Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Investment

  • NSDC and NEXIM Partner to Secure $2 Billion Funding for Sugar Industry

    NSDC and NEXIM Partner to Secure $2 Billion Funding for Sugar Industry

    In an update published by The Punch, the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) and the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) have entered a strategic partnership to revolutionize Nigeria’s sugar sector. The agreement, finalized in Abuja, aims to secure long-term financing through an Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Financing (EPCF) model. This framework is designed to support commercially viable sugar projects that can meet the domestic demand, currently valued at approximately $2 billion.

    Under the new arrangement, the NSDC will focus on preparing investment-ready projects and assisting with equity raises. Meanwhile, NEXIM Bank will leverage its international network to attract funding from export credit agencies and development finance institutions. The partnership also includes safeguards such as risk insurance and guarantees to protect investors. This move is part of a broader government policy to reduce dependency on imported sugar and boost local production capacity.

    Executive Secretary of the NSDC, Kamar Bakrin, highlighted that the continental sugar market in Africa is nearing $7 billion, presenting a massive export opportunity for Nigeria. He emphasized that the industry requires “sustained, large-scale financing” rather than short-term loans to achieve the goals of the Nigerian Sugar Master Plan. The collaboration is expected to create thousands of jobs and stimulate growth in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

    Validating the report, ThisDay noted that “this partnership is a cornerstone of the FG’s industrialization drive,” while Daily Trust quoted a NEXIM official saying, “We are ready to provide the financial buffers needed to make Nigeria a sugar-exporting hub.”

    Echotitbits take: If successful, this could be a game-changer for Nigeria’s balance of trade. The sugar industry has long been under-capitalized despite the existence of a Master Plan. The focus on the EPCF model suggests a more structured approach to infrastructure development in the sector.

    Source: The Cable – https://www.thecable.ng/sugar-council-nexim-partner-on-long-term-financing-to-curb-import-dependence/, February 12, 2026

    Photo credit: The Cable

  • South East Governors Propose Regional Common Market to Drive Growth

    South East Governors Propose Regional Common Market to Drive Growth

    Figures cited by Champion Newspapers show a renewed push for regional integration as Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State called for the creation of a “South East Common Market.” During a developmental launch where Vice President Kashim Shettima unveiled the Vision 2050 blueprint for the region, Governor Mbah argued that reimagining the five states as a single economic bloc is essential for industrialization. The proposal aims to harmonize trade policies and infrastructure projects across the South East.

    The Vision 2050 blueprint is designed to leverage the region’s entrepreneurial strength while addressing long-standing infrastructure deficits. The Vice President highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting regional initiatives that align with national economic goals. This collaborative approach is expected to attract significant foreign direct investment (FDI) into the region’s manufacturing and technology sectors.

    The Sun and Leadership Newspaper have also reported on the Enugu summit. The Sun stated that “the governors have agreed to set up a technical committee to oversee the integration process.” Leadership Newspaper quoted a regional trade leader who said, “a unified market will eliminate the double taxation that currently plagues inter-state commerce in the East.”

    Echotitbits take:

    A South East Common Market could be a game-changer for Nigerian internal trade, mirroring the success of the EU on a smaller scale. If the states can successfully integrate their rail and power projects, the region could become the nation’s primary industrial hub. The biggest challenge remains the “sit-at-home” disruptions which must be permanently resolved to ensure the market’s viability.

    Source: DailyTrust – https://dailytrust.com/shettima-unveils-25-year-economic-blueprint-for-southeast/, February 5, 2026

    Photo credit: DailyTrust

  • Domestic Investors Drive N126 Billion Gain in Nigerian Stock Market

    Domestic Investors Drive N126 Billion Gain in Nigerian Stock Market

    In an update published by Daily Post, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) continued its positive run on Tuesday as investors saw their wealth grow by N126 billion. The market capitalization rose to N106.088 trillion, driven by strong buying interest in medium and large-cap stocks. The All-Share Index (ASI) advanced by 0.12 percent, reflecting a sustained optimism among domestic institutional investors and retail traders alike.

    The rally was spearheaded by gains in the real estate and financial services sectors, with firms like Union Homes and Access Corporation recording significant trading volumes. Despite a slight decline in overall trading volume compared to previous sessions, the transaction value remained high, suggesting that high-value trades are dominating the market floor.

