The Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited, Jude Chiemeka, has been appointed President of the African Securities Exchanges Association, effective September 30, 2026.

Chiemeka, who also chairs the West African Capital Markets Integration Council, succeeds Pierre Célestin Rwabukumba, Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Stock Exchange, as ASEA moves to deepen integration and strengthen collaboration among African capital markets.

The association, according to a statement, said the appointment comes at a critical time as it seeks to improve market liquidity, strengthen regional connectivity, accelerate technology adoption and promote cross-border capital flows across the continent.

With more than 30 years of experience in the capital markets, spanning securities trading, asset management and investment banking, Chiemeka has played key roles in regional market initiatives and major transactions.

Reacting to his appointment, Chiemeka described it as a privilege to lead ASEA at a time when market integration and technology-driven innovation are increasingly important to Africa’s economic development.

“It is a privilege to lead the African Securities Exchanges Association at a time when capital market integration and technology-driven innovation are paramount to unlocking Africa’s economic potential,” said Mr. Chiemeka.

“Building on the solid foundation laid by my predecessor, Mr Pierre Célestin Rwabukumba, ASEA will continue to advocate for stronger cross-border investment frameworks, deeper liquidity pools, and sustainable finance initiatives across our member exchanges,” he said.

In his outgoing address, Rwabukumba reflected on his tenure: “Leading ASEA has been an honour, and I am proud of the progress we have made in bringing African exchanges closer together. I extend my warmest congratulations to Jude Chiemeka. His extensive leadership across both the Nigerian market and WACMIC makes him exceptionally qualified to guide ASEA into its next chapter of growth.”

Under Chiemeka’s presidency, ASEA will focus on deepening cross-border market integration by facilitating inter-exchange trading and cross-listing across African jurisdictions.

The association will also prioritise digital innovation through the adoption of financial technology and modern market infrastructure to improve operational efficiency and expand retail investor access.

Other priorities include increasing capital mobility by strengthening links with global institutional investors while encouraging greater local participation, as well as promoting sustainable finance through efforts to standardise environmental, social and governance frameworks and green bond listings across member exchanges.

The appointment is expected to further strengthen Nigeria’s role in efforts to integrate African capital markets and create a more connected investment environment across the continent.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has said its decision to cut the Monetary Policy Rate from 26.5 per cent to 23 per cent was designed to stimulate productive activities while sustaining efforts to bring inflation down to a single digit.

The Director, Stakeholder Engagement and Institutional Relations Department of the CBN, Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali, said this on Tuesday at the CBN Special Day during the 21st Abuja International Trade Fair.

“The bank recently reset the Monetary Policy Rate from 26.5 per cent to 23 per cent and recalibrated the Standing Facilities Corridor to +50/-300 basis points around the MPR, to support productive activities without losing focus on bringing inflation down to a single digit from its current position of 15.39 per cent,” Sidi-Ali said.

The 350-basis-point reduction signalled a shift towards monetary easing after an extended period of tight policy aimed at containing inflation and stabilising the foreign exchange market.

Sidi-Ali said the CBN, working with fiscal authorities, had implemented reforms aimed at strengthening macroeconomic stability, restoring investor confidence and supporting sustainable growth.

According to her, businesses are better positioned to plan, invest and expand when inflation moderates, exchange rates are relatively stable, and the financial system remains sound.

She said, “Resilient trade thrives in an environment of macroeconomic stability. Businesses plan and invest with greater confidence when inflation is moderated, exchange rates are relatively stable, and the financial system is sound.”

The CBN director also urged financial institutions to increase financing to productive sectors, while businesses should embrace innovation, strengthen governance and seek new markets.

“Financial institutions must continue to support productive sectors of the economy. Businesses must embrace innovation, improve governance, and explore new markets,” she added.

The CBN also disclosed that Nigeria’s gross external reserves exceeded $55bn as of September 18, 2026, which it described as the highest level in 18 years.

Sidi-Ali attributed the improvement to increased foreign exchange inflows from remittances, investments and greater participation in the formal financial system. She also said the unification of the foreign exchange market had enhanced stability, strengthened investor confidence and reduced market distortions.

The CBN official identified the Payments System Vision 2028 and the banking sector recapitalisation exercise as other reforms intended to strengthen the financial system.

She said the apex bank would continue implementing reforms focused on price stability and financial system resilience while supporting increased competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.

Speaking at the event, the President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Emeka Obegolu, called on the CBN to deepen access to affordable financing for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

He said closer collaboration between the CBN, financial institutions and the organised private sector would help businesses convert economic opportunities into sustainable enterprises and employment.

