Business News
Reps Demand Bail out for Ailing Industries
By Orkula Shaagee, Abuja
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal government to design a special bail out strategy for ailing and collapsed industries (both publicly quoted and privately owned companies).
The Legislators said such bail out should be devoid of bureaucratic bottlenecks and collateral security so as to enable the industries perform well to generate employment opportunities.
Accordingly, the House asked the Federal government to apply the bail out through the Bank of Industry, the Bank of Agriculture, the Nigeria Export – Import Bank at a single digit interest rate with three(3) years moratorium,
It demanded that government included Cooperative and Micro Finance Banks and Development Bank of Nigeria in the bailout programmes to lend to business at single digit interest rates to help boost the stock and sales of those traders.
The lower Chamber also resolved that Federal government should initiate a process of identifying specific and critical industries in the country that will be part of the bail out program, devise strategies that will lead to improvement in power supply, especially to serve the industries so as to prevent them from going under due to the high cost of power.
It further called for the appointment of experienced managers for the ailing industries to ensure the revival of the industries and full repayment of the bailout funds after which the managers will be eased out of the companies or retained on agreed terms.
The House which recently returned from a two-Month long recess, resolved in plenary to ask the government to grant tax incentives to ailing Companies, give preference in access to foreign exchange and other critical inputs and make adequate provision in the 2020 budget for this programme.
Other resolutions reached include the call on the government to empower the capacity of National Directorate of Employment across the country to provide jobs, embark on massive vocational training across the country to reduce reliance on government jobs, identify ailing industries, improve power and infrastructure and monitoring the disbursement of the fund and its application by the House.
The House also mandated its relevant Committees on Finance, Industry, Labour and Employment and Productivity to liase with the Federal Government to actualize the bailout proposal to ailing and moribund industries in order to address the problem of unemployment in the country.
These were the resolutions reached at plenary following motion on matter of urgent public importance on the ‘Need to Bail out Ailing Industries to absorb the Teeming Unemployed Graduates and create wealth for the country’ sponsored by James Faleke (APC, Lagos).
Faleke while presenting the motion noted that,
an alarming 1.3 million new graduates passed out every year from the over 170 accredited universities for National Youths Service Scheme and it was estimated that there were about 20 million unemployed graduates in Nigeria at the moment.
He said, the House “also notes that the above number does not include those graduates who are excluded from the national service on account of age or who attend other institutions of higher learning that do not present candidates for the national service, such as holders of the Ordinary National Diploma (OND), National Certificate in Education (NCE) and those who attend the National Open University.
“Unfortunately the majority of the graduates lack the technical knowledge and capacity to become self-employed or to create employment opportunities for others.
“Further notes that as a result of the collapse and closure of many industries that would have employed those graduates, they are now left to roam the streets of major cities in search of unavailable jobs, in the process, are exposed to the risk of kidnapping, prostitution, cultism, armed robbery and other sundry crimes, as well as falling prey to the antics of employment scammers who take advantage of their desperation to exploit them;
“Aware that many States of the Federation which are dependent on allocations from the federation account for running the States, recently, got bailout funds to pay salaries of workers, as a result, cannot be looked upon to provide employment for their graduates”.
The motion which attracted wide support from Members was voted on, passed and referred to the Committee on Industries.
Business News
CBN Shakes Up Banking Sector: A Paradigm Shift Unveiled
By Ademola Oyetunji
In a surprising turn of events on Wednesday, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) dissolved the boards of three prominent commercial banks – Keystone, Polaris, and Union Bank. This move, although unanticipated, transpired despite the Central Bank’s recent endorsement of these banks’ financial soundness.
Governor Olayemi Cardoso, at his inaugural address during the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) annual dinner last year, had lauded Nigeria’s financial sector’s resilience in 2023.
Stress tests conducted on the banking industry indicated its strength under various economic scenarios. However, Cardoso highlighted the need for banks to reassess their responsible banking framework, a sentiment echoed by President Tinubu.President Tinubu’s evident discontent with the Godwin Emefiele-led CBN triggered a comprehensive review of the financial system. A special investigator, Jim Obazee, was appointed to conduct a forensic investigation into Emefiele’s tenure, with damning revelations emerging. Recent developments suggest the initiation of a full-blown financial system reform.
The CBN’s dissolution announcement and the subsequent appointment of new executives for the affected banks, including Yetunde Oni, Mannir U. Ringim, Hassan Imam, Chioma A. Mang, Lawal M. Omokayode, and Chris Onyeka Ofikulu, might mark the beginning of implementing the investigation’s recommendations – a significant cleanup of the financial sector.
Allegations surfaced during the investigation, suggesting non-cooperation from some bank executives and Emefiele’s questionable acquisitions through proxies and cronies. Cardoso may have secured presidential approval for the CBN’s decisive action.
The CBN cited various infractions by the banks, including regulatory non-compliance, corporate governance failures, and activities threatening financial stability. Despite the challenges, the CBN assured the public of depositors’ fund safety and its commitment to upholding a safe, sound, and robust financial system.
The Special Investigator’s report revealed documents pointing to Emefiele’s involvement in Titan Trust Bank and Union Banks’ acquisitions with ill-gotten wealth. The CBN’s swift replacement of the ousted chief executives received widespread commendation, especially from high-net-worth stakeholders aiming to avert a crisis of confidence within the affected banks.
