Business
Okpala:Debt utilisation must support actual economic growth
OKPALA:Debt utilisation must support actual economic growth
Group Managing Director, VFD Group Plc, Nonso Okpala, presides over an expansive financial conglomerate with expertise across many sectors. Okpala, a well-rounded finance and economic expert, in a recent interview speaks on Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook, financial markets and business development.
What are the key variables that will shape the economic space in the second half, especially the financial markets?
OKPALA:Following the recession witnessed in third quarter 2020, the economy has recorded two consecutive quarters of economic growth, albeit marginal.
Two major factors have heavily influenced the economic conversation in first half 2021 are inflation and exchange rate. These will remain a key factor for the rest of the year. In second half, we expect a likely increase in headline inflation, followed by the growing trend of higher interest rate across most money market instruments, including treasury bills.
In the capital market, we have seen some progress with the implementation of the demutualisation. However, factors such as naira stability, earnings performances of key players and government policy would be crucial for market growth, especially towards attracting and retaining foreign investors.
We’ve seen a continuing decline in foreign portfolio investments. What is responsible for this and how do we make Nigeria the preferred destination among emerging markets?
The decline in foreign investments could be attributed to the condition of Nigeria’s economic and business space, as well as the security challenges, socioeconomic uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, negative macroeconomic indices and mismatch in policies that have failed to give direction.
Huge concerns around foreign exchange (forex) liquidity, capital repatriation, rising inflation and the deterioration in the macro-environment have also dampened the appetite of foreign portfolio investors. In addition, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and mutual funds both recorded bearish performances with the NGX All Share Index on negative yield between January and June and only 25 out of 118 listed mutual funds posting growth in the first quarter 2021.
A possible increase in foreign inflow will be supported by the combination of significant improvement in operating environment and the capital market, relative stability in the foreign exchange market, improved security conditions and deliberate government policies that impacts ease of doing business.
Are we likely to see a rebound in the equities market in the second half?
The equities market is not reflecting impressive corporate earnings or a continuous uptick in fixed income enough to weigh on the market. However, a decline in inflation and a convergence of forex rates and forex stability in second half will boost investor confidence and improve foreign portfolio investments in the equities sector. Those are a few of the conditions that will indicate whether a recovery will occur for NGX ASI, although some sectors are already seeing positive year-to-date performance. In addition, the SEC is working on various initiatives which we are hopeful would increase local participation in the market.
What sectors do you think investors should look out for?
Across Africa, we have seen accelerated investments in financial technology. This trend would remain the same given the maturity stage we are in and the vast market that remains to be captured.
Real estate is a viable investment sector. A gradual shift into property-tech and rejig of the housing model to increase investment yield and rental yield is required to accelerate growth.
Other sectors to look at include telcos, food and beverages and travels and tourism especially as the world economy comes to a full reopening and travel restrictions are lifted.
Access to finance is still a major issue for individuals and businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), how do we improve access to finance? And what is your Group doing about this?
This remains a challenge, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries.
Along the value chain of our businesses, we have different initiatives and products that helps address this. For individuals, this is purely technology-focused. We have built a virtual banking solution that eliminates barriers and reduces the cost and time of accessing financing. In addition, we will continue to use data to understand our customers and provide them with risk-based credit access.
Within the Group’s portfolio companies, we have three entities with differentiated focus on creating access to credit for individuals and businesses, and emphasis on how important this is to us. We give loans to SMEs through our micro-finance bank while structured financing for larger corporates can be accessed from our bridge financing outfits. Hence, there is something for everyone.
Layered on this is our corporate banking portal which will be launched soon. In designing this, a large emphasis was placed on SMEs. Beyond financing, we are committed to providing end-to-end financial services and growth accelerators to business we work with.
What is your assessment of the first half economic performance, with emphasis on the financial markets?
The first half 2021 was a mix of outcomes. The country officially came out of recession in first quarter 2021, while we have seen strong resistance to the pandemic across some sectors with growth in key indicators, particularly in banking and telecoms. However, these gains remain limited tempered by rising inflation, declining foreign reserves and further naira depreciation across official and parallel windows.
