Business
MAN Tasks FG To Strictly Enforce Local Content Laws in Manufacturing Sector
By Ocheneyi Alli
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Federal Government to ensure strict enforcement of local content laws in the manufacturing sector of the economy.
Otunba Francis Meshioye, the President of MAN, made the call during the 3rd Adeola Odutola Lecture / 51st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of MAN, with the theme “Setting the Agenda for Competitive Manufacturing under the AfCFTA: What Nigeria Needs to Do.”
Meshioye, observed that Nigeria has a low local content adoption and patronage of made in Nigeria products, and therefore, urged the government to ensure effective enforcement of local content and patronage regulations.
He said this can be achieved by strict enforcement of local content laws, giving incentives for local sourcing of raw materials, and innovation in the manufacturing sector.
He said that the government should also compel the public sector at all levels to , as a matter of national importance, step up their compliance with existing government directive on patronage of made-in-Nigeria products, including Executive Orders 003 and 005.
In addition he said the manufacturing sector is one of the sectors of the economy with wide sectoral interlinkages.
“However, the low level of development of auxiliary sectors is disentangling the manufacturing sector from the rest of the sectors.
This is more so in agriculture, iron and steel and mining sectors.
“This has resulted in a limited supply of raw materials and other input for the manufacturing sector,” he said .
Therefore, it is essential to encourage backward integration and sectoral linkages to promote a more sustainable manufacturing sector in Nigeria.” he advised.
At the event, the Minister of Industry Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, extended the Federal Government’s assurances of collaboration to the local manufacturers towards enhancing their competitiveness .
She said the current administration envisions industrial revitalisation and is committed to covering real aspects of industrialization from consumer credit, fiscal and monetary policy alignment and continuous engagement in delivering the presidential initiatives.
Represented by Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Director-General, Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, the Minister said that to harness full benefits of the AfCFTA, ” we must deploy strategic interventions in the manufacturing sector to enhance competitive edge, seeing the manufacturing sector is the backbone of any economy.
Aganga urged the Federal Government to declare the Industrial sector a national priority sector and back it with plans, policies and money.
“To maximise the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA, there are four imperatives which are combined responsibility of government and manufacturing sector; robust public private partnership particularly in the area of research and development to enhance the strength of manufacturing, supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) with capacity and potential for exports and investment in infrastructure and technology.
“We also must enhance quality standards and performance and adhere to international quality standards.”
Likewise, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, a former minister of Industry , added that the continued flooding of the domestic market with cheaper and substandard products from China and elsewhere would derail the country’s plans to dominate AfCFTA as the largest market in the continent.
Aganga urged the Federal Government to declare the Industrial sector a national priority sector and back it with plans, policies and money.
The Former Minister pointed out that embracing competitive manufacturing under the AfCFTA is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and integration into the global market place.
“Nigeria may not be able to compete with China now, but by investing in infrastructure, innovation and skilled labour, while addressing trade barriers, the business environment and promoting market access, Nigeria can certainly position itself as the manufacturing hub in Africa.
“Let us work together and seize this historic opportunity and create a prosperous and vibrant manufacturing sector that will benefit Nigerians and contribute to the economic development of the African continent as whole,” he said.
Business
Afreximbank Leads $4bn Financing for Dangote Refinery with $2.5bn Commitment
African Export-Import Bank has underwritten $2.5 billion in a $4 billion senior syndicated term loan for Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, in a move aimed at strengthening the refinery’s financial position and supporting its long-term growth and expansion strategy.

The five-year facility, arranged alongside Access Bank as co-Mandated Lead Arrangers, is designed to consolidate existing debt, optimise the refinery’s capital structure and align its financing with current operational realities.
The transaction marks a significant milestone for the Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest refining and petrochemical complex with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.

Afreximbank’s $2.5 billion participation represents the largest share of the syndicate, underscoring its strategic role in mobilising capital for industrial projects across the continent.
