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FCMB and Stakeholders Urge Action to Boost Nigeria’s Non-Oil Sector

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First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and key stakeholders have emphasized the need for transformative measures to strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil sector as a crucial component of the nation’s economic growth. This call was made during a seminar organized by FCMB on August 22, 2024, titled “Refocusing Nigeria’s Economic Development Through Non-Oil Exports.” The event, part of FCMB’s ongoing series to enhance the non-oil export sector, brought together policymakers, financiers, export trade experts, and participants across the value chain.

The seminar underscored FCMB’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification by fostering an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem that links people, capital, and markets across Africa. It also provided a platform for stakeholders to explore new opportunities and strategies for engaging in the global market.

In her welcome address, Yemisi Edun, Managing Director of FCMB, stressed the importance of collaboration in creating a stable operating environment, developing export infrastructure, promoting international trade diplomacy, and securing sustainable funding for the export sector. Edun highlighted FCMB’s role in facilitating over $900 million in export flows and $140 million in remittances as of June 2024, reaffirming the bank’s dedication to advancing Nigeria’s non-oil exports.

“Despite challenges, Nigeria remains a leading producer of cash crops, and the export trade sector offers vast opportunities,” Edun noted. She also pointed out the strategic significance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in opening new opportunities for Nigerian businesses, with FCMB ready to provide comprehensive support to help them take advantage of these prospects.

Edun praised the efforts of key institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), and the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), for their roles in enhancing non-oil exports, stabilizing foreign exchange, and supporting export-oriented companies.

In her keynote address, NEPC Chief Executive Officer, Nonye Ayeni, emphasized the need for exporters to scale up production and improve product quality to achieve global competitiveness. She introduced the Council’s “Export 35 Refined” initiative, aimed at providing targeted support to the top 20 agricultural products with significant revenue-generating potential for Nigeria. Ayeni expressed optimism about the non-oil export sector’s role in the country’s economic future.

Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, discussed the NCS’s recent efforts to enhance export trade. Represented by Assistant Comptroller Olusola Salako, Adeniyi highlighted the creation of the Lilypond Export Command, a one-stop shop for export cargo facilitation, along with initiatives in capacity building, system automation, process improvements, and international trade partnerships. He noted that non-oil exports in Nigeria are duty- and tax-free, with no charges for customs export procedures.

NEXIM Managing Director Abubakar Bello addressed the financing gap in non-oil exports, presenting the Bank’s initiatives such as the Regional Sealink Project, which aims to improve maritime logistics by using inland waterways for coastal and hinterland trade. Bello called for greater collaboration with business promoters and financiers to identify and fund viable non-oil projects, particularly in manufacturing, agro-processing, solid minerals, and services. “Nigeria has vast potential to expand non-oil exports and diversify its export revenues,” Bello stated.

As a leading provider of export trade solutions, FCMB offers a comprehensive range of services, including financial facilities, pre- and post-shipment financing, project finance, working capital, payment guarantees, market information, supply chain management, and export advisory services. FCMB, a member of FCMB Group Plc, remains committed to fostering inclusive and sustainable growth by building a robust ecosystem that connects people, capital, and markets across Africa.

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CBN expresses commitment to FX Code

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Nigerian Foreign Exchange (FX) Code, stating that its operations align with the principles of the code.

 

In a statement signed by Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Deputy Governor of Economic Policy Mohammad Abdullahi, and Director of the Financial Markets Department Dr. Omolara Duke, the apex bank emphasized that its decision follows a review of the FX Global Code and recognition that the code represents a set of principles widely acknowledged as good practice in the foreign exchange market.

 

The statement confirmed that the CBN acts as a regulator to market participants as defined by the code and is committed to overseeing FX market activities in a manner consistent with its principles.

 

“To this end, the Bank has taken appropriate steps, based on the size and complexity of the FX Market, and therefore aligns its roles with the principles of the Code,” the statement added.

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FG launches electronic asset register to boost investment

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The Federal Government has launched a national electronic assets register to provide real-time access to information on government-owned assets, aiming to enhance transparency and attract more investments into the country.

The digital registry was introduced by the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, during an event that also featured the unveiling of a compendium of FAAC allocations to federal, state, and local governments from 2020 to 2023.

Madein described the initiative as a major milestone in improving public resource management, emphasizing that it is essential for financial sustainability and integrity. She stated that the project aligns with the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in handling public funds and assets.

She noted that giving citizens access to information about public asset management would increase government accountability. “Whether it is infrastructure, equipment, or other public property, every asset must be accounted for,” she said.

The real-time access provided by the digital register is expected to support policy formulation, budgeting, and planning. Madein explained that by having a clear understanding of the government’s assets and their conditions, policymakers can make more informed decisions on resource allocation, investment management, and potential privatisation or public-private partnerships (PPPs) for underutilized assets.

She added that the initiative also aligns with international best practices, supporting Nigeria’s adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). These standards will help strengthen the credibility and integrity of the country’s financial statements.

On the compendium of FAAC allocations, Madein stated that it provides a detailed breakdown of revenue distribution to the three tiers of government and serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and the general public.

Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Aniete, who officially unveiled the compendium, praised the Accountant General’s efforts in promoting transparency and accountability. She described the electronic asset register as an important tool that will help determine the real value of Nigeria’s assets and create opportunities for local and foreign investment.

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Tariff increase will push available power generation to 7,000MW — Minister

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Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has stated that the proposed electricity tariff increase will help boost Nigeria’s available power generation capacity to 7,000 megawatts (MW). This comes after the country recorded its highest-ever available power generation of 6,003MW and a peak evacuation of 5,801.84MW last week.

 

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu emphasized that tariff regularization is crucial for unlocking the sector’s full potential and sustaining ongoing improvements in power generation and distribution.

 

“To sustain these improvements, the government would have to pay down the tariff shortfalls of N1.94 trillion for 2024 and address legacy debts of N2 trillion to the GENCOs,” the minister said. He added that continued tariff reforms are necessary to ensure that consumers start paying for the energy they consume.

 

Adelabu reiterated the government’s intention to raise electricity tariffs for customers in Bands B, C, and D as part of efforts to enhance the sector’s liquidity and reduce subsidy obligations. The planned tariff hike is expected to narrow the gap between Band A customers—who currently pay higher rates—and those in lower bands.

 

The minister noted that Nigeria recently set another milestone with a daily maximum energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), attributing these achievements to ongoing reforms and infrastructural upgrades in the sector.

 

“We are thrilled to announce these historic milestones in Nigeria’s power sector,” Adelabu stated. “These achievements represent a brighter future where businesses can thrive, households can enjoy uninterrupted power supply, and the economy can grow sustainably.”

 

According to the minister, recent improvements result from collaborative efforts by the Federal Ministry of Power and key stakeholders to address longstanding challenges in the sector. These include the rehabilitation and upgrading of transmission and distribution networks, implementation of innovative technologies to enhance efficiency, and policy reforms aimed at improving accountability and sustainability.

 

While celebrating these milestones, Adelabu called for continued support from state governments, private sector stakeholders, and the general public. He stressed the need for collective action to sustain the momentum and build upon the progress made.

 

With power generation at a record high and tariff reforms on the horizon, stakeholders are hopeful that Nigeria’s electricity supply will see lasting improvements, ensuring stable and reliable power for businesses and households nationwide.

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