Business
RMRDC Debuts Quarterly Statistical Bulletin Series
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has officially launched its Quarterly Statistical Bulletin Series, an initiative aimed at redefining the trajectory of Nigeria’s industrial landscape, providing a cornerstone of data-driven policy formulations, and a vital tool for industrial transformation in Nigeria.
The Director-General of RMRDC, Prof. Nnanyelugo Ike-Muonso, said during the launch of the publication, weekend, in Abuja, that the council’s mission has always been clear: to harness Nigeria’s abundant raw materials for sustainable industrial development.
He observed that the council had intensified efforts to provide evidence-based data and insights to stakeholders, investors, and policymakers, enabling them to identify opportunities, address challenges, and shape effective policies for economic growth.
“The Quarterly Statistical Bulletin Series is a publication that provides data quarterly on the analysis of Nigeria’s foreign trade (HS Code 01 – 97), which is captured at customs entry points throughout the country by the Nigeria Customs Service and uploaded into the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS2).
The quantity and value of imports and exports of these raw materials and products categorized by their respective Double-Digit HS-Code are analyzed to derive key indicators of interest.
The publication addresses the country’s raw materials imports substitution/deletion, local utilization rates, and other key components of the economy such as employment, industry, exchange rate, etc,” the DG stated Prof. Nnanyelugo emphasized that the Quarterly Statistical Bulletin is more than a publication; he said it is a transformative tool for national development.
Stressing also that it shall provide comprehensive and meticulously analyzed data on Nigeria’s foreign trade, raw materials processing, and utilization rates and said it is critical for identifying trends, making informed decisions, and shaping the future of our industries.
Business
Johnson & Johnson Willing To Pay $5.5bn To End Baby Powder Lawsuits Against The Company
The proposed settlement encompasses approximately 76,000 claims, including those consolidated in federal court in New Jersey and related cases in state courts, representing nearly all outstanding talc-related allegations against the company.
Johnson & Johnson has announced a provisional settlement of an estimated $5.5 billion to resolve tens of thousands of lawsuits alleging its talc-based products, including baby powder, caused ovarian cancer.
The proposed settlement encompasses approximately 76,000 claims, including those consolidated in federal court in New Jersey and related cases in state courts, representing nearly all outstanding talc-related allegations against the company.
J&J had previously settled the majority of cases asserting that its talc contained asbestos and led to mesothelioma
The landmark agreement could bring an end to a contentious legal battle that has plagued the pharmaceutical giant for a decade.
The Independent UK reported yesterday. Plaintiff law firms confirmed the deal, describing it as a positive resolution following the protracted court proceedings.
For the agreement to become final, it requires acceptance from 95 per cent of the ovarian cancer claimants across state or federal jurisdictions.
Erik Haas, J&J’s Vice President of Litigation, maintained that the claims were “meritless” but stated the company was willing to settle to achieve “closure.”
Business
FG Availing ₦3.6bn to 200,000 Tailors Nationwide
Dr Afiz Ogun, Director-General of the ITF, announced the approval during the nationwide screening of applicants for the 2026 edition of the SUPA Programme in Abuja.
Image credit: Bella Naija
The Federal Government has launched a ₦3.6 billion funding to support about 200,000 tailors under the Industrial Training Fund’s (ITF) Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) Programme.
Dr Afiz Ogun, Director-General of the ITF, announced the approval during the nationwide screening of applicants for the 2026 edition of the SUPA Programme in Abuja.
He said that the screening is designed to ensure only genuine artisans benefit.
Applicants are assessed on documentation, practical skills, commitment to the trade and readiness for further training.
The programme, launched in 2024, aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign artisans by equipping local professionals with modern technical and entrepreneurial skills.
Under a new business incubation model, beneficiaries will receive industrial-grade sewing machines, specialised tailoring equipment, business signboards, mentorship and technical support.
The ITF dropped its previous practice of distributing starter packs after discovering that many beneficiaries sold the equipment instead of using it to build businesses.
Business
Naira Exchange Rates To Foreign Currencies Wednesday, July 29
BLACK MARKET RATES
US DOLLAR (USD) Buy ₦1,405 Sell ₦1,415
GREAT BRITISH POUND (GBP) Buy ₦1,900 Sell: ₦1,930
EURO (EUR) Buy ₦1,585 Sell ₦1,610
CANADIAN DOLLAR (CAD) Buy ₦1,020 Sell ₦1,080
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) Buy ₦75 Sell ₦90
UAE DIRHAM Buy ₦350 Sell ₦370 CHINESE YUAN Buy ₦190 Sell ₦205
GHANA CEDI (GHS) Buy ₦95 Sell ₦110
WEST AFRICAN CFA Buy ₦2, 300 Sell ₦2, 400
CENTRAL AFRICAN CFA Buy ₦2,150 Sell 2,250
AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR Buy ₦800 Sell ₦900
Commercial Bank Exchange Rates
Sterling Bank
Currency Buy Sell
USD / NGN ₦1350.00 ₦1385.00
GBP / NGN ₦1774.08 ₦1861.62
EUR / NGN ₦1514.63 ₦1595.45
ZAR / NGN ₦80.34 ₦84.76
Official CBN Exchange Rates
US DOLLAR (USD) ₦1,365.43
GREAT BRITISH POUND (GBP) ₦1,816.05
EURO (EUR) ₦1,552.88
SWISS FRANC (CHF) ₦1,667.11
JAPANESE YEN (JPN) ₦8.33
CHINESE YUAN (CNY) ₦201. 66
WEST AFRICAN CFA (XOF) ₦2. 36
WEST AFRICAN UNIT ACCOUNT (WAUA) ₦1,847.10
SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) ₦363.74
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦81.54
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