Adewale Aderounmu, an industrialist, applauded the CBN for implementing effective policies under Olayemi Cardoso’s leadership, despite detractors’ actions against the Naira. Ayomide Deepak, an Abuja-based stockbroker, welcomed the action but emphasized the need for caution in handling revelations from the investigation to prevent further economic challenges.
As the CBN wields its regulatory hammer on these banks, the hope is that other bank executives and investors will learn valuable lessons for the sake of the economy. The CBN’s action is perceived as a strategic move aimed at revitalizing the economy and financial system, not a mere vendetta.
*Ademola Oyetunji writes from Ibadan.
Business News
Firm Blazes The Trail To Revolutionise Nigeria’s Transport Sector
Independent Capital, a visionary project finance firm has blazed the trail in the country by championing green innovation and facilitating as well as supporting green innovative projects in Nigeria.
This is coming on the heels of the plan by the Nigerian government to introduce gas-powered vehicles in the country as a fallout of the removal of fuel subsidies.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the firm, Dr.
George Nwangwu who announced this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, said it was aimed at a transformative leap towards sustainable transportation in the country.He said with the company’s fusion of financial expertise, a profound understanding of environmental and social impact, a commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving transportation quality, “the company aims to reshape the nation’s mobility landscape for a cleaner and more prosperous future”,adding that “it is charting new territories in the realm of sustainable finance by announcing ambitious plans that signify a paradigm shift in Nigeria’s approach to eco-friendly initiatives”.
Similarly, Nwangwu said, its strategic approach combines financial expertise with a profound understanding of environmental and social impact, positioning the firm as a catalyst for positive change in the country’s transportation sector.
He added that the cornerstone of Independent Capital’s visionary plans involves the unbundling of its three-wheeler Electric Vehicle (e-trike) which signals a significant move towards eco-conscious mobility.
The CEO further said that the company is committed to establishing a robust network of solar-powered charging infrastructure to support the operations of its e-trike fleet as the innovative strategy not only tackles the obstacles associated with adopting electric vehicles but would also actively contribute to the establishment of a sustainable energy ecosystem.
“We are dedicated to reducing carbon emissions, alleviating congestion and improving the overall quality of transportation for the Nigerian population. Independent Capital aims to create a greener and more efficient transportation ecosystem that enhances the lives of individuals and contributes to a cleaner environment, “he noted.
According to the firm’s CEO, in response to the recent removal of fuel subsidies, the Nigerian market is experiencing a fundamental shift, creating an opportune moment for innovative solutions in the e-mobility sector which “Independent Capital is well-positioned to capitalize on this shift by introducing sustainable transportation alternatives that cater to the evolving needs of the market”.
Also, speaking, the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) of the company, Mr.Moses Saromi said “with the e-mobility sector undergoing significant developments, driven by environmental concerns, technological advancements and shifting government policies our firm is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation in Nigeria,”
He revealed that the demand for e-mobility solutions in Nigeria is projected to grow exponentially by 15% CAGR and thus, Independent Capital stands at the forefront of providing sustainable alternatives to traditional vehicles and that with a focus on e-trikes, the company strategically positions itself to capture a significant share of the expanding market to meet the diverse needs of individual consumers and delivery services to the Nigerian society.
He added that in the pursuit of a cleaner and more efficient transportation ecosystem, Independent Capital remains a driving force in the nation’s journey towards a greener future.
Business News
Dangote Refinery Port Facility Receives Maiden Crude Cargo
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals plant has purchased 1 million barrels of Agbami crude grade from Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited (STASCO), one of the largest trading companies in Nigeria as well as globally, trading over 8 million barrels of crude oil per day.
The STASCO cargo contained 1 million barrels from Agbami and sailed to Dangote Refinery’s Single Point Mooring (SPM) where it was discharged into the refinery’s crude oil tanks.
The maiden 1 million barrels, which represent the first phase of the 6 million barrels of crude oil to be supplied to Dangote Petroleum Refinery by a range of suppliers, should sustain the initial 350,000 barrels per day to be processed by the facility.
The next four cargoes will be supplied by the NNPC in two to three weeks and the final of the six cargoes will be supplied by ExxonMobil.This supply will facilitate the initial run of the refinery as well as kick-start the production of diesel, aviation fuel, and LPG before subsequently progressing to the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
This latest development will play a pivotal role in alleviating the fuel supply challenges faced by Nigeria as well as the West African countries.
Designed for 100% Nigerian crude with the flexibility to process other crudes, the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery can process most African crude grades as well as Middle Eastern Arab Light and even US Light tight oil as well as crude from other countries.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery can meet 100% of the Nigeria’s requirement of all refined products, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation jet, and also have surplus of each of these products for export.
The refinery was built to take crude through its two SPMs located 25 kilometres from the shore and to discharge petroleum products through three separate SPMs. In addition, the refinery has the capacity to load 2,900 trucks a day at its truck loading gantries.
Dangote Refinery has a self-sufficient marine facility with the ability to handle the largest vessel globally available. In addition, all products from the refinery will conform to Euro V specifications.
The refinery is designed to comply with US EPA, European emission norms, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms as well as African Refiners and Distribution Association (ARDA) standards.
President of Dangote Group, Mr. Aliko Dangote stated: “We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone. This is an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects. Our focus over the coming months is to ramp up the refinery to its full capacity. I look forward to the next significant milestone when we deliver the first batch of products to the Nigerian market.”
Country Chairman of Shell Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Osagie Okunbor stated: “We welcome the startup of a refinery that is designed to produce gasoline, diesel, and low-sulphur fuels for Nigeria and across West Africa and are happy to be enabling it.”