Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 2025 Kicks Off Fourth Season

The Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 2025, themed “The Ultimate Show”, now in its fourth edition, promising more entertainment and inspiration for audiences across Nigeria. The show, which celebrates creativity in music, dance, fashion, and technology, will air weekly on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv 151) at 5 pm and AIT (DStv 253) at 7pm, with highlights available on Stanbic IBTC’s YouTube channel @stanbicIBTC.

Speaking about the kickoff, Olumide Oyetan, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, said: “FUZE is that platform where young Nigerians can showcase their creativity and innovation, and where the public can witness first-hand the incredible potential within our nation. We are proud to continue providing this stage for talent to shine.”

Stanbic IBTC, through FUZE, continues to underline its commitment to youth empowerment, creativity, and entrepreneurship. By providing a platform where contestants can display their skills to millions of viewers, the organisation reinforces its role in shaping opportunities beyond the financial sector.

Viewers are encouraged to tune in every week to watch the contestants compete, connect with the judges, and take a step closer to the finale of Nigeria’s most inspiring talent showcase. Tune in and experience“The Ultimate Show” and be part of the journey as Nigeria’s brightest talents compete for greatness.

 

Dangote, Ethiopia PM Break Ground on $2.5bn Fertiliser Plant

Dangote, Ethiopia PM break ground on $2.5bn fertiliser plant | Western PostAliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, led the groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday for a $2.5 billion fertiliser plant in Gode, Ethiopia, marking a new chapter in Africa’s industrial development.

The project, a partnership between Dangote Group and Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH), will have an annual production capacity of three million metric tonnes of urea, making it one of the world’s largest fertiliser complexes. Strategically located in Ethiopia’s South-East region, the plant will utilise abundant natural gas from the Hilal and Calub reserves to boost agricultural productivity, create jobs, and improve food security across the Horn of Africa.

At the ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed described the fertiliser project as symbolic of shared responsibility, cooperation, and peace, emphasizing Ethiopia’s commitment to seizing opportunities and elevating the country’s global standing.

“They embody our shared responsibility to harness opportunities, strengthen cooperation, and promote peace. I urge all Ethiopians to continue mobilizing in unity for progress,” Abiy said. “This will enhance Ethiopia’s presence on the global stage and honor our national identity.”

Dangote praised Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and his cabinet for economic reforms and liberalization policies attracting private investment and positioning Ethiopia as a preferred destination for global investors. He lauded the government’s infrastructure investments, including transport, energy, and the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, as foundational to the country’s industrialisation.

“This partnership with Ethiopian Investment Holdings marks a pivotal step in our shared vision to industrialise Africa and achieve food security continent-wide,” Dangote stated. “We bring decades of experience in large-scale industrial projects to ensure this venture becomes a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s industrial transformation.”

He revealed plans to broaden production to include ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, NPK, and calcium ammonium nitrate fertilisers, aiming to establish Ethiopia as a regional fertiliser hub. Dangote predicted that within five years, Ethiopia could become Africa’s leading agricultural nation.

This is Dangote Group’s second major Ethiopian investment; its cement subsidiary has operated a 2.5 million tonnes per annum plant in Mugher for over a decade, with $400 million planned to double capacity.

Dangote emphasized the Group’s Africa-wide strategy, driven by the belief that “only Africans can develop Africa,” with a focus on promoting manufacturing to reduce import dependence. Highlighting Nigeria’s transformation into a net exporter of petroleum products, cement, and fertiliser through Dangote’s investments, he expressed readiness to help other African countries achieve similar industrial progress.

Describing the Gode project as a “new dawn,” Dangote noted it is the first time a private African investor partners with an African government on an industrial complex of this scale. He underlined the Group’s deep understanding of Africa’s challenges and opportunities and reiterated their mission to lead the continent’s industrial transformation.

He also hinted at plans to establish a polypropylene bagging plant in Ethiopia to support the fertiliser industry.

