Skyway Aviation Handling Company has secured the ISO/IEC Information Security Management System certification.

According to the company, the achievement puts the company as the first aviation ground handling company in Nigeria and one of the few in Africa to attain the globally recognised standard.

ISO/IEC 27001:2022, as it is called, is regarded as the international benchmark for information security management. It provides a comprehensive framework for protecting sensitive data, managing cybersecurity risks and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information.

In the technology-driven aviation industry, the certification is seen as critical to safeguarding operational systems and customer data. It followed a rigorous audit and compliance assessment conducted by a globally accredited certification body, during which the company met all requirements.

The milestone, SAHCO said, reflects its commitment to cyber resilience, operational excellence and world-class service delivery.

Speaking on the achievement, Executive Director Dr Babatunde Afolabi said information security must be embedded across the organisation.

He said, “Information security is not just an IT function; it is an organisational responsibility.” Every employee plays a role in protecting our systems and customer data.

“Through structured training, strict policies and continuous monitoring, we have built a proactive security culture that supports safe, secure and reliable aviation operations.”

He noted that in aviation ground handling, robust information security is fundamental to business continuity and safety.

“By attaining ISO/IEC 27001:2022, SAHCO has demonstrated industry-leading capability in identifying security risks, implementing preventive controls and maintaining business continuity in the face of evolving cyber threats,” he added.

The certification covers SAHCO’s core operational areas, including cargo handling, customer information management, operational systems and key corporate support services.

Implementation involved extensive risk assessments, deployment of security controls, staff awareness programmes, incident response planning and continuous monitoring aligned with international best practices.

The company said the latest feat adds to its existing certifications, including ISAGO and other regulatory and quality standards, further positioning it as a trailblazer in Africa’s aviation ground handling sector.

“With this milestone, SAHCO becomes part of an elite group of global aviation ground handling service providers operating under internationally certified information security management standards.

“We are setting a new benchmark for excellence in Nigeria and across the African continent,” Afolabi stated.

The President and Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to urgently convene a national retreat to resolve Nigeria’s persistent electricity crisis, warning that widespread power outages could undermine the country’s industrialisation drive and economic growth.

Dangote made the appeal at the official national launch of the National Industrial Policy 2025 in Abuja, themed “From Policy to Productivity: Implementing Nigeria’s Industrial Future.”

The policy emerged against the backdrop of a weak manufacturing sector, which, due to poor electricity supply, high production costs, limited access to finance, infrastructure deficits, and heavy reliance on imports, has been constrained.

The event was attended by top government officials, captains of industry, and development partners, with President Bola Tinubu represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima

In his goodwill message, Dangote stressed that without stable electricity, Nigeria would struggle to create jobs, drive industrial productivity, or achieve sustainable economic growth.

“One of the things that I want to advise Your Excellency, Mr Vice President, is to call a national forum where we will have a one- or two-day retreat and resolve the issues of power. Because without power, Mr Vice President, there is no way in any country you can create growth or create jobs. So, power means growth. No power, no growth. So we must make sure that we tackle this issue,” he said.

His comments were greeted with applause from participants, including the Vice President. Dangote noted that while government policies to support industrialisation were commendable, the electricity challenge remained the single most critical constraint to manufacturing and job creation.

“We know what you call industrial policy; it is actually very, very important because the government cannot create jobs. They can only facilitate. And I think they have already given us whatever we need to create jobs. The policies that they have put in place are very good. Nigeria is a very big market. Not only that, this is a market where we are supposed to be serving other African nations,” he added.

However, he stressed that policy incentives alone were insufficient without strong infrastructure and protection of domestic industries.

“But one thing that we need is not only the policy. The policy is there. If you look at the incentives that we have for people to invest in Nigeria, actually, they are even more than what we need. The only thing that is remaining is the protection of industries.”

According to him, excessive importation remained a major threat to local manufacturing. “Even if you give us zero-interest loans, free land and power, if there is no protection, there is no way any industry will thrive here. Importation of anything is importation of poverty and exportation of jobs,” Dangote stated.

The billionaire industrialist lamented that many manufacturers now spend more on power generation than on production due to erratic electricity supply.

“So, people who are buying diesel, I would have loved to sell more diesel, but that is not the right way. The right way is to make sure there is power. Some factories spend more money generating electricity than producing goods. You have to set up your own power plant and also a standby. That does not make sense. There is nowhere you can get prosperity that way,” he added.