In the financial markets, we witnessed rising interest rate for T-bills, bonds and fixed income instruments. The capital market, however, has witnessed a six per cent decline year to date
Micro-lending is a global tool for poverty alleviation and empowerment. What has been your experience?
We have been into micro-lending business since 2009 first with VFD Bridge using our Lagos State lending licence and now joined by our microfinance bank. From then till date, we have deepened our reach of clientele who can access micro-credit significantly. Particularly between 2019 and today, where we have grown from 3,000 customers to about 300,000, who can potentially access micro-credit on request. We have been able to provide credit to individuals and small businesses who, otherwise would not have had access to credit from mainstream financial institutions. This, in return, enables these businesses grow, while also creating more jobs for thousands of others.
That said, this is only one of the several means of poverty alleviation and the government needs to create more social programmes and an economic environment that ensures gains are sustained.
Nigeria’s national economic development programme revolves around diversification and job creation, what are your suggestions?
In addition to diversification of government revenue and job creation, bridging the infrastructure gap is also a front burner subject towards achieving our development goals. While the government continues to make progress in this regard, the pace of infrastructure needs to be sped up to achieve our goal.
Also, we have seen gradual decline in oil contribution to gross domestic product (GDP), with growth, especially in the agricultural sector. However, the future is technology. Even in our agricultural sector, growth accelerator from this sector would need investment in tools to increase mechanised farming and general produce efficiency. Still on technology, we saw the emergence of India in the 90s to 2000s as a major exporter of tech-based solutions, services and personnel. In today’s increasingly global village, we continue to see the ascendance of Nigerians in the tech and software development phase. Government policies need to fully support this budding area of expertise for job creation and economic value realisation.
What’s your view on Nigeria’s debts?
Our debt profile is on the rise, and this is well documented. The bigger challenge is our ability to generate revenue. In 2020, about 97 per cent of government revenue was used to service existing debt stock. Hence the focus in the future should be on how to enhance our revenue, and how future debt utilisation must support actual economic growth.
How much of a risk does the foreign exchange constitute to the markets and economy?
Considering the importance of foreign inflows to our financial markets, foreign exchange stability and availability is an important indicator for the market and our economy.
Investors need assurances that there will not be capital or interest gain erosion at repatriation point or worse case, scarcity of forex as we saw in 2016 when companies could not repatriate funds to home country.
This stability also has the potential to affect the prices of goods and services, especially for products in the manufacturing value chain that relies on imported raw materials. This, alongside the increasing cost of outrightly imported items, can lead to inflation, a scenario we also saw between 2016-2017, when “imported inflation” accounted for the upward trend in headline inflation.
FirstBank Makes Home Ownership Possible for Nigerians with Single-Digit Interest Rate Loan
For millions of Nigerians, homeownership has long felt like an ambition deferred. Squeezed by rising property prices, persistent double-digit inflation and high commercial lending rates, the dream of owning a home has remained just that – a dream.
But that narrative is quietly changing. Thanks to FirstBank.
The N1 Trillion Intervention Reshaping Access
In partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), FirstBank has unveiled a mortgage opportunity that could redefine access to housing finance in Nigeria.
Backed by the Federal Government’s N1trillion mortgage fund, the initiative is designed to empower Nigerians with affordable, long-term credit to own their homes.
9.75% Interest Rate in a 30% Lending Environment
MREIF is priced at 9.75% per annum, dramatically lower than prevailing commercial loan rates. Eligible Nigerians can access up to N100 million and repay within 20 years. This translates into significantly more manageable monthly repayments and greater long-term financial stability.
Built for Salary Earners, Entrepreneurs and the Diaspora
The MREIF mortgage facility has been structured to be inclusive. It is available to salary account holders, business owners and diaspora customers. Whether you are a young professional aiming to exit the rent cycle, an entrepreneur building generational stability, or you’re a Nigerian abroad looking to secure assets locally, the product opens a pathway that has historically been out of reach for many.
Taking the First Step
For those who have been waiting for the right time, this is definitely it. The question is no longer whether homeownership is possible. The real question is: will you act before the window narrows?
