements.

In his report to the AGM, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, said that the Bank’s total revenues rose by 24 per cent in 2018 to reach $806 million while the net income increased to $276 million, representing a 26 per cent increase on the level in 2017.

The Bank’s total assets, including contingent liabilities, went up by 15 per cent from $13 billion in 2017 to $15 billion in 2018, said President Oramah. That profit performance reflected strong growth in interest and fee income from diversified sources by geography and financial products.

He informed the shareholders that during its extra-ordinary session in Nouakchott in July 2018, the African Union Heads of State Summit had approved the accreditation of the Bank to the AU, allowing the AU to adopt most of the Bank’s flagship initiatives as continental initiatives. That action would help to accelerate adoption of such initiatives at the national level, thereby improving the pace of implementation at lower cost.

Prof. Oramah explained that the accreditation was a privilege which was previously enjoyed only by the African Development Bank and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.

The end of the AGM marked the conclusion of the Bank’s 2019 Annual Meetings (AAM2019) which started on 20 June with the seminar and meeting of the Advisory Group on Trade Finance and Export Development in Africa, declared open by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

On 21 June, Dimitri Medvedev, Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, had addressed the opening session of the AGM.

AAM2019 was held under the theme “Harnessing Emerging Partnerships in an Era of Rising Protectionism” and deliberated on such topics as: How South-South trade can be a path to Africa’s integration into the global economy; Multilateralism in the current global economic order of protectionism; and The role of investing in Africa’s infrastructure in accelerating intra-African trade and economic development.

Highlights of AAM2019 include the launch of the African Trade Report 2019; the launch of the Afreximbank Export Trading Company Strategy; and a half-day programme of activities dedicated to Russia–Africa investment cooperation. A number of trade agreements were also signed at the event.

AAM2019 marked the second time Afreximbank Annual Meetings would take place outside Africa. The 2012 Annual Meetings were held in Beijing.

Business News

Tinubu Congratulates Dangote on World Bank Appointment

Published

on

Share

By Jennifer Enuma, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group, on his appointment to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, a body tasked with promoting investment and job creation in emerging economies.

In a statement by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanauga, the President described the appointment as apt, given Dangote’s rich private sector experience, strategic investments, and many employment opportunities created through his Dangote Group.

The Dangote Group became one of Africa’s leading conglomerates through innovation and continuous investment.

Dangote Group’s business interests span cement, fertiliser, salt, sugar, oil, and gas. However, the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals remains Africa’s most daring project and most significant single private investment.

“President Tinubu urges Dangote to bring to bear on the World Bank appointment his transformative ideas and initiatives to impact the emerging markets across the world fully” the statement said.

The World Bank announced Dangote’s appointment on Wednesday, as part of a broader expansion of its Private Sector Investment Lab. The lab now enters a new phase aimed at scaling up solutions to attract private capital and create jobs in the developing world.

The CEO of Bayer AG, Bill Anderson, the Chair of Bharti Enterprises, Sunil Bharti Mittal, and the President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Mark Hoplamazian, are on the Private Sector Investment Lab with Dangote.

The World Bank said the expanded membership brings together business leaders with proven track records in generating employment in developing economies, supporting the Bank’s focus on job creation as a central pillar of global development.

Continue Reading

Business Analysis

Nigeria Customs Generates over N1.75trn Revenue in 2025

Published

on

Share

By Joel Oladele, Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC) has generated an impressive N1,751,502,252,298.05 in revenue during the first quarter of 2025.

The Comptroller-General (CG) of the Service, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this yesterday, during a press briefing in Abuja.

According to Adeniyi, the achievement not only surpasses the quarterly target but also marks a substantial increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting the effectiveness of recent reforms and the dedication of customs officers across the nation.

“This first quarter of 2025 has seen our officers working tirelessly at borders and ports across the nation.

I’m proud to report we’ve made real progress on multiple fronts—from increasing revenue collections to intercepting dangerous shipments,” Adeniyi stated.

