Stakeholders celebrate Guinness at 75th anniversary

GUINNESS Nigeria PlcGuinness Nigeria Plc has commemorated its landmark 75th anniversary with a dinner celebration in Lagos, delivering an experience crafted to show deep appreciation to the people and partners who have shaped the brand’s journey.

The grand event, themed “A Bold Past, A Bright Future,” took place in Lagos recently and gathered captains of industry, government leaders, trade partners, regulators, staff, royal fathers, diplomats, and the media.

Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director/CEO of Guinness Nigeria, Girish Sharma, reflected on the brand’s rich history and profound emotional connection with Nigerians.

“We’re glad to be here with our critical stakeholders to celebrate Guinness at 75. We’re not in the business of selling beverages, but in the business of selling happiness. After going through stressful days, we are glad to brew the happiness that Nigerians return to and to have done this for 75 eventful years,” he said.

“We have faced challenges, but we have a much better future where we will be stronger, sharper, and more transformed. This success is powered by the people who stood by us — our employees, past and present, our distributors, and the regulators.”

Chairman of the Board, Prof Fabian Ajogwu (SAN), highlighted the brand’s legacy of care and community. “Guinness has shown vision, resilience, and purpose. Part of what we also celebrate today are those who have pledged allegiance to the order of the Black Bottle over the years,” he noted.

“Guinness has always been a brand built on care — care for the communities we serve, where we are, and this also finds expression in our deliberate choice of the musical band that has just performed, the Federal Nigerian School of the Blind. We care for and serve the underserved and underprivileged. From ready-to-drink innovations to heritage breweries, Guinness has earned its place in homes, celebrations, and in culture.”

The Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, representing the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, emphasised the company’s cultural imprint.

“We are glad to celebrate a remarkable 75 years of Guinness Nigeria Plc, a company that has become a part of the rich history, culture, and the enduring soul of Lagos and of Nigeria. The story of Guinness Nigeria has never been just about beer — it is, above all, a story about the people, about the thousands of Nigerians employed, the communities supported, and the shared identity built over generations.”

Representing the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator John Owan Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, lauded Guinness Nigeria’s sustained commitment to national growth.

“Guinness Nigeria’s 75th anniversary celebration is a major milestone. We recognise and celebrate its unyielding commitment to sharing happiness in Nigeria these past 75 years, and we commit to making the environment more conducive for the business to endure much longer,” he said.

“Guinness means much to Nigerians, as we not only celebrate its corporate existence but also its relationship with the people. Guinness has invested, innovated, and grown in ways worth celebrating.”

The evening was carefully curated by Guinness Nigeria as a heartfelt appreciation to its stakeholders. Guests were serenaded by the Federal Nigerian School of the Blind, while the vibrant Eminent Band energized the atmosphere at various moments, keeping the crowd engaged during interludes.

The night reached its peak with the spellbinding performance of Afro-Juju legend Sir Shina Peters, sealing the dinner as an unforgettable memory. As Guinness Nigeria looks to the future, the company reaffirms its commitment to continue brewing boldness, joy, and great possibilities for generations to come.

CBN delists non-compliant BDCs

CBN headquartersThe Central Bank of Nigeria has announced that all legacy Bureau De Change operators who failed to meet its new licensing requirements by 30 November 2025 have automatically lost their licences, effectively ceasing to operate as BDCs in the country.

This was disclosed in a Frequently Asked Questions document on the current reform of the bureau de change, published on Tuesday on the CBN website.

The PUNCH reported that the CBN confirmed on Monday that only 82 Bureaux De Change have been licensed to operate, having met its new guidelines.

The development follows an extended compliance window granted by the apex bank. Under the revised BDC Guidelines, existing operators were initially given six months, from 3 June to 3 December 2024, to satisfy the new regulatory conditions. The CBN later granted an additional six-month extension, which elapsed on 3 June 2025, to allow more operators to align with the updated standards.

According to the document, the CBN has now enforced the final cutoff, declaring that any BDC that did not meet the requirements by the end of November is no longer recognised.

“The Guidelines provided a transition timeline of six months from the effective date, 3 June 2024, with a deadline of 3 December 2024, for all existing BDCs to meet the requirement of the new Guidelines or lose their licence(s). However, the management of the CBN graciously extended this deadline by another six months, which ended 3 June 2025, to give ample time for as many legacy BDCs desirous of meeting the new requirements to do so.

