Business
NECA faults ban on sachet alcohol
The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has faulted the ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small bottles, warning that the policy could worsen smuggling and lead to job losses.
NAN, reports that the Director-General of NECA, Mr Wale Smatt-Oyerinde, expressed the association’s position during a media briefing on Tuesday in Lagos.
He said such a blanket ban was not the appropriate solution to concerns surrounding the products, emphasising that the ban could open more opportunities for smugglers, particularly given Nigeria’s more than 1,000 unmanned entry and exit points.
” The ban poses serious risks to the economy, as it could result in the loss of jobs and investments across the value chain.
“Looking at the overall economic objectives, where do you throw the jobs that would be lost in that place?
” We are not worried about the rate of unemployment. We’re not worried about the business investment that will be lost. We’re not worried about the consequences of the message we are communicating to other investors,” Smatt-Oyerinde said.
He added that banning sachet alcohol would also create additional challenges for law enforcement agencies, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the wider economy.
Business
Naira Exchange Rates To Foreign currencies Tuesday June 16
CBN Official Rates
US DOLLAR (USD) ₦1,356.27
GREAT BRITISH POUND (GBP) ₦1,808.86
Official CBN Exchange Rates
US DOLLAR (USD) ₦1,356.27
GREAT BRITISH POUND (GBP) ₦1,808.86
EURO (EUR) ₦1,575. 85
SWISS FRANC (CHF) ₦1,790. 46
JAPANESE YEN (JPN) ₦8.47
CHINESE YUAN (CNY) ₦200.72
WEST AFRICAN CFA (XOF) ₦2.40
WEST AFRICAN UNIT ACCOUNT (WAUA) ₦1,861. 95
SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) ₦361.42
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦83.90
BLACK MARKET RATES
US DOLLAR (USD) Buy ₦1,393 Sell ₦1,400
GREAT BRITISH POUND (GBP) Buy ₦1,845 Sell: ₦1,865
EURO (EUR) Buy ₦1,185 Sell ₦1, 605
CANADIAN DOLLAR (CAD) Buy ₦1,030 Sell ₦1,100
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) Buy ₦75 Sell ₦90
UAE DIRHAM Buy ₦350 Sell ₦370
CHINESE YUAN Buy ₦180 Sell ₦200
GHANA CEDI (GHS) Buy ₦95 Sell ₦110
WEST AFRICAN CFA Buy ₦2, 380 Sell ₦2, 460
CENTRAL AFRICAN CFA Buy ₦2, 220 Sell ₦22,300
AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR Buy ₦800 Sell ₦900
Business
Dangote unveils plans for largest free trade zone in Ondo
On his part, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, views development as a major milestone in Ondo State’s industrialisation agenda.. .
President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has disclosed plans to develop a large-scale industrial and free trade zone at Olokola in Ondo State.
According to him, the proposed Olokola project would go beyond a conventional free trade zone, emphasising that the move, as a power-driven investment hub, will be designed to attract manufacturers.
Dangote disclosed this during a courtesy visit to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in his office in Akure, yesterday.
Dangote stressed that the free trade zone would be equipped with power, water and logistics infrastructure to enable investors to operate without delays associated with basic utilities.
The initiative, according to Dangote, will address Nigeria’s long-standing power deficit, which he described as the country’s biggest industrial constraint for over 30 years, noting that most manufacturers currently rely on self-generated electricity.
He said that the absence of reliable power had slowed industrial expansion across the country, adding that the new model would integrate a dedicated energy supply into the industrial zone.
Dangote said the group had previously attempted to develop investments in Olokola but was constrained by operational challenges at the time, leading to the concentration of projects in Lagos.
He said the renewed engagement reflects improved conditions and stronger collaboration prospects with the state government.
On his part, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, views development as a major milestone in Ondo State’s industrialisation agenda, stating that the project aligns with his administration’s efforts to position the state as a leading industrial destination in South-West, noting its strategic location along the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor.
Aiyedatiwa also highlighted the state’s deep seaport licence, describing it as a key logistics advantage capable of handling large vessels without transshipment.
He disclosed that limestone deposits in the state had been tested and found suitable for industrial use, signalling potential for cement production expansion.
Source: The Guardian
Business
FAAC Shares N2.26trn April Revenue To FG, States, LGAs
From the total distributable revenue of N2.257 trillion, the Federal Government received N787.351 billion, while state governments got N772.360 billion.
The local government councils received N540.152 billion, while oil-producing states shared N157.254 billion as 13 per cent derivation revenue.
The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared a total of N2.257 trillion as federation revenue for April 2026 among the federal government, states and the 774 local government areas.
From the total distributable revenue of N2.257 trillion, the Federal Government received N787.351 billion, while state governments got N772.360 billion. The local government councils received N540.152 billion, while oil-producing states shared N157.254 billion as 13 per cent derivation revenue.
The distribution was approved at the May 2026 FAAC meeting held in Abuja, according to a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting.
The distributable revenue comprised N1.260 trillion from statutory revenue, N747.088 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT) and an augmentation of N250 billion.
The communiqué showed that total gross revenue available in April stood at N3.184 trillion. From this amount, N113.756 billion was deducted as cost of collection, while N813.839 billion was set aside for transfers, refunds and savings.
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