Business
MAN Tells FG: “Don’t Reduce Tariffs on U.S. Goods”
” While the U.S. may frame this as a step toward “fair trade,” the reality is that lowering tariffs on U.S. imports could flood the Nigerian market with subsidized goods, thereby undermining local producers.”
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has called on the Federal Government not to bow to potential pressure to reciprocate by reducing its own tariffs on U.S. goods entering the Nigerian market.
MAN, in its position document on the new U.S. tariff imposed on Nigeria by President Donald Trump’s administration, said :
” While the U.S. may frame this as a step toward “fair trade,” the reality is that lowering tariffs on U.S. imports could flood the Nigerian market with subsidized goods, thereby undermining local producers.
Segun Ajayi-Kadir, the MAN Director-General, emphasized that this is especially troubling given the weak state of Nigeria’s infrastructure, logistics, and energy supply—all of which already place local manufacturers at a disadvantage.
He said: ” Another key concern is the risk of policy diversion.
Nigeria has, in recent years, made commendable strides toward achieving self-sufficiency in several manufacturing segments and diversifying away from oil. However, succumbing to external pressures to liberalize trade prematurely would reverse these gains.
Instead of supporting domestic production, such actions would signal to investors and industrialists that Nigeria lacks a coherent long-term trade and industrial policy.”
Projects Fall in Export Revenue by N1 to N2 Trillion
Commenting on the broader impacts of Trump’s tariff on the domestic industries, he referenced the National Bureau of Statistics:” Agricultural exports accounted for over N4.42 trillion in 2024, with the U.S. being one of the top destinations.
The tariff could potentially wipe out N1 to N2 trillion of that figure annually.
As export revenues fall, many companies may reduce their production scale or downsize their workforce to cut costs.
Contract manufacturers, small-scale industrialists, and firms operating in special economic zones targeting the U.S. market are likely to be worst hit.
Nigerian firms that are part of regional or global supply chains—particularly in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, foods, beverages, and motor vehicle assembly—stand to lose their competitive edge as their products become less attractive to U.S. companies seeking sourcing partners.”
Business
Dangote Refinery’s IPO Ends Tomorrow
“The level of investor interest reflects growing confidence in our business and in the strong financial results we have delivered,” the company said.
[File photo] Opening ceremony of Dangote Refinery’s IPO on the NGX, September 14,2026
Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has confirmed that its Initial Public Offering (IPO) will close on Tuesday, 27 October 2026 as scheduled, with no extension.
In a statement, the management said that the IPO has become a historic ownership moment, an opportunity for Africans at home and abroad to own a stake in one of the continent’s most strategic industrial assets.
“Investors recognise that this refinery is not merely an energy asset. It is a platform for industrial growth, foreign-exchange generation, regional trade, energy security and economic development across Africa,” management said.
The offer was structured to ensure ordinary investors participate alongside institutions, broadening ownership of the world-class asset.
“The level of investor interest reflects growing confidence in our business and in the strong financial results we have delivered,” the company said.
Business
Dangote Visit London Stock Exchange Ahead of November Cement Listing
Unlike an initial public offering, a secondary listing would let Dangote Cement, already listed on the Nigerian Exchange, set up an additional presence in London.
Aliko Dangote visited the London Stock Exchange on Friday, October 23, 2026, as Dangote Cement Plc prepares a proposed $1 billion share sale and a secondary listing in the United Kingdom.
The company is reportedly targeting November 2026 for the listing, subject to market conditions and regulatory approval.
A video circulating on social media captured the visit, with exchange officials and attendees welcoming Africa’s richest man.
The trip is part of efforts to pull international investment into his business empire.
The proposed deal could see Dangote Cement offer about 10% of its equity to international investors, potentially raising roughly $1 billion.
The final timetable is not fixed and remains subject to market conditions and regulatory requirements.
Unlike an initial public offering, a secondary listing would let Dangote Cement, already listed on the Nigerian Exchange, set up an additional presence in London.
That could raise the company’s visibility with international institutional investors, including pension funds, asset managers and other investment firms.
The share sale has not been completed. Its final structure, valuation and pricing are still subject to confirmation.
Business
Olagunju to head JPMorgan’s Proposed Nigerian Merchant Bank
The proposed bank would expand JPMorgan’s presence beyond its representative office in Lagos. It could undertake a broader range of regulated banking activities after securing a final licence.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has granted JPMorgan approval-in-principle to establish a merchant bank in Nigeria.
The regulator also approved Adedapo Adedayo Olagunju as Managing Director of the proposed JPMorgan Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited.
The approval came on Friday, October 23, 2026. The bank has not received its final operating licence.
Olagunju has led JPMorgan’s West African operations since 2018.
He is an Oxford-trained banker with more than two decades of experience in treasury management, financial markets, institutional banking and structured finance.
His appointment puts him in line to head the American bank’s proposed Nigerian merchant bank once final licensing is completed.
The CBN also approved four non-executive directors and three independent non-executive directors for the proposed institution.
The proposed bank would expand JPMorgan’s presence beyond its representative office in Lagos. It could undertake a broader range of regulated banking activities after securing a final licence.
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