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Situation Room Commends Dangote Over Commencement of PMS Production

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Situation Room Commends Dangote Over Commencement of PMS Production

 

 

The Situation Room on Energy Sustainability, a coalition of civil society organizations, has commended the President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on the resumption of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) production in Nigeria for the first time in almost three decades.

 

In a statement signed by Dr. Ikenna Nnaji, the group described the milestone achievement as a testament to Dangote’s visionary leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

The Dangote refinery, with a capacity to produce 650,000 barrels per day, is expected to significantly reduce fuel scarcity, leading to lower prices and increased economic activity, which will improve livelihoods, reduce hunger, and save lives.

The group noted that Nigerians have suffered from perennial fuel scarcity, skyrocketing prices, hunger, and even death due to the inability of the country’s refineries to produce, resulting in untold hardships and economic losses.

However, with the commencement of PMS production at the Dangote refinery, Nnaji expects a significant reduction in fuel scarcity, leading to improved livelihoods, reduced poverty, and increased access to healthcare and education.

“We wish to express our heartfelt commendation to the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, on the resumption of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) production in Nigeria for the first time in almost three decades,” the statement said.

“This milestone achievement is a testament to the visionary leadership and unwavering commitment of Mr. Dangote to Nigeria’s economic growth and development. The Dangote refinery, with its capacity to produce 650,000 barrels per day, is a game-changer for our country’s energy sector.

“For years, Nigerians have suffered from perennial fuel scarcity, skyrocketing prices, hunger, and even death due to the inability of our refineries to produce. This has led to untold hardships, economic losses, and loss of lives. The impact on our economy, healthcare, and education has been devastating.

“However, with the commencement of PMS production at the Dangote refinery, we expect a significant reduction in fuel scarcity, leading to lower prices and increased economic activity, which will in turn improve livelihoods, reduce hunger, and save lives.

“The resumption of PMS production will also lead to reduced fuel scarcity, lower prices, and increased economic activity, resulting in improved livelihoods, reduced poverty, and increased access to healthcare and education due to reduced economic burdens.

“Additionally, this development will save Nigeria billions of dollars in foreign exchange, enhance the local availability of critical fuel for businesses and households, impact billions of dollars of trade in fuel markets regionally and beyond, position Nigeria as a leader in energy production and sustainability in Africa, and encourage private sector investment in the energy sector.”

The group commended Dangote for his perseverance and dedication to making Nigeria self-sufficient in petroleum production, despite numerous challenges faced during the refinery’s development.

Nnaji also praised the Federal Government for providing an enabling environment for private sector investment in the energy sector, particularly the crude-for-Naira initiative.

The group, however,  urged other private sector players to emulate Dangote’s example and invest in Nigeria’s energy sector to achieve energy sustainability and prosperity.

“We also commend the Federal Government for providing an enabling environment for private-sector investment in the energy sector,” the statement noted.

“The government’s crude-for-Naira initiative, as acknowledged by Mr. Dangote, will contribute to the stability of our currency.

“We urge other private sector players to emulate Mr. Dangote’s example and invest in Nigeria’s energy sector. Together, we can achieve energy sustainability and prosperity for our nation.”

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

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Adron Homes Celebrates Eid-al-Fitr, Wishes Nigerians Peace and Prosperity

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Adron Homes Celebrates Eid-al-Fitr, Wishes Nigerians Peace and Prosperity

 

Adron Homes and Properties extends warm greetings to the Muslim community across Nigeria and beyond as we celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-al-Fitr.

As we mark the end of Ramadan, a season of faith, sacrifice, and devotion, we reflect on the values of unity, gratitude, and generosity that define this celebration. The blessings of fasting and prayers bring peace, progress, and abundance to our beloved nation, and we pray for continued harmony, stability, and prosperity for Nigeria and its people.

At Adron Homes, this season is also a time to express our heartfelt appreciation to our esteemed customers. Your trust, loyalty, and commitment to choosing Adron Homes as your partner in the journey to homeownership mean everything to us. Your belief in our vision inspires us to continue providing affordable, luxurious, and accessible housing solutions, making homeownership a reality for all.

As you celebrate Eid with your loved ones, may your homes be filled with peace, joy, and countless blessings. We remain dedicated to building vibrant communities where families can thrive and create lasting memories.

Eid Mubarak! Thank you for being part of the Adron Homes family.

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FRESH: GTCO Plc Releases 2024 Full Year Audited Results…..…Pays Shareholders Record Dividend of N8.03k for 2024 Financial Year

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FRESH: GTCO Plc Releases 2024 Full Year Audited Results…..…Pays Shareholders Record Dividend of N8.03k for 2024 Financial Year

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has released its Audited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2024, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The Group reported profit before tax of ₦1.266trilion, representing an increase of 107.8% over ₦609.3billion recorded in the corresponding year ended December 2023. This performance reflects not just strong earnings but also the quality and sustainability of our earnings, underpinned by a well-diversified revenue base, robust risk management practice, and disciplined capital management.