Dangote’s remarks came amid a recent five-day power supply disruption linked to gas maintenance activities, which triggered widespread blackouts across several parts of the country and heightened concerns among manufacturers and businesses.

Seven power plants across Nigeria experienced gas supply constraints between February 12 and 15, 2026, as Seplat Energy shut down a major facility for scheduled maintenance, lading to nationwide generation shortfalls.

His comments reflected ongoing concerns in the organised private sector following the recent gas supply maintenance shutdown that affected power generation and led to load shedding across the country.

Stakeholders have repeatedly warned that frequent outages are forcing companies to rely on diesel and alternative energy sources, significantly raising production costs and contributing to inflation.

Dangote also highlighted the dominance of the private sector in Nigeria’s economy, urging stronger collaboration between government and businesses. “Nigeria is the only country in Africa where the private sector is bigger than the government. When you look at GDP, the private sector contributes almost 90 per cent, compared to the government’s 10 per cent,” he said. “We have what it takes to create massive consumption, massive industry, and disposable income.”

He added that entrepreneurs must also support national development by paying taxes and complying with regulations. “When we do our business, we must pay our taxes. It is a joint venture. The government is the major shareholder in every business. Today, the government makes more money in our cement business than anybody. But that is okay, so far they allow us to expand and prosper.”

Dangote further said recent economic reforms had improved investor confidence and currency stability. “With the policies that this government has implemented, people are beginning to see the results. Manufacturers are happy. The stability of the currency is encouraging investors to come into Nigeria,” he said.

He projected that the naira could strengthen further if import dependence is reduced. “We should manufacture what we consume. That is the only way to create jobs. If we block unnecessary imports and support local production, the naira will get stronger,” he said.

The Dangote Group says it has signed a $400 million construction equipment agreement with XCMG Construction Machinery Company Limited, one of China’s leading manufacturers of construction machinery, in a move set to accelerate the expansion of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals from 650,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day, positioning it to become the largest refinery in the world.

The agreement, it was stated, will enable the group to acquire an additional wide range of advanced construction equipment to support ongoing and forthcoming projects across refining, petrochemicals, agriculture and large-scale infrastructure development.

In a statement on Monday, the Dangote Group said the new equipment will complement existing assets deployed for the refinery expansion, which is expected to be completed within three years.

In the statement, the group described the agreement as a strategic investment aimed at deepening its construction footprint and accelerating its ambition to build a $100bn enterprise by 2030.

“The additional equipment we are acquiring under this partnership will significantly enhance execution across our projects. With this investment, we are positioning ourselves to become the number one construction company in the world,” the statement partly read.

Dangote Group added that it is currently accelerating expansion and regional market development as it advances toward its long-term vision of building a $100bn enterprise by 2030.

“Beyond refining, the expansion programme will see polypropylene production increase from 900,000 metric tonnes per annum to 2.4 million metric tonnes per annum. Urea capacity in Nigeria will be tripled from 3 million to 9 million metric tonnes per annum, in addition to the 3 million metric tonnes per annum capacity in Ethiopia, strengthening the Group’s position as the largest urea producer globally.

“Production capacity for Linear Alkyl Benzene will also be increased to 400,000 metric tonnes per annum, positioning the Group as the largest producer in Africa and strengthening supply to the detergent and cleaning agents manufacturing industry. Additional base oil production capacity also forms part of the broader expansion programme,” the group said.

Recall that the Dangote refinery recently announced that it had reached its current nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, saying it now has the capacity to pump 75 million litres of petrol per day.

In January, the refinery outpaced importers, supplying over 40 million litres of petrol daily, taking 62 per cent of the market share last month.

Nigeria’s sharp inflation decline signals reform gains, as monetary tightening, stronger reserves, and improved forex management reinforce naira stability and restore investor confidence, JUSTICE OKAMGBA writes

Nigeria’s inflation rate has fallen sharply from 27.61 per cent in January 2024 to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, reflecting the combined impact of monetary easing and structural reforms introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The moderation in price growth has coincided with improved foreign exchange stability, a rebound in foreign reserves to $46.8bn, and a steadier naira. As the Monetary Policy Committee prepares to meet on February 23 and 24, expectations are high that policymakers will maintain their focus on macroeconomic stability to accelerate the disinflation process, boost FX inflows, and strengthen the domestic currency.

