Business
CBN Shores up foreign reserves to $40bn., why it’s Important
He made the disclosure on the sideline of the just-concluded inaugural Conference on Emerging Markets Economies organised by the Ministry of Finance, Saudi Arabia, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Regional Office in Riyadh.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, says that the country’s foreign reserves had exceeded $40 billion .
Foreign reserves play a vital role in maintaining economic stability, supporting monetary policy, and ensuring a country’s ability to participate in international trade and finance.
Governor Cardoso attributes the growth in the foreign reserves to the adoption of an electronic matching system to improve transparency in the market and the introduction of a foreign exchange code of ethics, which all Nigerian banks signed to ensure adherence to market rules.
He made the disclosure on the sideline of the just-concluded inaugural Conference on Emerging Markets Economies organised by the Ministry of Finance, Saudi Arabia, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Regional Office in Riyadh.
Cardoso acknowledged that Nigeria had faced significant economic challenges, including capital flow exits, multiple exchange rate regimes, currency depreciation, high inflation, and a backlog of foreign exchange transactions, which led to a loss of confidence in the country’s currency.
The CBN Governor cited reforms in the financial markets that addressed distortions in the Nigerian foreign exchange market, which had previously experienced a gap of up to 60% between the official and parallel market exchange rates.
He noted that due to consistent policy direction, improved market confidence, and enhanced transparency in forex trading, the gap has significantly narrowed to approximately 4-5%.
Importance of Foreign Reserves
Foreign reserves, also known as foreign exchange reserves, are a crucial component of a country’s economic stability and financial security.
Here are the key importance of foreign reserves:
1. Maintains Exchange Rate StabilityForeign reserves help maintain a stable exchange rate by providing a buffer against fluctuations in the foreign exchange market.
2. Ensures Import PaymentsForeign reserves enable a country to pay for imports, ensuring a steady supply of essential goods and services.
3. Supports Monetary PolicyCentral banks use foreign reserves to implement monetary policy, such as managing interest rates and regulating money supply.
4. Enhances CreditworthinessAdequate foreign reserves can improve a country’s creditworthiness, making it easier to borrow from international lenders.
5. Provides LiquidityForeign reserves serve as a liquidity buffer, allowing a country to meet its short-term foreign exchange obligations.
6. Supports Economic GrowthForeign reserves can be used to support economic growth by providing financing for development projects and investments.
7. Reduces Vulnerability to External ShocksAdequate foreign reserves can reduce a country’s vulnerability to external shocks, such as global economic downturns or trade wars.
8. Facilitates International TradeForeign reserves enable countries to participate in international trade by providing the necessary foreign exchange to settle trade transactions.
9. Supports National SecurityIn some cases, foreign reserves can be used to support national security by providing financing for defense-related expenditures.
10. Enhances Investor ConfidenceAdequate foreign reserves can enhance investor confidence, attracting foreign investment and promoting economic growth.
Business
Dangote Refinery’s IPO Officially Opens Today On NGX
Speaking on the significance of the IPO, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, said:“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Dangote Refinery and, indeed, in the economic future of our nation…”
Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals FZE today announced the commencement of its Initial Public Offering (IPO) to the investing public.
The offer will be formally launched at a ceremony on the trading floor of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited in Lagos.
The IPO, which opens today, September 14, 2026, consists of 4.1 billion new ordinary shares offered at N525 per share, with a minimum subscription of 10 shares valued at N5,250.
The offer is expected to remain open until October 13, 2026, subject to the terms outlined in the Prospectus. The transaction is targeted at retail, institutional, and eligible African investors, reinforcing Dangote Refinery’s commitment to broadening ownership and deepening participation in Nigeria’s capital market.
The public offer is expected to raise approximately N2.15 trillion, making it one of the largest equity offerings ever undertaken in Africa.
The proceeds will support the Refinery’s long-term growth plans, operational expansion, strategic investments, and the creation of additional value for shareholders and stakeholders alike.
Speaking on the significance of the IPO, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, said:“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Dangote Refinery and, indeed, in the economic future of our nation. This offering is about more than raising capital; it is about creating an opportunity for ordinary Nigerians, Africans, and investors across the globe to participate directly in one of the most transformative industrial projects ever built on the continent.
We established this refinery to transform Africa’s energy landscape, create jobs, conserve foreign exchange, and unlock shared prosperity. With this IPO, we are extending that vision by democratising ownership and ensuring that millions of people can benefit from the value being created.”
Business
Filling Stations Selling Petrol, Diesel Higher Driven By Global Crude Prices
The development is expected to raise transportation costs and household expenses, while increasing operating costs for businesses that depend on fuel for logistics, power generation and other activities.
The surge in international crude oil prices above $100 per barrel is pushing up petrol prices across Nigeria.
While the government-owned filling stations operated by NNPC Limited have raised their pump price to N1,375 per litre from N1,275, some independent marketers have increased their prices to N1,400 from about N1,360 per litre.
For instance, MRS filling stations have increased their petrol price to N1,400 per litre from N1,300, representing a N100, or 7.7 per cent, increase in Lagos and its environs.
The latest increases followed the rise in the gantry price of petrol by Dangote Petroleum Refinery to N1,350 per litre, reflecting the impact of higher crude oil prices and rising costs across the petroleum supply chains.
The development is expected to raise transportation costs and household expenses, while increasing operating costs for businesses that depend on fuel for logistics, power generation and other activities.
Business
Obi Sees Something Good in Tinubu’s “Naira Float Policy ‘
The policy was introduced by the Tinubu administration in June 2023 as part of wider foreign exchange reforms.
The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, Peter Obi, has said he would retain President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s naira float policy if elected president.
The policy was introduced by the Tinubu administration in June 2023 as part of wider foreign exchange reforms.
The Central Bank of Nigeria removed restrictions at the Investors and Exporters foreign exchange window, allowing the naira to trade more freely against the dollar and other major currencies
Obi made the disclosure in a public statement on air, emphasising that his administration would seek to strengthen the currency by prioritising productivity and increasing economic output rather than reversing the floating exchange-rate framework.
Asked to identify one policy of the Tinubu administration he would keep if elected, Obi said, “There’s one – the floating of the Naira. I’m not going to defend it. But I’m going to put productivity to make it more valuable to the people.”
His position means he would maintain the floating exchange-rate system while seeking to change the economic conditions that determine the strength and value of the naira.
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