He attributed this success to the reforms initiated under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the guidance of the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun.

The CG noted that the revenue collection for Q1 2025 exceeded the quarterly benchmark of N1,645,000,000,000.00 by N106.5 billion, achieving 106.47% of the target. This performance represents a remarkable 29.96% increase compared to the N1,347,705,251,658.31 collected in Q1 2024.

Adeniyi highlighted the month-by-month growth, noting that January’s collection of N647,880,245,243.67 surpassed its target by 18.12%, while February and March also showed positive trends.

 “I’m pleased to report the Service’s revenue collection for Q1 2025 totaled N1,751,502,252,298.05.

“Against our annual target of N6,580,000,000,000.00, the first quarter’s proportional benchmark stood at N1,645,000,000,000.00. I’m proud to announce we’ve exceeded this target by N106.5 billion, achieving 106.47% of our quarterly projection. This outstanding performance represents a substantial 29.96% increase  compared  to  the  same  period  in  2024,  where  we  collected N1,347,705,251,658.31.

“Our month-by-month analysis reveals even more encouraging details of this growth trajectory,” Adeniyi said.

In addition to revenue collection, Adeniyi said the NCS maintained robust anti-smuggling operations, recording 298 seizures with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of ₦7,698,557,347.67.

He stated that rice was the most seized commodity, with 135,474 bags intercepted, followed by petroleum products and narcotics.

“From rice to wildlife, these seizures show our targeted approach,” Adeniyi remarked, noting the NCS’s commitment to combating smuggling and protecting national revenue.

Adeniyi also highlighted key initiatives, including the expansion of the B’Odogwu customs clearance platform and the launch of the Authorized Economic Operators Programme, which aims to streamline processes for compliant businesses. The NCS’s Corporate Social Responsibility Programme, “Customs Cares,” was also launched, focusing on education, health, and environmental sustainability.

Despite these achievements, the CG noted that the NCS faced challenges, including exchange rate volatility and non-compliance issues. Adeniyi acknowledged the need for ongoing adaptation and collaboration with stakeholders to address these challenges effectively.

Looking ahead, the NCS aims to continue its modernization efforts and enhance service delivery, ensuring that it remains a critical institution in Nigeria’s economic and security landscape.

“Results speak louder than plans; faster clearances through B’Odogwu, trusted traders in the AEO program, and measurable food price relief from our exemptions. We’ll keep scaling what works,” he concluded.

Continue Reading

BUSINESS

NSIA Net Assets Hit N4.35trn in 2024

Published

on

Share

By Tony Obiechina Abuja

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) yesterday disclosed that its net assets grew from N156bn in 2013 to N4.35 trillion in 2024.

Similarly, the Authority has remained profitable for 12 consecutive years, leading to cumulative retained earnings of N3.

74 trillion in 2024.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NSIA, Aminu Umar- Sadiq made these disclosures at a media engagement in Abuja, highlighting its audited financial results for the 2024 fiscal year.

According to him, the results underscored the resilience of the authority’s investment strategy and the strength of its earnings, driven by a well-diversified revenue base and robust risk management practices, despite a challenging global macroeconomic and geopolitical environment.

Total operating profits, excluding share of profits from associates and Joint Venture (JV) entities, increased from N1.17 trillion in 2023 to N1.86 trillion in 2024, driven by the strong performance of

NSIA’s diversified investment portfolio, infrastructure assets, gains from foreign exchange movements, and derivative valuations.

In addition, Total Comprehensive Income (TCI), inclusive of share of profits from associates and JV entities, reached N1.89 trillion in 2024, reflecting a 59 per cent increase from N1.18 trillion in 2023.

Core TCI (excluding foreign exchange and derivative valuation gains) rose by 148 per cent to N407.9 billion in 2024 compared to N164.7 billion in 2023, supported by robust returns on financial assets measured at fair value through profit and loss, including collateralised securities, private equity, hedge funds, and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs).

