Business

Nigerian Breweries Okays N2.40 Dividends

Published

15 years ago

March 1, 2011

Nigeria Breweries Plc is to pay its shareholders a second and final dividends for the year business which was concluded on December 31, 2010.

Nigerian Breweries, in a talk with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), said was the second and final dividend for the last year business. The company had during the year of business, paid an interim dividend of N1.50 for every N0.50 share held by it’s shareholders.

The company stated that it had recommended a dividend of N1.25 per share as a final dividend, Inline with this proposed payment, which sums upto N2.40 total dividend for the shareholders for last year.

The stated further company that the date for the closure of registeration of members is March 17, 2011 while payment date is due for May 19, 2011.

Furthermore, the continuous heavy selling that generalised the activities at the capital market for most of the last week came out in heavy losses as market major indicators ended last week in the red. Monday the down-ward movement of indicators resumed.

The main activity measuring indicators, NSE-30 while three out of the four sectoral indicators recorded losses.

All-share index (ASI) had a further decline of 164.34 basis points from it’s opening position for the week that sticked at 26,181.18 came-out lower at 26,016.84, with 164.34 points counted as a loss.

Blue chip companies in the market, went down from 1,148.12, it’s opening position at the starting of the week to end Monday at 1,138.79, diminishing by 9.33 points which was measured by the NSE 30 index of it’s activities.

The Banking sub-sector, loss 4.30 points, from 428.50, and close at 424.20, while investors exchanged a total of 444.746 million shares worth N2.4 billion in 6,327 deals.

The sub-sector was driven mainly by activities in share of Intercontinental Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and FinBank Plc, accounted for 141 million shares.

Some activities boosted like; Continental Reinsurance Plc, AIICO Insurance Company plc and Intercontinental WAPIC nsurance.

The market capitalisation of the 201 first-tier quoted companies decreased to N8.315 trillion from N8.368 trillion recorded as at the close of trading on Friday last week.

NSE Insurance index depreciated by 0.29 points to close at 184.85, down from 185.13. Last week, while NSE Food/Beverages indicator depreciated by the day at 871.84, down from 831.34. NSE Oil/Cas close yesterday flat at 346.89 as at Friday.

Finally, 54 stocks recorded share price change, with positive side 16 and 38 on the negative side, with rest unchanged.

Four banks were listed. Skye Bank, Wema Bank, First Bank and Diamond Bank, on the positive price change table. Other gainer’s chart were: CAP Plc, International Breweries Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Champion Breweries Plc and Fidson Healthcare Plc, among others.

Loser’s chart Monday featured 14 banking stocks of the 38. FCMB, Zenith Bank, Union Bank, Guaranty Bank Plc, among others. Other market heavyweight, depreciated and pushed down the market, such like, Dangote Sugar Plc, Dangote Flour Plc, Lafarage WAPCO Cement Plc, JAPAUL Oil and Maritime Services Plc and the rest market heavyweight.

Major stocks on the trading floor of Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) Monday and the quality traded; JAPAUL Oil $ Maritime Services Plc, 77.066 million share worth N146.226 million exchanged in 53 trades.

In bank sector, Intercontinental Bank Plc had 71.948 million of it’s shares exchanged in 356 deals for a value of N161.094 million. Fidson Healthcare had 41.857 million of it’s share traded valued at N99.220 million Zenith Bank, First Inland Bank, First Bank and Wema Bank had 26.978 million shares, 23.229 million, 19.703 million and 16.078 million shares exchanged.

Business

SMEs Dev: Firms Launch N100m Loan Scheme

Published

7 hours ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The Coalition of Microlending and Cooperative Institutions in Nigeria (COMCIN), the umbrella body of non-bank microfinance institutions and cooperative societies in Nigeria, in partnership with NEAT Microcredit, has unveiled a N100 million joint loan facility aimed at supporting small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) across the country.

The facility will be disbursed through participating Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), which will in turn extend the loans to their customers, particularly SMEs, as they directly interface with businesses at the grassroots level.

The Executive Director of COMCIN, Mr. Micheal Ogbaa who represented the Chairman, Dr. Iredele Oyedele (FCA, FCCA), said the initiative is designed to strengthen micro-lending institutions and expand access to finance for grassroots entrepreneurs, particularly women and youths in the informal sector.

Ogbaa explained that COMCIN does not lend directly to individuals but works through its network of microfinance and cooperative institutions, which in turn provide loans to end users.

“We came together to advocate for the microfinance ecosystem. Commercial banks often exclude people at the grassroots, but our members are positioned to reach them. This facility will empower them to do more,” he said.

He noted that the loan scheme offers low interest rates and flexible repayment plans, making it more accessible to small business owners.

According to him, about 90 percent of beneficiaries are expected to be women, who play a key role in sustaining families and driving economic activities at the local level.

“Our focus is on traders, service providers, and players in the informal sector. These are the real movers of the economy. By supporting them, we are strengthening families and contributing to national development,” he added.