Consequently, any legacy BDC that failed to meet the requirements of the new Guidelines as of 30 November 2025 has ceased to be a BDC, as its licence no longer exists. Please visit the CBN website for the updated list of existing BDCs in Nigeria,” the apex bank said.

The CBN added that it would continue to receive applications on its Licensing, Approval and Requests Portal from prospective promoters, and those that meet the criteria will be considered for a licence. However, the CBN reserves the right to discontinue the licensing of BDCs at any time.

The new measures form part of broader efforts by the CBN to strengthen transparency, compliance, and stability within Nigeria’s foreign exchange market.

The new CBN regulatory framework for BDCs, introduced in February 2024, mandated BDC operators to meet higher capital requirements. Tier-1 operators are required to meet a minimum capital requirement of N2bn, while Tier-2 operators must meet N500m as MCR.

NNPC, others imported 1.56bn litres petrol in November – Report

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has resumed large-scale importation of petrol, barely a year after declaring it had stopped bringing the product into the country, The PUNCH reports.

Latest figures from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority show that NNPC imported the bulk of Nigeria’s petrol needs in November, as the importers supplied 1.563 billion litres during the month.

The authority disclosed this in its latest November 2025 Fact Sheet titled State of the Midstream and Downstream Sector, released on Wednesday. The publication is part of a new monthly reporting framework the regulator introduced last month to strengthen transparency and provide real-time insight into fuel supply, consumption, and refinery performance across the country.

According to the report, NNPC Limited and other marketers imported 52.1 million litres of petrol per day in November, amounting to 1.563 billion litres for the month. This represents a near 89 per cent increase compared to the 828 million litres imported in October, highlighting a sharp rebound in fuel importation after weeks of below-threshold supply.

The sharp increase that followed in November helped push total national PMS supply to a record 71.5 million litres per day.

Despite the supply surge, the fact sheet showed that actual national petrol consumption fell to 52.9 million litres per day in November, down from 56.74 million litres per day recorded in October, reflecting a slowdown in demand even as inventory levels were being rebuilt ahead of the festive season.

The authority indicated that the surge was fuelled mainly by large-scale NNPC imports.

On November 12, 2024, NNPC’s former Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, said the national oil company has stopped importing refined petroleum products and is now off-taking fuel from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and other local refineries. “Today, NNPC does not import any product, we are taking only from domestic refineries,” he stated.

But the regulator in the new report, explained that the sharp rise in petrol supply recorded in November was driven by several market factors. It noted that national supply in September and October fell well below the country’s demand threshold, creating the need for an aggressive stock build-up going into the year-end period when consumption typically spikes.

To stabilise the market, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited ramped up importation in November. Although the NMDPRA did not publish specific import tonnages, the document stated clearly that NNPC, acting as the “supplier of last resort”, was responsible for the November import surge, undertaken to rebuild inland stock and guarantee uninterrupted supply during the end-of-year demand spike.

The authority added that 12 vessels originally scheduled to discharge in October slipped into November, further swelling the month’s reported volumes. It clarified that the domestic supply figures captured in the report were based on actual import and discharge volumes, as well as refinery truck-outs, reflecting only the quantities that reached the market.

The document read, “The significant increase in PMS Supply in November 2025 was on account of the following: Low supply recorded in September and October 2025, below the national demand threshold; The need for boosting national stock level to meet the peak demand period of end-of-year festivities;

“Imports by the NNPC, the supplier of last resort, in November 2025, were made to build inventory and further guarantee supply during the peak demand period. Twelve vessels programmed to discharge in October but were shifted to November 2025. The Domestic supply volumes are based on disport/discharged figures + refinery truck-outs.”

The boost in national supply did not come from local refining. For consecutive months, the three state-owned refineries, Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, remained shut down, contributing zero litres of petrol to the national pool.

The Fact Sheet showed that the Port Harcourt Refinery remained shut down throughout November, with no fresh production recorded. However, the NMDPRA noted that the facility continued to evacuate leftover diesel produced before its shutdown on May 24, 2025, averaging 0.349 million litres per day during the month.

“No production activities as the refinery remained in shutdown mode. However, evacuation of AGO produced while the refinery was operational before 24th May 2025 continued at an average of 0.349 million litres/day,” It noted.

