Business
6 quick tips to master personal finance in the face of dwindling Nigerian economy
The naira has been on a downward spiral, with the exchange rate for one US dollar reaching an all-time high of 733 naira at the black market and 461 naira officially as of May 2023.

The Nigerian economy has been experiencing a steady decline in recent years, leaving many citizens struggling to navigate the turbulent financial waters. With the naira facing continuous devaluation and a soaring inflation rate, personal finance management has become a crucial survival skill for Nigerians. This article aims to inspire and empower individuals to take charge of their finances, offering practical advice and expert insights to not only survive but thrive in the face of economic challenges.
As of today, the consumer price index (CPI), which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and services, rose to 22.04 percent in March 2023, up from 21.91 percent in the previous month. However, this figure is still alarmingly high, considering the single-digit inflation target set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The naira has also been on a downward spiral, with the exchange rate for one US dollar reaching an all-time high of 733 naira at the black market and 461 naira officially as of May 2023. This economic uncertainty has led to job losses, pay cuts, and reduced purchasing power for the average Nigerian.
Despite the bleak outlook, financial experts believe there is hope for Nigerians who are willing to adopt sound personal finance practices. “The key to financial success in a dwindling economy lies in discipline, planning, and investing,” says Amina Mohammed, a renowned financial consultant based in Lagos. “By taking control of your finances and making informed decisions, you can achieve financial freedom and protect yourself from the effects of the unstable naira.”
Here are some practical steps to help you master personal finance in the face of Nigeria’s economic challenges:

1. Create a budget and stick to it
Developing a budget is the foundation of good financial management. List your income and expenses to track your cash flow and identify areas where you can cut back. Prioritize your spending on necessities and avoid impulsive purchases. Sticking to your budget will help you live within your means and prevent unnecessary debt.
2. Build an emergency fund
Having an emergency fund is crucial, especially during times of economic uncertainty. Aim to save at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a separate account to cushion yourself against unforeseen crises such as job loss, medical emergencies, or other unexpected expenses.
3. Pay off high-interest debts
High-interest debts can cripple your finances and hinder your ability to save or invest. Make a plan to pay off these debts as quickly as possible, starting with the highest interest rate first. As you pay off each debt, redirect the funds to the next debt on your list, creating a “debt snowball” effect that accelerates your debt repayment process.
4. Diversify your income sources
Depending on a single income stream can be risky, particularly in an unstable economy. Look for ways to generate additional income through side hustles, freelancing, or investments. Diversifying your income sources can provide a financial safety net and increase your overall earning potential.
5. Invest wisely
Investing is a powerful tool to grow your wealth and protect yourself from inflation. However, it’s essential to make informed investment decisions and avoid get-rich-quick schemes. Consult with a financial advisor to determine the best investment options for your risk tolerance and financial goals.

6. Educate yourself on personal finance
Stay informed about financial trends, concepts, and strategies by reading books, attending seminars, or enrolling in online courses. Continuous learning will empower you to make smarter financial decisions and stay ahead of the economic curve.
In conclusion, mastering personal finance in Nigeria’s dwindling economy may seem like an uphill battle, but with determination, discipline, and the right strategies, it is possible to achieve financial stability and success. By taking charge of your financial future, you can create a brighter outlook for yourself and your family, safeguarding your wealth against the fluctuations of the naira and the challenges of the Nigerian economy.
Business
Afreximbank Strengthens Dangote Refinery with US$1.35 Billion Loan
“This refinancing strengthens our balance sheet and accelerates with ease the refinery’s supply of high-quality refined petroleum products across Africa, ” said Aliko Dangote.

