Economy
Global Private Equity Assets Hit $4.50trn in 10 Years — FMDQ

The Chief Executive Officer, FMDQ Group, Mr Bola Onadele, says that the global private equity Asset Under Management (AUM) has hit $4.50 trillion in the last 10 years. Onadele disclosed this at the Coronation Merchant Bank interactive session webinar with the theme: “Capital mobilisation through the private markets,” on Monday in Lagos.
Onadele, in his keynote address at the webinar, said that part of these global funds were finding their way into Africa, especially Nigeria. He, however, urged private companies in Nigeria to tap into the opportunities in the market for growth and development. “As is the case in global private markets (PE) where private equity accounts for 60 per cent of total AUM, private markets in Africa and Nigeria is dominated by the PE segment,” he added. Onadele, who was represented by the Head, Private Capital, FMDQ Private Markets Ltd., Mr Yemi Osinubi, said that recent survey showed that Nigeria ranks second in the attractiveness of African countries for PE investments over the last three years. He said that healthcare and life sciences, technology, and agribusiness were viewed as the most attractive sectors over the next three years. Onadele attributed the shift to private capital to the global liquidity crisis of 2008 and 2010. He noted that traditional source of capital has become less available because of the tightening of the Basel two requirements for banks. “Private equity AUM has gone up four times since 2002, since 2015 worth of private equity deal volume has exceeded equity deal in volume,” he said. Onadele said that institutional investors across the world were seeking for alternative channels on their growing funds, especially in infrastructure funds. Speaking on the drivers for PE, he added that raising capital in the public markets comes with high regulatory requirements and the cost of compliance for public companies were high. “As such, many companies prefer to remain private for as long as possible and take advantage of the private capital market,”Onadele said. According to him, the private markets give investors access to uncommon investment opportunities while providing diversification benefits. He noted that the primary goal for the establishment of FMDQ Private Markets Ltd was to democratise the capital markets by promoting the inclusion of private companies and unleash the largely untapped pool of private capital in Nigeria. Onadele disclosed that the platform had witnessed about N264 billion in notes since it was set up in 2020. “In 2020, about N100 billion in private company bonds were noted on the platform, this half year alone we have about N153 billion in noting. “We had a mix of promissory notes, corporate bonds, Sukuk bonds and we are having first Green Bond that will be noted in the coming month also. “Our equity guideline should be coming out very soon, FMDQ is known for bonds but we have been in discussion with venture capital community, the private equity community on how to develop this equity market for them. “And we think its going to be a robust market for them that will help small to medium term businesses who are trying to raise capital. “Our equity guideline will be out within a month and we will start the noting of equity securities,”he said. Earlier, the Managing Director of Coronation Merchant Bank, Mr Banjo Adegbohungbe, said the interactive session was instituted to stimulate discourse and to clarify an enhanced pertinent economic and societal issues as well as develop credible and workable solutions to common challenges. “It is our intention to continue to facilitate productive engagements like this with relevant stakeholders in order to generate solutions for critical sections of the economy and to add value to our existing and potential customers alike. “We choose the theme of today’s session: “Capital mobilisation through the private markets, specifically because of the potential we see in the private segment of the Nigerian capital market. “This market has had its fair share of missteps in the past but we have begun to observe very credible and increasingly sustainable structures being built to organise the otherwise arbitrary situation earlier observed in this sector of the market. “From technology to renewable energy and various other sectors, it is now obvious that companies need to become publicly quoted to attract much needed capital,” Adegbohungbe said. He noted that with clarity on entry, monitoring and exit, investors would make more informed decisions on the investment opportunities that were abound in credible private companies. (NAN)Economy
SEC Advocates Advanced Financial Inclusion by 2030

By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has stressed the need for Nigeria to harness its demographic dividend to advance financial inclusion through investments by 2030 for national survival or face deepening inequality.
The Director-General of the SEC, Dr Emomotimi Agama said this at the United Capital Asset Management Investment forum on Wednesday in Lagos.
Agama, in his keynote address titled: “Advancing Financial Inclusion through Investments: Bridging
Nigeria’s Knowledge and Wealth Gap,” said Nigeria must harness its demographic dividend to boost investment.
“Our theme, Advancing Financial Inclusion through Investments, is not aspirational; it is foundational to national survival.
“We stand at a pivotal moment. By 2030, Nigeria can either harness its demographic dividend or face deepening inequality. The knowledge-wealth gap is not merely an economic challenge; it is a moral imperative,” Agama said.
He said the term inclusion should be reframed as active financial involvement, where access meets empowerment, and capital becomes a tool for transformation.
Agama said that closing the financial inclusion gender gap could lift 700,000 Nigerians from poverty.
He said, “Nigeria has a great population yet we have a tiny drop of this number of persons involved in the capital market.
“That one reason for poverty, because we are running from money. We have to do something. Our market capitalisation is an opportunity to do something,
We all have
“We need to change the narrative and move the market forward. We must reach out to make the difference. We are committed to protecting investors and developing the market. Our goal is to do the right thing no matter whose ox is gored. We will work by the principles of fairness and equity to change the market. We will provide a fair ground for everyone to aspire.
He noted that MTN Nigeria’s share offering drew 150,000 new investors – 75 per cent women, 85 per cent under 40.
Agama recommended a four-pillar strategy for bridging the gaps.
He listed the four-pillar strategy as democratisation of financial knowledge, catalyse MSME Investment Channels, blended Finance Vehicles: Partner with Bank of Industry (BOI) to de-risk loans for women-led SMEs.
“We need to educate people about finances. As we drive this market, we do so for a purpose, I enjoin everyone to be the disciple and the apostles. Getting this market to move is a deliberate action,” he added.
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Economy
NPA Assures of Over N1.27trn Revenue in 2025