Dangote thanked financial partners, including Afreximbank, Africa Finance Corporation, Access Bank, First Bank, Zenith Bank, and other local banks, for their support.

Mustafa Omar, President of the Somali Region, hailed Dangote as “the anchor investor Ethiopia has been seeking,” recognizing his reputation as a trusted and respected investor throughout Ethiopia and Africa.

Senior Ethiopian government officials, industry leaders, and financiers attended the event.

Beyond Ethiopia, Dangote Group’s footprint is expanding across Africa. Dangote Cement operates with an installed capacity of 55 million tonnes per annum across 11 countries. The Group also built the world’s largest single-train refinery in Nigeria (650,000 barrels per day) and operates a one million metric tonne polypropylene plant. Its fertiliser division, initially producing three million tonnes, is expanding by six million tonnes to become the world’s largest fertiliser operation.

MAN President Announces Aliko Dangote As Guest Speak On Nigeria First Policy At  MAN’s 53rd AGM

Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, Africa’s leading industrialist,  the President/CEO of Dangote Group, will be the Guest Speaker at the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) 53rd Annual General Meeting (AGM).
MAN will use the AGM to deepen the conversation on how to unlock the full potential of the Nigeria First policy.
The theme for this year’s Annual General Meeting “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria” underscores MAN’s unwavering belief that prioritizing local production is the surest path to sustainable growth, employment generation and national development.
President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye disclosed this while delivering his speech at a press conference on Wednesday in Lagos to herald the upcoming 53rd AGM of the MAN, scheduled to hold from Tuesday, 14th to Thursday, 16th October 2025 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
He said, “We are also thrilled to announce that our Distinguished Guest Speaker at this year’s Annual General Meeting is Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, Africa’s leading industrialist, President/ CEO of the Dangote Group. Aliko Dangote’s story is an epitome of the Nigeria First spirit.
“He has built one of Africa’s largest Conglomerates, spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertilizers, and oil refinery.  His investment has redefined the Nigeria industrial landscape, created thousands of jobs, and reducing dependence on imports.  His business decisions, over the past decades, capture the very essence of our theme: “Nigeria First: Prioritizing Patronage of Made in Nigeria.
“His presence will inspire our discussions as we navigate the next phase of Nigeria Industrial growth.
Meshioye said the three-day lineup of activities would be rich and impactful.
“Day one kicks off with the Opening Ceremony of the Made in Nigeria Exhibition which is slated for 12noon. Our distinguished Guest of Honour, who will be officially cutting the ribbon is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume CON; we believe his presence will serve the purpose of further attracting the attention of Government to what is Made in Nigeria, in order to achieve that top of the mind awareness and credible support from the highest level of government. Our distinguished guest of honour will be joined by other dignitaries to draw attention to made in Nigeria products and preach the patriotic gospel of patronage of made in Nigeria at the Exhibition. More than 100 exhibitors will be showcasing their products and thousands of visitors are expected during the 3-day period.
“Day two is planned to be strictly MAN members affairs for the annual general meeting. After the AGM, members will be engaged at a value addition panel discussion on 3D Manufacturing & Risk and Enterprise Management. It is a session planned to give credible accounts to members, create awareness, and sensitize them adequately on thriving in the business of manufacturing.
“On Day three, the engagement will be climaxing with the 5th edition of the Adeola Odutola Lecture/Presidential Luncheon scheduled for Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at 11am with Alhaji Aliko Dangote as our Distinguished Guest Speaker. The exhibition ground will continue to receive guests from far and near, even as we engage at the high-profile lecture. Our Special Guest of Honour on this occasion is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Other Economic Ministers, heads of government departments and agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, our colleagues in the Organized Private Sector, and other stakeholders  will join our members to make the grand finale a huge success.
Meshioye said that these sessions are carefully designed to provoke critical discussions, foster partnership, and highlight the urgency of implementing the “Nigeria First” Policy.
“Over the past year, Nigeria’s economic environment has remained challenging, yet it is marked by renewed hope, as bold policy steps are being taken to reposition the economy for growth. Of particular importance is the introduction of the “Nigeria First”  Policy, a decisive strategy to prioritize locally manufactured goods and services.
“This policy represents a turning point for our nation, one that seeks to foster economic self-reliance, industrialization, and national pride. By mandating all Ministries, Departments, and agencies (MDAs) to patronize made in Nigeria goods and services that can be sourced locally, the Federal Government has signalled its resolve to place local industries at the heart of economic transformation.
“The “Nigeria First” Policy is more than a policy directive, it is a call to action to strengthen our industries, deepen local value chains and reposition Nigeria from being a consumer driven economy to a productive economy,” he encouraged.
NEXIM Bank’s operating profit surges to N30.47bn

