News

Nigeria’s ECN brokers and their policy towards COVID-19

Published

6 years ago

April 28, 2020

The coronavirus outbreak was completely unexpected as it took a toll on the entire planet in a matter of a couple of months. The spread of the infectious disease that has long been declared as a global pandemic is the biggest threat humanity has faced in almost a century. The human cost is absolutely unprecedented, yet, the economic aftermath is also expected to break records of the 20th century. It has been forecasted that the novel coronavirus pandemic will push the global economy into a major recession not witnessed since the great depression.

The novel coronavirus, later named COVID-19, initially started in China, specifically in its Hubei province which is home to more than 58 million people. Roughly the size of Italy, the virus spread within the province and later across mainland China faster than anyone would have expected. The epicenter of the country was the capital of the province – Wuhan. The city of 11 million inhabitants became the first major area to go under strick lockdown in the world.

Nevertheless, despite strict measures and suspended flights from many countries to and from China, the virus still found its way out of the country. It first entered other Asian nations followed by first European and American cases in Bordeaux, France, and the State of Washington respectively. Soon, Italy became the global epicenter of the deadly virus pandemic, infecting tens of thousands and killing more than 24,000 people. The northern region of Lombardy, the economic driving force for the nation came under particular pressure as Milan and Bergamo were the first two urban areas to go into strict lockdown.

However, the virus would not stop there as it infected hundreds of thousands all across Europe. As of now, Spain is the main hotspot on the continent with over 200,000 confirmed cases. The situation in the United Kingdom is developing fast as well with the highest number of daily cases on the continent. The country’s prime minister Boris Johnson is still recovering from the virus after testing positive and spending a few nights in intensive care. This makes the situation for Britons even more unbearable and stressful.

The United States, due to its late response, is the most affected nation globally. The country has more than 820,000 confirmed coronavirus cases while the death toll has already exceeded 45,000. The nation’s and globe’s financial center, New York, has the highest concentration of cases per 1 million inhabitants across the US. This economic powerhouse remains closed, threatening millions of jobs and income sources for Americans, as well as for people from all around the world.

Nigeria unlike countries with tens of thousands of cases remains thoroughly stable in regard to the health system. It is not yet overwhelmed as the nation of almost 200 million has only 782 infections. However, the crude oil price slump in the US put Nigeria in a very difficult economic position. The country exports the vast majority of its oil products to the United States, the sector that generates 60% of the government revenues and represents 90% of all foreign trade.

As a result, the market prices of Nigerian companies are falling. So is the Nigerian Naira, which remains stable but is expected to drop dramatically following the plunge. People are particularly sensitive to recession fears in this country which remains utterly poor. People and households with some savings are trying to do their best in an effort to avoid the devastating impact of the upcoming economic crisis. Many people are finding the best solution in purchasing foreign sovereign currencies in Forex markets. As a result, a growing number of people are approaching entities on the ECN forex brokers list here in Nigeria.

How are ECN brokers reacting to the crisis?

The Forex platforms have been an important part of the financial industry for a while now. Many influential and well-known businessmen, including the famous Hungarian philanthropist George Soros, made their wealth out of Forex trading. It is playing a major role in the financial sectors of many countries, including Nigeria.

Nigeria is becoming increasingly globalized, with more international businesses present than ever before. Thus, in this process, ECN brokers became particularly popular. What is different with them? ECN brokers are financial experts that give their clients direct access to financial markets through electronic communications networks (ECNs). They are quite efficient, convenient, and fast while not including ‘middlemen” between the two sides.

Yet, their main trait is being utterly transparent. Nigeria is quite a corrupt nation, thus, the ability to see through every transfer and operation is a major asset. Transparency is crucial for many in this nation, but ECN brokers are often quite expensive.

Nevertheless, a soaring number of people are using ECN brokers to safeguard their future amid the global crisis. Such brokers, unlike others, are not allowed to trade against their clients, adding to the safety rank. Moreover, they usually charge fixed commissions which are rather attractive for many individuals.

Now, considering the growing demand as a result of the oil crisis, Nigeria’s ECN brokers are trying to make most out of the current situation. Some of them have already increased one-time commissions sometimes to unreasonably high rates. Despite this, they are not reporting the fall in demand following the increase. However, no one knows if the price will remain at this rate after the crisis. This would be highly unlikely as ECN brokers are much more expensive than regular ones and high prices would not sustain their business during the normal demand period.

However, others are doing the complete opposite, making their service more flexible and inclusive in an attempt to attract even more customers. Many in the industry are saying that this approach could be more liquid and stable for brokers during the crisis.

News

Fubara Reaffirms Commitment To Peace, Unity And Development As Rivers State Marks 59TH Anniversary

Published

1 day ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of his administration to peace, unity, security, and inclusive development as Rivers State marks its 59th anniversary.

In a goodwill message issued on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary, Governor Fubara stated that despite the challenges faced over the years, the people of Rivers State have continued to demonstrate resilience, strength, and an enduring spirit of unity that has sustained the state since its creation.

The Governor noted that the strong bond of brotherhood among the various ethnic nationalities of the state, including the Ijaw, Ikwerre, Ogoni, Etche, Ekpeye, Andoni, Kalabari, and others, remains one of Rivers State’s greatest strengths and a critical foundation for peace, stability, and progress.

He further observed that Rivers State has remained a major driver of Nigeria’s economy for decades, not only because of its abundant oil and gas resources, but also because of the exceptional contributions of its people across diverse sectors including academia, jurisprudence, business, entertainment, public service, and sports.

