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
Why We Sited Our Multi-Billion Naira Automobile Firm Branch in Benin – Skyewise Group CEO
Dr. Elvis Abuyere, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Skyewise Group, an automobile firm, has explained the reason for establishing a branch of the company in Benin City, the Edo State capital, describing the ancient city as “a growing economy full of enormous potential for vibrant youth.”
He added that the company considers Edo State one of the most interesting states, noting that the decision aligns with its long-term vision.
Abuyere, who spoke in Benin on Monday while taking journalists on a tour of the new automobile facility, said:
“We started very small — from Abuja to Lagos and now Benin. It is a joy and privilege for us to have completed this amazing regional office with Skyewise Group.”
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According to him, beyond the automobile business, Skyewise Group is in Benin to invest in real estate, logistics, youth empowerment, and credit management. “Aand also to lend our support to what the Edo State Government is doing, knowing the fact that there is an agenda,” he added.
The young CEO urged youths in Nigeria, particularly those in Edo State, to embrace entrepreneurship, stressing that “we believe it is the future of Africa,” especially Nigeria.
He said Nigeria stands as the giant of Africa and that its youth must take bold steps in the entrepreneurship landscape.
According to Abuyere, to ensure Edo youths actualise their entrepreneurial potential, the company has prepared soft loans to help them start businesses, adding that Skyewise Group is not limited to automobile operations.
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He said: “More importantly to us is youth empowerment. We want our youth to be empowered, and this is where the Skyewise Foundation comes in.
“We believe the future of Africa is entrepreneurship, and that future lies in the hands of the young people of Nigeria. We want to empower them to stand the test of time, build something meaningful, and reduce unemployment and insecurity in our land.
“I believe we need to begin taking bold steps by refining the mindset of our young people. We need to give them a sense of belonging and direction.
“We have been addressing the liquidity gap in society by providing microloans to support businesses in our environment and in Benin City.”
When asked why he chose Benin City for the multi-billion naira automobile firm, Abuyere noted: “I think this is the first automobile showroom in Edo State where you can see a car lifted from the ground floor to the first floor and beyond.”
Business
JUST IN: Nigerian Filling Stations Reduce Fuel Price After Hike
Nigerian filling stations reduced their Premium Motor Spirit price on Saturday, barely 24 hours after the hike.
Checks by DAILY POST showed that Ranoil, Empire Energy, and other filling stations in Abuja adjusted their petrol pumps to N1,365 and N1,375 per litre respectively, down from N1,440 per litre on Friday.
This means that petroleum marketers dropped their fuel price by N65 and N75 per litre. DAILY POST reports that the move was to attract patronage from customers.
Recall that three days ago, Nigerian filling stations had raised their petrol pump price to between N1,365 and N1,440 nationwide after Dangote Refinery and depot owners increased ex-depot prices to around N1,275 and N1,290 per litre.
According to DAILY POST, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and MRS Bovas filling stations raised their petrol price to around N1,365 per litre, others adjusted theirs above N1,440 per litre.
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However, with the latest fuel price reduction by Ranoil and Empire Energy, the majority of filling station outlets now dispense petrol between N1,365 and N1,375 per litre.
This development comes as the ripple effect of crude oil prices continues to impact Nigeria’s domestic fuel price.
Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude rose to $114 and $105 per barrel before dropping to $108 and $101 after the filing of this report.
Business
Dangote Refinery Hikes Petrol Price
Dangote Refinery has increased the ex-depot price of petrol by N75.
The refinery announced the increase on Wednesday, hiking the the price from N1,200 to N1,275 per litre.
In the same way, coastal prices have gone up to N1,215 per litre.
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This adjustment amid Brent crude trading at $114.80 per barrel marks a 3.15% increase.
DAILY POST reports that Brent crude has increased to $115 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate rose to $103 per barrel on Wednesday.
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