Business

BREAKING: Buhari Seeks 7 Days To Decide On Currency Redesign Crisis

Published

3 years ago

February 3, 2023

Amidst the current crisis trailing the naira redesign and distribution, President Muhammadu Buhari has said he would in one week to take a major decision.

A statement by his media aide, Garba Shehu on Friday, said Buhari’s request is sequel to a meeting he held with members of the Progressive Governors Forum at the State House.

Buhari gave indications that he would within seven days resolve the cash crunch plaguing Nigerians as a result of the policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria to change high-value Naira notes with new ones.

The Progressive Governors Forum had appealed to the President to reconsider his stance especially as the policy was threatening the good records of the administration in transforming the economy.

But Buhari said he believes the currency re-design will give a boost to the economy and provide long-term benefits while expressing doubts about the commitment of banks in particular to the success of the policy.

He indicted some bank management, saying, “Some banks are inefficient and only concerned about themselves”,

The President, also added that “even if a year is added, problems associated with selfishness and greed won’t go away.”

According to him, he had seen television reports about cash shortages and hardship to local businesses and ordinary people and gave assurances that the balance of seven of the 10-day extension will be used to crack down on whatever stood in the way of successful implementation.

“I will revert to the CBN and the Minting Company. There will be a decision one way or the other in the remaining seven days of the 10-day extension,” the President assured.

Meanwhile, the Governors told the President that, while they agreed that his decision on the renewal of currency was good and they are fully in support, its execution had been botched and their constituents were becoming increasingly upset.

They told the President that, as leaders of the government and party in their different states, they were becoming anxious about a slump in the economy and the series of elections that are coming. They requested the President to use his powers to direct the concurrent flourish of the new and old notes till the end of the year.

The President said when he considered approving the policy, he demanded an undertaking from the CBN that no new notes will be printed in a foreign country and they in turn gave him assurances that there was enough capacity, manpower and equipment to print the currency for local needs. He said he needed to go back to find out what was actually happening.

Buhari told the Governors that, being closer to the people, he had heard their cries and will act in a way that there will be a solution.

Business

NNPCL Announces Restoration Of Escravos-Lagos Pipeline

Published

6 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the complete restoration of the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) in Warri, Delta State, following the recent explosion on the asset.

The chief corporate communications officer (CCCO) of the nation’s oil company, Andy Odeh, in a statement, said that the pipeline is fully operational, reiterating the company’s resilience and commitment to energy security.

“NNPC Limited is pleased to announce the successful restoration of the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) in Warri, Delta State.

“Following the unexpected explosion on December 10, 2025, we immediately activated our emergency response, deployed coordinated containment measures, and worked tirelessly with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the damaged section was repaired, pressure-tested, and safely recommissioned.

“Today, the pipeline is fully operational, reaffirming our resilience and commitment to energy security. This achievement was made possible through the unwavering support of our host communities, the guidance of regulators, the vigilance of security agencies, and the dedication of our partners and staff.

“Together, we turned a challenging moment into a success story, restoring operations in record time while upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship.

“As we move forward, NNPC Limited remains steadfast in its pledge to protect our environment, safeguard our communities, and maintain the integrity and reliability of our assets. Thank you for your trust as we continue to power progress for Nigeria and beyond,” the statement read.

Business

Dangote Unveils 10-day Credit Facility For Petrol Station Owners

Published

8 hours ago

December 30, 2025

Editor

The Dangote Group has announced a 10-day credit facility backed by a bank guarantee for petrol station owners and dealers, alongside free direct delivery and other incentives, as part of a new supply arrangement.

The company disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Tuesday, inviting petrol station operators across the country to register to benefit from the offer.

According to the statement, participating dealers will enjoy “a 10-day credit facility backed by a bank guarantee,” with a minimum order requirement of 5,000 litres.

“Our free direct delivery service will commence soon,” the group said, adding that the offer is open to “all petrol station owners and dealers.”

The Dangote Group further called on operators to register their stations to access the supply arrangement.

“Register your petrol stations today to benefit from our competitive gantry price,” the statement read.

The company also disclosed that petrol supplied under the arrangement will be sold at a gantry price of ₦699 per litre.

For enquiries, the group provided the following contact numbers: 0802-347-0470, 0809-324-7070, 0809-324-7071 and 0203.

The announcement follows a recent petrol price adjustment by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The PUNCH earlier reported that the refinery reduced its ex-depot petrol price from ₦828 to ₦699 per litre, representing a ₦129 cut or a 15.58 per cent reduction.

An official of the refinery, who spoke to PUNCH Online on condition of anonymity, confirmed the adjustment, saying, “The refinery has reduced petrol gantry price to ₦699 per litre.”

The new price reportedly took effect on December 11, 2025, marking the 20th petrol price adjustment announced by the refinery this year.

Business

JUST IN: Otedola Sells Shares In Geregu Power For N1trn

Published

1 day ago

December 29, 2025

Editor

Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has sold his majority stake in Geregu Power Plc for N1.088 trillion in a deal financed by a consortium of banks led by Zenith Bank Plc.

The Nigerian Exchange, NGX, made this announcement on Monday.

Otedola’s Amperion Power Distribution Company Ltd reportedly held nearly 80 percent of the power generating company.

With this new development, Otedola, Chairman of First Holdco Ltd, parent company of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, will reportedly now concentrate on expanding his interest in the Nigerian banking sector, although he still retains some shares in Geregu.

Otedola is said to currently own 17.01 percent of First Bank — its single largest shareholder since the bank was established in 1894.