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Nigeria formally Accepts WTO’s Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

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Nigeria has deposited its instrument of acceptance for the World Trade Organisation’s  ((WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.

The Agreement prohibits support for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, bans support for fishing overfished stocks, and ends subsidies for fishing on the unregulated high seas.

Ambassador Adamu Mohammed Abdulhamid presented Nigeria’s instrument of acceptance to WTO  Director-General, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in Geneva, Switzerland, yesterday.

Ambassador Abdulhamid said: “The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to promote sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and the improvement of livelihoods while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem, believing that the Agreement shall put a stop to all harmful fisheries subsidies such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities by all WTO members.”

“By this instrument of acceptance, Nigeria reassures its commitment to a rule-based multilateral trading system by guaranteeing its compliance with the Agreement as well as refraining from introducing any new subsidies that harm the marine environment while recognizing the need for appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries which can be achieved through adequate policy space to develop its fisheries sector and technical assistance and capacity building in order to implement the discipline.

Nigeria calls on other WTO members who are yet to ratify this agreement to do so as soon as possible so as to contribute to our global effort of preservation of the global fish stocks,” he said.

DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “I am profoundly grateful to Nigeria for formally accepting the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
I am proud to see the country’s continued commitment to sustainable development and its vote of confidence in the work of the WTO.
Nigeria’s acceptance adds to our growing tally of members that have accepted the Agreement — we have received about one-third of the total that we need for the Agreement to enter into force.

I hope that Nigeria’s action serves as an inspiration to other governments in Africa and the rest of the world to move swiftly to implement the Agreement and foster global cooperation for the benefit of our shared future.”

Nigeria is the fifth-largest African fishing nation and is estimated to lose about USD70 million each year to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
The sector accounts for as much as 5 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP and supports the livelihood of about 24 million people.

Business

BUA Foods Plc Reports Strong 2025 Performance with ₦1.77 Trillion Revenue, Proposes Record ₦28 Dividend per Share

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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.

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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.”

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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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Governor Otti Commissions Ultimum Manufacturing Plant in Aba

Razzle beverages include Razzl Pamplemousse (a unique and special grapefruit flavour), Razzl Cola, Razzl Orange, and Razzl Lemon.

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Ultimum Limited, the manufacturers of Razzl brand of carbonated soft drinks has commissioned its state-of-the-art beverage manufacturing plant in Aba, Abia State.

Razzle beverages include Razzl Pamplemousse (a unique and special grapefruit flavour), Razzl Cola, Razzl Orange, and Razzl Lemon.

Located in the Osisioma Industrial Layout, the new plant was commissioned by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti.

Otti described the investment as a clear signal of economic revival and growing investor confidence in Abia State.

“This investment confirms that we are creating the right conditions for businesses to grow, thrive, and succeed. Investors will always go where there is clarity, stability, and opportunity.

Our focus has been to build that environment, and today’s commissioning shows that the strategy is working,” he said.

The Chairman of Ultimum Limited and representative of the investor group, Mr. Whalen Kadji, emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to Aba and Nigeria.

“We did not come here by chance. We came because of the energy and entrepreneurial spirit of Aba. This city has always been a center of enterprise, and we believe strongly in its future.

This plant is more than an investment in beverages; it is an investment in people, in jobs, and in the growth of local industry. We are here for the long term, and this is just the beginning of what we intend to build here.”

The Managing Director of Ultimum Limited, Mr. Austin Ufomba, described the plant as a bold step in the company’s journey.

“Ultimum Limited started with a simple idea, to build world-class products right here in Africa,”he said.

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