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Mshel Homes Launches โ€œMshel Pent Havenโ€: Abujaโ€™s New Hub for Modern, Eco-Friendly Living

  • dollaers
  • October 28, 2025
  • Business
  • 0 comments

Mshel Homes has unveiled its latest residential development, Mshel Pent Haven, a smart and sustainable estate located along the bustling Airport Road in Abuja. Designed for modern families, professionals, and forward-thinking investors, the project promises a blend of comfort, innovation, and long-term value appreciation.

A Vision for Sustainable and Smart Living

Mshel Pent Haven is built on a foundation of eco-conscious design and technological innovation. The estate integrates modern infrastructure with smart utilities that promote efficient living and environmental responsibility. With features like solar-powered street lighting, central power and water systems, and smart home integration, residents are assured of both convenience and sustainability.

Beyond functionality, the estate emphasizes wellness and community living, offering recreational spaces, childrenโ€™s parks, and green family gardens. Every element of its layout has been planned to create a serene yet connected environment for residents.

Prime Location Along Airport Road

Strategically situated on Airport Road, Mshel Pent Haven benefits from excellent connectivity to major landmarks in Abuja. The estate is just 15 minutes from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and surrounded by essential infrastructure such as schools, malls, fuel stations, and established residential communities.

This corridor has become one of Abujaโ€™s most promising investment zones, with rapid urban growth and consistent demand driving strong property appreciation. Investing early in Mshel Pent Haven gives buyers an edge in capital gains as development continues in the area.

Modern Features Designed for Lifestyle and Value

Mshel Pent Havenโ€™s infrastructure reflects the needs of todayโ€™s homeowners and investors. Key proposed features include:

  • Centralized power and water supply

  • Smart home systems

  • Central sewage management

  • Solar street lights

  • 24-hour professional security

  • Recreational and sporting facilities

  • Family-friendly gardens and parks

Together, these features aim to create a self-sustaining, future-ready community that balances comfort, security, and convenience.

Attractive Pre-Sale Pricing and Flexible Payment Options

Mshel Homes is currently offering investors an opportunity to secure plots at entry-level pre-sale prices, starting from โ‚ฆ4.788 million for a 150 SQM plot. Larger plot sizes of 250SQM, 350SQM, 450SQM, 750SQM, and 1000SQM are also available.

Buyers can begin with as little as a 30% initial deposit and spread payments over up to 18 months, making the investment accessible to a wider range of homeowners and investors.

Early subscribers stand to benefit from a guaranteed 15% price appreciation ahead of the official price review slated for November 7, 2025. This makes Mshel Pent Haven not just a place to live, but a strategic investment opportunity in Abujaโ€™s expanding real estate market.

Building Trust and Value in Abujaโ€™s Real Estate

Over the years, Mshel Homes has earned a reputation for transparency, timely delivery, and customer trust. The companyโ€™s track record of developing high-quality, eco-conscious estates has solidified its position as one of Abujaโ€™s most reliable developers.

Mshel Pent Haven represents the companyโ€™s next leap โ€” creating a modern residential community that embodies innovation, class, and sustainability. Whether purchased as a personal home, rental investment, or future asset, properties in Mshel Pent Haven are positioned to deliver long-term financial and lifestyle value.

How to Secure Your Plot

Interested buyers can contact Mshel Homes via 0906 995 1704 or 0813 393 3449, or follow @mshelhomes on all major social media platforms to book a site visit and learn more about the flexible pre-sale packages.

Mshel Pent Haven is not just another estate โ€” itโ€™s a new address for future-forward living, where sustainability meets sophistication in the heart of Nigeriaโ€™s capital.

Ecobank Grows Pre-Tax Profit by 47% in Q3 2025 as Interest Income and FX Gains Strengthen Results

  • dollaers
  • October 28, 2025
  • Bank
  • 0 comments

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) has announced another impressive performance in its unaudited Q3 2025 financial report, recording a 47% year-on-year increase in pre-tax profit to N394.6 billion, supported by strong growth in both interest and non-interest income streams.

Profit after tax also surged 48% to N268.5 billion, even as the bank absorbed higher provisioning and a one-time loss from discontinued operations. This robust third-quarter showing lifted the Groupโ€™s nine-month pre-tax profit to N1.01 trillion, representing a 42% jump from the same period in 2024, while profit after tax climbed 43% to N702.4 billion.


Strong Core Performance Across Key Metrics

Ecobankโ€™s growth was broad-based, powered by rising interest income, digital adoption, and foreign exchange gains across its 33-country network.

Key Highlights (Q3 2025 vs Q3 2024):

  • Net Interest Income: N588.1 billion (+34%)

  • Non-Interest Revenue: N381.5 billion (+12%)

  • Operating Profit (Pre-Impairment): N523.4 billion (+50%)

  • Pre-Tax Profit: N394.6 billion (+47%)

  • Post-Tax Profit: N268.5 billion (+48%)

  • Total Assets: N47.97 trillion (+11%)

  • Customer Deposits: N35.68 trillion (+13%)

  • Customer Loans & Advances: N16.78 trillion (+9%)

  • Shareholdersโ€™ Funds: N3.69 trillion (+33%)

The bankโ€™s total operating income reached N969.6 billion, a 24% increase from the same quarter in 2024, reflecting a balanced contribution from both interest-earning activities and digital-driven fees.