Visit https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ and in no time you could be the latest homeowner in town.
Alpha Morgan Bank Deepens Presence in Abuja with New Branch in Utako
Marking another milestone in its expansion drive, Alpha Morgan Bank has opened a new branch in Utako, Abuja, reinforcing its strategy of building closer institutional ties within key business communities and bringing its financial expertise closer to individuals, and enterprises driving the city’s growth.
The new branch, located at Plot 1121 Obafemi Awolowo Way, Utako, Abuja is strategically positioned to serve individuals, entrepreneurs, and corporate clients within Utako and surrounding districts.
The expansion follows the Bank’s recently concluded Economic Review Webinar held in February 2026, as the bank continues to position as a thought-leader in the financial services industry.
Speaking on the opening, Ade Buraimo, Managing Director of Alpha Morgan Bank, said the move underscores the Bank’s commitment to accessibility and service excellence.
“Proximity matters in banking. As communities grow and commercial activity expands, financial institutions also evolve to meet customers where they are. The Utako Branch allows us to deliver our services to people in that community efficiently while maintaining the high standards our customers expect,”
The Utako location will provide a full suite of retail and corporate banking services, including account opening, deposits, transfers, business banking solutions, and financial advisory support.
Customers and members of the public are invited to visit the new Utako Branch to experience the Bank’s approach to satisfying banking.
Dangote Refinery Prioritises Domestic Supply Amid Global Energy Turbulence
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Nigeria insulated from international fuel shocks as Dangote Petroleum commits to uninterrupted local delivery.”
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the domestic market, pledging to shield Nigerians from the ripple effects of ongoing global energy disruptions. The assurance, delivered in Lagos on 5 March 2026, comes as international refinery operations experience shutdowns or reduced output due to escalating Middle East geopolitical tensions, which have sent crude oil and petroleum product prices soaring worldwide.
“Our mandate remains clear: Nigeria’s local market takes precedence. In times of global supply shocks, we will continue to ensure that domestic availability of petrol, diesel, and kerosene is uninterrupted,” said Mr. Folorunsho Alakija, spokesperson for Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The refinery’s declaration arrives amid mounting concerns over fuel scarcity, triggered by export restrictions imposed by major international producers, including China, and shipping delays that have further tightened global petroleum supply chains. Industry analysts have hailed the domestic focus as a critical buffer against volatility that could otherwise push Nigeria into deeper energy insecurity.
Domestic Shield Against Global Disruption
Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest oil processing facility, has leveraged its multi-million-barrel refining capacity to mitigate Nigeria’s historical dependence on imported petroleum products. The company emphasised that prioritising local supply provides a strategic advantage in insulating the nation from international market shocks.
“Our refinery’s scale allows Nigeria to withstand short-term external disruptions. We have the infrastructure and capacity to meet local demand even when global supply chains falter,” explained Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, Operations Director at Dangote Refinery.
The proactive approach is particularly significant as several international refineries have either reduced throughput or temporarily halted operations, causing a global scarcity of refined products. Experts warn that without domestic cushioning, fuel prices in Nigeria could have surged sharply, exacerbating inflationary pressures in a fragile economy.
Managing Costs While Prioritising Supply
In response to rising procurement costs for crude oil amid the international crisis, Dangote Refinery introduced a modest ₦100 per litre increase in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), absorbing roughly 20 percent of the cost escalation to lessen the impact on consumers.
“We are balancing operational sustainability with affordability. While global prices have risen sharply, we have chosen to absorb a significant portion to protect Nigerian households and businesses,” noted Mr. Emmanuel Adeyemi, Chief Finance Officer.
This pricing strategy underscores the refinery’s dual focus: ensuring uninterrupted supply while cushioning the public from abrupt spikes that could destabilize economic activity. Industry observers have lauded the approach as pragmatic, considering the volatility in international oil markets.
Strategic Distribution Initiatives
Beyond refining, Dangote Petroleum has initiated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered trucks to enhance nationwide distribution efficiency. The initiative seeks to reduce logistics costs and carbon emissions while ensuring a more reliable delivery network to petrol stations across urban and rural areas.
