Business
JUST IN: CBN Approves Merger Of Unity, Providus Banks

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday announced the approval for a pivotal financial accommodation to support the proposed merger between Unity Bank Plc and the Providus Bank Limited.
The apex bank, in a statement by its acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, said the move is designed to bolster the stability of the nation’s financial system and avert potential systemic risks.
“The merger is contingent upon the financial support from the CBN. The fund will be instrumental in addressing Unity Bank’s total obligations to the Central Bank and other stakeholders,” the statement read.
READ ALSO:CBN Sued Over Failure To ‘Account For Missing N100bn Dirty Notes, Other Public Funds’
“It is unequivocal to state that the CBN’s action is under the provisions of Section 42 (2) of the CBN Act, 2007. This arrangement is crucial for the financial health and operational stability of the post-merger organisation.
“It is important to emphasise that no Nigerian bank currently faces a precarious situation comparable to that of Heritage Bank, which was recently liquidated.”
The CBN said it remains committed to safeguarding depositors’ interests and ensuring the smooth functioning of the banking sector through proactive measures and strategic interventions.
Business
NNPCL Announces Restoration Of Escravos-Lagos Pipeline

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.
READ ALSO:Fuel Price Cut: NNPCL GCEO Ojulari Reveals Biggest Beneficiaries
“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

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.”
READ ALSO:Dangote Sugar Announces South New CEO
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.
READ ALSO:Dangote Refinery Dispute: PENGASSAN Suspends Strike After FG Intervention
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

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.
READ ALSO:N200b Agric Credit Dispute: Appeal Court Slams NAIC, Upholds First Bank Victory
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.
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