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Articles by Femi Adekoya
Trump slams 14% tariff on Nigerian exports
By Dr. Femi Adekoya, Editor 02 April 2025 | 10:21 pm The United States President, Donald Trump, Wednesday enacted sweeping new tariffs in a move that could escalate trade tensions globally at what he tagged “liberation day”. Trump said the U.S. will implement “reciprocal tariffs” on all countries of “approximately half” of what they charge us.
Man of The Year: George Weah… A torchbearer of democracy, sportsmanship amid political turmoil | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News Original
Leadership deficits and loss of democratic credentials resonate loudest across the African political landscape in 2023. Citizens’ pushback on parlous governance structures gave currency to coup attempts, coups, and counter coups in more francophone States. In others, surviving democracies became flawed down to the ballot papers to worsen tension.
Dangote demonstrates use of Cement variants at Enugu Fair | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
As part of its public enlightenment programme, Dangote Cement has demonstrated how to put into appropriate use its variants of cement to achieve the best results. At the on going Trade Fair at Enugu, the Company gathered together stakeholders in the built industry and demonstrated the use of its Falcon cement brand, saying when used appropriately, the consumer is guaranteed solid structure that can withstand any weather.
Local manufacturers hail suspension of proposed excise duty hike | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has hailed the decision of Federal Government to suspend the proposed hike in excise duty on beer, wines and spirits, tobacco and non-alcoholic beverage later this year, noting that the decision will bring succor to the operators. Indeed, local operators had warned that the imposition of excise duty on all services will make the business community vulnerable.
‘Why Nigeria, others must urgently invest in economic recovery’ | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
Africa should deploy innovative resource mobilisation and accelerate economic recovery from multiple crises which have eroded two decades of development gains and increased poverty, Ministers of Finance have urged. In a Ministerial Statement adopted at the 55th session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ministers reiterated the urgency of transforming Africa’s economies and driving industrialisation.
IRENA warns of stranded assets risk, says $35 trillion needed for transition tech | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has estimated that the world will need around $35 trillion for transition technology by 2030, including improving efficiency, electrification, grid expansion and flexibility. Around 41 per cent of planned energy investments by 2050 remain targeted at fossil fuels, IRENA said, adding that “new investment decisions should be carefully assessed to simultaneously drive the transition and reduce the risk of stranded assets”.
Africa urgently needs concessional financing to build resilience against shocks, experts say | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News Original
With financial, health and climate shocks threatening to reverse two decades of development progress in Africa, experts have called for urgent concessionary financing to help the continent build resilience and boost economic growth. A mix of shocks including food and fuel impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, climate change impacts, conflict, and tighter global financial conditions have increased Africa’s development financing gap and debt vulnerability.
‘Research, development key to higher value manufacturing’ | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News Original
Former chief executive officer of the National Bureau of Statistics and chief economist and head of research at KPMG Nigeria, Yemi Kale, has stated that to boost local manufacturing and be globally competitive, it is very important that stakeholders pay attention to research, development and technology in the overall manufacturing process as well as more efficient branding, marketing and sales approaches.
Orjiako defends action in Mobil acquisition eal
The Pioneer Chairman and Co-founder of Seplat Energy PLC, Dr. ABC Orjiako, has denied any wrongdoing in the letter he initiated to the Federal Government to facilitate the consummation of the lingering $1.3 billion Mobil sales deal, saying he acted within the scope of his mandate for the benefit of the company.
Stakeholders chart path for successful post-subsidy era | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News Original
As Nigeria gradually prepares for a post-fuel subsidy era, stakeholders in the downstream sector, yesterday, stated that the gains from removal of fuel subsidies can only be achieved through effective change management, identifying potential pitfalls and deploying mitigation strategies.
Deepening access to sustainable finance for women-led businesses
Despite obstacles, female entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the expansion of the economy. It will, however, take both focused interventions and adjustments as well as a departure from the norms to realise women’s potential. As the world commemorates and acknowledges women’s contributions to the economy, the Bank of Industry (BoI) reiterates measures to break barriers and enhance equity through improved access to sustainable finance. FEMI ADEKOYA writes.
Manufacturers set 100-day agenda for Buhari’s successor
With the local manufacturing sector yet to recover from the impact of several policies by the current administration, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has unveiled a set of deliverables the incoming president should accomplish within 100 days of inauguration. According to the local manufacturers, the productive sector should be given maximum priority for the general good of all in terms of wealth and job creation for the nation.
