Business
PAMA Lauds Banks Crucial Roles Towards Achieving Continental Integration
By Ocheneyi Alli
Pan African Manufacturers Association – PAMA, has lauded Afreximbank, AFDB, AFC, and others stakeholders for the energy they are putting towards achieving continental integration and creating the world’s largest Free Trade Area- AfCFTA.
Engr Mansur Ahmed, the Interim Chairman of PAMA, gave the kudos during the relaunch of the Association on the sideline of the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF 2023) in Cairo, Egypt.
” Despite facing numerous challenges, significant strides have been made to advance the African Union’s Agenda 2063 since 2013, thanks to the dedication of African leaders, the AUC, and institutions like Afreximbank and the African Development Bank,” said Engr Mansur.
He, however, noted that the road to “The Africa We Want” remains lengthy and arduous, with intra-African trade still below 18 percent, and Africa’s global trade contribution at a mere 4 percent.
He said that to change this narrative, transformation is required across every sector, but one sector stands out as critical for economic growth: manufacturing.
In the modern global economy, manufacturing accounts for around 70 percent of global trade and more than 30 percent of service jobs.
To achieve the goals of Agenda 2063, African manufacturing must undergo a transformation and expansion, which is no easy feat and cannot be left to chance. Both the public and private sectors must make sustained efforts to successfully implement AFCFTA and attain Agenda 2063’s objectives.
The road to “The Africa We Want” remains lengthy and arduous, with intra-African trade still below 18 percent, and Africa’s global trade contribution at a mere 4 percent.
Institutions like Afreximbank, AFDB, AFC, and others are already playing crucial roles in this effort, but it’s essential for the private sector, particularly African manufacturers, to engage actively in fostering the necessary collaborations and partnerships for sector integration, expansion, and diversification.
This is where the Pan-African Manufacturers Association (PAMA) must play a more prominent role in promoting the growth of the African manufacturing sector.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly referred to as petrol, by N30.00, from N850 to N820 per litre, effective from 12th August 2025.
According to a statement released by Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer of Dangote Refinery, they assure the public of a consistent and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products as part of its unwavering commitment to national development”.
He said, “In line with their dedication to operational excellence and sustainable energy solutions, Dangote Petroleum Refinery will commence the phased deployment of 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for fuel distribution across Nigeria, effective August 15, 2025.
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has firmly dismissed recent reports alleging a shutdown of its operations, reassuring the public and market stakeholders that its activities remain fully active and stable.
In an official statement by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s management categorically denied claims that truck loading has been suspended or that production has been interrupted. “The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is fully operational. There has been no shutdown, nor has there been any suspension of truck loading activities” the statement reads.
The refinery also clarified that the intermittent sale of Residual Catalytic Oil (RCO) is part of normal business operations, often involving large parcel sales, which explains the recent fuel oil tender.
According to the management, Dangote Petroleum Refinery consistently supplies over 40 million litres of PMS daily, alongside steady volumes of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel). These supplies continue unabated, despite speculation suggesting otherwise.
“As the world’s largest single-train petroleum refinery, the facility employs advanced predictive and preventive maintenance protocols to ensure uninterrupted operations. Routine maintenance activities are standard and do not impact the overall fuel supply” the statement further clarified.
In response to speculation about potential supply shortages and price increases, the refinery challenged those sponsoring the rumour to place orders for daily deliveries of up to 40 million litres of PMS and 15 million litres of diesel for the next 90 days.
“To those who believe this misinformation and anticipate a bullish market, we extend a challenge: We invite interested buyers to place immediate orders for up to 40 million litres of PMS daily and 15 million litres of AGO daily, for the next 90 days, with full upfront payment. Should any supposed supply shortage occur, these buyers would be well-positioned to benefit from the predicted market rise,” it added.
The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and Nigeria’s energy security, urging the public to disregard unfounded rumours sponsored by unscrupulous and unpatriotic individuals seeking to undermine the country’s energy independence for their own selfish interests, including the importation of substandard fuels under the false pretext of domestic supply shortages.
Ikeja Electric has released updated prices for prepaid meters, which take effect from August 6, 2025. The revised rates cover both single-phase and three-phase meter types and are inclusive of VAT.
The revised rates were announced on the disco’s official X account on Friday.
The company announced that “MBH Power Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦135,987.50, while the three-phase costs ₦226,825.00. Turbo Energy Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦145,608.75, while the three-phase costs ₦236,903.13.
“Aries Electric Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦145,125.00, and the three-phase costs ₦258,000.00. Mojec Asset Management Company Ltd’s one-phase costs ₦135,718.75, and the three-phase costs ₦226,825.00.
“Paktim Metering Nig. Ltd, the one-phase meter costs ₦137,600.00, while the three-phase meter costs ₦233,275.00. Holley Metering Ltd’s one-phase meter costs ₦133,854.03, three-phase meter costs ₦219,497.09.
“CIG Metering Assets Nigeria Ltd’s one-phase meter costs ₦150,500.00, New Hampshire Capital Ltd’s one-phase meter costs ₦133,300.00 and the three-phase costs ₦231,125.00.”
The electricity distribution company noted that the prices are “valid subject to meter availability,” adding that the changes are part of its effort to ensure customers have access to up-to-date information on meter procurement.
The company also assured customers that the new pricing reflects the latest approved rates for meter providers under its Meter Asset Provider scheme.
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