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FG To Integrate Over 20% Unbanked Nigerians Into Banking System — Shettima

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The Federal Government has announced plans to integrate over 20 per cent of unbanked Nigerians into the banking system, aiming to reduce financial exclusion to a minimum of five per cent.

Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday at the beginning of a two-day National Stakeholders’ Workshop on Economic and Financial Inclusion. Shettima highlighted that currently, over 20 per cent of Nigerians are financially excluded, and the government aims to significantly reduce this number.

The 14th Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank, Sanusi Lamido, pointed out at the event that financial exclusion contributes to security challenges such as banditry, as many rural dwellers lack access to efficient payment systems.

The workshop focuses on integrating the unbanked Nigerian population into the formal financial system. Participants include experts from various sectors, including the Central Bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, traditional rulers, and private sector players.

Ahead of the workshop, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling poverty and insecurity through financial inclusion. Hadejia stated that economic and financial inclusion are vital components of President Tinubu’s agenda to integrate the underserved and unbanked into the formal financial system.

Hadejia further explained, “Economic and financial inclusion are essential components of President Tinubu’s agenda to assist in integrating the underserved and unbanked into the formal financial system. This will enable Nigerians to access a range of financial services at a reasonable cost.”

President Bola Tinubu has approved the launch of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme (CCS) to empower Nigerians to improve their quality of life by accessing goods and services. His Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, described the CCS as crucial for facilitating important purchases such as homes, vehicles, education, and healthcare, which are essential for Nigerians to pursue their aspirations.

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Dangote Rice Mill in Jigawa Begins Processing

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The Jigawa State Government investment tracker has confirmed that the Dangote Rice Mill in Hadin is operational with a processing capacity of 32 tonnes per hour, equivalent to roughly 280,000 tonnes annually.

The commencement of the rice mill is trending on a video shared on X.

The footage comes 12 years after Aliko Dangote committed $1 billion to commercial rice farming and processing across Nigeria

The facility is linked to commercial cultivation schemes around Hadejia and Kafin Hausa.

Dangote Group signed a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Government in August 2014 to invest $1 billion in integrated rice farming and milling across Jigawa, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara and Edo states. Two years later, the company launched an 8,000-hectare rice outgrower scheme in Hadejia, Jigawa State. Participating farmers received improved seeds, fertilisers and technical support, and the company committed to buying their harvested paddy for processing.By February 2017, the outgrower scheme had expanded to 25,000 hectares across 14 states. Dangote set a target of 225,000 metric tonnes of milled rice by the end of that year, with an ambition of reaching one million tonnes annually. Construction announcements followed over several years without matching production results.

Dangote laid the foundation for a processing plant in Hadin, Kaugama Local Government Area of Jigawa State, in March 2018.

The facility was initially designed to handle 16 tonnes of paddy per hour.In July 2025, Dangote said Niger State had joined Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kano and Nasarawa as locations with rice mills under construction.

By November 2025, the group outlined plans for mills across five states with a combined annual processing capacity of 1.5 million tonnes.

To secure raw materials, Dangote Rice Limited signed a N1.8 trillion paddy rice supply agreement with Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company in July 2025.

The 10-year deal requires Niger State to develop 25,000 hectares of commercial rice farms and support 50,000 local farmers.

In May 2026, Dangote confirmed the company had committed to purchasing one million metric tonnes of paddy rice from Niger Foods over the life of that agreement.

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Naira Exchange Rates Monday, 9 Nov 2026

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Black / Parallel Market Rates

₦1415DOLLAR (USD)

₦1845POUND (GBP)

₦1525EURO (EUR)

₦950 CANADIAN DOLLAR

₦70 SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR)

₦350 UAE DIRHAM (AED)

₦190 CHINESE YUAN (CNY)

₦100 GHANAIAN CEDI (GHS)

₦2240 WEST AFRICAN CFA F.(XOF)

₦2180 CENTRAL AFRICAN CFA F.(XAF)

₦820 AUSTRALIAN AUSSIE (AUD)

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Enugu Air Begins London Gatwick flights From December 10, 2026

The Enugu State-owned airline will use an Airbus A330-200 leased from Portugal-based EuroAtlantic under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) arrangement.

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Enugu Air will begin direct flights to London Gatwick on December 10, 2026, with four services weekly.

Tickets are already available for booking.

The Enugu State-owned airline will use an Airbus A330-200 leased from Portugal-based EuroAtlantic under an Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI) arrangement.

The service is being delivered through a strategic partnership with Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA).

The airline said the service will improve international travel connectivity for passengers departing from Lagos, Enugu and other parts of Nigeria.

Passengers from Enugu will be able to begin their international journey to London from their home airport, Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

The four weekly flights are expected to give travellers greater flexibility between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

Enugu Air Chief Executive Officer Captain Tolu Ita said: “The commencement of our London Gatwick service reflects our commitment to expanding international connectivity and the vision of His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, to connect Enugu to more opportunities across the world.”

He added: “Of particular importance is ensuring that passengers from Enugu can begin their international journey to London from their home airport, Akanu Ibiam International Airport. We are proud to make the journey from Enugu to London Gatwick a reality for our passengers.”

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