The report also provided an update on the performance of the Dangote Refinery in November 2025. According to the NMDPRA, the refinery’s petrol output remained below the national target.

Although the planned domestic supply from October 2024 stood at 35 million litres per day, actual PMS evacuation from the facility in November averaged 23.52 million litres per day, leaving a supply gap of more than 11 million litres daily.

For diesel, the refinery performed more strongly, with an average domestic evacuation of 5.596 million litres per day during the month. The authority noted that these volumes contributed to national diesel sufficiency levels but were still insufficient to offset the broader shortfall in petrol supply.

On the country’s product sufficiency level, the fact sheet showed that Petrol supply stood at 17 days in November, slightly lower than October’s 18 days, while diesel sufficiency rose to 35 days from 32 days the previous month. Jet A-1 stock remained relatively stable at 15 days, compared with 14 days in October.

LPG sufficiency held at eight days, unchanged from the prior month, while low pour fuel oil increased to 51 days, up from 48 days in October, reflecting improved availability of heavier fuel products.

The regulator said the November import surge was deliberate. Apart from compensating for the supply shortfall recorded in previous months, it aimed at building a buffer stock for the Yuletide travel season, historically Nigeria’s peak period for petrol consumption.

The NMDPRA issued one new refinery establishment licence and one construction licence, while Waltersmith’s 5,000bpd Train-2 entered the commissioning phase, a sign of gradual movement within the domestic refining landscape, even as large-scale local production remains elusive.

Nigeria continues to rely heavily on petrol importation, nearly two years after removing fuel subsidy, and despite repeated government assurances that refining capacity will improve. Prolonged shutdowns at Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna have left the domestic supply chain dependent on the Dangote Refinery and NNPC cargo imports.

The November spike underscores ongoing structural weaknesses in the supply system, where import schedules, shipping delays and refinery downtime quickly translate to nationwide fluctuations in availability and sufficiency.

Commenting, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has urged regulators and oil companies to prioritise uninterrupted and affordable supply of petroleum products, amid conflicting signals over domestic output and import levels.

Chinedu Ukadike, IPMAN’s Publicity Secretary, made the call in a telephone interview on Thursday, stressing the need for clarity and stability in the downstream sector.

“Nothing is stable in this country. The NMDPRA is the policeman of the industry and I have total belief that they understand the output of both refineries and importers. They are also trying to ensure petroleum products are scarce as far as the downstream sector is concerned,” Ukadike said.

He noted the apparent contradiction between official data and private sector reports. “So if we go by their records, it is also pertinent that they continue to issue import licenses. But Dangote himself has also said he has PMS in excess.  So these two conflicting pieces of information are not what marketers are interested in; what we are interested in is ensuring that we get these products at the cheapest rate and deliver to our final consumers,” he added.

Ukadike said the focus of marketers is on availability and affordability for consumers. “We are interested in ensuring these products get to the final consumers at the cheapest rate. Anything that ensures uninterrupted supply and lowers prices is what we want.”

He further highlighted the role of foreign exchange in moderating product costs. “If the foreign exchange used is bringing the price of products down, what else do we want? The market is driven by demand and supply. If importing makes products cheaper than domestic prices, we are fine. Just make the products available and affordable,” he said.

The IPMAN official warned against actions that could trigger unnecessary inflation in the economy. “Anything that will bring unnecessary inflation in the system is what we don’t want,” he concluded

NCAA delays request to reopen Ibadan airport

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has refused to reopen the Ibadan airport despite pleas from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria calling for the reopening of the aerodrome, after confirming that, by the level of work done at the airport, flight operations can commence, The PUNCH reports.

In February, the NCAA announced that the Ibadan airport would be shut down for six months to enable the commencement of maintenance and upgrade works. Upon the announcement, the airport was shut down, and the state government commenced rehabilitation work on the aerodrome to meet international standards.

The PUNCH gathered that upgrade works were not the only reason for the closure order, but also gaps discovered by the regulators.

In September, the Oyo State Government held an official flag-off of a N41bn upgrade of the airport, which was named Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, in a major push for its international status

The PUNCH, however, gathered that on September 22, the NCAA wrote to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria after an inspection exercise of the airport, curating a list of gaps noticed by the authority at the aerodrome.

