Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: foreign investment

  • Federal Government Unveils Ambitious Gas Master Plan to Drive 2026 Industrial Growth

    Federal Government Unveils Ambitious Gas Master Plan to Drive 2026 Industrial Growth

    According to The Punch, the Nigerian government is set to launch over 60 critical gas projects under the newly refined Gas Master Plan 2026. This initiative is designed to transition the nation toward a gas-driven economy, significantly increasing domestic production while expanding export capacities to bolster foreign exchange reserves.

    The policy framework focuses on leveraging Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves to power local industries and reduce the cost of energy for manufacturers. Government officials believe that by prioritizing gas-to-power and gas-to-industry projects, the country can mitigate the impact of fluctuating oil prices and create a more resilient industrial base.

    ThisDay reported that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources is actively seeking private-sector partnerships to fund the infrastructure required for these projects. A spokesperson for the ministry stated, “Our goal is to turn Nigeria into a regional gas hub within the next twenty-four months.” The Guardian also validated the report, noting that the plan includes significant pipelines and processing plants, with an analyst quoting: “The execution of these 60 projects will be the true litmus test for Nigeria’s energy transition.”

    Echotitbits take:

    This move is a strategic pivot toward “Gas as a Transition Fuel,” aligning with global energy trends. The success of this master plan could drastically lower production costs for Nigerian businesses, which are currently crippled by high diesel prices. However, the primary challenge remains security for pipeline infrastructure and the ability to attract the massive capital investment required to see these projects to completion.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/nnpc-unveils-gas-master-plan-to-boost-nigerias-energy-sector/, and February 2, 2026

    Photo credit: Vanguard

  • Nigeria and United States Reinforce Strategic Trade and Investment Ties

    Nigeria and United States Reinforce Strategic Trade and Investment Ties

    The Guardian reports that Nigeria and the United States reaffirmed plans to deepen bilateral economic relations after a high-level Commercial and Investment Partnership meeting in Lagos.

    Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the engagement is intended to streamline trade processes and attract sustainable U.S. capital into emerging sectors.

    Discussions reportedly centered on agriculture, the digital economy, and manufacturing, with both sides looking to reduce trade barriers and improve investor confidence through policy consistency.

    Channels TV and BusinessDay also covered the meeting, noting expectations of a more predictable operating environment for U.S. firms and potential FX benefits tied to stronger commercial flows.

    Echotitbits take: The timing is strategic as Nigeria tries to diversify away from crude oil. The reported involvement of U.S. agriculture-linked stakeholders hints at food-security collaboration via technology transfer. Watch for follow-on instruments such as export incentives for non‑oil products and targeted investor protections.

    Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/business-services/nigeria-u-s-remain-committed-to-economic-ties-says-oduwole/ 2026-01-30

    Photo Credit: The Guardian

  • Presidential Incentives Target Multibillion-Dollar Shell Bonga Southwest Project

    Presidential Incentives Target Multibillion-Dollar Shell Bonga Southwest Project

    Presidential Incentives Target Multibillion-Dollar Shell Bonga Southwest Project

    Reporting by The Nation indicates that President Bola Tinubu has approved a suite of targeted fiscal incentives to catalyze investment in major deep offshore oil projects, specifically focusing on Shell’s Bonga Southwest development. The move is intended to unlock thousands of jobs and ensure a steady inflow of foreign exchange. The President emphasized that these are “disciplined and globally competitive” measures rather than blanket tax holidays.

    The incentives are structured to make Nigeria’s energy sector more attractive to international oil companies (IOCs) who have recently pivoted toward other African frontiers. During a meeting with Shell’s Global CEO, Wael Sawan, the Presidency highlighted that Shell and its partners have already committed nearly $7 billion to various Nigerian projects over the past 13 months. This new policy framework is expected to accelerate the Final Investment Decision (FID) for Bonga Southwest.

    Validation from Vanguard shows that industry analysts see this as a turning point for the petroleum sector, with one expert stating that policy stability is critical for restoring long-term upstream confidence. Additionally, Channels TV reported that the government expects the project to generate sustained revenue over the life of the asset. Shell’s CEO remarked that Nigeria’s investment climate has improved, giving the company confidence to evaluate longer-term horizons.