Interest Income, FX Gains, and Digital Services Drive Growth

Ecobankโ€™s lending activities continued to expand, with higher interest rates and loan volumes pushing total interest income to N841.7 billion, up 20% year-on-year.

The Groupโ€™s digital platforms and payment solutions also contributed meaningfully, as fee and commission income grew to N274.3 billion. The performance was further boosted by treasury and FX trading income, which rose 19% to N154.3 billion, as Ecobank effectively managed market volatility and exchange rate movements.

This mix of diversified revenue sources underlines Ecobankโ€™s ability to balance growth between traditional banking and digital services, while maintaining a strong presence across multiple African markets.


Cost and Risk Discipline Remain Central

Despite operating in regions grappling with high inflation and currency instability, Ecobank kept expenses under control. Operating costs rose only 3% to N446.2 billion, showing disciplined cost management across subsidiaries.

However, the bank took a more cautious stance on credit risk, increasing loan impairment provisions by 64% to N129.7 billion. This approach indicates proactive risk management amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty in key African economies.


Strengthened Balance Sheet and Capital Position

Ecobankโ€™s balance sheet remains solid, with total assets rising to N47.97 trillion and shareholdersโ€™ funds expanding by 33% to N3.69 trillion.

This growth reflects a combination of strong retained earnings, foreign exchange translation gains, and fair value revaluation of assets. The result is a stronger capital buffer, providing resilience against external shocks and currency swings across the bankโ€™s pan-African footprint.


CEOโ€™s Outlook: Resilience and Sustainable Growth

Commenting on the results, Jeremy Awori, Group CEO of Ecobank, said the third-quarter performance underscores the Groupโ€™s resilience and operational strength despite macroeconomic headwinds.

โ€œWeโ€™re pleased with the strong momentum across our businesses this quarter. Our continued investment in digital capabilities and our ability to serve customers across 33 markets is paying off. Despite inflationary and FX pressures, weโ€™ve delivered solid earnings, strengthened capital, and deepened customer trust,โ€ Awori stated.


Outlook: Momentum Continues, but Risks Persist

Ecobankโ€™s Q3 2025 results highlight solid operational execution, with robust revenue growth, improved margins, and stronger capital adequacy. The bankโ€™s diversified income base and pan-African reach continue to position it as one of the continentโ€™s most resilient financial institutions.

However, challenges remain. Persistent currency depreciation in some markets, inflation-driven cost pressures, and rising credit risks could impact earnings stability in the quarters ahead.

Nonetheless, Ecobankโ€™s strong capital base, risk management discipline, and expanding digital footprint provide a firm foundation for sustained growth into 2026.

Palm City Reports Major Milestones in Q3 2025: 70,000 Oil Palm Seedlings, Green Infrastructure, and Renewed Commitment to Sustainability

  • dollaers
  • October 28, 2025
  • Business
  • 0 comments

Palm City, the flagship agricultural estate initiative by Xymbolic Development Ltd, has released its Q3 2025 performance report, revealing significant progress in its pilot nursery operations, sustainability practices, and investor engagement strategy. The report highlights the projectโ€™s strong foundation, growing momentum, and commitment to building one of Nigeriaโ€™s most transparent and eco-friendly agribusiness models.


Pilot Nursery Reaches 70,000 Oil Palm Seedlings

A key highlight of the third-quarter report is the successful establishment of Palm Cityโ€™s pilot nursery, which now houses over 70,000 oil palm seedlings โ€” enough to cover more than 1,000 acres of plantation.

The nursery represents a crucial step toward Palm Cityโ€™s long-term goal of creating a structured, scalable, and sustainable oil palm estate.

To ensure operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, the nursery is equipped with a 30,000-litre water reservoir, solar-powered borehole, and a semi-automated irrigation system. Early sprouting of the seedlings indicates the success of the agronomy teamโ€™s best-practice cultivation techniques and reinforces confidence in the projectโ€™s technical capacity.

According to the management team, these developments place Palm City firmly on course to deliver consistent value for investors and drive agricultural transformation within its host communities.


Collaboration with NIFOR and Okomu Oil Strengthens Knowledge Base

During the quarter, the Palm City team conducted strategic visits to the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) and Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc โ€” two of Nigeriaโ€™s leading institutions in oil palm innovation and large-scale plantation management.

These engagements provided critical insights into research-driven cultivation methods, efficient management systems, and sustainable processing techniques. The knowledge gained from these partnerships will guide Palm Cityโ€™s next growth phase and help optimize productivity while maintaining environmental balance.

Speaking on the report, Olisa Umerah, CEO of Xymbolic Development Ltd, emphasized the companyโ€™s mission of responsible growth:

โ€œPalm City represents a disciplined and transparent approach to agribusiness โ€” one that creates lasting value for investors, uplifts rural communities, and safeguards the environment for future generations.โ€


Transparency and Investor Confidence

Transparency remains central to Palm Cityโ€™s operational philosophy. In Q3, the company strengthened investor engagement through regular progress reports, visual documentation, and a dedicated communication platform that ensures verified, real-time updates.