The bank said the financing aligns with its mandate to promote industrialisation, reduce reliance on imported petroleum products and deepen intra-African trade.
Since refining operations commenced in February 2024, Afreximbank has played a key role in supporting the project, including providing a $1 billion working capital facility and acting as financial adviser on the Naira-for-Crude initiative, which facilitates crude procurement and product sales in local currency.
Speaking during a strategy session in Cairo, Egypt, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank, George Elombi, said the bank’s continued backing reflects confidence in indigenous African enterprises.
“We take immense pride in being the single largest provider of financing to the Dangote Group. We do so primarily because Dangote is African,” he said.
“When we invest in ourselves, we do more than create jobs and wealth or expand government revenues; we build a secure and resilient future for our continent”
Elombi disclosed that Afreximbank has committed about $15 billion to Dangote Group since 2015, highlighting the scale of its long-term partnership with the conglomerate.
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, described the financing as a critical step in positioning the refinery for its next phase of expansion.
“This financing marks an important step in strengthening the financial foundation of Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals and positions the business for the next phase of its growth,” he said.
“We appreciate Afreximbank’s continued support and confidence in our vision to build world-class industrial capacity that serves Nigeria, Africa and global markets.”
The syndicated loan attracted strong participation from a mix of African and international financial institutions, reflecting sustained investor confidence in the refinery as a transformative industrial asset in advancing Africa’s energy security, reducing import dependence and supporting the continent’s broader industrialisation agenda.
Business
BUA Foods Plc Reports Strong 2025 Performance with ₦1.77 Trillion Revenue, Proposes Record ₦28 Dividend per Share
Leading Nigerian food manufacturer BUA Foods Plc has announced robust full-year 2025 audited results, with revenue climbing 16% to ₦1.77 trillion from ₦1.53 trillion in 2024.
The growth was driven by sustained consumer demand for the company’s core staples sugar, flour, pasta, and rice alongside higher sales volumes and strategic pricing amid a challenging economic environment marked by inflationary pressures on households.
Profit after tax nearly doubled, rising 95% to ₦518.4 billion, while gross profit surged to ₦737.3 billion from ₦540.8 billion the previous year.
Operating profit also increased significantly to ₦656.6 billion.In a strong signal of confidence in its outlook and commitment to shareholder value, the Board of Directors has proposed a final dividend of ₦28 per ordinary share of 50 kobo.
This represents a 115% increase from the ₦13 per share paid in 2024, translating to a total payout of approximately ₦504 billion, subject to approval by shareholders at the company’s 2026 Annual General Meeting.
Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu highlighted the results, stating that the substantial dividend hike underscores the company’s dedication to rewarding investors while continuing to invest in business expansion and operational efficiency.
BUA Foods, a major player in Nigeria’s food processing sector controlled by billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu, has continued to benefit from scale advantages, market expansion, and resilient demand for essential food products despite broader economic headwinds.
The company’s shares have reacted positively in recent trading, reflecting investor optimism over the strong earnings and generous dividend proposal.
Full details of the financial statements were filed with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on Monday.
Analysts view the performance as a testament to BUA Foods’ robust business model and ability to navigate Nigeria’s macroeconomic challenges through volume growth and cost discipline.
Business
OPay launches new office in Jos
” Opening this office in Jos allows us to stay closer to the people we serve, better understand their needs, and continue to provide fast, secure, and reliable financial services that improve everyday life.”
OPay has officially launched its new office in Jos, Plateau State.
Speaking at the event, OPay’s Chief Operations and Technology Officer, Dotun Adekunle, said that the new Jos office reflects OPay’s continued commitment to putting customers first and advancing financial inclusion across Nigeria.
He said :” Our customers are at the center of everything we do.
Opening this office in Jos allows us to stay closer to the people we serve, better understand their needs, and continue to provide fast, secure, and reliable financial services that improve everyday life.”
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