‘Size, tenor of loans to manufacturing sector discouraging productivity’ | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News Original
Local manufacturers have raised concerns about the size of loans given to the manufacturing sector by commercial banks, describing it as inadequate and one that does not encourage productivity in the sector. According to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), about 53 per cent of manufacturers disagreed that commercial bank loans to the manufacturing sector encourages productivity.
Eroton affirms operatorship of OML-18
Eroton Exploration and Production Company Limited has reiterated that it remains the operator of OML-18, in line with provisions of the Joint Operating Agreement (JOA), adding that any dispute, whatsoever, between the parties are reserved exclusively for resolution under the dispute resolution clause of the agreement.
BoI, NCDMB partner to drive in-country oil, gas manufacturing | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
The Bank of Industry and the Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) have partnered to drive in-country manufacturing of oil and gas equipment . The move is expected to increase Nigeria’s 10 per cent capacity in manufacturing oil and gas components, equipment and machinery.
Manufacturers account for 28.76 per cent of FIRS collections in Q3 2022 | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
Despite the lingering challenges in the real sector, Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, in Q3, 2022 contributed 28.76 per cent to lift tax collection indices of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) overall revenue.
Only one-in-five firms equipped to deal with global supply chain disruptions | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
Lingering geopolitical conflict, raw material shortages, facility closures, changing customer habits, among others continue to stretch supply chains, pushing organisations under pressure to remain profitable. According to a new report, less than 20 per cent of global organizations feel equipped when it comes to dealing with disrupted supply chains.
Experts hinge Africa’s sustainable growth on technology, innovation | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
Achieving the ambitious targets of the 2030 and 2063 Agendas requires leveraging the power of science, technology, and innovation (STI) to fight multidimensional vulnerabilities so Africa can move from crisis to sustainable development.
‘Downstream automation key to Nigeria becoming regional trading
As Nigeria ramps up refining capacity, stakeholders in the downstream sector have advocated the need for operators to embrace automation to promote transparency, eliminate fraud and tackle corruption. According to them, Nigeria has the potential to become a regional trading and pricing hub, but greater transparency is essential. The call became expedient as a result of challenges with data availability and accessibility on critical operations of the downstream sector.
Three RECs resolve about 90% of non-tariff barriers to ease trading Original
No less than 716 out of 796 (88.9%) of NTBs registered in the online reporting system implemented by the three regional economic communities (RECs), COMESA, East African Community and the Southern Africa Development Community have been resolved, leaving only 80 NTBs left unresolved. The main NTBs include restrictive licensing, permitting, and other requirements applied at the border.
Research, development key to Africa’s industrialisation, econom
Investing in research and development by African countries will deliver sustainable industrialization and economic diversification on the continent, says Antonio Pedro, Acting Executive Secretary Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). This will enable the continent to harness technology for a green, inclusive and resilient Africa.
Manufacturers, MSMEs worry as cash crunch undermine productivity
Often described as the heartbeat of the economy, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and the industrial sector have described the ongoing cash crunch as worsening the woes of the real sector. Indeed, stakeholders express worry about the impact of limited cash on production and productivity, even as many gradually adjust.
OBG sees opportunity in EU sanctions on Russia for Nigeria, others | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
With EU bans on Russian oil and oil-product exports set to go into effect this year in response to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, emerging market producers are poised to gain larger shares of an evolving market, the Oxford Business Group (OBG) has stated. EU bans against Russian oil products such as diesel were rolled out earlier this month, following bans on Russian seaborne crude oil exports that began last December.
Aggressive revenue drive depresses industrial performance in Niger Delta zone | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
High operating expenses in some industrial zones, especially those in Rivers/Bayelsa and Cross-Rivers/Akwa-Ibom zones continue to depress manufacturing sector indices below the benchmark points, raising concerns for productivity and employment generation. Indeed, local manufacturers had complained about the aggressive revenue drive by governments in the Niger/Delta region, citing it as a clog in the performance wheel of industrial firms in the regions.
Firm seeks FG's support for small scale industries, commits to Nigeria | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News Original
Omnik Limited has called on the Federal Government to support the growth of small-scale industries in the country, noting that this is a key path to achieving an all-inclusive economic growth.
‘Effective AfCFTA implementation will boost Africa’s economy, global competitiveness’ | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
Acting Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Antonio Pedro, has urged African nations to accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in order to become more resilient and globally competitive.