Recent data signal that the economy may be entering a more stable phase. Headline inflation eased to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, down from 15.15 per cent in December, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The NBS report showed that the Consumer Price Index fell to 127.4 in January from 131.2 in December, representing a 3.8-point decrease. The decline was largely attributed to lower prices of tomatoes, garri, eggs, potatoes, carrots, millet, vegetables, plantain, beans, wheat grain, ground pepper, and onions.

The latest figures underscore a sustained easing of price pressures nationwide, offering relief to households and reinforcing policymakers’ confidence that current measures are gaining traction.

Inflation declining

The CBN maintains that structural reforms are gradually filtering through the broader economy, helping to stabilise the naira and moderate lending rates as inflation trends downward.

For the apex bank, recent monetary policy actions are part of a deliberate effort to restore macroeconomic balance after years marked by fiscal strain and external vulnerabilities. The bank’s leadership argues that its disciplined approach is yielding tangible outcomes, including easing borrowing costs and improved investor confidence.

The CBN also emphasised that closer alignment between fiscal and monetary authorities remains critical, especially as technological innovation and digital finance reshape the financial system.

At its last meeting in November, the CBN-led Monetary Policy Committee retained the benchmark interest rate at 27 per cent, extending its pause on monetary tightening in a bid to consolidate recent gains in price stability, exchange rate management, and capital flows.

CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said the MPC voted by a majority “to maintain the monetary policy stance,” explaining that members believed more time was needed for earlier measures to work their way through the economy.

Despite calls from segments of the private sector for more aggressive easing to lower borrowing costs, Cardoso signalled that the bank would stay the course on its disinflation strategy.

The decision marked the fourth time in 2025 that the MPC kept the benchmark rate unchanged, following a 50-basis-point cut in September — the only reduction after the aggressive tightening cycle of 2024, during which rates were raised six times to curb inflationary pressures and defend the naira.

In addition, the committee adjusted the corridor around the benchmark rate to +50/-450 basis points. The Cash Reserve Ratio was retained at 45 per cent for deposit money banks, 16 per cent for merchant banks, and 75 per cent for non-TSA public-sector deposits. The liquidity ratio remained at 30 per cent.

According to the communiqué, the stance was driven by the need “to sustain the progress made so far towards achieving low and stable inflation,” while reaffirming that future decisions would remain “evidence-based and data-driven.”

The CBN attributed the inflation slowdown to sustained monetary tightening, improved FX market stability, stronger capital inflows, and relative calm in fuel prices.

Cardoso observed that investors who previously stayed on the sidelines due to volatility were returning to the market. “After stability comes investment, and after investment comes growth,” he said.

He added that Nigerians would “in the fullness of time” begin to experience the benefits of the current stability as increased investment translates into job creation and higher incomes.

MPC’s decision impact

The MPC’s decision to adjust the Standing Facility corridor around the Monetary Policy Rate from +250/-250 basis points to +50/-450 basis points is seen as a signal to banks to channel more funds into the real sector.

Under the revised framework, banks that choose to deposit excess liquidity with the CBN rather than lend to businesses will receive 450 basis points below the 27 per cent benchmark rate. Analysts interpret this as a move designed to discourage idle deposits and stimulate credit expansion.

The MPC reiterated that its actions are aimed at preserving progress toward low and stable inflation, with a continued commitment to data-driven policymaking.

Confirming the implications of the adjustment, Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, recently said reducing the amount paid to banks for parking idle funds with the CBN would help accelerate lending to the economy.

For the MPC to alter the asymmetric corridor, he noted, means the apex bank is deliberately limiting the returns banks earn on funds held at the CBN rather than extending them to productive sectors.

Rewane explained that the policy shift, alongside positive yields on short-term assets, would strengthen portfolio inflows, support the naira, and reinforce the disinflation trajectory.

“The MPC’s decision also reflects current global trends emphasizing central bank autonomy and independence, as seen in most advanced economies,” he said.

Looking ahead, Rewane said the next MPC meeting in February 2026 is likely to adopt a cautious “wait-and-see” approach, with close monitoring of treasury bill rates and debt management strategies.