Ogbaa disclosed that eligible SMEs with proven integrity and business track records could access up to N5 million each through participating micro-lending institutions. The rollout has commenced in Lagos and will extend to Abuja, Enugu, and other regions, including the South-West, South-East, and North-East.

He said 12 micro-lending institutions have already benefited from the scheme, while 85 applications are currently being processed under the pilot phase.

“Our target is to reach at least 100,000 SMEs nationwide. We are building a platform that connects funding partners with credible micro-lending institutions, creating a reliable channel for financial inclusion,” Ogbaa said.

He added that COMCIN is also working to attract larger funding pools from development finance institutions and private investors, noting that successful implementation of the pilot phase would boost confidence and unlock more capital for SMEs.

“We have seen encouraging testimonies from early beneficiaries. As we demonstrate transparency and efficiency, more institutions will be willing to channel funds through us,” he said.

Business

Yenagoa’s Radisson Hotel Ready December — NCDMB, Other

Published

7 hours ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, has expressed confidence that the five-star Radisson Hotel and Conference Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, would be completed and commissioned this December .

He said this while addressing visiting top executives of Edison Corporation and Megastar Technical and construction company at the conclusion of a one-day project management tour and workshop at the headquarters of the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT), Yenagoa, weekend.

The Board in a statement from the Directorate of Corporate Communications said all other stakeholder assured of the delivery of world-class services in the hotel upon it’s completion.

Ogbe described the hospitality facility as a top priority project of the Board whose progress he would be following up every day and week.

“This project is critical to the Board, critical to Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and Nigeria. With this hotel becoming functional at the end of the year, I believe there will be tourism in Bayelsa State, and that’s one of my dreams.

“When I took up this job as Executive Secretary in December 2024 I said I must make this hotel work”, the NCDMB boss said.

He commended the team from Edison Corporation and the project contractor, Megastar Technical and Construction Company, for the quality and pace of work, adding “much is required from the Management to meet up the schedule delivery

“Most of the critical aspects of the project have been resolved in terms of mark-up room, scope of work in terms of financing and contracting strategies”

The Board’s Scribe said he was sure all hands would be on deck to ensure that work proceeds unhampered.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Edison Corporation, Mr. Vivian Reddy, said the team from Edison Hotel Group was very excited to come into a contractual arrangement with NCDMB, assuring the project will put the city on the world map.

“What is so important with the group Radisson International is that, if anyone around the world looks for Radisson Yenagoa, they will see this place pop up, and it’s going to help to uplift the area in terms of visitors and tourism.

“Our role is to make sure we deliver a world-class quality hotel from start to finish. We will open the hotel, we’ll furnish it. We’re working with the main contractor to make sure the facility meets world-class standards”, he said.

Speaking on the sealing of the contractual deal with the NCDMB, he noted it took great efforts, saying “getting Radisson in the agreement was not easy, and it took several months and cumulative one and a half years of discussions and documentation”.

The Edison boss, who is reputed to be the first South African businessman to lead a high-level business delegation from that country to Nigeria during the tenure of President Thabo Mbeki in 1999, was full of commendation for the NCDMB boss, describing him as “a great and visionary leader”.

“The vision and dream of the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB are going to become a reality. We’re going to help him and make it a reality and it’s going to be the best hotel in this region”, the boss noted.

Mr Reddy also commended the project contractors and professional teams involved, stating that his team has every confidence in their technical competence.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Business

RIRS Sets Tomorrow As Deadline For Individual Tax Returns Filing

Published

7 hours ago

March 30, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS) has set tomorrow as the deadline for the filing of all Annual Individual Income Tax Returns for all taxable residents of the state.

This was contained in a public notice by the Service to the taxable residents of the state in compliance with statutory provisions.

The notice was signed by the Executive Chairman of the agency, Sir Israel O. Egbunefu, and made available to the public in Port Harcourt recently.

Egbunefu stated that the directive was in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, which mandates individuals to declare their income for the preceding year of assessment.

According to the notice, the obligation covers all categories of income earners, including employees in both the public and private sectors, self-employed individuals, business owners, and professionals operating within the state.

The agency reiterated that the timely filing of tax returns remains critical to promoting transparency, accountability and efficient tax administration in Rivers State.

It further noted that compliance with tax obligations plays a vital role in enabling the government to meet its developmental goals and provide essential public services.

RIRS urged all eligible taxpayers to ensure that their 2025 tax returns are properly completed and submitted through its approved channels before the stipulated deadline .

The Service warned that failure to comply with the directive may attract penalties and other sanctions as prescribed by relevant tax laws.

It also stated its commitment to enforcing compliance while maintaining a taxpayer-friendly approach in its operations.

Taxpayers requiring assistance were advised to visit any RIRS office or access its official platforms for guidance on the filing process.

The agency assured residents of continuous support, including professional advisory services, to facilitate a seamless and stress-free compliance experience.

The notice forms part of ongoing efforts by the Rivers State Government to strengthen revenue generation and enhance voluntary tax compliance across the state.

Residents are therefore encouraged to take advantage of the available support systems and meet the deadline to avoid unnecessary penalties.

By: King Onunwor