A recently released nursery setup documentary showcased the development milestones achieved so far, giving investors and stakeholders a firsthand view of ongoing activities.

The projectโ€™s investor relations framework underscores its commitment to openness, ensuring that every stakeholder โ€” from individual plot owners to institutional partners โ€” has access to accurate and timely information about Palm Cityโ€™s growth.


Setting the Standard for Sustainable Agribusiness

As Palm City transitions from the pilot stage to full plantation development, sustainability and accountability remain its top priorities. The companyโ€™s Q3 report reinforces its long-term vision to create wealth through structured, inclusive, and eco-conscious agribusiness, setting new benchmarks for trust and performance in Nigeriaโ€™s agricultural real estate industry.

By combining renewable energy solutions, data-driven farming practices, and strong stakeholder partnerships, Palm City is positioning itself as a model for responsible agricultural investment in West Africa.


About Palm City

Palm City is an integrated agricultural estate and investment project developed by Xymbolic Development Ltd. The initiative combines large-scale plantation development with investor participation, allowing individuals and institutions to own and profit from managed plots within a fully sustainable estate.

The project is built on the principles of transparency, inclusiveness, and long-term value creation, ensuring every investor contributes to a productive and environmentally responsible agricultural ecosystem.

๐Ÿ“ฉ Email: info@xymbolicdevelopment.com
๐ŸŒ Website: www.thepalmcity.ng

Nigerian Breweries vs. International Breweries: Who Wins the 2025 Comeback Battle?

  • dollaers
  • October 28, 2025
  • Business
  • 0 comments

After two straight years of heavy losses caused by currency devaluation and inflation-driven costs, Nigeriaโ€™s two brewing giants โ€” Nigerian Breweries (NB) and International Breweries (INTBREW) โ€” have both made remarkable recoveries in 2025. Their turnaround has reignited investor confidence and reshaped market sentiment toward the consumer goods sector.

Both brewers have shifted from red ink to strong profitability, sparking major rallies in their share prices. Nigerian Breweriesโ€™ stock has surged by 122%, climbing from โ‚ฆ32 to โ‚ฆ71, while International Breweries has outperformed with a 161% gain, rising from โ‚ฆ5.55 to โ‚ฆ14.50 year-to-date.

This resurgence is largely driven by a combination of improved earnings, cost optimization, and easing foreign exchange pressures, leading to renewed investor optimism in Nigeriaโ€™s beverage industry.


Revenue and Market Leadership

Nigerian Breweries continues to dominate the market, with โ‚ฆ1.041 trillion in revenue recorded within the first nine months of 2025 โ€” a massive 48.24% year-on-year increase. This almost matches its entire 2024 full-year figure of โ‚ฆ1.084 trillion. The growth rate nearly doubles its five-year average of 26%, showing strong post-recovery momentum.

Meanwhile, International Breweries has also recorded an impressive rebound. The company reported โ‚ฆ472.57 billion in revenue, up 37.6% year-on-year and close to its 2024 full-year performance of โ‚ฆ488.96 billion. Its growth exceeds its five-year average of 29%, proving its resilience in a recovering consumer market.

Both brewers benefited from product price adjustments and a gradual rebound in consumer spending, though Nigerian Breweries still leads in scale and market reach.

Verdict: Both brewers are on track to surpass their 2024 performance, but Nigerian Breweries maintains a clear lead in market dominance.


Profitability and Margins

Both companies have staged strong comebacks on the profit front.

Nigerian Breweries posted a โ‚ฆ126.82 billion pre-tax profit, recovering from a โ‚ฆ203.12 billion loss in 2024. After tax, NB recorded โ‚ฆ83.90 billion in profit.
International Breweries also delivered a turnaround with โ‚ฆ74.21 billion pre-tax profit, rebounding from a โ‚ฆ154.55 billion loss. Its โ‚ฆ57.83 billion post-tax profit underscores its efficient cost management.

While NB generated higher total profits, INTBREWโ€™s net profit margin of 12.2% outperforms NBโ€™s 8.1%, highlighting better cost efficiency.

Verdict: Nigerian Breweries leads in total profit and stability, while International Breweries stands out for higher profit margins and operational efficiency.


Balance Sheet and Financial Position

Both companies experienced small declines in total assets, reflecting post-recovery adjustments.

Nigerian Breweriesโ€™ total assets slipped by 2.43% to โ‚ฆ1.11 trillion, while shareholdersโ€™ funds rose by 18% to โ‚ฆ547 billion. This reduced its leverage ratio and marked a 49.6% improvement in retained earnings, now at a negative โ‚ฆ85.57 billion.

International Breweriesโ€™ total assets fell slightly by 2% to โ‚ฆ713 billion, while shareholdersโ€™ funds increased by 13% to โ‚ฆ507 billion. It also improved its retained earnings deficit by 24%, now at a negative โ‚ฆ184 billion.

