• Invest Lagos Summit 3.0: Secretary to the Lagos State Government, ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin (right); Member, House of Representatives, Kafilat Ogbara; Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Tunbosun Alake; Chairman, Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council (CWEIC), Lord Jonathan Marland; Vice President Kashim Shettima; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sam Egube, Dr Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji and members of the State Executives Council at the opening of Invest Lagos 3.0, themed: “Lagos – The Business Gateway to Africa”, in Lagos, yesterday.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has disclosed that as part of efforts to deepen access to global capital, his administration is developing the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC), envisioned as a world-class financial district that would strengthen the state’s position as a gateway for investment into Africa.

Speaking yesterday at the third edition of the Invest Lagos Summit, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, other governors, foreign investors, development finance institutions and business leaders, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos was deliberately building a globally competitive economy driven by innovation, infrastructure and private-sector participation.

Sanwo-Olu said that the state had recorded significant economic progress in recent years through targeted reforms across transportation, digital infrastructure and industrial development.

Highlighting key infrastructure achievements, Sanwo-Olu cited investments in road networks, waterways and rail transportation, describing them as critical enablers of economic growth and investor confidence.

The governor noted that Lagos was increasingly serving as a gateway to African markets and global capital, positioning itself at the centre of continental trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

According to him, Lagos remains one of the continent’s most strategic economic hubs, with a population exceeding 25 million and a gross domestic product steadily approaching the $300 billion mark.

Official CBN Exchange Rates

US Dollar (USD) ₦1, 362.84

Great British Pound (GBP) ₦1,821. 30

EURO (EUR) ₦1,574. 53

SWISS FRANC (CHF) ₦1,714. 05

JAPANESE YEN (JPN) ₦8.52

CHINESE YUAN (CNY) ₦200.99

West African CFA (XOF) ₦2.42

West African Unit Account (WAUA) ₦1,863.83

SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) ₦302. 83

SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦82.75

Black Market Rates

US Dollar (USD) Buy ₦1,395 Sell ₦1,400

Great British Pound (GBP) Buy ₦1,860 Sell: ₦1, 880

EURO (EUR) Buy ₦1,000 Sell ₦1, 100

South African Rand (ZAR) Buy ₦75 Sell ₦90

UAE Dirham Buy ₦350 Sell ₦370

Chinese Yuan Buy ₦180 Sell ₦200

Ghana Cedi (GHS) Buy ₦100 Sell ₦115

West African CFA Buy ₦2,450 Sell ₦2550

Central African CFA Buy ₦2,320 Sell 2,400

Australian Dollar Buy ₦800 Sell ₦900

Sources: CBN / Aboki Forex

The Federal Ministry of Finance has approved payments to more than 1,240 contractors nationwide, delivering critical liquidity support to businesses and underscoring the Federal Government’s commitment to settling verified financial obligations.

According to a press release issued by the Ministry, the approvals were granted by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, following a thorough verification and reconciliation process to ensure only legitimate claims were paid.

The latest batch prioritises contractors with verified claims of ₦100 million or less. The funds are expected to enable businesses—particularly indigenous firms and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—to resume work on project sites, pay workers, settle suppliers, and sustain operations across various sectors.

“This development reflects the Ministry’s commitment to translating policy objectives into tangible outcomes by resolving inherited obligations in a transparent and fiscally responsible manner,” the statement said.

Over the past few months, the Federal Government has processed more than ₦700 billion in payments to local contractors. In May alone, approximately ₦436.6 billion in transactions were executed, marking a significant acceleration in clearing backlog liabilities.

By focusing on a large number of smaller contractors rather than a few large ones, the government aims to broaden the economic impact of the disbursements, stimulating activity across different regions and sectors of the economy.

The payments are expected to boost confidence among contractors, suppliers, and service providers engaged with government projects. For many beneficiaries, the funds represent more than financial relief—they provide the certainty needed to preserve jobs, complete projects, and support broader economic recovery.The Ministry reiterated its dedication to maintaining fiscal discipline while ensuring timely settlement of legitimate obligations, with the goal of substantially reducing outstanding liabilities and strengthening public confidence in financial management.