• Aliko Dangote and Benedict Oramah
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has contributed US$1.35 billion of the US$4 billion syndicated financing arrangement for Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) to refinance the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex.
Commenting on the development, Professor Benedict Oramah, President & Chairman of Board of Directors at Afreximbank, said:“With this landmark deal, we once again demonstrate that Africa’s development can only be meaningfully financed from within.
“It is only when African institutions lead the way that others can follow.
The journey to utilise African resources for its own economic transformation is well underway.
Through the Bank’s funding support, we are enhancing the capacity of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Industries Ltd to produce and supply high quality refined petroleum products to the Nigerian market, as well as for export to the entire continent and the world. Our energy security is in sight.”
Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, added:“Afreximbank’s contribution to this milestone financing underscores our shared vision to industrialize Africa from within.
“This refinancing strengthens our balance sheet and accelerates with ease the refinery’s supply of high-quality refined petroleum products across Africa, ” said Aliko Dangote.
Afreximbank acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger, for the syndication.
This financing— one of the largest syndicated loans in recent African financial markets—will refinance capital expended on constructing
The financing alleviates initial operational expenditures and enhances DIL’s balance sheet, supporting its continued growth trajectory.
Afreximbank contributed US$1.35 billion, the largest share among participating banks, underscoring its commitment to large-scale infrastructure that advances Africa’s industrialization, energy security, and intra-African trade.
Since operations at the refinery complex began in February 2024, Afreximbank has continued to support the Dangote Refinery by providing key financing solutions—for crude supply and product offtake—ensuring uninterrupted operations and reinforcing its role in Africa’s most significant refining intervention.
Business
Marketers, Retailers fight dirty as Fuel price nears N1,000 per litre in Nigeria

Petroleum product marketers and retailers are trading blame as the premium motor spirit pump price nears N1,000 per litre in Nigeria.
On Monday, it was reported that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited retail outlets across the country increased fuel prices.
In Abuja, Nasarawa, and Kogi states, the NNPCL petrol pump price jumped by N65 per litre to N955 per litre on Monday from N890 dispensed at the weekend.
IPMAN, PETROAN give reasons for fuel price increase:
The latest fuel price hike in Nigeria has been blamed on several reasons, including the fall in global crude oil price, the exchange rate, the Dangote Refinery, and the Depot Owners petrol ex-depot price increase.
While the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria blamed the exchange rate for the latest fuel price hike, the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria blamed Dangote Refinery’s pricing system.
The spokesman of IPMAN and the National President of PETROAN, Chinedu Ukadike and Billy Gillis-Harry, respectively, made these perspectives known in separate interviews on Monday.
Ukadike partly attributed the recent fuel price hike to forces of demand and supply in a deregulated downstream oil industry.
He noted that the latest price adjustment is not unconnected to price reviews at petrol depots and the Dangote Refinery.
“Fuel prices went up due to forces of demand and supply.
Supplying Depots and Dangote Refinery have increased their ex-depot petrol prices.
“The cost of the Dollar is the reason for the price hike for depot owners.
“For Dangote Refinery, I can’t say categorically, but it may not be unconnected to the price of crude oil; you know the plant imports the bulk of its crude oil.
“As of Friday, Dangote Refinery is N858 per litre, NIPCO (N870), Aiteo (855), and Ranoil (N865),” he said.
On his part, Gillis-Harry blamed the Dangote Refinery pricing mechanism for the latest fuel price hike.
“We should be looking at proper fuel pricing because what the Dangote Refinery is doing is not proper pricing,” he said.
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Business
Expectations High For Nigeria’s First Policy Ministerial Quarterly Briefing
In May 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the ‘Nigeria First’ policy, a bold assertion of economic sovereignty to reshape Nigeria’s financial priorities.

*Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment
The first three months of the Federal Government’s “Nigeria First Policy” directive ended with stakeholders expecting Dr Jumoke Oduwole, the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, to update the business community, especially Nigerian manufacturers on how well the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have complied with the Patronage of quality made in Nigeria products.
In May 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the ‘Nigeria First’ policy, a bold assertion of economic sovereignty to reshape Nigeria’s financial priorities.
This policy emphasises the promotion of domestic goods and services, particularly within government procurement and public sector activities.Its core objectives are to strengthen Nigeria’s local industries, reduce import dependence, and accelerate industrialisation through import substitution.
Following the enthusiasm surrounding the policy, the Minister stated during an appearance on Channels TV that her ministry would conduct quarterly performance evaluations of all MDAs based on their adherence to the Nigeria First Policy, emphasising the importance of buying made-in-Nigeria goods and services.
She noted that compliance with the policy will now be integrated into performance metrics for the President’s Central Coordinating Delivery Unit.
Oduwole asserted, “This compliance will be continuously monitored. As a major player in the economy, the government must lead by example by boosting local production and decreasing reliance on imports.
“She outlined three main areas where the policy will be implemented: focusing on local procurement, ensuring that all local options are considered before exploring foreign alternatives, and improving regulatory and bureaucratic processes to support local enterprises.
The Minister expressed that her ministry’s performance aligns with the President’s directives, with the overarching goal of fostering both domestic and foreign investment to enhance productivity, trade, and export growth.
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