Nexim-bankThe Nigerian Export-Import Bank has reported an operating profit of N30.47bn for 2024, up from N13.75bn in 2023, underscoring its growing financial resilience.

In a statement, NEXIM said it also secured a “Bbb+” rating from Agusto & Co, reflecting strong capacity to meet obligations relative to other development finance institutions.

The bank, jointly owned by the CBN and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, attributed the performance to stronger intervention in key sectors, including manufacturing, agriculture, solid minerals, and services.

Managing Director, Mr. Abba Bello, said the bank had disbursed over N495bn to businesses, sustaining more than 36,000 jobs. Initiatives such as the Regional Sealink Project, Factoring Services, and a Joint Project Preparation Fund with Afreximbank also supported growth.

Looking ahead, NEXIM is developing new financing schemes for the mining sector to boost export potential and FX earnings.

Nigeria emerges major crude supplier to Senegal refinery — Report

Crude oilNigeria has emerged as a key crude supplier to the 30,000-barrels-per-day Dakar Refinery in Senegal, even as the country celebrated its entry into the league of oil-producing nations last year.

Senegal began pumping oil in mid-2024 from the Sangomar field, which produces around 100,000 barrels per day of medium sour crude (31° API, 1.0 per cent sulphur), according to a report by industry analyst Kpler.

The report stated that virtually all of this production is exported to Europe, with Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands taking the bulk of cargoes.

However, despite being an oil producer, Senegal cannot feed its lone refinery with its own crude. Industry data shows that the 30 kbd Dakar Refinery is configured to run on lighter, sweeter grades, making Sangomar’s heavier, more sulphurous crude unsuitable.

Instead, the refinery has turned to Nigeria’s Erha crude (36° API, 0.2 per cent sulphur), which fits its processing capacity.

Kpler reports that in recent months, Nigeria has imported about 30 kbd of Erha into Dakar, underlining Nigeria’s role as a lifeline for Senegal’s refining system.

“Senegal’s 30 kbd Dakar refinery, configured to process lighter, sweeter crudes, is currently running on Nigeria’s Erha crude (36° API, 0.2 per cent sulphur), with imports into Dakar averaging 30 kbd in recent months,” Kpler stated.

IRefineries are built to handle certain specifications of crude. The Dakar plant was designed for light, low-sulphur oil, which makes Nigerian grades like Erha an excellent match.

It was learnt that Sangomar crude would require blending before it could be processed locally.

Still, Nigeria’s crude exports only meet part of Senegal’s fuel demand. The country remains heavily reliant on refined product imports.

Between 2024 and 2025, Senegal imported 90 to 100 kbd of fuels, with as much as 60 per cent coming from Russia, mostly gasoil, diesel, and fuel oil.

“To fully meet domestic product demand, Senegal relies heavily on refined imports, particularly from Russia. Of the 90–100 kbd of refined products imported during 2024–2025, 50–60 per cent originated from Russia, mainly gasoil, fuel oil, and diesel,” the report said.

This indicated that while Senegal, an oil-exporting country, relies on Nigeria for crude refinery feedstock, it also depends on Russia for finished fuels.