In response, FAAN, in a letter dated November 18 and obtained by our correspondent, appealed to the NCAA to reopen the airport after some of the gaps raised in its earlier complaint letter had been closed.

The letter, referenced FAAN/HQ/MD/PA/VOL.37/7, with the heading: ‘‘Submission of corrective action plans (caps) on findings of NCAA inspection of Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan and request for recertification of the airport for scheduled flight operation,’ appealed to the regulator for the immediate reopening of the airport, adding that the working hours at the airport would be reduced until all the complaints raised by the NCAA are fully rectified.

The FAAN letter said, “The purpose of this letter is to refer to the inspection conducted by the NCAA team on 11–12 September 2025, of Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, and subsequent findings communicated to us. While appreciating the effort of the NCAA team, we are pleased to submit the Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), as attached.

“The Authority is further pleased to inform the Director General that a significant number of the findings highlighted in the NCAA report have been closed, while efforts are ongoing to address the remaining ones. With the initiatives deployed, we are confident that with the implementation of the CAPs, Ibadan Airport will continue to operate efficiently and safely.”

While speaking of measures to ensure smooth resumption of flight operations, FAAN further stated that, “In further demonstrating the progress made in the implementation of the Corrective Action Plans, we wish to request for the recapsing of the airport for the resumption of scheduled flight operations, under the Visual Flight Rules (VFR), on the following operational conditions: The daily flight operations hours have been limited to 07:00hrs – 17:00hrs only.

“Chief operations officer/work hours are extended so the airfield will be reopened by 18:00hrs – 20:00hrs of the following day. This measure is intended to mitigate construction-related risks to flight operations. The threshold of Runway 04 will be displaced by 300 meters to establish a safe distinction between the Runway End Safety Area, meteor work site, and flight operations.”

The Managing Director of FAAN, Olubunmi Kuku, reassured the NCAA DG, Capt Chris Najomo, of continuous adherence to regulatory requirements in aerodrome work, as well as coordinating with the project team to achieve the timely completion of the airport upgrade project. Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”

When contacted, the spokesperson of the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, said he would have to speak with the Director of Aerodromes to have proper knowledge of the issue at hand before getting back to our correspondent.

“Although what I can say is, the NCAA under Capt Chris Najomo will not give anything to chances, adding that as far as all the gaps pinpointed are yet to be taken care of, I doubt the NCAA will give its nod, but I will get back to you much later after I must have contacted the Director of Airworthiness and Director of Aerodromes.”

NNPC sets 36-year oil production record at 355,000bpd

NNPC LimitedThe Nigerian National Petroleum Company’s upstream subsidiary, NNPC Exploration and Production Limited, has recorded its highest daily crude oil production in more than three decades, hitting 355,000 barrels per day on December 1, 2025.

The milestone, confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday by NNPC Limited’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, marks the company’s biggest output since 1989 and signals renewed momentum in Nigeria’s upstream recovery efforts.

According to the statement, NNPC E&P Limited’s average daily output has surged by 52 per cent in just two years, rising from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 barrels per day in 2025, a performance the company attributed to strengthened operational systems, disciplined asset management and structured field development.

“On December 1st, 2025, NNPC E&P Limited, the flagship upstream subsidiary of NNPC Limited, achieved a record production level of 355,000 barrels of oil per day, its highest daily output since 1989. The milestone marks a significant step forward for Nigeria’s upstream sector and reflects the company’s ongoing transformation anchored on efficiency and discipline.

“The figures show genuine transformation: average daily production surged 52 per cent, rising from 203,000 barrels per day in 2023 to 312,000 in 2025.

“This record growth is no coincidence; it stems from a clear strategy anchored on operational excellence, strong asset management, and structured field development,” the statement said, stressing that the achievement reflects a “genuine transformation” underway within the company.

Commenting on the achievement, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bayo Ojulari, described the accomplishment as fresh evidence that Nigeria’s energy revival “is not a dream but already happening.”

Ojulari noted that by exceeding its own production benchmarks, NNPC E&P has demonstrated that the essential building blocks needed to scale national output are being firmly established.

“By showing its ability to exceed its own production benchmarks, NEPL confirms that the essential building blocks for scaling national output are being firmly established. The achievement signals that the machinery of production, equipment, processes, capabilities, and partnerships can be driven with commercial discipline to produce real and positive outcomes.

