Business
MAN Calls For Jaw- Jaw On Inflation Control
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) says that it has become necessary for stakeholders comprising the government, central bank, private sector, and civil society to address how best to bring the rising inflation in the economy under control.
As reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), in July 2023, Nigeria experienced a surge in inflation, with the rate reaching a new 18-year high of 24.08 percent.
This marks an increase of 1.29 percent from the previous month’s rate of 22.79 percent.
Segun Ajayi-Kadir,
Director – General of MAN, said that it’s important to note that addressing inflation is a complex and long-term endeavor that requires a coordinated effort from various stakeholders, including the government, central bank, private sector, and civil society.
He believes that the combination of recommendations from the stakeholders, can help mitigate inflationary pressures and promote sustained economic growth.
Commenting on the inflationary impacts on the manufacturing sector, he said that it has leads to decreased demand for products which adversely affects manufacturers’ sales.
” As you would expect, the current inflationary condition in Nigeria is adversely affecting the operation of the manufacturing sector, just like most other sectors of the economy.
Some of the impacts of the rise in inflation on manufacturing include:
▪︎Increase in the cost of Production: Rising inflation often leads to higher costs of raw materials, labour, and other production inputs.
▪︎Reduced Profit Margin: As costs increase due to inflation, manufacturers might struggle to pass on these cost increases to consumers in the form of higher prices.
This results in reduced profit margins, especially as it is becoming more difficult to pass the burden to the consumers as a result of income squeeze leading to price resistance.
▪︎Supply Chain Disruptions: Inflation is disrupting supply chains, making it difficult for manufacturers to obtain necessary materials and components.
This will lead to delays in production and potentially halt operations as key supplies become scarce or unavailable.
▪︎Uncertainty in Planning: Inflation introduces a level of uncertainty in economic conditions. Manufacturers will continue to find it challenging to make long-term business plans due to unpredictable cost fluctuations, demand shifts, and overall economic instability.
▪︎Reduction of Consumer Spending: High inflation often reduces consumers’ purchasing power. As prices rise, consumers are cutting back on discretionary spending, including manufactured goods. “
Business
ALTON Confirms Banks cleared N300bn USSD debts
The debt problem that had lingered for over four years was resolved through the intervention of the NCC under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has confirmed that Deposits Money Banks (DMBs) have paid the estimated N300 billion debts they owed telecom operators for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) services.
ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo disclosed this yesterday during the group’s official visit to the Board Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Idris Olorunnimbe in Lagos.
According to Adebayo, paying off the debt brought to a close years of accusations and counter-accusations between the banks and telecom operators.
Adebayo said that the debt problem that had lingered for over four years was resolved through the intervention of the NCC under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida.
While commending the leadership of the NCC for their recent interventions including the approval of 50 percent end user tariff adjustment last year, Adebayo said the Commission has steered the ship of the sector through one of its most delicate periods.
“When Dr. Maida assumed office, he inherited significant industry challenges. One of the most difficult was the USSD debt crisis — a debt burden that grew over four years to nearly N300 billion. It had become a systemic risk to our sector and the digital financial ecosystem.
“Through firm leadership, structured engagement, and decisive coordination, Dr. Maida and his team resolved this issue.
“Today, there is no outstanding USSD debt. The ecosystem has fully migrated to end-user billing. What was once a looming crisis has been converted into a sustainable framework,” Adebayo stated.
Business
FAAN stops cash collection at airports nationwide
Beyond compliance with government policy, the MD/CE highlighted the enormous benefits of a cashless system to the aviation ecosystem, including reduction in leakages, improved transaction traceability, faster service delivery, and enhanced public confidence in airport operations.
•FAAN MD, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will stop collecting cash across all airport payment points nationwide, effective February 28, 2026.
FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, stated this during a visit by executives and members of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), who sought clarification on the decision to discontinue cash transactions at airports.
In her address, the MD/CE emphasised that the transition to a cashless system is not only in line with global best practices in aviation management but also consistent with Federal Government’s directives aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency.
She referenced a Treasury Circular dated November 24, 2025, issued by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and signed by the Accountant-General, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, mandating the cessation of cash transactions in all government dealings.
The directive followed approval by the Federal Executive Council for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to discontinue physical cash collections and payments as part of broader public finance reforms
“There is no going back on this decision,” she said, stressing that the cashless initiative aligns FAAN with national financial management reforms while positioning Nigeria’s airports for greater operational integrity, improved service delivery, and stronger revenue assurance.
Beyond compliance with government policy, the MD/CE highlighted the enormous benefits of a cashless system to the aviation ecosystem, including reduction in leakages, improved transaction traceability, faster service delivery, and enhanced public confidence in airport operations.
Business
CBN’s Cardoso Advocates cross-border payments reform at G-24 meeting
“With global remittance corridors costing over 6.0 percent, settlement lags of several days, and compliance burdens that exclude MSMEs, millions remain disconnected from global opportunity.”
Olayemi Cardoso, governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has called for reforming cross-border payments system , asserting that its too inefficient to support inclusive growth in developing economies.
Cardoso made the call on Thursday during the G-24 Technical Group Meetings in Abuja, warning that high costs and settlement delays are shutting millions out of global trade and finance.
” It is not merely a technical upgrade but a macroeconomic priority, as the channels through which capital, remittances and trade flow increasingly shape financial stability”,said Cardoso.
He emphasised that payment systems now sit at the heart of global economic integration and financial stability, but remain structurally biased against emerging and developing markets.
“Today, cross-border payments remain too slow, too costly, and too fragmented, especially for developing economies,” Cardoso said.
“With global remittance corridors costing over 6.0 percent, settlement lags of several days, and compliance burdens that exclude MSMEs, millions remain disconnected from global opportunity.”
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