Business
JUST IN : Traders Resist Takeover of Lagos International Trade Fair Complex By LASG
The ASPAMDA Market within the complex—one of the largest spare parts markets in Lagos—was among the sections affected by the shutdown.
Commercial activities at the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex were disrupted on Wednesday as traders shut down the facility while protesting a proposed takeover of the market’s management by state and local government authorities.
The traders said they were concerned about the implications of the planned arrangement, including possible new levies and taxes that could affect their businesses.
Many traders insisted that the complex is a federal facility and called for further consultations before any changes to its management structure are implemented.
The development led to the closure of shops across the complex, leaving hundreds of traders gathered around parks and garages within the market premises as discussions continued.
The ASPAMDA Market within the complex—one of the largest spare parts markets in Lagos—was among the sections affected by the shutdown.
Eyewitnesses said traders began the protest early in the morning by locking up their shops and stalls to draw attention to their concerns over the proposed changes.
We are not against development, but we are concerned about the possible levies and taxes that may be introduced if the management structure changes,” a trader who identified himself as Emeka Onu said.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, visited the market during the day as part of efforts to engage with traders and encourage the reopening of the complex.
Before commencing her tour of the market, the minister urged that the gates of the complex be opened to traders, stating that her visit was aimed at interacting with stakeholders and supporting the smooth conduct of business activities.
Business
TIME Names Moniepoint CTO Felix Ike Among 50 Global Executives of the Year
In its citation, TIME said Ike “has helped to establish the business as one of Africa’s leading financial platforms.
TIME magazine has named Felix Ike, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Nigerian fintech Moniepoint, to its inaugural Executives of the Year: Tech and Data list.
Ike is the only executive representing an African company among the 50 leaders selected for the 2026 list.
The list, unveiled on Tuesday, September 22, recognises chief information officers, chief technology officers, chief data officers and chief product officers whose decisions are shaping how major organisations deploy technology and use data.
Moniepoint is also the only African company represented on the inaugural list.
Ike was named alongside executives from Netflix, CrowdStrike, Dell, Duolingo, AT&T, OpenAI, Anthropic, Shopify and Reddit, among others.
In its citation, TIME said Ike “has helped to establish the business as one of Africa’s leading financial platforms.
“The recognition follows Moniepoint’s inclusion in TIME’s 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential Companies, giving the Lagos-founded fintech another global distinction.
Business
Naira Exchange Rates, Friday September 25
Black Market Rates
₦1382DOLLAR (USD)
₦1855POUND (GBP)
₦1545EURO (EUR)
1000 DOLLAR (CAD)
₦70 RAND (ZAR)
370DIRHAM (AED)
190YUAN (CNY)
₦100G.CEDI (GHS)
₦2350 CFA F.(XOF)
₦2250 CFA F.(XAF)
₦850 AUSSIE (AUD)
Official CBN Exchange Rates
DOLLAR (USD)₦1328.67
POUND (GBP)₦1758.36
EURO (EUR)₦1511.63
SWISS FRANC (CHF)₦1605.45
JAPANESE YEN (JPN)₦8.38
CFA FRANC (XOF)₦2.31
WEST AFRICAN UNIT OF ACCOUNT (WAUA)₦1808.03
CHINESE YUAN (CNY)₦197.92
SAUDI RIYAL (SAR)₦353.86
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR)₦81.09
Business
Djibouti, Ethiopia and Dangote to build $660 million petroleum pipeline
In Kenya, Dangote and the government are due to break ground on a new 700,000-barrel-per-day crude oil refinery in Lamu next week.
Ethiopia, Djibouti and Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote plan to build a $660 million refined petroleum pipeline that will connect Ethiopia and Djibouti, a spokesperson in Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office said on Thursday.
The project will include a 120-km (75-mile) pipeline, as well as approximately 375,000 cubic metres of storage capacity at Damerjog in Djibouti and 800,000 cubic metres at Dewele in Ethiopia, the spokesperson told Reuters, adding it should become operational within 18 months.
Abiy said on his X account the project will be developed through a partnership between Ethiopian Investment Holdings and the Dangote Group, which separately is already building a $4 billion fertiliser pipeline and power plant, and a polypropylene packaging facility, in Ethiopia.
The project aims to reduce logistics costs and delays along the Ethiopia-Djibouti transport corridor, Abiy said.
Developers say the infrastructure will strengthen energy security and improve supply chain resilience for the two countries, he said.
Abiy is on a visit to Djibouti and made the announcement alongside its president, Ismail Omar Guelleh, and Dangote.
In Kenya, Dangote and the government are due to break ground on a new 700,000-barrel-per-day crude oil refinery in Lamu next week.
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