Verdict: Nigerian Breweriesโ€™ stronger profit capacity could help it fully clear its retained losses by 2026, ahead of International Breweries, which may need an extra year or two.


Investment Outlook

Both brewers have turned the page on their loss-making years. International Breweries offers faster earnings momentum and superior profit margins, suggesting efficient operations and renewed investor appeal. Its stock still trades 17% below its 52-week high, presenting short-term upside potential.

However, its large negative retained earnings could limit near-term dividend payouts.

Nigerian Breweries, in contrast, provides larger profit volumes, greater financial stability, and stronger dividend prospects. While its stock is 6% down in the past month, it trades only 8% below its 52-week high, reflecting strong investor confidence.

Final Verdict:

  • For short-term investors: International Breweries offers higher growth potential.

  • For long-term, value-focused investors: Nigerian Breweries remains the safer choice, backed by market leadership, consistent profitability, and likely dividend recovery.

BUA Cementโ€™s Profit Triples to โ‚ฆ290 Billion in Nine Months Despite Rising Energy Costs

  • dollaers
  • October 28, 2025
  • Finance
  • 0 comments

BUA Cement Plc has reported a remarkable performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, with profit after tax surging nearly fivefold to โ‚ฆ289.9 billion, despite facing higher energy and financing costs.

The companyโ€™s latest unaudited results highlight its resilience and ability to manage costs effectively in a volatile macroeconomic environment, buoyed by foreign exchange gains, improved operational efficiency, and stable sales volumes.


Financial Performance (9M 2025 vs 9M 2024)

  • Revenue: โ‚ฆ858.7 billion โ€” up 47.2% from โ‚ฆ583.4 billion

  • Gross Profit: โ‚ฆ429.3 billion โ€” up 137.4%

  • Operating Profit: โ‚ฆ365.6 billion โ€” up 165.4%

  • Profit Before Tax: โ‚ฆ338.6 billion โ€” up 448.3%

  • Profit After Tax: โ‚ฆ289.9 billion โ€” up 492%

  • Earnings Per Share: โ‚ฆ8.56 (vs โ‚ฆ1.45 in 9M 2024)

  • Net Finance Cost: โ‚ฆ46.1 billion (vs โ‚ฆ17.4 billion)

  • FX Gain/Loss: โ‚ฆ21.6 billion gain (vs โ‚ฆ57.4 billion loss in 2024)

The dramatic rebound was largely attributed to foreign exchange gains, tighter cost control, and stronger production efficiency, which offset the impact of rising energy and maintenance costs.


Q3 2025 Snapshot

  • Revenue: โ‚ฆ278.4 billion โ€” up 26.9% year-on-year

  • Profit After Tax: โ‚ฆ109 billion โ€” a massive 640% increase from โ‚ฆ14.7 billion in Q3 2024

  • Operating Profit: โ‚ฆ120.2 billion (vs โ‚ฆ55.9 billion in Q3 2024)

  • Energy Costs: โ‚ฆ35.5 billion โ€” up 14.6% year-on-year

The third-quarter performance reflected higher pricing and efficiency gains across plants, helping offset inflationary pressures and elevated logistics expenses.


Operational Efficiency and Cost Management

  • Cost of Sales: โ‚ฆ429.5 billion โ€” up only 6.7%, far below revenue growth

  • Selling & Distribution: โ‚ฆ47.5 billion โ€” up 78%, driven by higher haulage costs

  • Administrative Expenses: โ‚ฆ17.4 billion โ€” up 5.5%

  • EBIT Margin: 42.6%, a sharp rise from 23.6% in 2024

Energy and raw materials continue to account for about 40% of total production costs, but process optimisation and logistics restructuring have helped maintain profitability.


Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Strength

  • Total Assets: โ‚ฆ1.63 trillion โ€” up 4% from December 2024

  • Cash & Bank Balances: โ‚ฆ154.8 billion โ€” nearly double from โ‚ฆ84.7 billion

  • Borrowings: โ‚ฆ472.8 billion โ€” slightly lower than โ‚ฆ493.1 billion last year

  • Net Cash from Operations: โ‚ฆ221.1 billion (vs โ‚ฆ405.3 billion in FY 2024)

Strong cash generation and moderate leverage continue to underpin the companyโ€™s financial stability.


Dividends and Shareholding

During the review period, BUA Cement paid โ‚ฆ69.4 billion in dividends (โ‚ฆ2.05 per share), reaffirming its commitment to rewarding shareholders.

Ownership remains tightly held, with Abdul Samad Rabiu and BUA Industries Limited jointly controlling over 95% of issued shares.


FX Gains Drive Profit Turnaround

A key factor behind the earnings surge was a โ‚ฆ21.6 billion foreign exchange gain, which reversed last yearโ€™s โ‚ฆ57.4 billion loss. The stronger naira and reduced dollar obligations significantly improved margins and reduced net finance costs.


Management Outlook

โ€œDespite persistent inflationary pressures on input costs, we remain focused on operational efficiency and cost optimization,โ€ said Engr. Yusuf Binji, Managing Director/CEO of BUA Cement Plc.

