economy
CBN Redesigns Naira, Begins Circulation Dec. 15

As means of checking serial abuse of the naira, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has concluded plans to redesign certain denominations of the currency.
Mr Godwin Emefiele, the CBN Governor, who made this known during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, said the apex bank had obtained the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari to redesign N200, N500 and N1,000 notes.
According to Emefiele, the process is a discharge of the apex bank’s key function of currency management.
“Currency management is the key function of the CBN as enshrined in the CBN Act. The integrity of a local legal tender, efficiency of its supply and its efficiency are some of the functions of a great central bank.
“In recent times, currency management has faced several challenges that have continued to escalate in scale and sophistication, with unintended consequences for both the CBN and the country.
“On the basis of these, and in line with the provision of CBN Act, the management of the CBN has sought and obtained the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari to redesign, produce, release and circulate new series of banknotes at N200, N500 and N1,000.
“In line with the approval, we have finalised arrangements for the new currency to begin circulation on Dec. 15,” he said.
Emefiele said the new currencies and the existing ones would remain legal tender and circulate together until Jan. 31, 2023.
He urged Deposit Money Banks currently holding existing denominations to begin returning them back to the CBN immediately.
“The newly designed currencies will be released on the basis of ‘first come, first serve.’
“Customers of banks are enjoined to begin payment into their bank accounts to enable them withdraw the new banknotes once circulation begins,” he said.
He added that for the purpose of the exercise, bank charges for cash deposit are suspended with immediate effect. (NAN)

economy
AEDC Restates Commitment to Pay all Legitimate Allowances to Staff

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) says it is committed to settling all legitimate allowances owed staff.
The company’s Managing Director, Mr Chijioke Okwuokenye, said this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday following a threat from the workers to shutdown the operations of the establishment.
The threat notice was given by the two labour unions in electricity supply industry, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC).
The unions had respectively resolved to resume their earlier suspended strike over non-implementation of agreements reached with the AEDC since Nov.
5 and Nov 7, 2024.The unions threatened to resume the suspended action over non-remittance of pension deductions for 16 months, non-implementation of the national minimum wage.
They also cited non-promotion and the continuous stagnation of members of staff for over 10 years, non-confirmation of staff on acting appointment, non-regularisation and proper placement of appointments amongst others.
Okwuokenye said that management had been engaging constructively with the union representatives regarding the notice of industrial action.
”We are committed to ensuring that all legitimate allowances owed to staff are settled promptly, subject to our financial processes and regulatory compliance.
”We have already initiated dialogue with the union leadership to address their concerns transparently and to seek a mutually agreeable resolution.
”We are confident that, through continued negotiation and open communication, we will find a way to avert any disruption to our operations and to uphold our commitment to the welfare of our employees, ”he said.
According to him, employees of AEDC are at the heart of all the company does, and their well-being and welfare are paramount to management.(NAN)
BUSINESS
NSIA Net Assets Hit N4.35trn in 2024
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.
economy
Firm Boosts Access to Dairy Nutrition with Affordable Peak Mini

From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
Dairy brand, Peak Milk has boosted Nigerians’ accessibility to its quality dairy nutrition range with the introduction of the budget-friendly Peak Mini – a smaller, more affordable pack from its signature Peak Evaporated Milk.
Unveiling the dairy brand, the producer, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, restated its commitment to providing high-quality dairy products to consumers as it has been doing in over 70 years in Nigeria.
According to WAMCO, the Peak Mini evaporated milk will provide affordable breakfast within the reach of every home with a budget-friendly nutritional breakfast with the same rich, creamy taste and high-quality.
Senior Brand Manager of Peak Milk, Moninnuola Kassim, stated that with Peak Mini, the company is “directly addressing the challenges many Nigerians face daily, one of which is affordability.
“Our smaller, affordable Peak Mini packs ensure that quality dairy nutrition remains within reach for everyone, regardless of income level.”
According to her, “many consumers have had to compromise on nutrition when considering costs, but with Peak Mini, that trade-off is no longer necessary.
The brand, Kassim said, maintains the same premium taste and nutritional benefits in a convenient and cost-effective package, and whether for breakfast cereals, tea or other meals, this innovation ensures that consumers no longer need to choose between quality and affordability.
According to her, FrieslandCampina WAMCO believes that every Nigerian deserves access to quality, nutritious dairy products,” and “Peak Mini is another step towards fulfilling that mission by providing a practical solution that meets the needs of everyday consumers.”
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