He projected that the naira would trade within a band of N1,450–N1,500/$ in the near term, while GDP growth is expected to reach 3.9 per cent in 2025 and 4.2 per cent in 2026. However, he warned that 2026 carries risks, including possible external shocks and a potential drop in Brent crude prices to $55 per barrel.

Rewane added, “We believe that the MPC will most likely cut the policy rate by 100bps to 26 per cent per annum at its February 2026 meeting. This dovish stance by the CBN should in no way undermine the current gradual decline in inflation.”

Other analysts noted that monetary policy works by influencing credit and liquidity conditions to achieve macroeconomic objectives, and that the corridor adjustment is intended to stimulate lending to the domestic economy.

Private sector credit

Recent CBN money and credit statistics indicate that N74.41tn was extended to the private sector in October, up from N72.53tn in September. The N1.88tn increase represents the strongest month-on-month expansion recorded so far in 2025.

On a year-on-year basis, private sector credit rose modestly from N74.07tn in October 2024 to N74.41tn in October 2025. While the annual gain appears limited, the short-term rebound following the September rate cut signals renewed lending momentum.

Cardoso stressed the importance of supporting smaller businesses, stating: “MSMEs remain central to our efforts. Last year alone, microfinance lending expanded by over 14 per cent, and new digital-credit products reached more than 1.2 million small enterprises — evidence of the sector’s growing depth and capacity. We are improving access to credit, supporting microfinance institutions, and expanding financial products tailored to smaller enterprises.”

He added: “The Central Bank of Nigeria will continue to steer monetary policy with discipline, anchored firmly to its core mandate of price stability. Stability remains the bedrock upon which investment flourishes, resources are allocated efficiently, and purchasing power is protected. In 2026, we will deepen engagement with stakeholders, strengthen collaboration with other regulators and international partners, and foster responsible innovation across the financial system.”

Reserves hit eight-year high

Nigeria’s gross external reserves climbed to $46.8bn as of February 4, the highest level in eight years, providing import cover for about 14 months. This marks an 18.9 per cent increase from $38.88bn in January 2025, driven by higher oil exports, diaspora remittances, and foreign portfolio inflows.

Rewane said the stronger reserve position has eased pressure on the naira, which appreciated by 0.65 per cent to N1,385/$.

“This is the strongest level of the naira in the last two years when it was N1,329.65/$ in May 2024.

Improved reserve buffers have also lifted import cover to 14 months, helping reduce exchange-rate pass-through to inflation, lower input-cost volatility for small and medium-sized businesses, and support household purchasing power and consumer confidence ahead of the pre-election year,” he said.

He estimated the fair value of the naira at approximately N1,257 to the dollar, arguing that the currency is undervalued by about 11 per cent based on the purchasing power parity model. According to him, exchange rates tend to converge toward PPP-implied levels over a five-year horizon, placing the appropriate rate at N1,256.79/$.

President of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria, Aminu Gwadabe, said the naira has maintained relative stability across market segments in recent months, effectively ending years of volatility.

Analysts attribute the reserve build-up to improved FX inflows, stronger oil earnings, increased remittances through official channels, and renewed investor confidence following forex reforms introduced under Cardoso’s leadership.

Industry data show that reserves last approached this level on August 27, 2018, when they stood at $45.9bn. The accumulation of reserves provides a stronger buffer for import financing and currency management as Nigeria heads toward a general election.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Public Enterprise, Dr Muda Yusuf, expressed optimism about the reserves outlook, noting that he does not foresee any reversal of the forex and fiscal reforms underpinning the current stability.

However, other analysts cautioned that sustaining reserve growth in 2026 will require disciplined FX management, restrained fiscal spending, and continuity of reforms.

They noted, “Historically, election cycles in Nigeria tend to introduce policy uncertainty, FX demand pressure, and capital flow reversals. So, while reserves can be sustained in the short term, maintaining this momentum throughout an election year will depend on discipline.”

In its 2026 Macroeconomic Outlook, the CBN projected that external reserves could rise further to $51.04bn in 2026, supported by stronger oil earnings, continued FX reforms, increased bond issuance, sustained diaspora inflows, and expanded domestic refining capacity.

For policymakers, the path ahead hinges on preserving macroeconomic stability, deepening structural reforms, and ensuring that the recent gains in inflation moderation, credit expansion, and reserve accumulation translate into durable and inclusive economic growth.