“The achievement converts national ambition into measurable momentum. The presidential targets of two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million by 2030 have often appeared aspirational. NEPLs’ delivery brings them closer to reality,” he added.

Ojulari said the accomplishment boosts investor confidence and reassures global partners that Nigeria remains committed to reclaiming its place as a stable, dependable crude supplier.

The Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy Ntia, said the milestone represents more than a production figure, stressing that NEPL’s growth is anchored on responsible and sustainable operations.

“In a sector where shortcuts can yield short-term wins but long-term damage, NEPL is making a different point: sustainable progress must rest on responsible operations. This ensures that scaling production does not compromise worker safety, community wellbeing, or environmental protection. It reinforces a shift away from extraction at any cost towards sustainable value creation, a core requirement for any modern energy company seeking global relevance,” Ntia said.

According to him, the company’s approach ensures that scaling output does not undermine worker safety, environmental protection or community wellbeing.

Similarly, the Managing Director of NNPC E&P Limited, Nicolas Foucart, said the new production record reflects the broader transformation sweeping through NNPC Limited.

“This is a story shaped by leadership that charts a clear course; by partnerships built on alignment and accountability; and by a workforce whose hard work is turning goals into measurable progress. Our people, our processes, and principles are the real engines behind this success. We are building for tomorrow, not just celebrating today,” Foucart noted.

He added that the gains translate into increased national revenue, stronger energy security and a more resilient economic foundation.

“For Nigerians, this accomplishment means far more than increased barrels; it translates into greater national revenue, stronger energy security, and a more resilient economic foundation. NEPL has not only produced more hydrocarbons; it has reignited belief in what Nigeria’s energy sector can achieve with the right systems, culture, and dedication.”

Nigeria’s crude oil sector has struggled over the past decade, with output frequently dropping below OPEC quotas due to pipeline vandalism, crude theft, underinvestment, deferred maintenance and declining performance of mature fields.

At several points between 2021 and 2023, the country’s production fell to multi-decade lows, raising concerns about revenue losses and the long-term viability of the industry.

Reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act, the unbundling of NNPC into a commercial entity and renewed upstream interventions have aimed to reverse the decline.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration has set ambitious production targets of two million barrels per day by 2027 and three million barrels per day by 2030, goals industry players previously considered optimistic.

NNPC E&P Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary responsible for several joint venture and production-sharing assets, has been positioned as a critical driver of this revival. The company has implemented field optimisation strategies, renewed contractor alignment, strengthened governance structures and ramped up previously underperforming assets.

The latest 355,000 bpd performance, the company’s highest since 1989, is a significant step toward stabilising national output and rebuilding investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil industry.

Marketers laud Dangote Sugar packs at Kano fair

Dangote sugarMarketers and participants at the just-concluded Kano International Trade Fair have endorsed the newly unveiled Dangote Sugar packs, describing them as convenient, consumer-friendly, and well-suited for both household use and retailing.

Dangote Sugar said in a statement on Tuesday that it recently introduced new pack sizes, including 100g sachets and 25kg bags, aimed at increasing affordability and market penetration.

“The Dangote new sugar packs will greatly make it more affordable to the average northern population,” a monarch who participated in the Fair, Alhaji Isyaku Umar Tofa, Makaman Bichi, told newsmen on the sidelines of the company’s Special Day, according to the statement.

According to him, the redesigned and reasonably priced packs will enable more households, small retailers, and food vendors to access quality sugar without financial strain, thereby supporting both daily consumption needs and small-scale commercial activities.

Reacting, prominent businessman and Chief Executive of Sambajo General Enterprises Limited, Alhaji Salisu Sambajo, said the 25kg pack is ideal for SMEs, bakeries, restaurants, and distributors who require bulk but affordable quantities, making it easier for them to access quality sugar without high upfront costs.

On the other hand, he said, the 100g pack targets low-income households, retail kiosks, and on-the-go consumers. “Together, these new pack sizes broaden our reach across all consumer segments, improve product visibility in open markets and retail outlets, and ultimately enhance our market share in the North.”

Dangote is one of the major sponsors of the Kano Trade Fair, with the theme: Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Growth. He said the Dangote Group’s continuous investment in critical sectors such as sugar, petroleum, cement, fertilizers, and more has tremendously supported national development and improved livelihoods.

