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FIRSTBANK HIGHLIGHTS ROLES OF SMES TO ECONOMY AT EHINGBETI LAGOS SUMMIT By Bolaji Israel

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The Chief Exacutive Officer of FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Dr Adesola Adeduntan, has restated the strategic importance of small and medium enterprises SMEs to the growth and development of the national economy.

 

 

Adeduntan saidthe path to the growth of Nigerian economy lies in growing the SME sector, and that informed why First Bank has deliberately provided robust support platforms for the critical SME sector.

Speaking during the plenary session at the 8th Ehingbeti/Lagos Economic Summit on Tuesday, 16 February 2021, the First Bank CEO said, “The path to the growth of Nigerian economy is by growing the SME sector.

SME is a very important aspect of what we do at FBN because of its importance to the overall growth and development of the economy.”

Adeduntan disclosed that ”By March 2021 First Bank will be 127 years old, and is by far the oldest and largest bank in Nigeria.

The reason we continue to thrive and endure as an institution is our support for businesses that are relevant to the overall growth and development of the economy and the SMEs is a practical example. Our portfolio of SME is quite sizeable, giving the history of the FirstBank and Nigeria.”

Enumerating the bank’s support for the sector, he explained: “At FirstBank, we have a dedicated portal called SME Connect running for about 6 or 7 years through which we provide support for SMEs.

We offer advisory services to ensure we up their skills and capabilities in either preparing basic accounts statements, choice of technology, and supporting them to work through the system.

We have continuously refined the SME Connect platform to conform with latest standards. For example, we updated it with relevant adjustments to the new Company and Allied Matters Act CAMA Law.

In some practical terms, we provide term loans, overdraft and all types of structured debt instrument to our SME Customers.

Dr Adeduntan further added that, “Very importantly, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as part of its economic stimulant plan provides more liquidity for banks to enable them lend more to SMEs. FirstBank is active in that space, and so are other banks too.

“The Bankers Committee which consists of CBN Governors and CEOs of Banks also collectively decided and intervened on SME. We set up a fund with 5% of Profit After Tax to create a pool of fund which is available for funding SMEs.

We understand their importance in keeping the economy growing to ensure we have a positive economy.”

“I am always inspired when I meet businesses that are now relatively big or sizeable telling me how 20, 30, 40 years ago FBN helped in supporting them to pick up from the ground” he concluded enthusiastically.

The three-day summit held virtually from February 16-18 themed “For a Greater Lagos: Setting the Tone for the Next Decade”, with about 150 speakers, drawn from across the world speaking on various issues, including Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, the newly appointed Director General of the World Trade Organization, President Mohammad Buhari and Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, president, African Development Bank (ADB).

The Ehingbeti Summit is a great recent tradition in Lagos State which has served as the bedrock for developmental discourse, a platform for engaging a wide range of stakeholders in the Lagos success story and an invaluable tool for molding our growth over the past 20 years.

Jointly created by the private and public sector of Lagos State, Ehingbeti is not merely a platform for discussions but also a veritable tool for driving socio-economic and infrastructure development in the State.

The Summit aims to generate and implement tangible ideas and innovations, many of which have been successfully executed by Lagos State to the benefit of all.

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT.

 

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has rolled out an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to join its team.

In a public notice via its X handle, the agency announced job openings for positions like Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, and Assistant Director in fields such as Tax, Public Relations, Legal, ICT, and Risk Management.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply via the official portal at careers.firs.gov.ng before January 11, 2025. This recruitment drive is aimed at bolstering public service efforts and maximizing national development.

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

 

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

 

 

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

 

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

 

 

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

 

 

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

 

 

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

 

 

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

 

 

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

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