As members of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria prepare for their next meeting, fresh survey results indicate that most Nigerians want lending rates reduced, despite lingering anxiety over inflationary pressures.

This is contained in the apex bank’s January 2026 Household Expectations Survey, released ahead of the MPC’s 304th meeting scheduled for February 23 and 24, 2026. The committee retained the Monetary Policy Rate at 27.00 per cent at its November 2025 meeting, following a 50-basis-point reduction in September.

The survey showed that 65.0 per cent of respondents favour a cut in lending rates. In contrast, 12.2 per cent would prefer an increase, while 15.1 per cent want rates left unchanged. About 7.7 per cent expressed no opinion. The report read, “Majority of respondents prefer lower interest rates, with 65.0 per cent indicating a desire for rates to decline.”

Further responses point to a tilt towards looser monetary conditions, even where such a stance could complicate efforts to rein in inflation. When asked to choose between raising rates to curb inflation or keeping rates low even if inflation accelerates, 50.1 per cent opted for lower rates.

Meanwhile, 41.8 per cent supported tightening to contain inflation, and 8.2 per cent had no view. Notwithstanding this preference for cheaper credit, inflation concerns remain pronounced. About 66.6 per cent of respondents said the economy would be weak if prices rose faster than they are currently.

Only 9.6 per cent believe the economy would strengthen under that scenario, while 20.0 per cent said it would make no difference. The findings suggest that while households remain wary of rising prices, many are placing greater weight on access to affordable credit and short-term economic relief.

Consumer sentiment stayed positive for the third consecutive month in January, although it moderated. The Overall Consumer Sentiment Index stood at 2.8 points, compared with 4.8 points in December 2025.

The Economic Condition Index came in at 7.4 points, indicating continued optimism about general economic prospects, while the Family Income Sentiment Index rose to 9.1 points.

However, the Family Financial Situation Index remained negative at -8.2 points, indicating ongoing pressure on household finances.

Perceptions around price movements improved during the month. The Consumer Sentiment Index on price changes turned positive at 4.2 points, up from minus 1.4 points in December, suggesting that respondents expect price pressures to ease in the near term.

Spending patterns indicate that households are still prioritising essentials. Food and other household items recorded the highest expenditure outlook for the current month at 62.7 index points.

Education ranked second at 35.9 points, while transportation ranked third at 23.4 points. Food spending is projected to remain elevated over the next six months at 63.6 points.

Demand for high-value items remains subdued. The Buying Intention Index for big-ticket purchases was 22.8 points for the current month, rising marginally to 25.0 points over the next three months and 28.5 points over the next six months.

All three readings remain well below the 50-point threshold that signals balance between buyers and non-buyers, indicating continued caution in discretionary spending.

The PUNCH earlier in January 2026 reported that five members of the CBN’s MPC voted for a 50-basis-point reduction in the Monetary Policy Rate at the November 2025 meeting, citing sustained disinflation, stronger external buffers, and improving growth conditions.

This was according to their personal statements released by the apex bank on its website. The members are a former Executive Director at Fidelity Bank Plc, Aku Odinkemelu, an economist and policy expert, Aloysius Ordu, the Managing Director at EcoDonini Solutions Ltd, Bandele Amoo, a former Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Lamido Yuguda, and a renowned economist and university don, Prof Murtala Sagagi.

The dissenting members, who make up 41.7 per cent of the 12-member committee, proposed cutting the MPR from 27.0 per cent to 26.5 per cent and adjusting the asymmetric corridor to plus 50 and minus 450 basis points, while retaining all other prudential parameters.

The committee, however, voted to retain the benchmark rate at 27.0 per cent by a majority, reflecting continued caution about inflation risks.

Nigeria’s capital importation surged to $6.01bn in the third quarter of 2025, representing a 380.16 per cent increase compared to $1.25bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2024, the National Bureau of Statistics has said.

The NBS disclosed this in its latest Nigeria Capital Importation (Q3 2025) report published on its website on Saturday. The report showed that capital inflows also rose on a quarter-on-quarter basis, climbing by 17.46 per cent from $5.12bn recorded in the second quarter of 2025 to $6.01bn in Q3.