    Echotitbits take: After years of divestment talk, this is a major signal to Nigeria’s upstream sector. The focus on targeted rather than blanket incentives suggests a more sophisticated approach to balancing investor needs with national revenue. The immediate impact will be on FX stability if these projects move from paper to production.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/shells-5bn-bonga-swest-project-gets-presidential-support/ (2026-01-23)

    Photo Credit: The Punch 2026-01-23

  • EU Formally Removes Nigeria from High-Risk Financial Jurisdictions

    EU Formally Removes Nigeria from High-Risk Financial Jurisdictions

    The European Union has delisted Nigeria from its list of high-risk third countries for anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT), following regulatory reforms and enhanced supervisory measures.

    The delisting is expected to reduce “enhanced due diligence” friction for Nigeria–EU financial flows, with potential benefits for trade finance access and cross-border transaction efficiency.

    Echotitbits take: This is a material ease-of-doing-business tailwind. Over time, it should lower transaction costs for importers and improve the attractiveness of Nigeria-facing corridors for European banks and investors.

    Source: Finance – https://finance.gov.ng/nigeria-welcomes-european-commissions-removal-of-the-country-from-eu-aml-cft-high-risk-list/ (January 17, 2026)

    Photo Credit: Finance

  • Nigeria’s FDI jumps to $720m in Q3 as investor appetite rebounds

    Nigeria’s FDI jumps to $720m in Q3 as investor appetite rebounds

    2025-12-31 08:14:00

    In an update published by PUNCH, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s balance-of-payments data shows foreign direct investment rose to about $720 million in Q3 2025—well above the prior quarter—signalling stronger long-term capital flows.

    The report links the uptick to improved long-term equity participation and reinvested earnings, with broader macro indicators providing a friendlier backdrop for foreign investors.

    While portfolio flows can swing fast, FDI is the stickier vote of confidence—typically tied to longer-horizon commitments and real-economy decisions.

    Validation: Radio Now said “Foreign direct investment into Nigeria jumped sharply to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, up from $90 million in the second quarter.” and The Will reported “jumped to $720m in Q3 2025… marking the highest level this year.”

    Echotitbits take: The headline is strong, but sustainability matters more than a one-quarter spike. Watch Q4/Q1 continuity, sector breakdowns, and whether FX-market stability remains credible enough for long-term investors.

    Source: The Punch — 31 December 2025 (https://punchng.com/nigeria-attracts-720m-fdi-as-foreign-investment-rebounds/)

    The Punch 31 December 2025

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Dangote Refinery IPO to Pay Dollar-Denominated Dividends

    Dangote Refinery IPO to Pay Dollar-Denominated Dividends

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    Aliko Dangote has disclosed that the planned initial public offering of the Dangote Refinery will feature dollar‑denominated dividends to attract global investors. He said the structure is designed to hedge against naira volatility and position the refinery as a world‑class asset in international capital markets.

    The IPO is expected to deepen liquidity on the Nigerian Exchange and provide new investment options for domestic and diaspora investors. Market watchers say the listing could become one of the largest in Africa, offering exposure to downstream petroleum revenues and non‑oil export earnings.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025 2025-12-11

  • PZ Cussons Suspends Africa Exit Plan, Bets on Nigeria’s Recovery

    PZ Cussons Suspends Africa Exit Plan, Bets on Nigeria’s Recovery

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    Consumer goods giant PZ Cussons has withdrawn its earlier plan to exit Africa, saying it now sees a path to recovery and growth in Nigeria after a period of macroeconomic headwinds. The company cited stabilising reforms, improving foreign‑exchange conditions and signs of demand recovery as reasons for maintaining its Nigerian operations.

    Management explained that restructuring efforts, portfolio optimisation and better pricing strategies are helping to restore profitability. The decision is expected to reassure investors, protect local jobs and sustain competition in Nigeria’s fast‑moving consumer goods market, which has been under pressure from inflation and currency depreciation.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025 2025-12-12

  • Alake Unveils New Incentives to Court Global Mining Capital

    Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake announced incentives aimed at attracting global mining investors as Nigeria pushes deeper non-oil diversification. The strategy is expected to focus on policy clarity, value-chain development and improved investor confidence.

    Industry observers see the move as part of a broader attempt to formalise operations and expand jobs in critical minerals.

    2025-12-10

    The Nation

    2025-12-10