The Group recorded growth across all financial and non-financial metrics, and continues to maintain a well-structured, healthy, and diversified balance sheet. The Group’s loan book (net) increased by 12.3% from ₦2.48trillion in December 2023 to ₦2.79trillion in December 2024, while deposit liabilities grew by 37.8% from ₦7.55trillion to ₦10.40trillion during the same period. Total assets and shareholders’ funds closed at ₦14.8trillion and ₦2.7trillion, respectively. Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remained very robust and strong, closing at 39.3%, likewise, asset quality was sustained as evidenced by IFRS 9 Stage 3 Loans which closed at 3.5% at Bank Level and 5.2% at Group in December 2024 (2023: Bank, 2.5%; Group, 4.2%) and cost of risk (COR) closed at 4.9% from 4.5% in December 2023.

Commenting on the results, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc), Mr. Segun Agbaje, said; “Our strong performance for 2024 underscores the resilience and depth of our business, driven by a well-diversified earnings base across our banking and non-banking subsidiaries, all of which are P&L positive. Our capacity to generate sustainable high-quality earnings, maintain strong asset quality, and drive cost efficiencies reflects the soundness of our long-term strategy and disciplined execution. We have also prudently provided for all our forbearance loans, well ahead of the June 2025 timeline, whilst fully accruing for the windfall tax, further strengthening our balance sheet and enhancing financial resilience.

He further added; “The total dividend of N8.03k for the 2024 FYE is underpinned by the quality of our earnings and is in line with our long tradition of increasing dividend pay-out year-on year. Looking ahead, we remain committed to building a Financial Services Group that thrives on innovation, operational efficiency, and sustainable profitability. We will continue to deepen our relationships with customers, leverage technology to deliver cutting-edge financial solutions, and accelerate the growth of all our business verticals—Banking, Funds Management, Pension, and Payments—to unlock new opportunities and create more value for our shareholders.”

Overall, the Group continues to post one of the best metrics in the Nigerian Financial Services industry in terms of key financial ratios i.e., Pre-Tax Return on Equity (ROAE) of 60.5%, Pre-Tax Return on Assets (ROAA) of 10.3%, Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) of 39.3% and Cost to Income ratio of 24.1%.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) is a leading financial services group with operations across Africa and the United Kingdom. Renowned for its strong corporate governance, innovative financial solutions, and customer-centric approach, GTCO Plc provides a wide range of banking and non-banking services, including payments, funds management, and pension fund administration. The Group is committed to delivering long-term value to stakeholders while driving growth and development across its markets.

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Court Crushes Fraud Allegations Against Zinox Boss, Labels Case ‘Campaign of Persecution’

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Court Crushes Fraud Allegations Against Zinox Boss, Labels Case ‘Campaign of Persecution’

 

In a dramatic courtroom turn, Justice Akpan Okon Ebong of the FCT High Court has once again cleared billionaire tech magnate Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Technologies, alongside his wife Chioma Ekeh and 11 others, dismissing the ₦162 million fraud allegations filed against them as a “gross abuse of court process.”

The high-profile suit was spearheaded by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), who purportedly acted on the authority of a fiat granted by Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi. The case alleged fraudulent diversion of funds linked to a laptop supply contract with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), on behalf of Benjamin Joseph, CEO of Citadel Oracle Concept Limited.

However, Justice Ebong delivered a scathing rebuke, highlighting that the case had already been exhaustively investigated by multiple courts and law enforcement agencies, all of which found the allegations unsubstantiated.

“One intriguing aspect of this matter is that none of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation of the nominal complainant’s (Mr. Joseph) numerous petitions has found merit in any of his allegations against the defendants,” Justice Ebong remarked, sharply critiquing the persistence of the plaintiff. The judge added, “When called upon before Senchi J. (Justice Danlami Z. Senchi) to prove his said allegations to the court, he failed to turn up in court. One then wonders on what premise he wants to maintain this campaign of persecution against the defendants.”

In his certified ruling dated March 20, 2025, Justice Ebong unequivocally stated:
“It is my conclusion based on the foregoing that this charge (No. FCT/HC/CR/985/2024, Federal Republic of Nigeria v Leo Stan Ekeh and 12 ORS) constitutes a gross abuse of court process and is liable to dismissal. I accordingly hereby dismiss it.”

Defense lawyer Chris Eze Ozims welcomed the ruling, noting, “This judgment aligns with previous court decisions, reaffirming that these allegations are baseless.”

Chief defense counsel Matthew Burkaa (SAN) went further, describing the verdict as a “victory for integrity and the rule of law.”

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