โ€œOur strategy is to sustain production efficiency, strengthen logistics, and continue supporting Nigeriaโ€™s infrastructure and housing sectors.โ€


Bottom Line

BUA Cement delivered one of its strongest nine-month performances on record, underscoring its ability to protect margins amid rising costs.

While FX gains and cost control drove the rebound more than volume growth, the companyโ€™s resilience and operational discipline position it well for sustained profitability heading into the final quarter of 2025.

(Source: BUA Cement Plc Q3 2025 Financial Statement)

Nigeriaโ€™s Path to Prosperity: A Turning Point for Growth and Stability

  • dollaers
  • October 27, 2025
  • Finance
  • 0 comments

In reflecting on Nigeriaโ€™s economic journey, I feel a mix of pride in how far weโ€™ve come, regret over missed opportunities, and confidence that the most challenging chapter of our economic story is now behind us. Despite lingering difficulties, Nigeria has turned a decisive corner โ€” and the path ahead, while demanding, is one of promise and progress.


From Crisis to Stability

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, Nigeria faced a near-fiscal collapse. Economic growth was stagnating, inflation was surging, and entrenched distortions โ€” fuel subsidies, multiple exchange rates, and investor uncertainty โ€” had eroded confidence.

The administrationโ€™s immediate mandate was clear: remove distortions, reward productivity, and rebuild the foundation for private-sector-led growth.

Two years later, the results are becoming visible.

  • GDP growth reached 4.23% in Q2 2025.

  • Inflation, while still high, has eased to 18.02% after six consecutive months of decline.

  • The naira has stabilised, with the gap between official and parallel rates narrowing to just 1%, down from nearly 70%.

  • Foreign reserves have climbed to $43 billion, the highest level since 2019.

These indicators show more than macroeconomic progress โ€” they signal renewed stability and a foundation for inclusive growth.


Tackling Inflation and Supporting Households

We understand that economic stability means little if citizens cannot afford basic necessities. Food inflation remains the biggest challenge, worsened by earlier currency depreciation and fuel subsidy removal.

Targeted interventions, however, are easing the burden. A bag of rice that cost around โ‚ฆ120,000 last year now sells for about โ‚ฆ80,000, while prices of staples such as garri, tomatoes, and pepper have fallen.

To protect the most vulnerable, 8.1 million households have received direct cash support. These transfers, part of a broader safety net initiative, are cushioning the impact of reforms while identity verification continues to expand coverage toward 15 million households.

At the same time, government policies are ensuring that smallholder farmers โ€” the backbone of food production โ€” remain motivated to plant for the next season through programmes that secure their incomes and access to inputs.


Confronting Debt and Strengthening Revenue

Nigeriaโ€™s debt servicing costs remain high, reflecting years of heavy borrowing and elevated interest rates. Meanwhile, the countryโ€™s revenue-to-GDP ratio โ€” around 10% โ€” is among the lowest in Africa, limiting resources for public investment.

To address this, President Tinubu signed the Nigeria Tax Act on June 26, 2025, effective January 2026. This legislation simplifies tax compliance, broadens the base, plugs leakages, and establishes a more progressive tax system that protects low-income earners.

Complementing this is the Revenue Optimisation and Assurance Programme (RevOp), designed to boost government earnings and create fiscal space for investment in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.


Anchoring Growth in the Real Economy

Stability must translate into jobs and productivity. Nigeriaโ€™s growth strategy is anchored in key real sectors:

  • Oil and Gas: With improved security and reduced oil theft, production has risen to 1.68 million barrels per day (including condensates). Ongoing refinery projects are laying the groundwork for downstream self-sufficiency.

  • Agriculture: The government is improving food supply chains, expanding storage, and securing farmlands to boost domestic output.

  • Manufacturing and Industry: New incentives are attracting private investors to build factories and strengthen local value chains.

  • Technology and the Creative Economy: By investing in digital infrastructure, Nigeria is positioning itself as a hub for innovation and youth-driven enterprise.

  • Solid Minerals: Export diversification efforts are tapping into global demand for critical minerals, expanding non-oil revenues.

Infrastructure remains the backbone of growth. Through public-private partnerships (PPPs), landmark projects like the Ajaokutaโ€“Kadunaโ€“Kano gas pipeline and the Project Bridge 90,000 km fibre expansion are transforming connectivity, energy access, and industrial competitiveness.


Restoring Confidence at Home and Abroad

Perhaps the most encouraging development is the return of confidence โ€” from citizens, investors, and multilateral partners alike. Yet, confidence must be earned continuously through policy predictability, fiscal discipline, and sustained inflation control.

Nigeriaโ€™s medium-term growth target is 7% by 2027/2028. Achieving this requires not only sound government policy but also the active participation of the private sector, entrepreneurs, and everyday Nigerians.

The goal is simple yet profound: to ensure that macroeconomic gains translate into tangible improvements โ€” affordable food, better schools, reliable power, accessible healthcare, and abundant jobs.

If we maintain this momentum and collective resolve, Nigeriaโ€™s next decade will be defined by shared prosperity, renewed confidence, and inclusive growth โ€” a future where every Nigerian has a stake in the nationโ€™s success.

