The Dangote Refinery has officially commenced the distribution of refined petroleum products across Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the country’s quest for energy self-sufficiency. However, the development has sparked mixed reactions from stakeholders and citizens alike.

The refinery, located in the Lekki Free Trade Zone of Lagos State, is Africa’s largest and one of the world’s biggest single-train refineries. With a capacity to process 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, the launch of fuel distribution is expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products.

While government officials and industry leaders have hailed the move as a “game changer” for the Nigerian economy, some citizens and market observers have expressed concerns over pricing, distribution efficiency, and transparency in the supply chain.

Energy analysts note that while the refinery’s operations could stabilize fuel supply and potentially lower prices in the long run, the immediate impact on pump prices remains uncertain due to global crude oil dynamics and local policy factors.

The Dangote Group, led by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote, has described the development as a major step toward ending Nigeria’s fuel import dependency and boosting local employment and investment.

As fuel tankers begin to roll out from the refinery to different parts of the country, all eyes are on how this new phase will shape Nigeria’s downstream sector — and whether it will bring long-awaited relief to consumers.

•Oliver Alawuba, GMD UBA

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has committed $150 million (KES 20.5 billion) to the Government of Kenya’s $1.35 billion Roads Levy Securitisation Program.

This underscores the bank’s pan-African lender’s growing role in financing infrastructure and advancing inclusive growth across the continent.

In a statement, the pan-African lender said the commitment was unveiled during a working visit by its Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, to Nairobi, where he led a high-level delegation and met with President William Ruto and other senior government officials.

President Ruto received the UBA team at State House, commended the bank for its support over the years, as discussions focused on scaling road infrastructure, strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and advancing Kenya’s long-term economic transformation.

Alawuba said: “Kenya holds a strategic place in Africa’s growth story, and UBA is committed to being a long-term partner in unlocking the immense potential here. From financing critical infrastructure to empowering SMEs that drive job creation, our mission is to deliver sustainable solutions that connect markets, foster trade, and improve lives.”

The $150 million pledge was formalised during a meeting with Davis Chirchir, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport.

The Roads Levy Securitisation Program, spearheaded by the Kenya Roads Board, is designed to modernise critical road networks, accelerate payments to contractors, and boost connectivity nationwide.

“Infrastructure is the engine of trade, competitiveness and shared prosperity. UBA is proud to be one of the largest financiers of this program, demonstrating our unshakeable confidence in Kenya’s future,” said Alawuba.

The Managing Director/CEO of UBA Kenya, Mary Mulili, added: “Our participation cements UBA’s role as a trusted ally to the Kenyan government, businesses, and communities. We are paving the way for better connectivity that empowers farmers, manufacturers, and SMEs across the country.”

Moniepoint Microfinance Bank (MFB) has appointed Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as its brand ambassador as part of its newly launched campaign, Made for Your Progress.

The company said the initiative is designed to emphasise its support for Nigerians pursuing personal and business growth.

Managing Director of Moniepoint MFB, Babatunde Olofin, explained that the campaign highlights the contributions of individuals and small businesses to the economy.“

At Moniepoint, we have always believed that the ambitions of Nigerians are the bedrock of our economy as evidenced by the informal economy’s contributions to GDP,” Olofin said.

“We celebrate the people behind the many businesses we serve, and the individuals who have created value with our personal banking service.

Made for Your Progress is our promise to every Nigerian with a dream – that we will provide the financial comfort, confidence, and freedom they need to focus on building those dreams.”