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Tony Elumelu’s Transcorp Acquires 60% Stake In Abuja DisCo

Published

2 years ago

August 18, 2023

In a strategic move, that further consolidates Transcorp’s position within the Nigerian power sector, Transnational Corporation (Transcorp Plc), Transcorp has acquired a 60 percent interest in Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, AEDC, one of Nigeria’s 11 electricity distribution companies, DisCos.

Serial entrepreneur and proponent of Africapitalism, Mr. Tony Elumelu is the Group Chairman of Transcorp. Elumelu is also the Group Chairman of UBA Plc and Founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation.

With the acquisition which is in line with Transcorp Group’s commitment to improving lives and transforming societies, the Board of AEDC has appointed the Managing Director/CEO of Transcorp Power Limited, Christopher Ezeafulukwe, as the new Managing Director/CEO of AEDC.

Ezeafulukwe is expected to deepen investment targeted at improving the supply of electricity to households, businesses and government institutions in the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Kogi and Nasarawa States.

Prior to his appointment as the MD/CEO of AEDC, Ezeafulukwe was the MD/CEO of Transcorp Power Ltd, Ughelli, a 972-MW thermal plant.

Under his leadership, Transcorp Power Limited has consistently led the Nigerian power sector, being the first successor power company from the 2013 power privatization program, to be discharged from post-privatization monitoring by the National Council on Privatization, having surpassed the expectations of the Council.

However, in December 2021, the United Bank of Africa (UBA) took over AEDC over the inability of its major stakeholder, Kann Consortium, to service the $122 million debt owed to the bank.

Kann Consortium secured a loan from UBA to acquire AEDC in 2013, thus controlling a 60 percent stake in AEDC.

In April 2023, the bank’s plan to sell AEDC to recover the $122 million debt was approved by the National Council on Privatisation, a development which culminated in the emergence of the Transcorp-led Consortium, as the new strategic investor in AEDC.

The news was received with great excitement by investors and the market, noting Transcorp Group’s track record in value creation, business transformation, and sound corporate governance practices.

The Ughelli Power plant, which Transcorp Group acquired during the privatisation of the power sector in 2013, demonstrates the Group’s transformative prowess.

The plant’s available capacity, which stood at 160 megawatts, MW on acquisition, increased by 227 percent to 680.83MW in four years, surpassing the Bureau of Public Enterprise’s, BPE, five-year target of 670MW.

In a notice published on the Nigerian Exchange (NGx) today, Transcorp noted that, “With Ezeafulukwe’s proven capabilities and extensive experience, he will play a pivotal role in rejuvenating AEDC, the supplier of power to the nation’s capital.

“Transcorp Group’s commitment to improving lives and transforming societies remains resolute,” The company noted.

The Group’s subsidiaries, including Transafam Power Limited and Transcorp Hotels Plc, owners of Transcorp Hilton Abuja have demonstrated continued value creation and a dedication to creating both economic and social wealth.

Transcorp Group has a combined market capitalization exceeding N540 billion.

Related Topics:Tony Elumelu Transcorp Corporation PLC

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Naira Appreciates At Official Market

Published

3 weeks ago

May 24, 2025

Editor

The Naira, which has seen steady appreciation against the Dollar all week, closed stronger on Friday, trading at ₦1,580.44 in the official forex market.

Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s website show the Naira gained ₦4.51k against the Dollar on Friday alone.

This marks a 0.28 per cent appreciation from Thursday’s closing rate of ₦1,584.95 in the official foreign exchange window.

The local currency maintained consistent strength throughout the week, recording gains daily.

On Monday, May 19, it traded at ₦1,598.68; on Tuesday, at ₦1,590.45; and on Wednesday, at ₦1,584.49.

These gains suggest increased investor confidence and improved forex supply, contributing to the naira’s performance.

Meanwhile, the CBN, at its 300th Monetary Policy Committee meeting held Monday and Tuesday, retained the Monetary Policy Rate at 27.5 per cent.

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BREAKING: Again, Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price

Published

3 weeks ago

May 22, 2025

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a nationwide reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, with new prices now ranging between ₦875 and ₦905 per litre, depending on location.

The ₦15 per litre cut applies across all regions and partner fuel stations, and was confirmed via an official announcement posted on Dangote Refinery’s social media channels on Thursday.

Major marketers participating in the new pricing regime include MRS, Ardova, Heyden, Optima Energy, Techno Oil, and Hyde Energy — partners in the distribution of Dangote-refined products.

Under the previous pricing structure, Lagos residents paid ₦890 per litre, while prices reached ₦920 in the North-East and South-South regions. With the latest adjustment, Lagos now pays ₦875 per litre, while the North-East and South-South will see prices drop to ₦905.

A regional breakdown of the revised prices is as follows: Lagos: ₦875, South-West: ₦885, North-West & Central: ₦895, North-East & South-South: ₦905 and South-East: ₦905.

In its announcement, Dangote Refinery encouraged consumers to purchase fuel only from authorised partner stations and urged the public to report any cases of non-compliance via its official hotlines: +234 707 470 2099 and +234 707 470 2100.

“Our quality petrol and diesel are refined for better engine performance and are environmentally friendly,” the company said.

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Naira Appreciates Against Dollar At Foreign Exchange Market

Published

3 weeks ago

May 17, 2025

Editor

The Naira ended the trading week on a positive note, recording a bullish close on Friday at the official foreign exchange market.

It appreciated N1,598.72 against the U.S. Dollar, reflecting a modest gain that suggests continued efforts to stabilise the local currency.

According to figures published on the Central Bank of Nigeria’s official website, the Naira strengthened by N0.60k against the Dollar on Friday.

This upward movement represents a 0.03 per cent appreciation compared to the N1,599.32 exchange rate recorded at the close of trading on Thursday.

The local currency had shown some resilience earlier in the week, posting gains on both Tuesday and Wednesday trading sessions.

On Tuesday, the Naira appreciated by 0.02 per cent, followed by a stronger gain of 0.21 per cent on Wednesday.

These improvements were seen as positive indicators of growing investor confidence and increased supply in the foreign exchange market.

However, Thursday’s trading session saw a minor setback, with the Naira slipping by N2.62 against the Dollar.

This loss equated to a 0.16 per cent depreciation, dampening the midweek rally seen in previous sessions.

Market analysts attributed Thursday’s dip to a brief increase in Dollar demand from importers and other market participants.

Despite this, the week still closed on a positive note, with the Naira showing signs of gradual recovery and increased market stability.

Analysts continue to monitor the Central Bank’s policies, especially interventions aimed at improving Dollar liquidity and managing demand pressures.

The Naira’s performance in the coming weeks will likely depend on consistent supply inflows and investor sentiment across the broader economic landscape.