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World Bank Approves $2.25bn Loan For Nigeria

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Minister of finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun has announced the approval of two major “financial support packages” by the World Bank — valued at $2.25 billion.

Ekwutosblog reports that the development is part of President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy, reposition it for sustained and inclusive growth, and provide urgent support to the poor and vulnerable, according to a statement made available on Thursday by Mohammed Manga, the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations.

“The approved operations include $1.5 billion for the Nigeria Reforms for Economic Stabilization to Enable Transformation (RESET) Development Policy Financing Program (DPF) and $750 million for the Nigeria Accelerating Resource Mobilization Reforms (ARMOR) Program-for-Results (PforR),” the statement reads.

“The combined total of $2.25 billion will provide essential financial and technical support as the government continues to address economic distortions.”

Also, Manga said the support package will assist Nigeria in its long-term goal of increasing non-oil revenues and securing oil revenues to ensure fiscal sustainability and the delivery of quality public services.

He said ‘RESET’ aims to strengthen Nigeria’s economic policy framework, create fiscal space, and protect the poor and vulnerable.

The statement also noted that ‘Armor PforR’ supports tax and excise reforms, improves tax revenue and customs administration, and safeguards oil revenues.

Commenting on the approval, Edun welcomed the support of the World Bank.

“We have undertaken bold and necessary reforms to restore macroeconomic stability and put Nigeria on a path to sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” he said.

“These reforms will create quality jobs and economic opportunities for all Nigerians.

“We welcome the support of the RESET and ARMOR programs as we further consolidate and implement our policy reforms, consistent with accelerating investment and using public resources more sustainably to achieve our development goals.”

On his part, Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank vice-president for Western and Central Africa, lauded the country’s efforts in reforming the financial sector.

“Nigeria’s comprehensive macro-fiscal reforms are placing the country on a new path that can stabilize the economy and lift people out of poverty,” Diagana said.

“It is essential to maintain the momentum of these reforms and continue to provide support to the poor and vulnerable to mitigate the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.”

The vice-president said the financing package will strengthen the World Bank’s strong partnership with Nigeria and support efforts to rejuvenate the economy and expedite poverty reduction, serving as an example for Africa.

 

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Business

CAC reviews service fees

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June 18, 2025

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The Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, has announced a review of its service fees, scheduled to take effect from August 1, 2025.

Ekwutosblog learnt that the review followed a thorough evaluation of current economic conditions, rising operational costs, and consultations with key stakeholders across relevant sectors by the Commission.

The adjustments affect services provided to companies, business names, limited partnerships, and incorporated trustees, including post-incorporation filings and other regulatory services.

 

A comprehensive list of the new fees is available on the CAC website.

The adjustment is reportedly aimed at improving service delivery through enhanced digital operations.

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Business

Lagos loses N4trn yearly to traffic congestion, moves to regulate tanker operations

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6 days ago

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June 13, 2025

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The Lagos State Government has disclosed that the state suffers economic losses amounting to approximately N4 trillion each year due to persistent traffic congestion

This was revealed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, during a recent interview on TVC News.

He identified unregulated parking and the chaotic activities of tankers and articulated vehicles along key logistics corridors as major contributors to the problem.

In response, the government has announced the enforcement of an Electronic Call-Up (E-Call-Up) system, scheduled to take effect from Monday, June 16, 2025.

The initiative targets tankers and articulated vehicles operating along the Lekki-Epe corridor

Giwa explained that all truck operators entering Lagos to load or offload goods will now be required to register and book their movements through the E-Call-Up platform.

The system is designed to coordinate truck activities, eliminate indiscriminate roadside parking, and reduce traffic disruptions.

“Under the new system, tanker operators will be required to upload their Authority to Load, ATL, and pre-book assigned parking slots before arriving in Lagos.

The platform will also collect relevant cargo and travel data, supporting better logistical planning and enforcement.

Seven dedicated truck parks have been approved along the Lekki-Epe axis. These facilities will be equipped with restrooms, kitchens, electricity, and other basic amenities to support driver welfare and operational efficiency.

Giwa stated that the policy is the outcome of more than two years of stakeholder engagement and is a key part of the state’s broader efforts to reform its transportation system and build a more efficient and resilient urban environment.

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Arnold Ekpe: Nine things you need to know about new Chairman of Dangote Sugar

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6 days ago

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June 12, 2025

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Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc recently appointed Mr Arnold Ekpe as the new Chairman of its Board, effective 16th June 2025.

Ekpe’s appointment comes after the retirement of Alhaji Aliko Dangote as Chairman of the company on Wednesday.

Dangote’s retirement brought an end to a 20-year leadership of the company.

His retirement will take effect starting from June 16, this year, according to a statement issued yesterday by Company Secretary Temitope Hassan.

However, Ekwutosblog brings you seven things you need to know about Dangote’s replacement, Arnold Ekpe:

1. Ekpe is a seasoned finance professional with more than thirty years of experience in the corporate sectors and banking.

2. He was born in Aug. 1953 in Nigeria, and went to King’s College, Lagos, where he graduated in 1972 and later traveled to abroad for his tertiary education.

3. Ekpe attended the University of Manchester and earned a First Class Honours degree in Engineering as a Shell Scholar (1973–1976).

4. He later obtained an MBA from Manchester Business School (1977–1979).

5. Ekpe started his career in 1977 with Schlumberger SA as a Wireline Logging Engineer.

6. He joined Alcan Aluminium Nigeria as Executive Assistant to the CEO in 1979.

7. Ekpe then entered the banking industry in the early 1980s, starting at International Merchant Bank (an affiliate of First Chicago) as Head of Strategy.

8. He later became Group CEO of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, a role he held until his retirement in 2012.

9. He has served as an Independent Non‑Executive Director at Dangote Sugar Refinery since 2024.

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