Business

Stock Market Records Improved Performance

Published

15 years ago

October 13, 2009

Investors who are still nervous of volatility in the stock market may have taken solace in the over-the counter bond market of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as the market continues to record improved performance.
According to the NSE weekly report for the week ended October 2, 2009, a total turnover of 361.5 million units worth N402.853 billion was recorded in 2,513 deals in the over-the-counter bond market last week.
This represents an increase by 85 per cent in terms of value, compared with the 198.5 million units worth N217.920 billion exchanged in 1,567 deals during the week ended Thursday, September 24, 2009.
The most active bond, measured by turnover volume was the 4th FGN bond 2014 series 3 with N91.484 billion in 659 deals. It was closely followed by the 6th FGN bond 2009 series 3 with a traded volume of 35.7 million units valued at N38.607 billion in 117 deals.
In all, 28 of the available 37 FGN bonds were traded last week, as against the 24 recorded the preceding week.
Meanwhile, in the equity market, a total turnover of 2.2 billion shares worth N16.14 billion in 27,236 deals was recorded last week, in contrast to a total of 1.42 billion shares valued at N12.93 billion exchanged the previous week in 20,011 transactions.The stock market opened for only four days as last Thursday was declared public holiday in commemoration of the Independence Day.
The NSE All-share Index rose by 0.74 per cent to close on Friday at 22,497.27 points, from the 22,332.15 points it stood the preceding week.
In the same vein, the NSE market capitalisation of the 196 first-tier equities edged higher to close at N5.231 trillion from N5.2 trillion the preceding week.
However, the NSE 30 index dropped by 0.0024 per cent to close at 850.16.
All the other four sectoral indices appreciated; the NSE Food/Beverages Index grew by 0.8 per cent to close at 458.24, the NSE Banking Index advanced by 3.9 per cent close at 375.17 and the NSE Insurance Index rose by 0.01 per cent close at 314.18.
Also, the NSE Oil/Gas Index rose by 2 per cent to close at 286.99.
A total of 52 stocks appreciated in price during the week, higher than the 47 recorded the preceding week. Two petroleum marketing stocks led on the gainers chart. Just like the preceding week, Total Nigeria Plc led on the gainers chart with a gain of N13.98 to close at N150.48 per share while Mobil Oil Nigeria Plc followed with N8.03 to close at N105.00 per share.

Business

USAID Re-emphasizes Agricultural Collaboration With Nigeria

Published

3 days ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The United States Agency for International Development (UNAID) has said its programmes operate transparently and align with the Nigeria’s laws.

A statement issued by the US Mission in Nigeria highlighted the significant achievements of its agricultural collaboration with Nigeria, within the week, saying it has supported over five million Nigerian farmers since 2019.

The agency stated that it has boosted food production and strengthened rural economies across the country through its efforts.

“Recent media coverage has presented an inaccurate picture of US agricultural initiatives in Nigeria, such as assisting local agencies’ efforts in strengthening regulatory processes for agricultural biotechnology”, the statement noted.

The US Mission stressed that its agricultural programmes are developed and implemented with Nigerian experts, farmers, and government officials.

USAID explained its initiative’s focus on practical support for farmers, including market access, agricultural training, and research collaboration.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all research findings and programme details remain publicly accessible through official channels.

“Our agricultural partnership represents a shared commitment to addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges through locally-driven solutions”, it stated.

The US Mission also underscored its ongoing consultations with Nigerian stakeholders, maintaining regular dialogue with farmers, experts, and government agencies.

It reiterated its respect for Nigeria’s agricultural sovereignty and traditions.

“We are proud of our record of supporting Nigerian farmers while respecting local agricultural traditions and practices”, it added.

Business

Nigeria’ll Lead In Agricultural Export This Year – Tinubu

Published

3 days ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

President Bola Tinubu has expressed his administration’s ambition to position Nigeria as a global leader in agricultural exports as a cornerstone of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

He disclosed this recently at the Road to South-South National Convergence for the Renewed Hope Agenda at the Presidential Villa.

Represented by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, he also unveiled the Earn from the Soil Initiative, which aims to transform subsistence farming into a robust, export-driven sector.

“This initiative is a powerful declaration that we are committed to turning our non-oil resources into collective prosperity. Nigeria will be a leading agricultural export nation”, he said.

The Earn from the Soil project was designed to revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, creating export opportunities and ensuring national food security.

According to the President, the initiative will empower citizens to become agents of economic prosperity, transforming local farming practices into global economic drivers.

He also highlighted the untapped potential of the South-South region, known for its rich natural resources and talent, and called for more significant investment in non-oil sectors.

“The South-South is open for business just as the whole of Nigeria is ready for business. We are creating an ecosystem of opportunity, innovation, and sustainable growth”, he said.

Tinubu’s administration seeks strategic support from local and international partners to build a resilient economic ecosystem, moving away from reliance on traditional aid.

Tinubu also emphasised the crucial role of young people and women in driving the initiative’s success.

The President assured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to fulfilling its promise of restoring hope and confidence, with the Earn from the Soil initiative marking a significant step in achieving that vision.

On her part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-South), Hon Gift Johnbull, has spotlighted the South-South region as a critical hub of untapped economic potential, calling for strategic partnerships to unlock its vast resources and foster national growth.

She underscored the region’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy, particularly in oil and gas, while emphasising its underutilised agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

She also called on investors, policymakers, and stakeholders to see the South-South as a gateway to new opportunities, citing initiatives such as the Pitching Den, launched at the event, as a platform to attract bold entrepreneurs and visionary investors.

“This is your moment to recognise the South-South as a hub of untapped potential”, she said.

The event also featured the unveiling of the Impact Report, highlighting milestones achieved under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The report showcased how targeted initiatives have empowered communities and driven progress in the South-South.

Business

NDLEA, NIMASA Strengthen Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking

Published

3 days ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has recommited to supporting the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), emphasized this during a courtesy visit by the NDLEA to the NIMASA Towers in Lagos.

Speaking during the visit, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, commended the NDLEA for its remarkable achievements in combating drug-related crimes across Nigeria.

He pledged NIMASA’s commitment to collaborating with the NDLEA to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain against illicit shipment of drugs.

“We are glad to welcome the NDLEA team, led by Brig. Gen. Marwa, whose exemplary leadership has brought significant progress in the fight against illicit drugs.

“NIMASA is firmly committed to partnering with the NDLEA to tackle the menace of drug trafficking, particularly through our nation’s ports and terminals.

“Together, we can ensure that the Nigerian maritime domain is not exploited for criminal activities”, Mobereola stated.

Responding, Marwa expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the need for collaboration to address the rising threat of drug trafficking through maritime channels.

“As the agency responsible for controlling drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria, we recognize that this task requires collaboration with critical stakeholders like NIMASA.

“The global maritime space has increasingly become a conduit for the illegal movement of drugs, and we are keen to work with NIMASA to address this challenge”, he said.

He continued that “Recent seizures of illicit drugs transported through Lagos ports underscore the need for joint efforts to secure our ports. Within the NDLEA, we have established a Marine Command to focus on this emerging threat.

“We propose close collaboration between this unit and NIMASA, particularly through the Deep Blue Project, to enhance the protection of Nigeria’s maritime space”.

The NDLEA Chairman also pledged the agency’s support in sensitizing NIMASA staff and cadets under the National Seafarers Development Program (NSDP) on the dangers of drug abuse.

Mobereola assured Marwa that NIMASA would explore avenues to integrate NDLEA personnel into the existing maritime security architecture, particularly the Deep Blue Project.