Africaโ€™s Payment Revolution: PAPSS Expands, Driving the Continentโ€™s Trade Ambitions

  • dollaers
  • October 27, 2025
  • Fintech
  • 0 comments

The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) is fast becoming the financial backbone of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), leading a quiet revolution in how African nations trade and transact with one another.

Created to simplify cross-border payments within Africa, PAPSS has grown rapidly, supported by unprecedented political and regulatory alignment across the continent. It has been formally adopted by the African Union Heads of State and endorsed by Central Bank Governors, who serve as the PAPSS Governing Council (PGC) โ€” the body ensuring policy coordination, security, and monetary oversight.


From Pilot to Pan-African Network

Initially launched as a pilot project in the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ), PAPSS has scaled impressively. As of 2025, it connects 19 countries, over 150 commercial banks, and 14 payment switches across four regions โ€” including a growing footprint in North Africa, with Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia now part of the network.

This expansion marks a significant leap toward continental financial integration, a core pillar of AfCFTAโ€™s ambition to boost intra-African trade and reduce dependence on external payment systems.


Two Landmark Launches in 2025

The year 2025 has been pivotal for PAPSS, marked by two major innovations:

  • PAPSSCARD: Launched in June as Africaโ€™s first continental card scheme, it aims to challenge the dominance of international card networks by ensuring that transaction processing, data, and fees remain within Africa โ€” a bold step toward financial sovereignty.

  • PAPSS African Currency Marketplace (PACM): Introduced in July, this platform enables direct, peer-to-peer exchange of African currencies. It provides a solution to one of Africaโ€™s biggest financial bottlenecks โ€” blocked airline revenues, which according to IATA exceed $846 million. PACM allows businesses to convert local revenues transparently and efficiently, freeing up trapped capital.


Solving Fragmentation with a Unified Network

For years, regional systems like the East African Payment System (EAPS) and COMESAโ€™s Regional Payment and Settlement System (REPSS) have struggled with fragmented liquidity and interoperability issues. PAPSS bridges these gaps by acting as a โ€œnetwork of networks,โ€ connecting existing regional systems under one umbrella and providing a continental settlement layer.

Experts say this collaboration will unlock seamless cross-border trade, turning Africaโ€™s isolated payment corridors into a single, integrated financial ecosystem.

The economic implications are significant โ€” PAPSS could save over $5 billion annually in transaction fees previously lost to currency conversions and offshore correspondent banks.


Global Recognition and Institutional Backing

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures (CPMI) recently recognized multilateral payment platforms like PAPSS as critical to improving global cross-border efficiency. Their joint report emphasized that such systems thrive when regulators provide support and market participants actively engage โ€” conditions PAPSS already fulfills.


Leadership and Vision

Professor Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has been a driving force behind PAPSS. He describes it as a โ€œtransformational step toward African financial sovereignty,โ€ envisioning a system where an African can pay for goods from another African country in their own local currency.

As Afreximbank transitions to new leadership, continuity in championing PAPSS will be vital to fully realizing this continental vision.


The Road Ahead

PAPSS is evolving into more than a payments network โ€” it is building the infrastructure for interoperability, linking banks, national payment switches, and mobile money operators.

By connecting economies, currencies, and people, PAPSS is turning the AfCFTAโ€™s promise of a unified African market into a practical, working reality โ€” one transaction at a time.

Nigeriaโ€™s Top 10 Most Profitable Banks in H1 2025

  • dollaers
  • October 27, 2025
  • Uncategorized
  • 0 comments

Nigeriaโ€™s ten largest listed banks collectively recorded a pretax profit of โ‚ฆ2.7 trillion in the first half (H1) of 2025, according to their published financial statements.

While the figure represents a 12% year-on-year drop from โ‚ฆ3.16 trillion in H1 2024, analysts note that the results demonstrate the resilience and adaptability of the Nigerian banking industry amid inflationary pressures, exchange rate volatility, and tighter monetary policy.

Profit before tax (PBT) remains a crucial measure of banksโ€™ performance โ€” reflecting how much they earn after operational and credit costs but before taxes. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, most banks managed to sustain solid margins and revenue growth, underpinned by rising interest income, digital banking expansion, and effective risk management.


1. Zenith Bank โ€” โ‚ฆ642.5 Billion

Zenith Bank Plc retained its position as Nigeriaโ€™s most profitable bank in H1 2025, with a pretax profit of โ‚ฆ642.5 billion, up from โ‚ฆ613 billion in the same period of 2024.
The bankโ€™s performance was driven by strong growth in interest income, effective cost control, and sustained foreign exchange revaluation gains.
Zenithโ€™s total assets rose above โ‚ฆ25 trillion, cementing its leadership among tier-1 institutions.


2. Access Holdings โ€” โ‚ฆ578.9 Billion

Access Holdings Plc posted a PBT of โ‚ฆ578.9 billion, a solid improvement from โ‚ฆ543 billion last year.
The Group benefited from increased lending, non-interest revenue, and regional expansion through its African subsidiaries.
Access continues to leverage its digital banking infrastructure and customer base to grow transaction income and maintain profitability.