“Logistics is a critical part of the energy supply chain. By deploying CNG-powered trucks, we reduce dependency on expensive diesel, lower delivery costs, and improve supply reliability across the country,” explained Ms. Funke Adedoyin, Head of Logistics Operations.
This strategic move reflects a broader commitment to modernising Nigeria’s petroleum distribution infrastructure, reducing bottlenecks that have historically contributed to scarcity at retail outlets.
Implications for National Energy Security
Nigeria has historically struggled with fuel imports to meet domestic demand, making the country vulnerable to international market fluctuations. Dangote Refinery’s prioritisation of local supply mitigates this vulnerability by leveraging home-grown refining capacity, which allows for timely access to petroleum products and less reliance on foreign shipments.
“With Dangote Refinery leading local prioritisation, Nigeria is less exposed to global fuel shocks. The country is moving towards self-reliance in petroleum product supply,” commented Dr. Halima Suleiman, energy sector analyst.
Experts note that sustained operations at the refinery not only enhance energy security but also preserve foreign exchange, reduce import bills, and stabilise domestic market prices.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Market Stability
The refinery’s commitment is part of a broader corporate responsibility framework. Dangote Petroleum continues to engage with government agencies and regulatory bodies, ensuring that domestic supply is coordinated with Nigeria’s Petroleum Product Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to prevent panic buying and market distortions.
“We are in constant consultation with the government to ensure that our supply strategies align with national economic priorities,” said Mr. Alakija.
Such collaboration helps avert artificial shortages, stabilises pump prices, and maintains confidence in the domestic fuel market. Analysts argue that this approach exemplifies how private sector capabilities can complement governmental policies to enhance national resilience.
Navigating Global Uncertainties
The refinery operates in a complex global environment, where geopolitical crises, shipping constraints, and crude oil volatility can trigger disruptions. Dangote Petroleum’s domestic-first approach positions Nigeria to weather such crises more effectively.
“Global uncertainties are unavoidable, but our infrastructure and strategy ensure that Nigerians remain insulated from immediate shocks,” said Mr. Okonkwo.
This emphasis on resilience aligns with global best practices, where national refining capacity is leveraged to protect local markets from international supply disruptions.
Stakeholder Reactions
The government, civil society, and industry stakeholders have welcomed Dangote Petroleum’s strategy. Officials from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources noted that prioritising local supply aligns with Nigeria’s energy security policies and reduces the burden of foreign exchange expenditures on crude imports.
“Dangote Refinery is demonstrating leadership. Its domestic prioritisation ensures that the Nigerian economy remains insulated during turbulent global markets,” said Dr. Tunji Olumide, Special Adviser on Energy.
Consumers have also expressed cautious optimism. Retail operators and commuters reported steadier fuel availability in Lagos and other cities, though concerns remain about sustained pricing and distribution efficiency.
The Road Ahead
While Dangote Refinery’s strategy provides immediate relief, experts argue that long-term stability requires further investments in alternative energy, diversified refining infrastructure, and strategic reserves. This ensures that Nigeria can withstand global shocks without relying excessively on imports or temporary supply adjustments.
“Short-term measures like prioritising local supply are critical, but long-term energy security demands diversification, renewables adoption, and consistent policy implementation,” said Dr. Suleiman.
The refinery is exploring additional initiatives, including expanding storage capacity, upgrading pipeline networks, and adopting technology-driven monitoring systems to ensure supply continuity across the country.
Final Take
By prioritising domestic fuel supply amid global market turbulence, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has demonstrated its role as a stabilising force in Nigeria’s energy sector. Through strategic logistics, modest pricing adjustments, and engagement with government regulators, the refinery is insulating the nation from international shocks while maintaining operational sustainability.
“Our responsibility extends beyond profitability; it’s about ensuring Nigerians have reliable access to essential fuel. We take that mandate seriously,” concluded Mr. Adeyemi.
The refinery’s actions offer a blueprint for how large-scale domestic capacity can protect national economies in times of global energy instability, underscoring the critical intersection of private sector resilience, public policy, and national energy security.
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