By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Monday assured that it would take into the coffers massive revenue of over N1.27 trillion in 2025, representing a 40 percent increase from the N894.86 billion it realized in 2024.
This ambitious target, the Authority said, was anchored on sweeping modernization efforts, the full activation of the Dangote Refinery’s marine operations, and the deployment of cutting-edge technology to enhance port efficiency.
Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, disclosed this in a presentation during his agency’s budget defence session wih the House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbours, where he defended the agency’s 2025 budget estimates and provided insights into its 2024 performance.
“Our 2025 budget proposal is more than figures, it reflects our aspirations for a more efficient, globally competitive port system,” Dantsoho told lawmakers, adding that over 70% of the proposed expenditure will go into capital projects.
For 2024, the Authority surpassed its revenue target of N865.39 billion, posting an actual realization of N894.86 billion.
However, Dantsoho revealed that only N417.86 billion, less than half of the approved N850.92 billion expenditure, had been spent as of the time of reporting.
Despite this, NPA made a record contribution of N400.8 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) in 2024, nearly double the N213.23 billion remitted in 2023. Of this amount, a staggering N344.7 billion was deducted at source.
“This shows our unwavering commitment to national revenue generation, even when our own operational liquidity is affected,” the NPA boss stressed.
Dantsoho said the projected revenue increase is premised on several key assumptions and developments, including: The full operation of the Dangote Refinery, which alone is expected to draw in over 600 vessels annually through its Single Point Mooring (SPM) system; the commissioning of upgraded terminals at WACT and OMT, which will enhance container traffic; the implementation of automation tools such as the National Single Window, Port Community System (PCS), and Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS); and increased cargo volumes stemming from global disruptions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has affected global trade routes.
He said the 2025 revenue is expected to come from the following key sources: Ship Dues, N544.06 billion; Cargo Dues, N413.06 billion; Concession Fees, N249.69 billion; and Administrative Revenue, N73.07 billion
Of the proposed N1.14 trillion total expenditure for 2025, N778.46 billion is earmarked for capital projects.
This investment, he said, will target the revitalization of critical infrastructure, including the Calabar, Warri, and Burutu ports and channels, and enhance towage services, channel depth, and compliance with international security conventions.
“Investments in infrastructure and technology are non-negotiable if we are to stay competitive regionally and globally,” Dantsoho emphasized.
He cited increasing competition from neighboring ports and aging assets across Nigeria’s coastal corridors.
The NPA also intends to address technology gaps by upgrading legacy systems and bolstering cybersecurity, ensuring Nigerian ports meet global standards for digital operations.
“We can say that with timely access to internally generated revenue and capital funds NPA would deliver the kind of impact Nigeria expects,” he said.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji, urged the NPA to ramp up performance, improve port infrastructure, and play a greater role in addressing Nigeria’s revenue and unemployment challenges.
Nnaji said the ports remain a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy, and urged the agency to meet rising expectations despite operational challenges.
“No country can thrive economically without high-performing ports. They are the economic heartbeat of every nation, determining how buoyant a country is through the flow of imports and exports,” Hon Nnaji said.
The committee praised NPA for its performance.
Nnaji stressed that the NPA’s performance has implications beyond maritime activity, noting that increased port output can significantly boost job creation across several sectors.
“The Nigerian Ports Authority is not just a revenue-generating agency, it is a national asset in terms of employment and economic impact.
“We expect to see detailed strategies on how to improve revenue generation and expand employment opportunities through your 2025 budget,” he said.
The lawmaker also pointed to growing interest in the development of new ports across the country but cautioned against neglecting existing port infrastructure.
“As we welcome investment in new ports, we must not abandon the old ones. Maintaining and upgrading our existing ports, both in the Eastern Corridor and the Western axis, is essential to long-term sustainability,” he added.
The Committee called for a clear outline from the NPA on how its 2025 financial plan will address pressing national concerns and reaffirm Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global maritime trade.
Economy
Senate Sets N10trn Revenue Target for NCS, Urges Agency to Curb Smuggling, Illicit Drugs

By Eze Okechukwu, Abuja
The Senate, through its Committee on Customs has set a revenue target of N10 trillion for the Nigeria Customs Service for the 2025 fiscal year, instead of the initial N6.584 trillion given to her earlier on while urging the agency to clamp down on smuggling and Illicit drugs.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Isah Jibrin (Kogi East), who gave the agency the marching order yesterday in Abuja during the budget defence of the revenue driving agency however commended her for exceeding its 2024 revenue target of N5.
079 trillion.The NCS team led by Deputy Comptroller General, Jibo Bello who represented the Comptroller General presented the 2024 budget performance with a revenue target of N5.
079 trillion, stressing that the proposal was exceeded by over a trillion naira.The Committee, obviously impressed by the performance commended NCS before asking them to go ahead and present the 2025 budget proposal, which the agency tied at N6.584 trillion revenue target with an expenditure of N1.132 trillion.
Following their presentation, members of the Senate Committee on Customs unanimously approved the recommendation of the revenue target of N6.584 trillion and the expenditure of N1.132 trillion for the 2025 financial year.
The Committee will subsequently present the budget proposal to the Senate at plenary most likely this week as the red chamber resumes today after a long recess tied to Eid celebration.
In his final remarks, Senator Jibrin emphasised the need for the NCS to rise up in terms of its surveillance with respect to illicit drugs and smuggling “to ensure that, as much as possible, you should be on top of your game”.
He said there are so many illicit drugs flowing all over the place, which according to him “is contributing to the issue of banditry in Nigeria because most of these guys are on drugs. What I’m saying is that, in addition to your revenue drives, you should also be mindful of some of these other functions.