Logistics operators see opportunities in AfCFTA despite slow takeoff | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
Notwithstanding the slow pace of implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA), logistics executives have expressed optimism about the benefits inherent in the trade deal. Indeed, three major issues are believed to be affecting the AfCFTA in its initial phase. First, the negotiation on the Rules of Origin seems endless. Several members were unwilling to ratify all the articles of agreement.
MAN’s optimism about GDP contribution dwarfed by lingering challenges | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
Though the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has restated its commitment to improve on its development capacity targeting 20 per cent contribution to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP, by 2030, it noted that lingering challenges continue to undermine its aspirations. Indeed, the sector’s performance remains undermined by insufficient power supply, high cost of diesel and foreign exchange, and brain drain that is shrinking the labour force.
Manufacturers’ confidence in economy wanes over lingering problems | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
Citing the adverse effect of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), continuous erosion in Naira value and difficulty in accessing foreign exchange, high cost of energy, persisting insecurity and the consequences of lingering Russian-Ukrainian war, local manufacturers have cited waning confidence in the business environment in Nigeria.
‘Africa needs pro-poor, inclusive recovery efforts to foster economic transformation’ | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News Original
Following the multiple financial, health, and climate crises affecting Africa, countries should accelerate inclusive recovery efforts to boost economic growth, the Economic Commission for Africa’s Acting Executive Secretary, Mr. Antonio Pedro, has urged.
‘People, lack of corporate governance make companies fail’ | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News Original
Sunday Olorundare Thomas is the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of the National Insurance Commission. In this interview with FEMI ADEKOYA, he speaks on various issues affecting the insurance industry. The National Insurance Commission recently increased the premium on third party motor insurance from N5,000 to N15,000. What informed that decision? People talk about an increase in the premium, but it is really not an increase.
Lagos rallies private sector on investment, commits to infrastructural devt
The Lagos State government has rallied members of the organised private sector (OPS) on the need to support it government in achieving developmental objectives through sustainable investments, even as the state restated commitment to infrastructural development and renewal, as well as a conducive business environment.
Fuel crisis: NMDPRA, IPMAN agree to N172 ex-depot price | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have agreed to an ex-depot price of N172, noting that the move is expected to put an end to the long queues at filling stations and racketeering of petroleum marketers in the country.
IMF recommends more fiscal, monetary tightening as farmers decry 50% crash in food prices | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
· ‘We are selling below our cost of production’ As the present cash crunch continues to affect business activities with a likelihood of lowering inflation rate in the short term, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has underscored near-term downside risks arising from Nigeria’s elevated inflation, high debt-servicing costs, external sector pressures and oil sector volatility.
SON seeks collaboration on reducing substandard goods production
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has called on the public to report any substandard product to complement its efforts of eliminating fake goods in the country. The Director-General of the SON, Mallam Farouk Salim, said this during an exhibition for MANCAP-certified products in Kano.
Nigeria, others should increase development spending to Original
On the back of multiple crises to hit African economies, governments should increase development spending to stimulate fast and sustained recovery, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has urged. Launching the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2023 (WESP) report in Addis Ababa recently, Director of the Macroeconomics and Governance Division (MGD) of the ECA, Adam Elhiraika, said African countries have been affected by multiple crises and need to increase spending for a fast recovery.
Firms report lower patronage as cash crunch worsens trade Original
As cash crunch continues to bite harder, the latest purchasing managers index (PMI) has shown that Nigerian firms recorded a slight loss of growth momentum in January, citing lower demand, issues with machinery and power supply. With the Central Bank of Nigeria’s cashless policy, many businesses are having difficulties in finalizing transactions due to poor access to cash and downtime on payment channels.
Manufacturers decry sourcing 95 per cent of FX needs from black market
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has again decried the lingering foreign exchange crisis in the manufacturing sector noting that the sector is the worst hit, with impact on productivity and inflation. According to MAN, the sector still depends largely on the black market for over 95 per cent of its forex needs, noting that only five per cent of its forex demand is sourced from the official market.
NIPC moves to improve FDIs, reduce Nigeria's appetite for loans | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
As Nigeria’s debt profile continues to rise, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) has initiated steps to curtail future borrowings by boosting the country’s foreign exchange earnings. A part of the initiatives to achieve the set goals is through a master plan that is expected to open up more investment space for new investors, both foreign and local, as well as retain those already in the system.
