Business
FEMBOL’s 2025 vision: Advancing Nigeria’s economy via trade and innovation
FEMBOL’s 2025 vision: Advancing Nigeria’s economy via trade and innovation
As 2024 draws to a close, there is palpable optimism in Nigeria’s economic outlook, driven by advancements in trade policies, technological innovation, and a renewed focus on resource diversification. For Fembol, a leader in its industry, this optimism fuels its strategic planning for 2025, a year poised to usher in significant progress across key sectors of Nigeria’s economy.
Customs revenue growth and trade facilitation policies
One of the standout achievements in 2024 was the Nigeria Customs Service’s ability to not only meet but surpass its revenue target. The agency achieved a revenue collection of N5.7 trillion, exceeding the N5.079 trillion target set at the beginning of the year. The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on Wednesday, 13th November, at the 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja.
This milestone sets the stage for 2025, with the government aiming to capitalise on this momentum by implementing policies designed to streamline trade processes, facilitate imports and exports, and stimulate economic growth. These measures are expected to reduce bottlenecks in trade, foster ease of doing business, and position Nigeria as a more competitive player in the global market.
The government’s focus on trade facilitation is crucial for industries, including Fembol’s, which rely on efficient import and export systems. By embracing these policies, businesses can leverage improved trade by infrastructure to deliver greater value to customers and stakeholders, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s economic advancement.
“The government’s focus on trade facilitation is crucial for industries, including Fembol’s, which rely on efficient import and export systems.”
Mining and resource diversification
While Nigeria has historically leaned on crude oil as its primary export, the discovery of large lithium deposits across the country presents a critical opportunity for resource diversification. Key states and deposit estimates include:
Kwara State: Estimated 1.5 million tonnes of lithium.
Ekiti State: Lithium deposits of 2.8 million tonnes identified.
Ogun State: Rich deposits totalling 3 million tonnes.
Nasarawa State: Lithium resources exceeding 1.2 million tonnes.
Plateau State: Over 2 million tonnes of lithium deposits.
In addition to lithium, Nigeria also boasts significant deposits of gold, lead, zinc, tin, and columbite, found in states like Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, and Bauchi. For example, Zamfara is renowned for its gold deposits, while Plateau has long been a hub for tin and columbite mining.
Mining activities have already commenced but will be expanded in 2025, with these resources supplementing Nigeria’s foreign earnings. This development aligns with President Tinubu’s efforts to attract foreign investment, as evidenced by his recent visit to France, which emphasised mining partnerships and economic collaboration. Additionally, a visit by German officials to Nigeria hints at the potential for strategic partnerships with Europe, further solidifying Nigeria’s position as a hub for resource-driven economic growth.
Technological innovation: Introducing Hauliin
Fembol is launching its technology in 2025, recognizing its transformative potential in driving innovation and enhancing collaboration across industries. By investing in digital tools and platforms, Fembol aims to foster seamless partnerships and deliver a superior value proposition to its customers.
A key initiative in this regard is the development of Hauliin, an all-encompassing platform designed to revolutionise business operations in local and international trade. Hauliin will simplify the entire import and export process—from sourcing reputable suppliers to ensuring final delivery. With services encompassing procurement, transportation, customs clearance, freight forwarding, and logistics coordination, Hauliin envisions a future where businesses can navigate global trade effortlessly.
By offering quotations, facilitating customs procedures, and connecting users with dependable transporters, Hauliin will enable businesses to move goods efficiently—whether from ports and terminals or directly to their final destinations. Beyond logistics, Hauliin aims to empower businesses to expand into international markets, ensuring they can source products, scale operations, and compete globally—all through a single, intuitive platform. Coming soon—Hauliin is building the future of trade.
Strategic collaboration
Fembol is actively building strategic partnerships by joining global alliances that offer access to reliable partners across numerous countries and continents. These partnerships enable Fembol to enhance its services, expand market access for its clients, and facilitate trade through the import and export of goods.
Optimism for 2025: Driving progress amid challenges
Despite challenges such as fluctuating exchange rates and inflationary pressures, there are positive indicators pointing to a more stable economy in 2025. The expected boom in trade and industry, coupled with the government’s proactive approach to easing and increasing exports, provides a solid foundation for growth.
Fembol remains optimistic about the future, prioritising strategic planning and prudent expenditure to navigate uncertainties. By focusing on innovation, collaboration, and value creation, Fembol is well-positioned to continue contributing to Nigeria’s economic advancement.
As Nigeria prepares to enter a new economic chapter, the outlook for 2025 is marked by opportunity and potential. From leveraging resource diversification to embracing technology, Fembol is set to help shape a brighter economic future for Nigeria.
Oluwafemi Bewaji is the Founder/CEO of Fembol Group. He has been in the forefront of logistics and supply chain management in West Africa for over a decade, steering operations that have moved goods worth over USD1billion through some of the region’s most critical ports. His expertise has been honed through partnerships with leading global and local companies, including AB InBev, Dangote, Guinness and Nigerian Breweries, where he has delivered results that consistently exceed expectations.
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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