economy
eNaira Records 700,000 Transactions Valued at N8bn – Emefiele

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele said eNaira has recorded 700,000 transactions valued at N8 billion, since its inauguration on Oct. 25, 2021.
Emefiele stated this yesterday in Abuja, at the 28th edition of the apex bank’s annual In-house Executive Seminar with the theme, “Digitalisation of Money and Monetary Policy in Nigeria”.
He was represented by Aisha Ahmad, Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability, CBN.
The eNaira, CBN’s version of the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari on Oct. 25, 2021.
According to Emefiele, the eNaira was developed to broaden the payment possibilities of Nigerians, foster digital financial inclusion, with potential for fast-tracking intergovernmental and social transfers, capital flow and remittances.
He said that the eNaira had been globally acclaimed as a success story.
“Since its launch, a total of N8 billion, consisting over 700,000 transactions has passed through the eNaira platform.
“As part of the CBN”s effort to further integrate and broaden the usage of the eNaira, it was assigned an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code, enabling payments by simply dialing ‘997#’ on a mobile phone.
“I am proud to announce to you today that the eNaira has been attracting accolades across the globe as a monumental success.
“It topped the charts on retail CBDCs projects globally, as at April (PwC, 2022) and several central banks across the globe have been requesting for our success template on the eNaira,” he said.
He said that the story of the eNaira had been one of courage, persistence and commitment to explore new frontiers and possibilities.
He added that, as part of the digitisation drive, the apex bank had taken transformational steps in entrenching a culture of “big data” and data analytics, as tools for effective policy making.
“To this end, the CBN Data Architecture Project (CeDAP), code-named “Project OXYGEN” was commissioned, with the objectives of providing a repository of a variety of data from different sources,” he said.
The CBN governor said that considerable gains had been achieved on boosting financial inclusion in Nigeria.
He added that at 64.0 per cent, the inclusion rate slowed down the digital transformation wheel, as all citizens must be carried along to optimise the gains of a digital economy.
“While cash-based transactions have declined significantly in the last decade, it is still the dominant means of payment, amidst a large informal sector.
“Nigeria boasts of one of the fastest growing FinTech ecosystems in Africa, with the industry projected to grow by 12 per cent annually.
“But the technological space is still maturing, with limited market size, funding and venture capitalists, access to baseline technologies, and skills, as common features, ” he said.
Also speaking, Dr Kingsley Obiora, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, said that the seminar was an annual platform to brainstorm on topical economic issues.
Obiora said that the intention was to proffer policy options for the consideration of management of the CBN.
“Through the past years, the seminar has lived up to its expectations by providing significant inputs towards improving management’s decisions.
“Our gathering here today should be seen as an important avenue to critically search for fresh solutions to emerging monetary and financial challenges confronting us today,” he said.
According to him, the digitalisation of money enhances the powers of the CBN to impact its monetary policy.
He added that it also had the potential to change traditional structures of the banking and financial systems, while sustaining the primary mandate of the CBN.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Alhaji Muhammad Bello, in his goodwill message, commended the CBN for the initiative to bring together experts and key stakeholders to discuss topical policy issues aimed at improving the Nigerian economy. (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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