Business
British High Commissioner to Nigeria lauds Guinness Nigeria on its exemplary commitment to quality
L-R: Supply Chain Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Cephas Afebuameh; British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright; and Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Sesan Sobowale during a tour of the Guinness Nigeria Plc Ogba Brewery plant in Ikeja, Lagos state
L-R: Supply Chain Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Cephas Afebuameh; British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright; Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Sesan Sobowale, Human Resource Director, Monica Peach; and Acting Deputy British High Commissioner, Ahmed Bashir during the visit of the British High Commissioner to the Guinness Nigeria Plc Ogba Brewery plant in Ikeja, Lagos state
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, has commended Guinness Nigeria’s commitment to high quality standards and innovation in the Nigerian brewery industry as demonstrated by the company’s robust and diverse product portfolio and manufacturing facilities.
Arkwright said this during a tour of the Ogba brewery of Guinness Nigeria, located in Ikeja, Lagos. The tour lends credence to Guinness Nigeria’s status as a preeminent Nigerian company with roots in the United Kingdom and demonstrates a firm belief in the Nigerian business by the British government.
Speaking on the relationship between Britain and Guinness Nigeria, Arkwright noted that, “Guinness Nigeria has been here since 1962 when the very first brewery was built which shows the very long history between the UK, Diageo, a proud British company and the Nigerian market. During the tour, I noticed one of the plaques where the factory was unveiled by a former British Minister for Africa, Mr. Henry Bellingham. That’s a very good example of the solid partnership that has continued to wax strong over the years.”
Arkwright further commended Guinness on the cleanliness of the facility, the modern machinery being used as well as the due observance of safety protocols and regulation.
“I am amazed at the cleanliness, the technical sophistication and the adherence to health and safety guidelines, which is a very good example of commitment to quality and environmental protection. Guinness Nigeria already employs lots of people here in Nigeria and they are looking at doing more, which provides an excellent example of how British companies are working with local partners to create jobs, stimulate economic activities and create a win-win situation for all stakeholders. It’s also heartwarming to see Guinness Nigeria drive innovation in the brewery industry, having just launched Orijin Zero, an absolutely brilliant drink,” Arkwright enthused.
In his welcome remark, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Peter Ndegwa, who was represented by the Corporate Relations Director, Sesan Sobowale, expressed the company’s delight at the visit which he said had afforded the company an opportunity to showcase its commitment to the industrial and economic development of Nigeria.
Responding to the High Commissioner’s impression of the factory, Sobowale noted that Guinness Nigeria has been here for sixty –six years as an incorporated company having been profiled as the largest British company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. “We have a large reputation, as such, the Commissioner came to witness first hand if the reality matches the enviable reputation that we have built over the years, and it is pleasing to see that he was not disappointed,” said Sobowale.
Furthermore, Sobowale welcomed the future entry of other British brands into the Nigerian market. “Our commitment to quality shines through everything that we do, which is why Nigerians love and adore our brands. It is our belief and expectation that this relationship would grow stronger and that the High Commissioner would gladly share the great things which he has seen today with other British firms that are interested in investing in Nigeria.”
Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
society5 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING
You must be logged in to post a comment Login