Governor Fubara assured the people that his administration will continue to prioritize policies and programmes that promote peace, protect lives and property, and expand development across all parts of the state. He emphasized that governance must be people centered and impactful, with equal attention given to every Local Government Area of the state.

The Governor also paid tribute to the elders and founding leaders of the state for preserving the spirit of unity and coexistence over the years, while urging the youths to remain hopeful, responsible, and actively committed to building a greater Rivers State through innovation, hard work, and patriotism.

He equally acknowledged the invaluable role of women in strengthening families, communities, and society, describing them as indispensable partners in the continued growth and stability of the state.

Governor Fubara called on all Rivers people to use the occasion of the anniversary as a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, dialogue, and collective progress, stressing that the unity and future of Rivers State must always rise above personal interests and political differences.

Rivers State was created on May 27, 1967, when the administration of General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.) created twelve states out of the former four regions of Nigeria, with Rivers State carved out of the defunct Eastern Region.

News

APC Presidential Primary: Fubara Commends Process, As Tinubu Sweeps Poll In Rivers

Published

2 days ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has commended the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State over the outcome of last Saturday’s presidential primary election that saw President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sweeping the poll with a total of 280,082 votes.

Fubara, who served as the State Collation Officer for the primary election, said that while the APC had a total of 297,068 registered members, the number of those accredited for the election was 280,082.

According to him, all those accredited for the election, cast their ballot for Tinubu, leaving Stanley Osifo, his only opponent, with no votes.

Fubara expressed delight at the peaceful and seamless process which he said was as a result of good planning by the party.

“I feel that this process has recorded one of the most organised outings of our great party in recent times. The only reason it came out this way has to do with good planning. In all, I want to say that I’m really impressed with the process.

“So, I can say here that having taken time to go through the figures diligently, I, Siminalayi Fubara, who is standing as the State Collation Officer, hereby certify that the information contained in my own spreadsheet represents the true, correct and accurate record of the summary of results from the 23 LGAs of Rivers State,” he said.

The governor said that while it was evident that President Tinubu defeated his opponent in the primary election in the State, the report would be sent to the APC headquarters in Abuja where the results will be formally declared.

News

Ogoni cleanup: Minister Calls For more support from private sector

Published

2 days ago

May 27, 2026

The Tide

The Federal Government has called for increased private sector participation and donor funding to sustain ongoing gains in the Ogoni environmental restoration project under the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project.

Speaking at a conference on donor facilitation and diplomatic support for HYPREP in Abuja, yesterday, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, stressed that the Ogoni cleanup programme was designed as a long-term intervention requiring sustained funding, technical support, and international cooperation.

“The project is supposed to be a lifespan project. We must move towards achieving its main aim, which is environmental restoration and sustainable development,” he added.

Lawal acknowledged the contributions of the United Nations Environment Programme, describing its assessment as the scientific foundation of the ongoing remediation efforts in Ogoni land.

“We are all here because of that UNEP report. It provided the scientific foundation for what has become one of the world’s most ambitious environmental remediation programmes,” he said.

According to him, hundreds of hectares of hydrocarbon-polluted land have been remediated, while additional sites are currently undergoing cleanup operations.

“We have remediated hundreds of hectares of polluted land, and more sites are still being worked on. Water schemes have also been delivered to affected communities,” he stated.

He added that ecosystem restoration, livelihood support programmes, and healthcare projects were ongoing across affected communities.

“Body health facilities are being constructed, livelihood programmes are empowering thousands, and we are also restoring access to safe drinking water because the first victim of pollution is water,” he said.

The minister also disclosed that the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration was nearing completion, describing it as a major milestone in the project.

“If you go there, you will see one of the biggest edifices being constructed under HYPREP. It will serve as a postgraduate and research institute for environmental remediation,” Lawal said.

Despite the progress, he warned that funding challenges remain a major threat to sustaining the project.

“While substantial progress has been made, the journey is not yet complete. The implementation of UNEP recommendations requires long-term commitment and sustained financial and technical support,” he said.

Lawal therefore, appealed to development partners, donor agencies, international financial institutions, foundations, and private sector players to scale up their support.

“We need your support—financial, technical, scientific, and strategic. No organisation or government can do it alone,” he said.

He further described the Ogoni cleanup as a global model for environmental recovery, climate resilience, and international cooperation.

“The restoration of Ogoni land is not merely a Nigerian undertaking; it is a global model. Its success will show what is possible when governments, communities, and partners work together,” he added.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Ogoni Trust Fund, Emmanuel Deeyah, said the conference was organised to attract financial, technical, and institutional support for the cleanup exercise.

“We are looking for resources, financial support, expertise, partnership, and collaboration. Government cannot do everything alone,” he said.

Deeyah said the agitation for environmental justice in Ogoni dated back to 1991 when residents drew global attention to the environmental degradation caused by oil exploration activities.

“We farm in Ogoni land and we also fish, but our waters were polluted and the land could no longer support farming activities,” he said.

He explained that the UNEP report recommended that oil companies should contribute $1bn every five years for 30 years to support the remediation programme.

“We have done 10 years now and we have not even received the full $1bn that was supposed to be contributed. The refineries and local operators have not contributed a dime,” he stated.

Last week, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project announced the closure of 30 contaminated sites in Ogoniland, Rivers State, while investigations have commenced on 18 high-risk polluted locations in residential communities.