With Phase 2 of Sangomar under review, involving 33 new wells and a tentative 2027 start-up, Kpler expected the country’s crude output and export to remain steady at 100 kbd for the next few years, leaving Nigeria’s Erha crude and Russian products as the pillars of Senegal’s domestic energy balance.

Meanwhile, local refineries have repeatedly complained about the low crude supply to their facilities.

The Dangote refinery said it was increasingly relying on crude from the United States to meet daily fuel production.

Polaris Bank, NCF extend tree-planting initiative to Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna

Polaris BankPolaris Bank, in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation, has extended its nationwide tree-planting campaign to the Lekki Conservation Centre (Lagos), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (Ogun), and Sardauna Memorial College (Kaduna).

The initiative, launched in 2024 as part of the bank’s World Environment Day activities, is aimed at combating climate change, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainability.

Executive Directors Chris Ofikulu and Sharafadeen Muhammad, who attended the Lagos edition, said the initiative aligns with the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration and underscores Polaris Bank’s commitment to sustainability.

Okeleye Yetunde, Divisional Head, Ogun/Oyo, and Kabir Lawal, Acting Group Head, North West, also emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship in Ogun and Kaduna states, respectively.

The NCF commended the initiative, noting that the selected trees,including fruit-bearing and shade-providing species, would support erosion control, windbreaking, shade, and food security.

Polaris Bank said it remains committed to planting 10,000 trees nationwide and integrating climate action into its long-term growth strategy.

Stanbic IBTC Holdings appoints substantive Group Chief Executive

Stanbic IBTC BankStanbic IBTC Holdings PLC has appointed Mr. Chukwuma Nwokocha as its substantive Group Chief Executive, effective Thursday, October 2, 2025, following regulatory approval.

His appointment comes after Dr. Adekunle Adedeji’s tenure as Acting Chief Executive, during which the Board undertook a formal appointment process. Adedeji will continue as Executive Director/Chief Finance and Value Management Officer.

Commenting on the appointment, the company’s Chairman, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, commended Nwokocha’s strong record in governance, financial oversight, and strategic transformation. She also praised Adedeji’s leadership, noting that under his watch, the Group achieved its best financial performance since inception and completed a rights issue that ensured its banking subsidiary met the CBN’s recapitalisation requirements ahead of the March 31, 2026 deadline.

As of June 30, 2025, Stanbic IBTC reported total assets of N8.12tn, compared with N6.91tn at December 31, 2024. Liabilities rose to N7.17tn from N6.24tn, while equity attributable to ordinary shareholders grew to N941.73bn from N661.89bn, driven by profit and the rights issue.

For H1 2025, gross earnings climbed 35.2% year-on-year to N516.63bn, profit before tax surged 65.8% to N243.74bn, while profit after tax rose 49.1% to N173.43bn. Basic earnings per share stood at 1,078 kobo, up from 884 kobo

Domestic investors cut stock trades by N932bn in August

Nigerian Exchange LimitedDomestic investors on the Nigerian Exchange Limited reduced their trades by a massive N932bn in August, dragging down the overall value of transactions on the local bourse.

According to the Nigerian Exchange’s Domestic and Foreign Portfolio Investment Report for August 2025, total domestic participation fell by 55.87 per cent, from N1.669tn in July to N736.57bn in August.

The sharp decline was largely attributed to the absence of block trades, which had significantly boosted volumes in the previous month.

The fall in domestic activity also weighed on the broader market. Overall transactions dropped 49.95 per cent month-on-month, from N1.815tn in July to N908.38bn in August.

Despite the steep drop, activity in August was still much stronger than the same period last year. Compared with N379.52bn in August 2024, the August 2025 figure represented a 139.35 per cent increase.

A breakdown of the August report showed that institutional investors were the main drivers of the slump. Their trades plunged 65.91 per cent, sliding from N1.152tn in July to N392.9bn in August.

