Business
NEPC reports $2.7bn in non-oil exports half year 2024
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council reported that non-oil exports generated $2.7bn in the first half of 2024, representing a 6.26 per cent increase from the $2.5bn recorded during the same period in 2023.
This was disclosed by the Executive Director/Chief Executive of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, during a presentation of the progress report on non-oil export performance for H1 2024 in Abuja on Wednesday.
Ayeni stated that the total volume of exports during the review period was 3.834m metric tonnes, with 211 products exported, ranging from agricultural commodities to products from extractive industries.
She noted that the performance indicates that Nigerian products are gradually diversifying from traditional raw agriculture exports to semi-processed and manufactured goods.
She attributed the increase in export value to the successful transition of government in May 2023 and the policy initiatives under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Additionally, Ayeni highlighted the impact of the NEPC’s “Operation Double Your Exports” initiative, which she said has positively influenced the sector’s performance.
“In just six months, we have seen tangible results from our concerted efforts to expand Nigeria’s non-oil export base.
“I am optimistic that with the several export intervention programmes and projects we have started and are ongoing, complemented by the NEPC flagship campaign programme, ‘Operation Double Your Exports.
‘The sector is positioned to contribute immensely to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings and thereby ensure sustainable economic growth, which aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for job creation, poverty alleviation, among others,” Ayeni stated.
She also emphasised the council’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to stimulate export growth. Reflecting on her tenure since October 2023.
“When I assumed office in October 2023, I and my management team resolved to reposition the non-oil export sector towards global competitiveness,” she said.
Ayeni also discussed the growing prominence of several exportable products, such as fresh vegetables, citrus peel, and sorghum, which are increasingly in demand in global markets.
Business
Exchange Rates Today Friday, 12 June
Black Market Rates
US Dollar (USD) ₦1,397
Great British Pound (GBP) ₦1,850
Official CBN Exchange Rates
US Dollar (USD) ₦1,363. 83
Great British Pound (GBP) ₦1,821. 25
EURO (EUR) ₦1,572. 90
SWISS FRANC (CHF) ₦1,706. 49
JAPANESE YEN (JPN) ₦8.50
CHINESE YUAN (CNY) ₦201.20
West African CFA (XOF) ₦2.40
West African Unit Account (WAUA) ₦1,857. 45
SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) ₦363. 29
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦82.61
Black Market Rates
US Dollar (USD) Buy ₦1,397 Sell ₦1,405
Great British Pound (GBP) Buy ₦1,850 Sell: ₦1,870
EURO (EUR) Buy ₦1,587 Sell ₦1, 607
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West African CFA Buy ₦2, 380 Sell ₦2, 460
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Australian Dollar Buy ₦800 Sell ₦900
Business
Airtel launches data calculator to counter depletion complaints
Commenting on the significance of the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said that the company remains focused on building a network and customer experience ecosystem anchored on trust, transparency and continuous improvement.
Airtel Nigeria has launched the Airtel Web Data Calculator, a new digital tool designed to help customers estimate and better understand their internet data consumption based on real-life usage patterns.
Available through Airtel’s website, the calculator enables customers to estimate data usage across common digital activities such as video streaming, social media engagement, voice and video calls, and everyday web browsing.
Speaking on the launch, Oladokun Oye, Customer Experience Director, Airtel Nigeria, said that the initiative reflects Airtel’s commitment to customer empowerment and service transparency.
“As Nigerians become increasingly dependent on digital services for work, education, entertainment and communication, it is important that customers have clear visibility into how their data is consumed.
The Airtel Web Data Calculator was developed to help our customers understand their usage patterns better, make informed choices, and enjoy greater confidence in their digital experience,” he said.
Commenting on the significance of the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said the company remains focused on building a network and customer experience ecosystem anchored on trust, transparency and continuous improvement.
“The future of telecommunications will be defined not only by network investments but also by how effectively operators help customers understand and manage their digital lives. The Airtel Web Data Calculator represents a practical innovation that places more information and control directly in the hands of our customers.” He said.
Business
Kingsley Moghalu chairs Bluecode Africa subsidiary in Nigeria
Moghalu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, heading the Financial System Stability and Operations Directorates at different periods.
Bluecode Africa, the European payments infrastructure operator backed by leading US and European institutional investors, has named Prof Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu as Chairman of the Advisory Board of its Nigerian subsidiary, Bluecode Payments Nigeria Limited as the company formally enters the Nigerian market.
The appointment was jointly announced by Chris Pirkner, Founder of Bluecode, and Odin Krismayr, Managing Director of Bluecode Africa, who described it as a foundational governance decision for the company’s Nigerian and continental operations.
Moghalu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, heading the Financial System Stability and Operations Directorates at different periods.
He led the team that introduced the unique-identifier Bank Verification Number (BVN), enrolling 50 million banking users, simplifying Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, and doubled Nigeria’s financial inclusion rate from 33 to 60 per cent.
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