“In Q3 2025, total capital importation into Nigeria stood at $6.01bn, higher than $1.25bn recorded in Q3 2024, indicating an increase of 380.16 per cent. In comparison to the preceding quarter, capital importation increased by 17.46 per cent from $5.12bn in Q2 2025,” the report read.

A breakdown of the data indicated that Portfolio Investment dominated inflows during the period, accounting for $4.85bn or 80.70 per cent of the total capital imported.

Other Investment followed with $864.57m, representing 14.37 per cent, while Foreign Direct Investment recorded the least with $296.25m, accounting for 4.93 per cent of total inflows.

Further details from the report showed that within Portfolio Investment, money market instruments attracted $2.95bn, while bonds accounted for $1.58bn. Equity investment under the portfolio category stood at $328.10m.

Under Foreign Direct Investment, equity inflows amounted to $281.61m, while other capital recorded $14.64m. Sectoral analysis revealed that the Banking sector attracted the highest inflow at $3.14bn, representing 52.25 per cent of total capital imported in the quarter.

The Financing sector followed with $1.86bn or 30.85 per cent, while the Production/Manufacturing sector recorded $261.35m, accounting for 4.35 per cent. Other sectors that received notable inflows included Electrical ($244.86m), Telecommunications ($208.51m), and Shares ($94.89m). Trading attracted $80.94m, while Real Estate recorded $61.07m.

Lower inflows were recorded in Agriculture ($24.67m), Information Technology Services ($11.55m), and Transport ($5.23m). Oil and Gas received $4.60m, while Construction attracted $2.88m.

Public Administration and Defence accounted for $0.35m, Brewing $0.10m, Marketing $0.06m, Arts, Entertainment and Recreation $0.04m, and Health and Social Work $0.02m.

An analysis by banks showed that Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited received the highest capital inflow at $2.12bn, representing 35.17 per cent of the total. Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc followed with $1.79bn or 29.75 per cent, while Citibank Nigeria Limited recorded $561.40m, accounting for 9.33 per cent.

Access Bank Plc received $385.03m, while Rand Merchant Bank recorded $306.92m. Ecobank Nigeria Plc attracted $299.91m, and First Bank of Nigeria Plc recorded $254.29m.

Zenith Bank Plc received $94.89m, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc $80.12m, and Fidelity Bank Plc $56.25m. First City Monument Bank Plc accounted for $49.27m, while United Bank for Africa Plc received $8.39m. Sterling Bank Plc recorded $3.10m, FSDH Merchant Bank Limited $2.87m, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc $2.30m, and Titan Trust Bank Ltd $1.94m.

Polaris Bank recorded $1.73m, Wema Bank Plc $1.16m, Keystone Bank Ltd $0.22m, and Providus Bank Plc $0.16m.

By country of origin, the United Kingdom emerged as the largest source of capital inflows into Nigeria during the quarter, accounting for $2.94bn or 48.80 per cent of total capital imported. The United States followed with $950.47m, representing 15.80 per cent, while the Republic of South Africa accounted for $773.95m or 12.87 per cent.

Other notable sources included Mauritius with $451.46m and the Netherlands with $282.90m. The NBS noted in its methodology that the data were provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria and capture fresh capital entering the economy as reported by commercial banks, excluding other components of foreign direct investment, such as reinvested earnings.

The strong rebound in capital importation in Q3 suggests renewed foreign investor appetite, driven largely by short-term portfolio flows into money market instruments and bonds. However, the relatively low share of Foreign Direct Investment indicates that long-term productive capital remains modest compared to more liquid investments.

The PUNCH earlier reported that the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment unveiled plans to deepen trade facilitation and tighten policy execution in 2026, following a sharp rebound in capital inflows and export performance in 2025.

According to the FMITI Outlook 2026, the ministry will focus on sustaining reform momentum while strengthening implementation frameworks to translate consolidation into sustained growth, exports, and jobs.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has launched a broader initiative that will increase the country’s gas development programme.

To achieve this new lofty target the Company has engaged the services of Chinese firms which will help in driving its liquefied natural gas development, spanning flare-gas-to-liquefied natural gas (LNG), floating LNG, and onshore LNG initiatives, alongside gas-fired power generation and industrial facilities utilising domestic gas feedstock.

