Business
World Bank Expresses Concern Over Nigeria’s Data, Statistics Quality
The World Bank has expressed concern over Nigeria’s poor statistical performance, noting that the country lags behind its aspirational peers such as Mexico, Colombia, South Africa and Brazil.
According to a statement by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Mrs Julie Osagie-Jacobs, this was noted during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, by a delegation from the World Bank led by Country Director, Ndiame Diop, and Practice Manager for West and Central Africa, Mr Johan Mistiaen, on Wednesday.
In his presentation titled “Next Level Statistics to Support Nigeria’s Reform and Growth Agenda,” Mistiaen stated that Nigeria’s statistical system was not on par with those of its developmental counterparts.
He advised that an annual investment of between $10m and $15m in the country’s statistical infrastructure would significantly improve performance and align Nigeria with its peers.
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The statement read in part, “Earlier, Mr. Johan Mistiaen in his presentation on the next level statistics to support Nigeria’s reform and growth agenda, observed that the country’s statistical performance was not at par with its aspirational peers as Mexico, Colombia, South Africa and Brazil.
“He suggested that investing about $10-15m annually into the country’s statistical system can raise performance to that of its aspirational peers.”
Responding, Bagudu assured that the Federal Government would continue to guarantee the independence of the National Bureau of Statistics.
He commended the Bureau for consistently releasing credible and methodical data that have been relied upon by reputable international organisations.
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The minister stressed that there would be no government interference in the operations of the NBS.
He also thanked the World Bank for its continued financial and technical support to the agency, which he described as crucial to its institutional strengthening.
On his part, the Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the NBS, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, noted that improved investment in statistics would support national growth and development.
He lauded the Federal Government for increasing the agency’s budgetary allocation to its highest level in the last ten years.
He, however, maintained that with sustained funding and stronger partnerships with development agencies, the NBS could deliver even greater results.
Business
Naira Appreciates At Official Market
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.
READ ALSO: Naira Appreciates Against Dollar At Foreign Exchange Market
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.
Business
BREAKING: Again, Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price
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.
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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.
Business
Naira Appreciates Against Dollar At Foreign Exchange Market
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.
READ ALSO:Naira Depreciates In Parallel Market
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.
READ ALSO:Naira Records Highest Depreciation Against Dollar At Black Market
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.
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