Sambajo urged Dangote to maintain this commitment to quality, innovation, and local empowerment, especially across northern communities. “Alhaji Aliko’s contributions remain invaluable, and we look forward to more breakthroughs that will support Nigeria’s growth and self-reliance,” he said.

He added that the government should continue to create an enabling environment for large-scale industrialists like the Dangote Group. “We need a supportive policy on transportation, taxation, energy supply, and ease of doing business to allow these industries to operate optimally and remain competitive,” he said.

A female trader from Maiduguri, Hajiya Y’agana Babagana, who participated in the Kano International Trade Fair, described the company’s initiative to introduce affordable 100g and 25kg sugar packs as a welcome development for consumers.

“I sell locally made incense, known as turaren wuta, and sugar is an essential ingredient in producing it; you simply cannot make turaren wuta without sugar,” Y’agana explained. She spoke enthusiastically about the new range of Dangote Sugar, adding, “You can see why we flocked to the Dangote pavilion to buy, especially the 25kg pack.”

CBN moves to boost lending for farmers

CBNThe Central Bank of Nigeria hopes to lift agricultural lending above the current level of less than five per cent of banks’ credit, with Governor Olayemi Cardoso declaring that agriculture must receive its “rightful place in our financial system and national priorities.”

Cardoso spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at the inauguration of the newly constituted Board of the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund. He told the audience that the event marked “a defining moment — a bold statement of intent that signals a new dawn for agricultural financing in Nigeria.”

He said agriculture remained the backbone of the economy, contributing more than one-fifth of GDP and employing most Nigerians, yet “it receives only a small fraction of formal credit — less than 5 per cent of banks’ lending goes to the agricultural sector.”

According to him, this chronic underfunding has stifled productivity and expansion for millions of farmers. “It is a reassessment of norms: we will no longer accept business-as-usual,” he said. “Instead, we embrace a future where agriculture is accorded its rightful place.”

Cardoso said the fund, which guarantees up to 75 per cent of the value of agricultural loans, had helped banks lend to farmers for decades, including those considered “unbankable.”

He noted that the scheme had been strengthened following a 2019 amendment that expanded its share capital from N3bn to N50bn and broadened its mandate. He said the reform was designed to deepen inclusivity, adding that the revised Act now provides for a board composed not only of government officials but also of farmers’ representatives.

“Such inclusivity is strategic: it enshrines partnership between policymakers, financiers, and the farming community in guiding the Scheme’s activities,” he said. Cardoso described the sector as standing at the “crossroads of unprecedented opportunity” under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope agenda.

He said the vision was to build a resilient, technologically advanced, and inclusive agricultural economy that “ensures food security, reduces poverty, and creates wealth for millions of Nigerians.”

According to him, smallholder farmers constitute 80 per cent of Nigeria’s farmers and produce about 90 per cent of food, yet they continue to face high barriers to credit. “Many lack collateral or credit history — a situation we can no longer afford, given that these same smallholders feed our nation and drive our rural economy,” he said.

Also speaking, the chairman of the newly inaugurated board, Dr Olusegun Oshin, said the scheme must focus on the grassroots, where the majority of farmers struggle without credit or storage facilities.

He told the gathering that “those that feed us are those weak, poor farmers very far away in the villages and who don’t have access to credit,” adding that even when they manage to raise funds, “they don’t even store it properly because they don’t have the capacity for storage.”

PalmPay unveils digital tasks, prizes in December

PalmpayPalmPay, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing fintech platforms, has announced the beginning of Purple December, its annual month-long digital activation created to celebrate, appreciate, and reward its vibrant community of users during the festive season and end-of-year period.

Running from December 1 to December 26, Purple December is a social media-led campaign that invites PalmPay users to participate in simple weekly online tasks for a chance to win exciting prizes, including smartphones, earbuds, airtime/data coupons, and branded gift items. Four winners will emerge each week as tasks go live across PalmPay’s social media channels, according to a statement on Monday.

Speaking on the campaign, the Head, Marketing and Communications at PalmPay, Olorunfemi Hanson, said the campaign builds on the brand’s tradition of rewarding loyalty while amplifying the real stories of Nigerians who rely on the platform for everyday financial transactions.