Umar-Sadiq said the authority’s outstanding financial performance in 2024 reflected the “strength of our strategic vision, disciplined execution and unwavering commitment to sustainable socio-economic advancement.”

He said, “By leveraging innovation, strategic partnerships and sound risk management, we have not only delivered strong returns but also created value for our stakeholders

“As we move forward, we remain focused on driving economic transformation, expanding opportunities, scaling transformative impact and ensuring long-term prosperity for current and future generations of Nigerians.”

The CEO reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to managing the country’s SWF, and delivering the mandates enshrined in the NSIA Act.

He said NSIA remained poised to continually create long-term value for its stakeholders by delivering excellent risk-adjusted financial results, developing a healthy and well-diversified portfolio of assets and large-scale infrastructure projects, and enhancing the desired social outcomes.

He noted that NSIA was committed to its mandate of prudent management and investment of Nigeria’s sovereign wealth.

“In adherence to its Establishment Act, NSIA prioritises transparency, disclosure, and effective communication with all stakeholders and counterparties,” he said.

He pointed out that in the year under review, a new board, led by Olusegun Ogunsanya as Chairman, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu, in accordance with the provisions of the NSIA Act.

The new board will provide strategic direction and oversight, in addition to playing a pivotal role in critical decision making.

He remarked that under the guidance of the Board, the Authority will retain focus on its primary mandate of creating shared value for all stakeholders based on its continued adoption of corporate governance practices.

“NSIA prides itself an investment institution of the federation established to manage funds in excess of budgeted oil revenues and its mission is to play a pivotal role in driving sustained economic development for the benefit of all Nigerians through building a savings base for the Nigerian people, enhancing the development of the county’s infrastructure, and providing stabilisation support in times of economic misadventure,” he added.

Continue Reading

Read Our ePaper

Top Stories

Environment7 hours ago

Billboard accident: Abia Govt. to Offset Victims’ Hospital Bills – ABSAA Official

ShareAbia Government says it will offset the hospital bills of the Aba Billboard accident victims.Mrs Victoria Onwubiko, Managing Director, Abia...

General News7 hours ago

Okpebholo Applauds Tinubu at two-year Mark

ShareGov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo has extended heartfelt commendations to President Bola Tinubu as he marks his second anniversary in...

General News8 hours ago

First Lady Donates 7 Vehicles to YOWICAN

Share The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu on behalf of her organisation, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) has presented seven new 18-seater...

Foreign News8 hours ago

U.S Will Start Revoking Visas for Chinese Students

ShareThe United States says it will begin revoking visas of Chinese students and tighten screening for future applicants from China...

FEATURES8 hours ago

We Have Made Undeniable Progress: President Bola Tinubu’s Second Anniversary Speech

ShareFellow Nigerians, as we mark the second anniversary of our administration, I salute your resilience and undaunted spirit. Two years...

Education9 hours ago

How female Medicine Degree Holder Abandoned Certificate for Carpentry- Bugaje

ShareThe Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje has expressed the need to promote inclusivity, especially...

Education10 hours ago

WAEC Apologies for Conducting English Exam Late, Cites Leakage  Prevention

ShareThe West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has apologized for delay in conducting  English Language Paper 2 in the ongoing 2025...

Health10 hours ago

UNICEF Promotes Menstrual Hygiene for Girls

Share The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has encouraged girls to embrace menstruation with pride and confidence, recognizing themselves as vital...

Uncategorized11 hours ago

Tinubu Repositioning Nigeria for Sustainable Growth – Gov. Yahaya

Share Gov. Yahaya of Gombe State has lauded President Bola Tinubu for the implementation of viable social and economic reforms...

Foreign News11 hours ago

4 killed in South Korean Navy plane crash

ShareA South Korean Navy patrol plane with four people on board crashed on a mountain in Pohang, a city in...

Copyright © 2021 Daily Asset Limited | Powered by ObajeSoft Inc