    Leadership noted that the market performance was “largely driven by renewed buying interest in the banking sector,” specifically naming GTCO and Access Bank as key drivers. The Nation further validated the trend, reporting that “the Nigerian stock market has remained resilient despite global economic shifts,” attributing the growth to local pension fund activity.

    Echotitbits take: The dominance of domestic investors is a double-edged sword; it provides stability against global shocks but may limit the market’s total growth potential. Watch for any moves by the NGX to attract more foreign portfolio investors later in the year.

    Source: The Nation – https://thenationonlineng.net/stock-markets-capitalisation-rises-to-n127tr/ January 28, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • Diaspora Remittances Hit Record High as Nigeria Simplifies FX Inflows

    Diaspora Remittances Hit Record High as Nigeria Simplifies FX Inflows

    Diaspora remittances into Nigeria reportedly hit a record monthly high in January 2026, driven by FX market reforms that narrowed the gap between official and parallel market rates and encouraged formal channels.

    The CBN’s incentive approach and the licensing of new International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) have helped reduce transfer costs, with analysts describing remittances as a key pillar for reserves stability.

    Policy discussions are also shifting toward remittance-backed bonds that would allow diaspora funds to support infrastructure projects, converting consumption inflows into long-term development capital.

    Echotitbits take: For years, billions bypassed the official system. Better FX transparency is restoring diaspora confidence in formal channels. The next step—Diaspora Bonds—could help close Nigeria’s infrastructure funding gap, but only if managed transparently and credibly.
    Source: This Day – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/17/how-cbn-reforms-are-boosting-nigerias-fx-inflows-balance-of-payments/ 2026-01-27

    Photo Credit: This Day

  • Nigerian Stock Market Faces N395 Billion Loss Amid Profit-Taking

    Nigerian Stock Market Faces N395 Billion Loss Amid Profit-Taking

    The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) recorded a downturn last week as market capitalization fell by an estimated N395 billion, driven largely by intensified profit-taking following a period of sustained gains.

    The All-Share Index closed lower, reflecting softer sentiment across major sectors including banking, consumer goods, and industrial products. Even with the overall decline, selective counters in insurance and oil and gas reportedly posted modest gains, suggesting pockets of bargain hunting.

    Market analysts describe the move as a normal correction typical of extended rallies, with expectations that sentiment may stabilize as listed companies begin releasing full-year financial results. Separate reporting also cited the week’s closing market capitalization figure and noted that investor positioning remains sensitive to earnings and macro signals.

    Echotitbits take: This is a classic “sell-off” period. Smart investors will be looking for undervalued stocks during this dip, especially in the banking sector, which remains fundamentally strong despite the index drop.
    Source: Ripples – https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/ngx-roundup-investors-lose-n395bn-as-equity-market-continues-to-boom/  2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: Ripples

  • Presidential State Visit to Türkiye Focuses on Bilateral Trade and Security

    Presidential State Visit to Türkiye Focuses on Bilateral Trade and Security

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is departing Abuja on January 26, 2026, for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and signing new Memoranda of Understanding across security, aviation, and scientific research.

    The delegation includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Defence, and the Attorney General, with talks expected to focus on increasing trade volume and deepening cooperation in defense technology and infrastructure. Officials say the discussions will target practical outcomes that improve Nigeria’s security capacity and economic performance.

    Despite the strategic importance of the trip, the presidency has faced criticism over the level of detail released about the itinerary. Government officials maintain that the engagement is designed to deliver measurable economic and security benefits, and that both countries will also hold strategic political and diplomatic discussions around shared priorities.

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria is looking to Türkiye as a key partner for defense procurement and agricultural technology. The success of this trip will be measured by the concrete investment figures in the defense and manufacturing sectors by year-end.
    Source: State House – https://statehouse.gov.ng/president-tinubu-to-undertake-state-visit-to-turkiye/ 2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: State House Media

  • Global Trade Shifts: Okonjo-Iweala Urges Nigeria to Court Strategic Investors

    Global Trade Shifts: Okonjo-Iweala Urges Nigeria to Court Strategic Investors

    Global Trade Shifts: Okonjo-Iweala Urges Nigeria to Court Strategic Investors

    WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urged Nigeria to aggressively court strategic investors as multinationals diversify supply chains away from China, stressing digital trade and infrastructure as anchors for industrial growth.

