Business
Federal Ministry of Finance Releases Funds to Over 1,240 Local Contractors
The Federal Ministry of Finance has approved payments to more than 1,240 contractors nationwide, delivering critical liquidity support to businesses and underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to settling verified financial obligations.
According to a press release issued by the Ministry, the approvals were granted by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, following a thorough verification and reconciliation process to ensure only legitimate claims were paid.
The latest batch prioritises contractors with verified claims of ₦100 million or less. The funds are expected to enable businesses—particularly indigenous firms and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—to resume work on project sites, pay workers, settle suppliers, and sustain operations across various sectors.
“This development reflects the Ministry’s commitment to translating policy objectives into tangible outcomes by resolving inherited obligations in a transparent and fiscally responsible manner,” the statement said.
Over the past few months, the Federal Government has processed more than ₦700 billion in payments to local contractors. In May alone, approximately ₦436.6 billion in transactions were executed, marking a significant acceleration in clearing backlog liabilities.
By focusing on a large number of smaller contractors rather than a few large ones, the government aims to broaden the economic impact of the disbursements, stimulating activity across different regions and sectors of the economy.
The payments are expected to boost confidence among contractors, suppliers, and service providers engaged with government projects. For many beneficiaries, the funds represent more than financial relief—they provide the certainty needed to preserve jobs, complete projects, and support broader economic recovery.The Ministry reiterated its dedication to maintaining fiscal discipline while ensuring timely settlement of legitimate obligations, with the goal of substantially reducing outstanding liabilities and strengthening public confidence in financial management.
Business
Dangote Refinery’s IPO Ends Tomorrow
“The level of investor interest reflects growing confidence in our business and in the strong financial results we have delivered,” the company said.
[File photo] Opening ceremony of Dangote Refinery’s IPO on the NGX, September 14,2026
Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has confirmed that its Initial Public Offering (IPO) will close on Tuesday, 27 October 2026 as scheduled, with no extension.
In a statement, the management said that the IPO has become a historic ownership moment, an opportunity for Africans at home and abroad to own a stake in one of the continent’s most strategic industrial assets.
“Investors recognise that this refinery is not merely an energy asset. It is a platform for industrial growth, foreign-exchange generation, regional trade, energy security and economic development across Africa,” management said.
The offer was structured to ensure ordinary investors participate alongside institutions, broadening ownership of the world-class asset.
“The level of investor interest reflects growing confidence in our business and in the strong financial results we have delivered,” the company said.
Business
Dangote Visit London Stock Exchange Ahead of November Cement Listing
Unlike an initial public offering, a secondary listing would let Dangote Cement, already listed on the Nigerian Exchange, set up an additional presence in London.
Aliko Dangote visited the London Stock Exchange on Friday, October 23, 2026, as Dangote Cement Plc prepares a proposed $1 billion share sale and a secondary listing in the United Kingdom.
The company is reportedly targeting November 2026 for the listing, subject to market conditions and regulatory approval.
A video circulating on social media captured the visit, with exchange officials and attendees welcoming Africa’s richest man.
The trip is part of efforts to pull international investment into his business empire.
The proposed deal could see Dangote Cement offer about 10% of its equity to international investors, potentially raising roughly $1 billion.
The final timetable is not fixed and remains subject to market conditions and regulatory requirements.
Unlike an initial public offering, a secondary listing would let Dangote Cement, already listed on the Nigerian Exchange, set up an additional presence in London.
That could raise the company’s visibility with international institutional investors, including pension funds, asset managers and other investment firms.
The share sale has not been completed. Its final structure, valuation and pricing are still subject to confirmation.
Business
Olagunju to head JPMorgan’s Proposed Nigerian Merchant Bank
The proposed bank would expand JPMorgan’s presence beyond its representative office in Lagos. It could undertake a broader range of regulated banking activities after securing a final licence.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has granted JPMorgan approval-in-principle to establish a merchant bank in Nigeria.
The regulator also approved Adedapo Adedayo Olagunju as Managing Director of the proposed JPMorgan Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited.
The approval came on Friday, October 23, 2026. The bank has not received its final operating licence.
Olagunju has led JPMorgan’s West African operations since 2018.
He is an Oxford-trained banker with more than two decades of experience in treasury management, financial markets, institutional banking and structured finance.
His appointment puts him in line to head the American bank’s proposed Nigerian merchant bank once final licensing is completed.
The CBN also approved four non-executive directors and three independent non-executive directors for the proposed institution.
The proposed bank would expand JPMorgan’s presence beyond its representative office in Lagos. It could undertake a broader range of regulated banking activities after securing a final licence.
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