Business

Nigeria Has Potential Of Growing Automobile Industry, Exporting – Chinise Ambassador

Published

3 years ago

July 12, 2021

Editor

The Chinese Ambassador to NIgeria, His Excellency, Mr. Cui Jianchun says NIgeria has potentials of growing the automobile industry, exporting to other countries in the process.

A statement signed by the Executive Assistant to GM Commercial CIG Motors, Adaugo Okoroji expressed this on July 9, 2021, when receiving delivery of a diplomatic fleet from GAC Motors in the Nigerian capital Abuja.

“This remarkable development will place Nigeria on an industrial landmark to other African countries both in economic advancement as well as strengthened diplomatic ties with the aim of encouraging foreign investment.

“The Diplomatic Delivery of the GAC Nigeria vehicles to the Chinese Embassy underlines the strength and cooperation between both Nations, bringing Know-how and Technology to a new level and marking the start of further Industrialization; while creating jobs and improving the living standards through independent manufacturing, in order to achieve a sustainable socio-economic development in Nigeria,” he said.

The Chinese Ambassador said that the ceremony was the result of a long lasting relationship between GAC Motors Nigeria and the Lagos State Government. In a Milestone that was celebrated on the 4th of March, 2021.

“GAC MOTOR Nigeria entered a successful Joint Venture with the Lagos State Government, where H.E. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed an agreement to assemble and Produce GAC vehicles in a state of the art assembly plant in Lagos, marking the next step of the GAC Motor Brand’s local operation and effort to impact positively in the life of Nigerians,” he added.

H.E Mr. Cui Jianchun, in his speech, used the platform to express China’s and his personal support for the Nigerian Industry and the support and growth of GAC Motor Nigeria together with Lagos State and the Nigerian G
government.

He also used the platform to inform the audience that, “this really is an important time for me, I want to share with you that yesterday I presented my strategy – Nigeria China GDP Strategy for the next 50 years cooperation.

“I want to let you know that this year is very special year, as both countries are celebrating 50 years anniversary since we started diplomatic relations 50 years ago in 1971. What I mean here is that in my strategy, one of the most important prioritized areas is the INDUSTRY.”

He further added “Without Industry you cannot get rich, you cannot get young people to work in this country, so what I mean here is that today is a good testament that the Chinese embassy including myself support the industry, the Motor industry in Nigeria in form of GAC Motors Nigeria.

“I believe that in the future if we get the confidence and get the support from the young Nigerian people, that GAC Motor Nigeria could send more young Nigerians to go to China to learn not only about Chinese culture, but most importantly about skills. In my strategy I think Industry, Technology and also Talent is very important for the development of Nigeria.

“I also want to take this opportunity to mention that GAC Motor not only represents a Chinese brand, I do believe this is also a good opportunity to let young Nigerians represent a local brand like GAC Motor Nigeria.”

He assured that the partnership is gearing towards reinforcing the commitment of both parties in fostering massive economic growth of the Nigerian economy through business collaborations with China and as a role model for other countries and brands to follow this business model on a political and diplomatic level.

Following the handover, GM Commercial and Head of Communication of GAC Motor Nigeria, Mr.Jubril Arogundade said he was delighted by the development.

”GAC Motors is today, very delighted to venture into a partnership with the Chinese Embassy.

“This partnership is not just about growth, but it is a huge reflection and significance, to importance of the wide acceptance of the Chinese innovations and technology in the world and especially here in Nigeria where GAC Motors also operates its automobile company.

“GAC Motors identifies with young, innovative and brilliant individuals, and our business in Nigeria has enormously carried them along as the visionaries of tomorrow.

“We are glad to continue to showcase our strength in automobiles innovation through their young energies.

“Our brand has brought hope to the youth by creating industrialization; a factory where many talented Nigerians will have the opportunity to work and prosper as well. These youths are the future of Nigeria and the future is important to us at GAC Motor.”

It would be recalled that GAC Motors has invested in the future of mobility in Nigeria, and have continued to strengthen values through strategic partnerships with government and organizations, while delivering excellent service which is primary to the brands representation.

GAC Motor Nigeria in recent years achieved continuous growth results, fully demonstrating the quality, performance and excellence in service of this Premium product and the trust it enjoys within the Governmental and Diplomatic environment.

Business

CBN Sells Fresh Dollars To BDCs At N1,021/$

Published

4 days ago

April 23, 2024

Editor

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) started fresh and direct sales of US dollars at N1,021 per dollar to Bureau De Change operators.

Nigeria’s apex bank disclosed this in a circular signed by its Director of Trade and Exchange Department Hassan Mahmud.

“We write to inform you of the sale of $10,000 by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to BDCs at the rate of N1,021/$1. The BDCs are in turn to sell to eligible end users at a spread of NOT MORE THAN 1.5 percent above the purchase price,” the circular posted on its website read.

