Business

CBN Commences Swap Policy In Bayelsa As Traders Lament New Notes Scarcity

Published

3 years ago

January 26, 2023

Isaac Money, Yenagoa

Few days to the January 31st deadline, the Central Bank of Nigeria on Thursday commenced a swap policy in in Yenogua, the Bayelsa State capital with the commissioning of agents to circulate the newly redesigned notes to rural communities of the state.

Agents commissioned to carry out the exercise were sighted at various bank Headquarters in Yenagoa in their efforts to get the redesigned notes for the swap policy.

Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria recently made arrangements with agents, as well as mobile money operators to swap the old N200, N500 and N1,000 for the newly redesigned notes under the policy.

The initiative, the CBN said, was aimed at increasing circulation of the new naira dominations, particularly in the rural areas.

Agents from communities across the eight LGAs in the state were also seen at headquarters of commercial banks in Yenagoa the state capital trying to exchange the old notes for new ones as part of the deal.

Mr. Nweke Jude, a manager with the CBN Abuja branch, who was in Yenagoa for the exercise, noted that the critical part of the assignment was to actually assess the newly introduced cash swap policy introduced by CBN to ensure that ordinary people and the ‘under-banked’ especially in rural areas would also have access to new notes through super agents and the banks.

“The goal was to reverse the trend of having much currency out of circulation and the banking sector, stashed in houses and other areas which has impacted negatively on the economy, causing inflation in the process”, he said .

In an interview with Mr. Augustine-Osain, one of the agents who came to Yenagoa from Kolo III Community in Ogbia LGA to receive the newly redesigned notes, urged the CBN to do more to empower the agents for the swap policy to be effective.

In a similar development,
most customers in Yenagoa state capital have continued to decry that most Automated Teller Machines (ATM) operated by commercial banks in the City have continued to dispense the old currencies just as Point of Sales Operatives (POS) still dispense the old notes.

Findings by our correspondent showed that some super markets and major departmental stores, worship centres in the state capital have also threatened to stop receiving the old notes soon.

Investigations by our correspondent also revealed that even Keke riders along the streets of Yenagoa have also threatened not to collect old notes from passengers soon , even though the threat has been mild for now .

Business

NNPCL Announces Restoration Of Escravos-Lagos Pipeline

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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

2 days 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.