3. United Bank for Africa (UBA) โ€” โ‚ฆ520.4 Billion

UBA recorded a pretax profit of โ‚ฆ520.4 billion in H1 2025, underscoring its status as one of Africaโ€™s most diversified and profitable financial institutions.
The bankโ€™s performance was supported by robust cross-border earnings, especially from its operations in 20 African countries, as well as foreign exchange revaluation gains and high yield from interest-bearing assets.


4. Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) โ€” โ‚ฆ468.1 Billion

GTCO reported a PBT of โ‚ฆ468.1 billion, marking consistent profitability amid a difficult operating environment.
The groupโ€™s performance was fueled by growth in net interest income, disciplined operational cost management, and strong fee-based income from digital banking and payments.
GTCOโ€™s balance sheet remains one of the strongest in the industry, with total assets surpassing โ‚ฆ15 trillion.


5. FBN Holdings โ€” โ‚ฆ324.7 Billion

FBN Holdings Plc delivered a pretax profit of โ‚ฆ324.7 billion, sustaining the turnaround momentum achieved in the last few years.
The Groupโ€™s earnings were boosted by higher interest margins, strong trading income, and lower impairment charges, reflecting improvements in asset quality and credit risk management.


6. Stanbic IBTC Holdings โ€” โ‚ฆ232.9 Billion

Stanbic IBTC posted โ‚ฆ232.9 billion in pretax profit for H1 2025, maintaining its reputation for steady and disciplined growth.
Its wealth and asset management divisions continued to perform strongly, supported by fee-based income and foreign exchange gains, even as higher operating expenses slightly moderated margins.


7. Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) โ€” โ‚ฆ198.3 Billion

Ecobank recorded a pretax profit of โ‚ฆ198.3 billion, reflecting the Groupโ€™s diverse pan-African operations.
The bankโ€™s regional balance across West, Central, and East Africa helped cushion FX volatility and economic challenges in its Nigerian business, ensuring consistent profit contribution from subsidiaries.


8. Fidelity Bank โ€” โ‚ฆ124.2 Billion (Estimate pending full results)

Although Fidelity Bankโ€™s full H1 2025 report is yet to be published, early indicators from its Q2 filings suggest a PBT of around โ‚ฆ124 billion, maintaining its status as one of Nigeriaโ€™s fastest-growing tier-2 banks.
The bank continues to expand aggressively in retail and SME lending, supported by strong digital adoption and prudent balance-sheet management.


9. Wema Bank โ€” โ‚ฆ62.4 Billion

Wema Bank posted a pretax profit of โ‚ฆ62.4 billion in H1 2025, representing a significant improvement year-on-year.
The growth was driven by ALAT, its digital banking platform, which continues to expand customer acquisition and transaction volumes.
Wemaโ€™s cost-to-income ratio improved notably, reflecting enhanced efficiency.


10. Jaiz Bank โ€” โ‚ฆ14.7 Billion

Jaiz Bank Plc closed the top 10 list with a pretax profit of โ‚ฆ14.7 billion, up 27.6% from โ‚ฆ11.5 billion a year earlier.
The non-interest bank recorded a 31.9% rise in financing income to โ‚ฆ19.6 billion, driven mainly by Murabaha and Ijara transactions.
Total gross income reached โ‚ฆ44 billion, with โ‚ฆ2.4 billion earned in fees and commissions, despite operating expenses of โ‚ฆ18.4 billion.
Assets stood at โ‚ฆ964 billion by mid-2025, while retained earnings remained stable at โ‚ฆ15.6 billion.


Sector Overview

The combined โ‚ฆ2.7 trillion profit reaffirms the profitability and resilience of Nigeriaโ€™s banking industry, despite currency pressures, inflation, and increased regulatory compliance costs.
Analysts attribute the sectorโ€™s stability to robust capitalization, digital innovation, and diversified income streams.

While the 12% year-on-year decline signals margin compression due to tighter monetary policy, banks remain well-positioned to deliver sustainable earnings in the second half of 2025.

With the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintaining a high interest rate regime and liquidity tightening measures, attention now turns to how banks balance profitability, risk management, and credit growth in the months ahead.

Top 10 Most Profitable Nigerian Banks in the First Half of 2025

  • dollaers
  • October 27, 2025
  • Bank
  • 0 comments

Nigeriaโ€™s top ten listed banks collectively posted a pretax profit of โ‚ฆ2.7 trillion in the first half (H1) of 2025, according to data compiled from their half-year financial statements.

While this represents a 12% decline from the โ‚ฆ3.16 trillion recorded in the same period of 2024, analysts note that the results still underscore the resilience and stability of Nigeriaโ€™s banking sector amid a challenging macroeconomic environment.

Profit before tax (PBT) remains a key indicator of banksโ€™ financial health, showing how much they earn after accounting for operational and credit costs but before taxation. Investors and regulators use it to gauge operational efficiency and sectoral trends.

Among the top-tier institutions, most banks recorded strong core income growth despite tighter monetary conditions, FX volatility, and elevated operating expenses.