    Additional coverage across Nigerian media and stakeholder reactions indicate that the implications of the development will be closely watched in the coming days as policy, security, and market signals evolve.

    Echotitbits take: This highlights a critical pivot from aid-seeking to investment-attraction. Watch for whether the Federal Government introduces new tax incentives specifically for companies exiting the Asian market to set up local manufacturing hubs.

    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/davos-2026-target-global-investors-to-cut-imports-create-jobs-okonjo-iweala-advises-fg/ (2026-01-22)

    Photo credit: Vanguard

    2026-01-22 09:00:00

     

  • NGX Market Cap Nears ₦100 Trillion Milestone Amid Investor Optimism

    NGX Market Cap Nears ₦100 Trillion Milestone Amid Investor Optimism

    In a report by BusinessDay, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) All-Share Index was said to be nearing 160,000 points, with market capitalization approaching the ₦100 trillion threshold. President Bola Tinubu reportedly welcomed the milestone and urged greater local investment.

    The rally has been linked to strong banking, industrial, and oil and gas performances, with investors using equities as a hedge amid inflation. Analysts also cited improved FX stability as a factor supporting sentiment and potential foreign inflows.

    Officials believe deeper markets could help the private sector raise long-term capital for infrastructure, though some observers warn market gains need to align with real-sector productivity to be sustainable.

    The Nation and Tribune Online also reported on rising activity, including increased retail participation through mobile trading apps.

    Echotitbits take: ₦100 trillion is a major psychological level. If sustained, it could accelerate IPO plans and broaden capital formation—provided earnings and governance keep pace.

    Source: NgxGroup – https://ngxgroup.com/ngx-market-cap-tops-%E2%82%A6100trn-on-strong-early-year-buying/ 2026-01-09

    Photo Credit: NGX Group

  • PwC Forecasts 4.3% GDP Growth for Nigeria in 2026, Cites Reforms and Digital Shift

    PwC Forecasts 4.3% GDP Growth for Nigeria in 2026, Cites Reforms and Digital Shift

    Insights from The Punch show PwC Nigeria is projecting a 4.3% expansion in Nigeria’s GDP in 2026, pointing to energy sector recovery and ongoing digital transformation in financial services.

    The report also linked growth prospects to sustained reform momentum, including fiscal adjustments and improvements in oil-region security.

    PwC flagged risks around inflation and external shocks, warning that poorly managed transitions could squeeze SMEs.

    **Echotitbits take:** The projection is achievable—but only if reforms translate into investment, stable prices and inclusive growth. Watch for policy clarity and execution speed, especially around taxes, FX and energy.
    Source: BusinessDay — https://businessday.ng/business-economy/article/nigerias-tax-to-gdp-ratio-seen-rising-in-2026-as-reforms-kick-in/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: BusinessDay

  • Nigerian Capital Market Hits Historic ₦100 Trillion Milestone

    Nigerian Capital Market Hits Historic ₦100 Trillion Milestone

    Figures cited by Vanguard show that the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) has crossed the ₦100 trillion market capitalization threshold for the first time in history. This unprecedented surge occurred during the opening sessions of the first week of 2026, driven by aggressive buying interest in blue-chip stocks. Analysts attribute this ‘January effect’ to renewed investor confidence in the federal government’s long-term economic stability measures.

    The rally reflects a significant shift in market sentiment as both domestic and institutional investors pivot toward high-yielding equity assets. Experts noted that the milestone is not merely a symbolic victory but a reflection of the deepening of the Nigerian financial sector, which has seen increased participation from local pension fund administrators and retail investors seeking a hedge against previous inflationary pressures.

    The development was also highlighted by The Nation and BusinessDay. The Nation reported that the ‘stock market capitalization hits ₦101 trillion,’ marking a rapid climb in valuation. Similarly, BusinessDay observed that ‘Nigeria crosses ₦100trn market cap on January effect,’ noting that the surge positions the NGX as a dominant force in sub-Saharan African capital markets.

    Echotitbits take: Hitting the ₦100 trillion mark is a psychological breakthrough for the Nigerian economy. It suggests that despite the hardships of 2025, the private sector is betting on a 2026 recovery. However, the concentration of wealth in a few blue-chip stocks means the government must work harder to ensure this liquidity trickles down to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
    Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/apc-draws-battle-line-with-wike-over-rivers-political-control/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: Guardian