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Nigerian Breweries Seeks N599bn Through Rights Issue to Address Debt

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Nigerian Breweries Plc is set to raise N599.1 billion through a rights issue on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) to tackle its financial challenges. The company will offer 22.6 billion shares at 50 kobo each, priced at N26.50 per share, allowing existing shareholders to buy 11 new shares for every five held.

During the “Facts Behind the Rights Issue” presentation at the NGX, Uaboi Agbebaku, the Company Secretary, outlined that the funds will be used to settle N328 billion in foreign exchange (FX) debts and N263 billion in local obligations. This move aims to eliminate FX losses and reduce the company’s interest burden amidst Nigeria’s high 26% Monetary Policy Rate (MPR).

Nigerian Breweries has faced significant financial challenges, including an N85.3 billion loss after tax in the first half of 2024, driven by inflation, FX costs, and operational expenses. Shareholders have urged the company to adopt strategies to mitigate future FX risks, such as backward integration and increased investment in R&D.

Hans Essaadi, Managing Director, acknowledged the impact of Nigeria’s economic volatility but expressed optimism for future improvements. He highlighted that Heineken, the parent company, has suspended interest on foreign loans to ease the financial strain.

Essaadi also noted the company’s recent acquisition of Distell Nigeria, which expands its portfolio into wines, spirits, and ready-to-drink segments, aiming to boost profitability. NGX CEO Jude Chiemeka commended Nigerian Breweries for its efforts to stabilize and grow, inviting stakeholders to benefit from the Exchange’s capital access and increased market profile.

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Shehu Sani Criticizes World Bank Over Nigeria’s Economic Outlook

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Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has criticized the World Bank for worsening Nigeria’s economic difficulties. In a post shared on X, Sani accused the institution of projecting that Nigeria’s hardship would extend for another 15 years before the country could reach a better economic future. He questioned how many Nigerians would be left to enjoy that future, and how many African nations the World Bank has successfully helped to prosperity.

Sani’s remarks follow the World Bank’s latest *Africa’s Pulse* report, which forecasts that the Nigerian Naira will be among the worst-performing currencies in Sub-Saharan Africa by August 2024. The report placed the Naira’s decline alongside that of the Ethiopian Birr and South Sudanese Pound.

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HIG: Building Trust and Driving Innovation in Nigeria’s Insurance Market

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Heirs Insurance Group (HIG) recently announced impressive financial results for the 2023 fiscal year, marking significant growth across all key metrics. The Group’s Gross Written Premium (GWP) surged by 59.3%, from N19.9 billion in 2022 to N31.7 billion in 2023. This remarkable performance underscores HIG’s resilience and operational efficiency, further solidifying its position as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance firms.

Heirs General Insurance (HGI) saw a 77% increase in GWP, reaching N12 billion in 2023. HGI’s profit before tax (PBT) also rose by 203%, reflecting the company’s effective cost management. Similarly, Heirs Life Assurance (HLA) reported a 71% GWP increase and a staggering 395% rise in PBT. Both companies have demonstrated a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, disbursing billions in claims.

Beyond financial success, HIG actively engages in corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects, contributing over N100 million to education, community development, and financial literacy. With plans for future expansion and innovation, HIG is poised to remain a key player in Nigeria’s evolving insurance market.

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Wike Urges Nigerians to Pay Taxes for Improved Social Services

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Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has called on Nigerians to fulfill their tax obligations, emphasizing that government revenue is essential for delivering social services. Wike made this appeal during the inaugural Abuja Business and Investment Summit, held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Optimising Investment Through Partnerships,” Wike stressed the importance of collaboration to generate investment opportunities. He dismissed the misconception that the government does not need revenue, explaining that taxes are crucial for funding public services.

Wike reiterated that both investors and the government must benefit from such partnerships, ensuring that both parties “go home smiling” through a fair exchange of services and taxes.

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