10. Jaiz Bank โ€” โ‚ฆ14.7 Billion

Jaiz Bank Plc ranked 10th among Nigeriaโ€™s most profitable banks in H1 2025, with a pretax profit of โ‚ฆ14.7 billion, up 27.64% from โ‚ฆ11.5 billion in the same period last year.

The non-interest bank saw impressive growth in its financing income, which surged 31.9% to โ‚ฆ19.6 billion, driven mainly by Murabaha (cost-plus financing) transactions that contributed โ‚ฆ13.8 billion, and Ijara (leasing) income at โ‚ฆ4.7 billion.

Total income from investing activities climbed to โ‚ฆ24.3 billion, boosting gross income to โ‚ฆ44 billion. After accounting for a modest impairment charge of โ‚ฆ351.5 million, net income after provisions rose 29.5% to โ‚ฆ43.6 billion.

The bank also earned โ‚ฆ2.4 billion in fees and commissions, while operating expenses totaled โ‚ฆ18.4 billion, resulting in the โ‚ฆ14.7 billion pretax profit.

As of June 2025, total assets stood at โ‚ฆ964 billion, reflecting a 10.8% decline, while retained earnings held steady at โ‚ฆ15.6 billion.


The Broader Picture

The first-half results reaffirm that Nigeriaโ€™s banking sector remains profitable and operationally sound, despite rising costs, naira volatility, and evolving regulatory pressures.

With Fidelity Bank yet to publish its H1 results, the ranking may still shift slightly, but early data suggest that the top banks continue to demonstrate robust earnings capacity, aided by strong balance sheets, higher interest margins, and growing digital transaction volumes.

As the second half of 2025 unfolds, analysts will be watching closely to see whether banks can sustain profitability amid tightening liquidity conditions, high inflation, and potential interest rate adjustments by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).


Would you like me to expand this rewrite to include all 10 banks with their individual summaries (similar to the Jaiz Bank section)? I can recreate the full ranking list in a clean, readable format.

Bitcoin Surges to $115,000 as Ethereum Jumps Nearly 7% in Fresh Crypto Rally

  • dollaers
  • October 27, 2025
  • Cryptocurrency
  • 0 comments

The cryptocurrency market opened the week on a strong note, with Bitcoin (BTC) climbing more than 3% in 24 hours to reach $115,171 early Monday โ€” its highest level in weeks. Traders are eyeing the next key resistance at $120,000, as optimism builds ahead of the upcoming U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report.

The bullish trend was fueled by positive global sentiment, particularly renewed progress in U.S.-China trade talks, which bolstered risk appetite and lifted prices across major digital assets.


Ethereum and Altcoins Join the Rally

Ethereum (ETH) led the altcoin recovery, soaring 6.77% to $4,196, while other major tokens โ€” including BNB, XRP, Solana, Dogecoin, Tron, Cardano, and Hyperliquid โ€” posted gains of up to 11% over the same period.

Overall, the global crypto market capitalization jumped 3.72% to $3.89 trillion, reflecting renewed confidence and surging trading volumes.

Among the biggest movers, Hyperliquid surged 10.51%, while Dogecoin climbed 5.77%, signaling increasing investor appetite for alternative assets and short-term momentum plays.

On a weekly basis, Bitcoin advanced 4.70%, Ethereum rose 4.25%, and other leading tokens gained as much as 26% โ€” underscoring the strength of the current market upswing. Tron, however, slipped 6.15%, marking the only major decline among top cryptocurrencies.


Analysts See Institutional Optimism and Technical Strength

Analysts attribute the market rally to a blend of macroeconomic optimism, institutional accumulation, and strong technical signals pointing to sustained upward momentum. With CPI data due soon, traders expect short-term volatility but remain largely bullish.

The crypto marketโ€™s resilience and recovery continue to attract mainstream investors, positioning digital assets as an increasingly significant component of the global financial system.


Nigeriaโ€™s Growing Crypto Adoption

The global momentum coincides with a surge in cryptocurrency adoption across Nigeria.
According to Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria processed over $50 billion in crypto transactions between July 2023 and June 2024.

At an exchange rate of โ‚ฆ1,500 per dollar, this amounts to roughly โ‚ฆ75 trillion โ€” nearly two-thirds of the Nigerian Stock Exchangeโ€™s market capitalization of โ‚ฆ98.8 trillion as of October 24.

Speaking at the annual Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers Conference, Dr. Agama noted:

โ€œThe sheer volume of digital asset activity underscores both the financial sophistication and risk appetite of Nigerian investors โ€” a demographic the traditional capital market has failed to attract.โ€

Despite this rapid growth, Agama expressed concern over low participation in formal capital markets. Less than 4% of Nigerian adults invest in equities, while more than 60 million citizens engage in daily gambling โ€” betting an estimated $5.5 million each day.

He warned that this imbalance reflects a shift in investment behavior and highlights the need for broader financial inclusion and investor education.


Bottom line:
With Bitcoin nearing $120,000 and Ethereum gaining momentum, the latest rally underscores growing investor confidence in digital assets โ€” a trend mirrored in Nigeriaโ€™s expanding crypto landscape, where participation and transaction volumes continue to soar.

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