Business
ECONOMIC RECOVERY: PR ROUNDTABLE SETS TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES IN MARITIME SECTOR
As Nigeria continues to drive at an improved economy, experts at the next NECCI PR Roundtable are set to provide practical suggestions and solutions for a pragmatic approach to success for the country. Nkechi Ali-Balogun, the Chief Executive Officer at NECCI Limited gave this assurance as the company announced plans for the 19th edition of the NECCI PR Roundtable in Lagos.
According to Ali-Balogun, diversification of the Nigeria economy and optimally utilizing the country’s potentials are ready-made solutions for bringing out Nigeria from what appears to be an economic slumber. The roundtable will hold on Friday, October 17, 2019 at the Four Points by Sheraton in Victoria Island, Lagos.
“The theme for the 19th edition of the NECCI PR is “Awakening the Blue Giant: Catalyzing the Growth of Nigeria’s Maritime Economy through Public Relations”. Several studies have shown that with the potentials in the maritime sector, all we need to do as a people and government is to put in an effective strategy and be committed to an effective execution of such strategies. That would ensure that we fully tap into the economic benefits of the blue giant; the sleeping but sometimes restless oceans surrounding us”, Ali-Balogun said.
She added that “we have been so dependent on oil for a long time. However, the present global economic situation appears not to be in favour of what is gradually becoming a dangerous dependence on a mono-economy. However, to ensure that all stakeholders align and contribute their quota towards achieving the objectives of diversified economy, the communication must be right within the scope of effective public relations by the government”.
Consequently, discussants at the event will explore the potentials of Nigeria’s Maritime Economy, Study the Challenges and Proffer sustainable solutions that will engender greater influx of Foreign Direct Investment into the Maritime Sector. The Roundtable will create strategies through which a systemic transformation of the maritime sector will be achieved through the methodologies of public relations.
The Lead paper will be presented by His Excellency, Dr. Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank, AFREXIM, Cairo, Egypt. The Chairman of the occasion is none other than the highly dynamic Director-General of NIMASA, Ama Okusenibo Dakulu Peterside. A special panel on “Creating Synergies towards Catalyzing a Government and Private Sector Driven Development of the Nigerian Blue Economy” will feature panelists will including the Executive Secretary/CEO, Shippers Council, Hassan Bello, Femi Awoyemi, MD Proshare, Mr. Bashir Jamoh, Executive Director, NIMASA, Dr. Jumoke Kassim, Executive Director, Earthshield International Foundation, Squadron Leader Ibikunle Daramola among other distinguished personalities
Since its inception in the year 2000, the NECCI PR Roundtable has helped broker the assimilation of global trends within the Nigerian Public Relations sector by opening the eyes of critical stakeholders to case studies from around the world from which the country may tap experiences. Past Speakers include but not exhausted; The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Professor PLO Lumumba of Kenya, His Excellency Donald Duke, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Mrs Ibukun Awosika, Mr Femi Awoyemi.
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
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