“We encourage the CBN to continue strengthening initiatives that improve MSMEs’ access to affordable and sustainable financing, deepen financial inclusion, promote digital financial services and enhance the capacity of small businesses to access formal credit,” Obegolu said.

He also called for increased financing for agriculture, manufacturing, trade, technology and export-oriented businesses, noting that high operating costs and limited access to capital continued to constrain businesses.

According to him, targeted financing, credit guarantees and innovative funding mechanisms could help businesses overcome some of those challenges

Nigeria’s financial markets are entering a pivotal transition period driven by a convergence of global geopolitical developments, shifting monetary policy signals, and the commencement of the third quarter corporate earnings reporting season.

Analysts at Coronation Asset Management noted that macro conditions continue to offer both tailwinds and lingering inflationary pressures across key asset classes.

Trading activity on the Nigerian Exchange is expected to become increasingly selective as investors pivot away from broad market rallies toward targeted corporate fundamentals. Following a brief period of profit-taking that pulled the All-Share Index down by 0.52 per cent to 250,808.27 points, market attention is turning directly to third-quarter balance sheets. Investment managers highlight that portfolio realignments will heavily favor firms demonstrating resilient earnings potential to weather high operating costs.

In the global energy space, crude oil prices remain heightened, with Brent spot prices advancing past $100 per barrel due to rising tensions in the Middle East and military risks along Red Sea shipping channels.

While potential emergency stock releases by G7 nations could provide short-term price relief, structural inventory declines continue to underpin the energy market. For Nigeria, elevated crude prices provide vital support for fiscal revenues and foreign exchange reserves, though sustained high global fuel prices threaten to maintain upward pressure on domestic transportation costs and broader inflation.

Foreign exchange dynamics are exhibiting signs of stability, backed by gross external reserves holding near $54.93bn. The spread between the official Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market and the parallel market has narrowed significantly, signaling improved liquidity and reduced speculative pressures.

Addressing the near-term foreign exchange forecast, Coronation Asset Management stated, “We expect the Naira to remain broadly stable in the near term, supported by stronger external buffers, improved FX market conditions and relatively contained exchange-rate pressures. We expect the NFEM rate to trade broadly within the N1,300-N1,350/US$1 range, barring a material deterioration in global risk sentiment, a sharp decline in oil prices or other adverse external shocks.”

In fixed income, short-term yields across government paper are projected to ease gradually, reflecting strong market liquidity and heightened investor demand to lock in elevated yields following recent Monetary Policy Rate adjustments. However, aggressive liquidity sterilization by the Central Bank of Nigeria through large Open Market Operations auctions is anticipated to control the speed of yield declines as monetary authorities balance system liquidity against inflation risks.

Airtel  Nigeria has received two awards at the 2026 Marketing EDGE Awards, winning the Leadership Award in Corporate Social Responsibility and Most Innovative Telecom Operator of the Year.

The awards were presented at the 14th edition of the Marketing EDGE Awards at Ten Degrees Event Centre in Lagos. The annual event recognises companies and professionals for their contributions to marketing communications and the wider business environment.

The telecom firm said the two awards recognise different areas of Airtel Nigeria’s operations, including its investments in telecommunications infrastructure and its social-impact programmes.

The company’s CSR recognition follows its education and community initiatives, including the School Adoption Programme, through which it has renovated and upgraded public primary schools, including classrooms and information and communication technology facilitie

Airtel Nigeria also partners with UNICEF on the Reimagine Education programme, which seeks to expand access to digital learning opportunities for children.

The company has also supported technology education through the Airtel Africa Foundation’s Tech Fellowship. In March, the foundation inducted its first Nigerian cohort, providing full scholarships to 70 undergraduates studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related courses at public universities.

Airtel Africa Foundation Chairman, Dr Segun Ogunsanya, said the programme was aimed at creating opportunities for young Africans and developing the skills needed for the continent’s participation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

“The telecoms operator’s second award recognised its investments in network capacity, products and digital services as demand for connectivity continues to grow across Nigeria,” he said.

Airtel, the second biggest operator has expanded its 4G and 5G networks while developing its broadband, fibre, data and enterprise businesses. It has also introduced digital and financial services aimed at individual and business customers.

In August, the telco expanded its network of premium experience centres as part of efforts to improve customer access to support and services.

Airtel Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, said the centres were intended to complement investments in network infrastructure by improving the customer experience.

“Quality of service extends across the entire customer journey. It includes the strength and reliability of the network, the quality of our products and the ease with which customers can access support,” Balsingh said.