Gold prices rebounded Saturday morning, reversing a slip earlier this week.

Saigon Jewelry Company gold bar jumped 0.95% to VND159.8 million (US$6,082.99) per tael. A tael equals 37.5 grams or 1.2 ounces.

Gold ring was steady at VND156.8 million per tael. Bullion has risen 84% year-on-year.

Globally gold prices rose on Friday and were on track for a weekly gain, as investors weighed weaker-than-expected U.S. payrolls data along with broader policy and geopolitical uncertainty, Reuters reported.

Spot gold was up 0.5% at $4,496.09 per ounce and was set for about 3.9% weekly gain. Bullion hit a record high of $4,549.71 on Dec. 26.

“Payrolls are showing us a poor job creation environment. Potentially more (geopolitical tension), somewhat higher oil prices, which are inflationary, uncertainty and an easing Fed – all a combination for precious metals,” said Bart Melek, global head of commodity strategy at TD Securities.

Market participants continued to factor in at least two Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, a backdrop historically favorable for gold.

President Bola Tinubu has praised corporate Nigeria, citizens, and other stakeholders in the Nigerian capital market for surpassing the N100 trillion milestone on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX).

President Tinubu described this record achievement as an inspiration for the investing public operating in the money and capital markets.

He urged Nigerians to deepen their investments in the local economy, assuring that 2026 will yield even greater returns as his administration’s economic reforms continue to deliver stronger outcomes.

“With the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) crossing the historic N100 trillion market capitalisation mark, the country is witnessing the birth of a new economic reality and rejuvenation.

“In 2025, while many of the world’s markets struggled with stagnation or tepid recovery, the NGX All-Share Index was on the ascent. It closed 2025 with a 51.19% return, higher than the 37.65% recorded in 2024. This performance ranks among the highest in the world. Year-to-date returns have significantly outpaced the S&P 500, the FTSE 100, and even many of our emerging-market peers in the BRICS+ group.

“Nigeria is no longer a frontier market to be ignored—it is now a compelling destination where value is being discovered. As the stock market reflects the entire economy, its stellar performance is a significant indicator of the country’s economic health and the confidence investors have in our economy

“On the NGX, we have witnessed remarkable performances from listed companies across all sectors. From blue-chip industrial giants that have localised their supply chains, to a banking sector that has demonstrated resilience and technological innovation, Nigerian companies are proving that the country can deliver strong returns on investment.

“And we are just getting started. The pipeline for new and upcoming listings looks robust. More indigenous energy firms, tech unicorns, telecoms, and infrastructure-heavy entities are seeking to access the public market to fund their expansion. As these firms are listed, they will boost market capitalisation and deepen democratic ownership of the Nigerian economy.

“We are not celebrating the superlative stock market performance in isolation. We are also celebrating the microeconomic effects of our reforms. After the initial headwinds that followed our reforms, we are finally seeing a bend in the inflation curve. Crucial monetary tightening and the removal of distortionary ‘Ways and Means’ financing have restored stability to the Naira. Furthermore, investments in the agriculture sector have contributed to a consistent decline in inflation over the past eight months. From a 24-month high of 34.8% in December 2024, inflation decelerated to 14.45% as of November 2025, with projections indicating it will reach 12% in 2026. Indeed, inflation is likely to fall below 10 per cent before the end of this year, leading to improved living standards and accelerated GDP growth. The year 2026 promises to be an epochal year for delivering prosperity to all Nigerians.

“Also noteworthy is the status of our nation’s current account, a valid measure of our overall economic health. In 2024, Nigeria posted a surplus of $16 billion. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), our current account balance is projected to rise to $18.81 billion in 2026, up from $16.94 billion in 2025.

“Under our administration, Nigeria is exporting more and importing less of what we can produce locally. Non-oil exports surged by 48% by the third quarter of 2025, totalling N9.2 trillion. Exports to Africa alone rose by 97% to N4.9 trillion. Manufacturing exports increased by 67% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, suggesting a strong close to the year.

“Nigeria’s foreign reserves have crossed the $45 billion mark, giving the Central Bank the firepower to maintain stability. The Naira has stabilised, moving away from the volatility that once fuelled speculation. The Central Bank of Nigeria, in its latest outlook, projects foreign reserves will cross the $50 billion threshold in the first quarter of 2026.

“We are also seeing an expansion of the rail networks, the completion of major arterial roads and the revitalisation of our ports. With the transformative Lagos-Calabar and Sokoto-Badagry superhighways, the nation’s infrastructure is growing.

“Our medicare facilities are improving, and medical tourism costs are declining. Our students benefit from the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and universities are receiving increased research grants.

“Nation-building is a process, not a destination. Hard work, sacrifices, and the focus of its citizens build a nation. The N100 trillion market capitalisation is a signal to the world that the Nigerian economy is robust and productive.

“As your leader, I pledge to continue working unrelentingly to build an egalitarian, transparent, and high-growth economy that will be further catalysed by the historic tax and fiscal reforms that came into full implementation from January 1,” President Tinubu said.

Bayo Onanuga

Special Adviser to the President

(Information and Strategy)

January 8, 2026

By Ambrose Nwaogwugwu | December 23, 2025

The Imo State Government has formally flagged off the resumption of production at the Imo Aluminum Extrusion Industries Limited, ALEX, Inyishi, Ikeduru Local Government Area, marking the full revival of one of the state’s most historic industrial assets.

Speaking at the event on Tuesday, the Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Chief Barrister Rex C. Anunobi, described the occasion as a defining moment in the state’s industrial rebirth.

He recalled that ALEX was established in 1983 under the administration of the late Chief Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe and once stood as a leading producer of aluminum longspan, profiles, and accessories across Nigeria, operating profitably at full capacity for many years.

Chief Anunobi said the industry later fell into decline due to poor and fraudulent management by its former technical partners, Tower Aluminium Plc and its foreign collaborators, who abandoned the company in a moribund state. The development, he noted, placed over 200 workers, largely Imo indigenes, at the risk of job loss and economic hardship.

He stated that the intervention of Governor Hope Uzodimma, CON, followed a detailed briefing on the near collapse of the company. According to him, the Governor moved swiftly to prevent total extinction, leading to the state takeover and eventual resuscitation of the facility. He praised the Governor for succeeding where previous administrations failed to act.

The Commissioner further commended the indigenous management staff, workers, and the host Inyishi community for protecting the company’s equipment during the years of inactivity, noting that their discipline and loyalty played a key role in the successful revival. He urged staff to cooperate fully with the new management, assuring them that the state government would continue to prioritize their welfare.

Chief Anunobi also disclosed that the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Investment has begun engaging other government ministries and agencies to patronize ALEX for their construction needs, as part of efforts to guarantee steady demand and sustained production.

In a related development, the Acting Managing Director of ALEX, Sir Amaihe Levi, announced that the company will commence full commercial production from tomorrow, following today’s official flag-off by the Imo State Government.

He expressed confidence that the revived plant would once again deliver high-quality aluminum products to the market and contribute meaningfully to employment and industrial growth in the state.

The revival of ALEX adds to the growing list of state-owned assets restored under the Uzodimma administration, reinforcing the government’s focus on industrialization, job creation, and economic self-reliance in Imo State.