“ALL eligible BDCs are therefore directed to commence payment of the Naira deposit to the underlisted CBN Naira Deposit Account Numbers from today, Monday, April 22, 2024, and submit confirmation of payment, with other necessary documentations, for disbursement of FX at the respective CBN Branches.”

CBN’s move is coming as the naira is recording a slight depreciation against the dollar after weeks of gains.

In late March, the bank also sold $10,000 to each of the eligible Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in the country at the rate of N1,251/$1.

Like in the most recent sales, it warned BDCs against breaching terms of the dollar sales, vowing to sanction defaulters “including outright suspension from further participation in the sale”.

The fortunes of the naira have fallen sharply since President Bola Tinubu took over in May. Inflation figures have reached new highs and the cost of living hitting the rooftops.

Nigeria’s currency slid to about N1,900/$ some months ago at the parallel market. But in recent weeks, it has gained against the dollar.

The Nigerian authorities have also doubled down on their crackdown against cryptocurrency platform Binance and illegal BDCs.

On March 1, the CBN revoked the licences of 4,173 BDCs over compliance failures.

Business

JUST IN: FirstBank Gets New MD/CEO

Published

6 days ago

April 22, 2024

Editor

Olusegun Alebiosu has been appointed as the Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank Group), effective April 2024.

Alebiosu steps into this pivotal role from his previous position as the Executive Director, Chief Risk Officer, and Executive Compliance Officer, a position he held since January 2022.

Alebiosu brings to the helm of FirstBank over 28 years of extensive experience in the banking and financial services industry. His expertise spans various domains including credit risk management, financial planning and control, corporate and commercial banking, agriculture financing, oil and gas, transportation, and project financing.

Having embarked on his professional journey in 1991 with Oceanic Bank Plc. (now EcoBank Plc.), Alebiosu has held several notable positions in esteemed financial institutions.

Prior to joining FirstBank in 2016, he served as Chief Risk Officer at Coronation Merchant Bank Limited, Chief Credit Risk Officer at the African Development Bank Group, and Group Head of Credit Policy & Deputy Chief Credit Risk Officer at United Bank for Africa Plc.

Alebiosu’s academic credentials further enrich his professional profile. He is an alumnus of the Harvard School of Government and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management. Additionally, he obtained a Master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, as well as a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

A distinguished member of various professional bodies, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants (FCA), Nigeria Institute of Management (ANIM), and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Alebiosu is renowned for his commitment to excellence and ethical practices in the banking sector.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Alebiosu is known for his passion for golf and adventure. He is happily married and a proud parent.

With Alebiosu’s appointment, FirstBank of Nigeria Limited anticipates continued growth and innovation under his leadership, reinforcing its position as a leading financial institution in Nigeria and beyond.

Business

CBN Gives New Directive On Lending In Real Estate

Published

1 week ago

April 17, 2024

Editor

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has released a new regulatory directive to enhance lending to the real sector of the Nigerian economy.

The directive, issued on April 17, 2024, with reference number BSD/DIR/PUB/LAB/017/005 and signed by the Acting Director of Banking Supervision, Adetona Adedeji, signifies a notable shift in the bank’s policy towards a more contractionary approach.

In line with the new measures, the CBN has reduced the loan-to-deposit ratio by 15 percentage points, down to 50 per cent.

This move aligns with the CBN’s current monetary tightening policies and reflects the increase in the Cash Reserve ratio rate for banks.

The LDR is a metric used to evaluate a bank’s liquidity by comparing its total loans to its total deposits over the same period, expressed as a percentage.

An excessively high ratio may indicate insufficient liquidity to meet unexpected fund requirements.

All Deposit Money Banks are now mandated to adhere to this revised LDR.

The CBN has stated that average daily figures will be utilised to gauge compliance with this directive.

Furthermore, while DMBs are encouraged to maintain robust risk management practices in their lending activities, the CBN has committed to continuous monitoring of adherence and will adjust the LDR as necessary based on market developments.

Adedeji has called on all banks to acknowledge these modifications and adjust their operations accordingly. He emphasised that this regulatory adjustment is anticipated to significantly influence the banking sector and the wider Nigerian economy.

The circular read in part, “Following a shift in the Bank’s policy stance towards a more contractionary approach, it is crucial to revise the loan-to-deposit ratio policy to conform with the CBN’s ongoing monetary tightening.

“Consequently, the CBN has decided to decrease the LDR by 15 percentage points to 50 per cent, proportionate to the rise in the CRR rate for banks.

“All DMBs must maintain this level, and it is advised that average daily figures will still be applied for compliance assessment.

“While DMBs are urged to sustain strong risk management practices concerning their lending operations, the CBN will persist in monitoring compliance, reviewing market developments, and making necessary adjustments to the LDR. Please be guided accordingly.”