In Abuja, the NNPCL signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Gas Holdings Limited and Peiyang Chemical Singapore PTE Ltd. (PCCS), to establish a framework for structured collaboration across key segments of Nigeria’s natural gas value chain.

Managing Director of PCCS, Tim Tian, said the MoU was signed in the presence of its Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari; the Executive Vice President for Gas, Power & New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye; and the General Manager of NNPC Gas & Power Investment Services, Mr. Ibrahim Hamza.

The MoU serves as the primary vehicle to align international technical expertise with Nigeria’s domestic energy priorities, providing a formalised governance structure to transition identified opportunities from technical feasibility through to commercial operations.

“Our role is to combine proven modular engineering with locally grounded commercial structures that make projects investible and deliverable”, the PCCS MD said, adding that fast-tracking scalable gas infrastructure will be critical to converting resources into jobs, reliable power and industrial growth.

Tiam said the signing was followed by an extensive programme of engagement by the China Gas and PCCS delegation across Nigeria’s energy sector.

He said discussions with Heirs Energies Limited examined downstream compressed natural gas (CNG) and LNG opportunities, including a 15 million standard cubic feet per day (15MMSCFD) supply discussion and project delivery considerations, while separate meetings with refinery leadership focused on the integration of gas supply into refining and industrial operations.

The Chinese delegation also held discussions with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) regarding financing structures relevant to large-scale gas infrastructure development.

Alongside these meetings, PCCS said the delegation conducted site inspections at operational facilities, including CNG mother stations, the NGML-NIPCO refuelling station at the Port of Lagos, and logistics bases in Shagamu operating CNG and LNG-powered heavy-duty fleets.

The visits provided direct operational insight into compression systems, daily throughput levels, fleet utilisation, and transport-linked gas demand.

“With the framework now in place, the parties will proceed with technical evaluations and structured commercial discussions in line with the agreed scope”, PCCS said.

The Company said it had a proven track record in developing and operating refineries, LNG/CNG plants, and gas-to-power projects across Africa and Southeast Asia, facilitating the bridge between international technical standards and localised project delivery.

Stanbic IBTC Bank, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, has successfully concluded its strategic participation at the 2026 Wemabod Real Estate Outlook Confeence, which attracted over 1,800 participants to explore the theme ‘Unlocking land and infrastructure for inclusive housing’. The conference served as a vital platform for policy dialogue, partnership development and generation of actionable insights aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s real estate landscape.

Industry leaders and key stakeholders engaged in robust discussions pertaining to innovative strategies for affordable housing delivery; advancing infrastructure development; and promotion of sustainable economic growth. Noteworthy sessions included in-depth discussions on land acquisition processes, regulatory challenges, and financing frameworks essential to housing initiatives.

Speaking during a fireside chat, Wole Adeniyi, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to advancing inclusive housing solutions. He stated, “Sustainable growth is impossible without inclusive assets, and inclusive housing cannot be achieved without purposefully unlocking land and aligning infrastructure from the outset. At Stanbic IBTC, we are committed to supporting frameworks that bring policy, capital, and execution together to deliver housing solutions that create dignity, opportunity, and long-term value for Nigerians.”

Tola Akinhanmi, Head of Real Estate Finance, Stanbic IBTC Capital, emphasised the importance of collaboration among institutions to deliver scalable housing solutions. “Inclusive housing cannot be achieved by any single stakeholder. It requires intentional cooperation among the government, regional development institutions, the private sector, financiers, professionals, and communities. Effectively unlocking land and strategically deploying infrastructure are essential for creating viable and scalable housing projects that align with regional economic priorities.”

Bashir Oladunni, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Wemabod Limited, in his opening remarks, highlighted a significant shift needed in housing development strategies. For inclusive housing to flourish, he noted that there must be a migration from overcrowded urban centers to meticulously planned regional corridors. These corridors, facilitated by robust transportation links and coordinated land-use planning, should act as catalysts for economic activity.

The Wemabod conference undoubtedly set the stage for transformative change in Nigeria’s real estate sector; encouraging a shift towards a more equitable and sustainable approach to housing and urban development.

Stanbic IBTC is determined to be on the forefront of advancing Nigeria’s housing agenda and inclusive economic development through impactful partnerships. As Nigeria’s cities evolve, the Group focuses on empowering stakeholders, enhancing collaboration, and supporting solutions that provide accessible housing for a broader population.