OPEC+ maintains status quo amid lower output from Nigeria | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries plus (OPEC+) coalition’s Joint Ministerial Monitoring Committee (JMMC) recommended no changes to the group’s output policy at its meeting yesterday. The JMMC, which is made up of key OPEC+ ministers, is not a decision-making body, but it can make recommendations based on its assessment of the oil market and also has the authority to recommend an extraordinary ministerial meeting be held if market conditions warrant.
As Africa’s manufacturers await liberalised market for free trade
Notwithstanding the trade restrictions among African countries, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), so far indicates a large amount of optimism but a far more realistic pace towards the goal. To the Pan-African Manufacturers Association (PAMA), addressing negotiations on schedule of tariff offers, finalisation of work on Rules of Origin, full operationalisation of the Pan African Payment Platform, among others remain key for a liberalised market. FEMI ADEKOYA writes.
IMF urges central banks to stay vigilant, revises Nigeria’s growth to 3.2%
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its latest World Economic Outlook update for January, has reviewed upwards growth projections for Nigeria in 2023 from 3.0 per cent, which was projected in October last year to 3.2 per cent as it retained the growth forecast for 2024 at 2.9 per cent.
New naira notes, fuel crises compound Nigerians’ woes | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News Original
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By Femi Adekoya, Geoff Iyatse (Lagos), Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Collins Olayinka, Odita Sunday, Terhemba Daka (Abuja), Lawrence Njoku (Enugu) and Ann Godwin (Port Harcourt) These are not the best of times for many Nigerians, who have, in the last few months, contended with lingering petrol scarcity amid deteriorating power supply and inflation, with the situation currently compounded by the rush to meet a new deadline for withdrawal of old banknotes....
By Femi Adekoya Verified, Geoff Iyatse, Azimazi Momoh Jimoh Verified, Collins Olayinka, Odita Sunday, Terhemba Daka Verified, Lawrence Njoku
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The Guardian (Nigeria)
Verified
NLNG’s intervention in bridging LPG supply gap
Energy crisis remains a notable feature of many economies in the last one year with many seeking alternatives that will aid accessibility, reliability and cost efficiency. To achieve this, access to gas has become non-negotiable, even if it requires government adjusting policies. Leveraging the intervention of the NLNG, the Federal Government hopes to improve access to cooking gas and reduce net emission from other cooking fuels. FEMI ADEKOYA writes.
As Africa’s manufacturers await liberalised market for free trade | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News Original
Notwithstanding the trade restrictions among African countries, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), so far indicates a large amount of optimism but a far more realistic pace towards the goal. To the Pan-African Manufacturers Association (PAMA), addressing negotiations on schedule of tariff offers, finalisation of work on Rules of Origin, full operationalisation of the Pan African Payment Platform, among others remain key for a liberalised market. FEMI ADEKOYA writes.
NACCIMA seeks policy mix for economic recovery | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has expressed serious concerns about the worsening and depressing socio-economic conditions in the country, citing the need for appropriate policy mix and implementations that can lead the economy back to recovery.
Again, petrol price adjusted to N185/litre to appease marketers
By Femi Adekoya (Lagos), Collins Olayinka and Kingsley Jeremiah (Abuja) •‘Secret approvals of pump price a departure from PIA objectives’ • Marketers seek full deregulation For the second time in about seven months, the Federal Government again acceded to arm-twisting antics of marketers, yesterday, by quietly approving an increment in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol.
Three months after, regulators mum as fuel scarcity lingers amid N3.36 trillion subsidy
• Petrol scarcity spikes transportation costs nationwide • Product sells for N250-N400 per litre More than three months after scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit, otherwise known as petrol emerged in many parts of the country, attributable to alleged increase in ex-depot price, debt and logistics challenges, the situation appears to be getting worse with many Nigerians buying the product at a premium at the black markets or waiting endlessly in prolonged queues for the product at the regulated...
OPEC’s market outlook unchanged as Nigeria boosts output | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), yesterday, left its key forecasts for 2023 oil supply and demand unchanged for the second month running, even as it increased output, according to its latest monthly production data. The cartel also flagged up uncertainties around global economic growth and the outlook for Russian oil production. The forecast for global oil demand growth has been left unchanged at 2.22mn b/d for this year.
UNIDO, others advocate redesign of industrial strategies | The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News
Companies and governments need to come together to redesign their industrial strategies to ensure productivity, innovation and economic growth, according to a new white paper from the World Economic Forum, the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the University of Cambridge’s Industrial Innovation Policy Group.
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