“Purple December is our way of saying thank you to the millions of people who trust PalmPay to power their daily payments. This year, the campaign is entirely digital, designed to meet our users where they already are on social media, online communities, and the spaces where they share, celebrate, and connect,” he commented. “We want to close the year by spotlighting the voices, stories, and memorable moments that shaped 2025 for our users.”

According to him, throughout the month, participants will engage with tasks that showcase PalmPay’s impact, from its CSR initiatives to the financial convenience it provides, to its international recognitions, and the personal experiences users have shared over the course of the year. The campaign culminates in a Christmas-themed challenge where users create and submit short videos using the hashtag #PalmPayPurpleDecember. The top-engaging videos will win major prizes, including an iPhone.

Hanson added that the initiative reinforces PalmPay’s commitment to a community-driven digital ecosystem:

“Every year, Nigerians tell us how we help them save more, spend smarter, or support their hustle. Purple December gives us a chance to celebrate those stories publicly. It is fun, it is inclusive, and it reflects the heart of who we are as a brand that not only cares and listens, but also engages and rewards customers for their loyalty.”

Purple December is now live across PalmPay’s digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn. PalmPay encourages all users to join the celebration, follow the weekly prompts, and participate for a chance to win.

For more information, visit PalmPay’s official social media pages and download the PalmPay app.

NUPRC denies withholding N283.3bn exploration funds from NNPC

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has disclosed that over $185m (about N268.4bn) and N14.9bn have so far been released to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited from the Frontier Exploration Fund.

The commission’s Head of Media and Strategic Communication, Eniola Akinkuotu, made the revelation in a statement issued on Monday, addressing recent reports that the NUPRC had withheld the Frontier Exploration Fund from NNPC Ltd.

Akinkuotu’s disclosure confirms that the fund has been disbursed to NNPC Ltd as planned, countering the assertions that payments were being withheld by the regulator.

The disclosure provides fresh insight into the utilisation of the controversial fund, which has been at the centre of transparency concerns following the introduction of the Petroleum Industry Act that mandates a 30 per cent allocation of NNPC Ltd’s profit oil and gas to frontier exploration.

According to the commission, the fund, drawn from statutory allocations for the exploration of frontier basins, was made available to the national oil company to accelerate oil and gas discovery efforts, particularly in underexplored regions across the country.

Akinkuotu explained that the Frontier Exploration Fund was not domiciled in the Commission but in an account controlled by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The commission added that its role was simply to evaluate the Work Programme submitted by NNPCL after which an approval would be given for the release of the fund.

“The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has dismissed reports that it is withholding the Frontier Exploration Fund from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company. $185,123,333 had been approved along with N14.9bn. We approve funds based on certified activities and contracts awarded. So, if a contract has not been awarded, we cannot approve payments” the statement read.

According to the statement, the NUPRC in a bid to promote transparency, had contracted PwC to evaluate NNPCL’s claims before the final approval of the fund.

“So far, there is no outstanding sum. The NUPRC approved the final release on November 27, 2025 to the tune of $140,000,000. We have documents to back this up. Earlier, N14.9bn and $45m were released.

“Anyone interested can also reach out to the NNPCL rather than rely on faceless individuals seeking to tarnish the image of the Commission,” the statement added.

The commission noted that the Frontier Fund was solely for the use of the NNPC and it would be absurd for any operator to make spurious claims.

The upstream regulator added that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, had earlier issued a statement denying investigating the NUPRC over the handling of the fund.

“The minister had issued a rebuttal on the so-called investigation on November 17, 2025. It amounts to mischief for anyone to reference a statement which has been denied by the purported author,” the Commission concluded.

CBN Names 82 Licensed BDCs, Warn Unlicensed Dealers Of Possible Penalties

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has granted Final Licenses to 82 Bureaux De Change (BDCs) to operate with effect from November 27, 2025.

This is in exercise of its powers conferred under the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020, and the Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Bureaux De Change Operations in Nigeria 2024.

While the CBN will continue to update the list of Bureaux De Change with valid operating licences for public verification on its website (www.cbn.gov.ng), the Bank advises the general public to avoid dealing with unlicensed Foreign Exchange Operators.

CBN warned, “For the avoidance of doubt, operating a Bureau De Change business without a valid licence is a punishable offence under Section 57(1) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.

“Members of the public are hereby advised to note and be guided accordingly.”