Retail investors also pulled back but less drastically, with transactions declining 33.46 per cent, from N516.5bn in July to N343.67bn in August.

Institutional players still accounted for the majority of the market at 53 per cent, compared with 47 per cent for retail.

In contrast, foreign investors stepped up activity as their transactions rose 17.72 per cent, from N145.95bn in July to N171.81bn in August. Inflows reached N95.14bn, while outflows stood at N76.68bn, indicating relatively balanced sentiment.

As a result, foreign activity made up 18.91 per cent of total trades in August, up from 8.04 per cent in July. Domestic investors still dominated with 81.09 per cent of transactions.

Between January and August 2025, domestic investors traded N5.463tn, compared with N1.453tn by foreign investors, showing locals accounted for 79 per cent of activity in the first eight months of the year.

Both domestic and foreign participation also rose strongly year-on-year. Domestic transactions nearly doubled from N2.82tn in the same period of 2024, while foreign trades more than doubled from N655.5bn.

The longer-term trend shows that domestic investors continue to provide the bulk of market liquidity. Over the past 18 years, domestic transactions have risen 33.15 per cent, from N3.556tn in 2007 to N4.735tn in 2024. Foreign transactions grew 38.31 per cent, from N616bn in 2007 to N852bn in 2024.

Analysts said the sharp August decline was not a sign of weakening fundamentals but rather the effect of an unusually large block trade in July that inflated volumes. Block trades typically involve the purchase or sale of a substantial number of shares in one transaction, often by institutions.

The report also highlighted the impact of exchange rate movements. The naira traded at N1,533.55/$ at the end of July 2025 and slightly strengthened to N1,531.57/$ by the end of August. This relative stability supported foreign flows, though domestic sentiment remained the key driver of overall volumes.

Market observers noted that while foreign participation has increased, the bourse still depends heavily on the decisions of a few large local investors whose trades can swing volumes by hundreds of billions of naira each month.

CBN rate cut to 27% will squeeze banks’ profits – Moody

CBN-VUILDING-700×375Global ratings agency Moody’s Investors Service has warned that Nigeria’s banking sector faces fresh profitability risks after the Central Bank of Nigeria cut its benchmark Monetary Policy Rate to 27% from 27.5%.

The CBN said the 50-basis-point cut was driven by sustained disinflation, projections of further inflation decline, and the need to stimulate economic recovery.

However, Moody’s cautioned that the move could erode banks’ net interest margins unless higher loan volumes offset lower yields.

“We expect the lower policy rate to drive a decline in yields on loans and government securities that will outpace the related decrease in the cost of deposits,” the agency stated, noting that deposit costs adjust more slowly than lending rates.

Net interest income accounted for 62% of Nigerian banks’ operating income in 2024, Moody’s said, stressing that the reduction in the Cash Reserve Requirement would provide only partial relief.

Pensions: Building Long Term Security In Retirement Not Quick Fix

Few issues stir as much passion as pensions. After all, retirement is not some distant concept, it is the very moment when decades of work are meant to translate into dignity, stability, and peace of mind.

For Nigerian workers, the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) is the system designed to ensure that this promise is kept. Yet, as public debates grow louder, it is important to separate emotion from fact, and quick fixes from sustainable solutions.

At the heart of the pension conversation lies a simple question: should retirees be allowed to withdraw their savings in full, or should access remain structured? The former offers instant gratification; the latter seeks to protect long-term security. The choice is not trivial—it is one that determines whether our elders live their final years in comfort or in poverty.

The Hidden Risks of “Take-It-All”

Imagine a retiree with ₦20 million saved up over a career. It may seem logical to withdraw the entire sum and invest it independently. Some might argue that by chasing attractive interest rates or putting the money into a family business, higher returns can be secured. But this perspective often ignores three hard realities.

