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LCCI, NIXIN Reel Actions to Boost Nigeria’s Paper Industry

He condemned the current tariff regime, which imposes duties on plain paper imports but allows for the importation of printed materials duty-free.

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The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the Federal Government to provide policy support and incentives to boost local paper manufacturing in Nigeria.

The Chairman, LCCI, Printing Publishing and Allied Group (PPA), Gabriel Okonkwo, stressed the urgent need for government intervention in the paper manufacturing sector to revive local production and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports.

During a meeting with stakeholders at NIXIN Paper Mill, Okonkwo highlighted policy inconsistencies that have continued to undermine local manufacturers.

He condemned the current tariff regime, which imposes duties on plain paper imports but allows for the importation of printed materials duty-free.

“This unfair policy has created a lopsided competitive environment that favours foreign manufacturers over local producers.

“This has led to a situation where it’s cheaper to print books and other materials abroad and import them, rather than produce them locally,” he added.

As a result, a significant number of printing jobs are being outsourced to other countries, depriving our local industry of business opportunities.

If local manufacturers can provide high-quality paper at competitive prices, it would reduce our reliance on imports, conserve foreign exchange, create jobs, and contribute significantly to the economy,” Okonkwo said.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s large population, especially its student demographic, offers a massive market for paper products, calling on support for local paper manufacturers to produce at scale and competitive prices.

Reinforcing his call for increased confidence in local capacity, Okonkwo pointed to recent developments with the electoral body as a case in point. “INEC didn’t even believe we could produce ballot papers locally until recently.

It’s time we began to believe in and invest in our own,” Okonkwo stressed.

As part of NIXIN Paper Mill’s commitment to the nation’s self-sustenance, the paper mill is concentrated on increasing production capacity, improving product quality, and expanding its product line to meet the growing demands of the Nigerian market, thereby reducing the country’s dependence on foreign paper products and contributing to the growth of the local economy.

The Managing Director of NIXIN Paper Mill, Eric Wang, highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s paper industry, comparing it with his hometown in China, with a population of just 300,000, supporting a paper factory that consumes over 20,000 tons monthly.

In contrast, Nigeria, with a population exceeding 200 million, recorded only 70,000 to 75,000 tonnes per month, a figure he believes should be much higher given the country’s educational and commercial demands.

“We see that over 80 percent of Nigeria’s educational and printing materials are imported from Asia,” Wang stated.

Business Manager, NIXIN, Williams Sun, echoed that Nigeria significantly underutilized its local paper production capacity, with many orders still going to countries like India and China.

He emphasized the significant investment NIXIN has made of over $60 million and expressed frustration over the lack of returns, noting that one year into operations, the expected market response has yet to materialize.

Sun urged the government to support investors and take steps that will attract more players into the publishing and paper production space, which is critical for building a self-sufficient industry.

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Dangote Refinery Debunks shutdown rumour, says PMS’s gantry price remains N850

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has firmly dismissed recent reports alleging a shutdown of its operations, reassuring the public and market stakeholders that its activities remain fully active and stable.

In an official statement by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s management categorically denied claims that truck loading has been suspended or that production has been interrupted. “The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is fully operational. There has been no shutdown, nor has there been any suspension of truck loading activities” the statement reads.

The refinery also clarified that the intermittent sale of Residual Catalytic Oil (RCO) is part of normal business operations, often involving large parcel sales, which explains the recent fuel oil tender.

According to the management, Dangote Petroleum Refinery consistently supplies over 40 million litres of PMS daily, alongside steady volumes of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel). These supplies continue unabated, despite speculation suggesting otherwise.

“As the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery, the facility employs advanced predictive and preventive maintenance protocols to ensure uninterrupted operations. Routine maintenance activities are standard and do not impact the overall fuel supply” the statement further clarified.

In response to speculation about potential supply shortages and price increases, the refinery challenged those sponsoring the rumour to place orders for daily deliveries of up to 40 million litres of PMS and 15 million litres of diesel for the next 90 days.

“To those who believe this misinformation and anticipate a bullish market, we extend a challenge: We invite interested buyers to place immediate orders for up to 40 million litres of PMS daily and 15 million litres of AGO daily, for the next 90 days, with full upfront payment. Should any supposed supply shortage occur, these buyers would be well-positioned to benefit from the predicted market rise,” it added.

The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and Nigeria’s energy security, urging the public to disregard unfounded rumours sponsored by unscrupulous and unpatriotic individuals seeking to undermine the country’s energy independence for their own selfish interests, including the importation of substandard fuels under the false pretext of domestic supply shortages.

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Ikeja Electric releases new prepaid meter prices

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Ikeja Electric has released updated prices for prepaid meters, which take effect from August 6, 2025. The revised rates cover both single-phase and three-phase meter types and are inclusive of VAT.

The revised rates were announced on the disco’s official X account on Friday.

The company announced that “MBH Power Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦135,987.50,  while the three-phase costs ₦226,825.00. Turbo Energy Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦145,608.75, while the three-phase costs ₦236,903.13.

“Aries Electric Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦145,125.00, and the three-phase costs ₦258,000.00. Mojec Asset Management Company Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦135,718.75, and the three-phase costs ₦226,825.00.

“Paktim Metering Nig. Ltd, the one-phase meter costs ₦137,600.00, while the three-phase meter costs ₦233,275.00. Holley Metering Ltd’s one-phase meter costs ₦133,854.03, three-phase meter costs ₦219,497.09.

“CIG Metering Assets Nigeria Ltd’s one-phase meter costs ₦150,500.00, New Hampshire Capital Ltd’s one-phase meter costs ₦133,300.00 and the three-phase costs ₦231,125.00.”

The electricity distribution company noted that the prices are “valid subject to meter availability,” adding that the changes are part of its effort to ensure customers have access to up-to-date information on meter procurement.

The company also assured customers that the new pricing reflects the latest approved rates for meter providers under its Meter Asset Provider scheme.

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Global electricity demand to keep growing robustly through 2026 despite economic headwinds – IEA

Renewables are expected to overtake coal as the world’s largest source of electricity as early as 2025 or by 2026 at the latest, depending on weather and fuel price trends.

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Global electricity demand is set to rise by 3.3% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026 – more than twice as fast as total energy demand growth over the same period, the IEA’s Electricity Mid-Year Update finds.

The new report underscores the increasing demand for electricity to power factories and appliances, keep buildings cool, operate growing fleets of data centres, run electric vehicles and more.

While the latest forecasts for global electricity demand growth this year and next are a deceleration from the 4.4% surge recorded in 2024, they remain well above the 2015-2023 average of 2.6%.

Renewables are expected to overtake coal as the world’s largest source of electricity as early as 2025 or by 2026 at the latest, depending on weather and fuel price trends.

At the same time, nuclear power output is expected to reach record highs, driven by reactor restarts in Japan, robust output in the United States and France, and new additions, mostly in Asia.

The steady increase in gas-fired power generation is set to continue displacing coal and oil in the power sector in many regions.

As a result of these developments, carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation are currently forecast to plateau in 2025 and record a slight decline in 2026, although weather and economic conditions could affect that trajectory.

“The growth in global electricity demand is set to remain robust through 2026, despite an uncertain economic backdrop,” said Keisuke Sadamori, IEA Director of Energy Markets and Security.

“The strong expansion of renewables and nuclear is steadily reshaping electricity markets in many regions. But this must be matched by greater investment in grids, storage and other sources of flexibility to ensure power systems can meet the growing demand securely and affordably.”

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