1.     The first is longevity risk—the possibility of outliving one’s savings. A lump sum might look substantial at 60, but what happens if life stretches to 85 or 90? (which many are praying for). The CPS is deliberately structured to provide income for life, ensuring that retirees do not face destitution in their later years.

2.     The second is market volatility. Treasury bill yields and bond rates do not remain at 15 elevated levels (double digits) indefinitely. They fluctuate sometimes falling to single digits. A retiree who counts on fixed high returns may quickly discover that returns are unpredictable and insufficient, especially during downturns.

3.     The third is investment risk. Stories abound of pensioners who withdraw funds to finance ventures that collapse under inflationary pressures or poor management. The intention may be noble, but the outcome is often tragic: savings vanish, while bills remain.

Two Faces of Retirement

Consider the story of two hypothetical retirees, both of whom left service with ₦20 million. Madam Okeke decided to withdraw everything and invest in a family business. For a while, it seemed promising. But within three years, inflation, currency depreciation, and unforeseen costs left her with nothing. By her early seventies, she had become dependent on relatives for basic needs.

Her colleague, Mr. Ade, opted to remain under the CPS. His monthly pension was modest but consistent. Each month, without fail, his payment arrived. At 80, he still enjoys independence, secure in the knowledge that his pension will not dry up.

Both individuals worked hard; both sought security. But their choices determined whether retirement meant stability or vulnerability.

Why Structure Matters

Some critics argue that restricting lump-sum withdrawals treats retirees like children. In reality, the principle is protective, not paternalistic. Across the world, pension systems are structured to spread income across retirement years because experience shows that without safeguards, many retirees exhaust savings too quickly. Family obligations, health crises, or speculative investments often erode lump sums, leaving individuals vulnerable at the exact stage of life when they are least able to recover financially.

The CPS prevents this outcome by ensuring that pensions last as long as life itself. For retirees who live beyond expectations, payments continue through programmed withdrawals or annuities arranged with insurance companies. The notion that payments “end” at 75 is a misconception; in truth, actuarial science only uses life expectancy as a guide for planning, not a cut-off point.

Building Trust in the System

Trust is the lifeblood of any pension system. Workers must believe that their savings are safe and that administrators are acting in their best interests. Under Nigerian CPS, pension assets are not even held by the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). Instead, they are kept with independent Pension Fund Custodians under the strict oversight of the National Pension Commission (PenCom). This three-tiered structure: Saver, Administrator, Custodian provides layers of security that safeguard against mismanagement.

Since the scheme’s inception in 2004, pension assets have grown to over ₦24 trillion. These funds are invested in government securities, infrastructure, corporate bonds, and housing, supporting not just individual retirees but also the broader Nigerian economy. PFAs earn regulated fees (among the lowest in Africa) while all investment returns accrue to contributors. Far from exploiting workers, the system has built a sustainable pool of capital that benefits both retirees and national development.

The Temptation of Oversimplification

It is easy to believe that giving retirees unrestricted access to their funds is the “fair” solution. But pensions are not simple savings accounts. They are insurance against the twin uncertainties of longevity and economic shocks. Psychologists call it the Dunning-Kruger effect: when complex issues are oversimplified by those who do not fully understand them. In the pension context, what looks like empowerment today may translate into widespread elderly poverty tomorrow.

The Real Struggle

Ultimately, the true enemy is not the pension structure it is poverty. A nation that fails to protect its elders condemns itself to cycles of dependency and despair. Justice in pensions is not about short-term payouts but about ensuring that workers who devoted decades to the economy are not left helpless in their later years.

The CPS was designed precisely for this: to move Nigeria away from the inefficiencies and corruption of the old Defined Benefit Scheme, and toward a sustainable system that outlasts political and economic turbulence.

A Call for Balance

Nigeria must pursue a balanced path one that recognizes retirees’ genuine frustrations while preserving the safeguards that protect them. Quick fixes may win applause in the moment, but true dignity in retirement comes from careful, compassionate, and sustainable reform.

Our elders deserve nothing less.