Business

CBN Tasks States to Set Up Bank of Industry

Published

8 years ago

September 14, 2016

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has advised states without a Bank of Industry to facilitate the establishment of one in order to speed up industrialisation and other economic development across the country.

The Assistant Director, Development Finance Department of CBN, Abuja, Mr. Babatunde Ogunleye made the call recently in Uyo, AkwaIbom State while responding to questions from newsmen.

He argued that such an institution with the primary mandate to finance the processing of raw materials and industrialisation of the nation is better positioned to help the micro, small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

Ogunleye expressed dismay that in some states without the establishment of the BoI, citizens are compelled to go extra miles like the nearest state to present proposal or seek assistance from the bank on the financing of projects.

The Assistant Director who was in the state for a public enlightenment of the residents of AkwaIbom on the activities of the CBN declared that, if there is BoI in a state “the speed of doing business will be fast and the cost of doing business will be low.”

“You can easily work to the next street where there is BoI, meet the manager, present your proposal and get consider instead of may be going to Calabar or any other nearer states, that is one of the big gains of having B0I,” he stressed.

“Another gain is that, the speed of doing business, especially those who are producing raw materials will quickly get their raw materials evacuated and get paid.

“The bank here will get funded because payment will get to all these banks, all these things will amount to improve and increase standard of living for citizen and government will make money quietly through tax revenue because if business and commerce move everybody is happy.” he added.

Ogunleye maintained that the organised private sector and associations are the right body to partner with government to ensure the BoI is established in their state.

The sensitisation workshop being organised in all the states of the federation was to enlighten members of the public on the activities of the CBN.

The three-day workshop with the theme “Promoting Financial Stability and Economic Development” was attended by farmers, cooperative societies, business entrepreneurs, industrialists, market women, bankers, civil servants and government across the state.

A Senior Manager and Director of Consumer Protection Department of CBN, Sani Bako Mohammed in his presentation, said customers have the right to information, choice, safety, redress, privacy and confidentiality and good service from any bank of choice.

He disclosed that the Consumer Protection Department of the CBN has prosecuted 8,044 complaints out of which 354 complaints were against commercial banks and other financial banks.

According to him, the CBN has successfully resolved complaints that involve about N35 billion explaining procedures to the audience on how to lodge complaint and follow-up.

A Director in the CBN of the Electronic Banking Payment System Department, Mr. B. I. C. Madunagu briefed the participants of the Clean Note Policy of the Bank and how to handle the naira.

Up Next

MTN Gets $1.3bn Loan to Settle Nigerian Fine

Don't Miss

NEPC Eyes $30b From Non-Oil Exports

Samed Olukoya

Is the CEO and Founder of Investors King Limited. He is a seasoned foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and other prominent platforms. With over two decades of experience in global financial markets, Olukoya is well-recognized in the industry.

Comments

Business

New Website Unveiled by FG for Pay-Later CNG Conversion to Cut Transport Costs

Published

3 days ago

October 10, 2024

Yetunde Olugbenga

The federal government has unveiled a website that offers a pay-later option for commercial and private car owners looking to convert their petrol-powered vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

This was in response to the incessant increase in transportation fares following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

According to the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) the initiative will help ease transportation costs and encourage more transporters to embrace CNG.

In a post on X, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) revealed that this initiative ensures a hassle-free experience for CNG users through an easy online application and a quick approval process.

“Switching to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is now more accessible than ever. With flexible payment plans tailored to fit your budget, transitioning from petrol to CNG has never been smoother or more affordable. These payment options allow you to convert your vehicle now and pay later with affordable monthly installments at competitive rates.” NOA stated.

The installment payment option aims to achieve the federal government’s projection of a 30-40% fare reduction as more motorists adopt this initiative.

In addition to the distribution of 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles among youths in the transportation sector across Nigeria, the pay-later option is intended to encourage more people to adopt CNG, thereby providing affordable mobility options.

Business

Nigerians Fear Increase in Fake Products as NAFDAC Officials Commence Indefinite Nationwide Strike

Published

5 days ago

October 8, 2024

Ugwoke Ogbodo

There are indications that fake producers of consumables and other items across the country may have a field day following an industrial action embarked upon by workers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Investors King gathered that the nationwide strike which started on Monday is indefinite and nationwide.

The decision of the staff of the agency to down tools followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to their management.

The decision to shun work was confirmed after a congress of NAFDAC staff convened on Friday, October 4, 2024 over unresolved issues.

The striking workers, under the directive of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) have been instructed to withdraw all services and vacate offices.

They were also ordered to remove personal belongings as the strike began.

The demands of the staff include a review and re-evaluation of the 2024 promotion examination results, which currently reflect a pass rate of just 35%.

The union is pushing for a minimum benchmark of 80% for this year and future exams. Another key demand is the settlement of salary arrears for employees hired in 2022 among others

In a statement signed by Secretary of the Association, Ejor Michael, the union accused NAFDAC management of ignoring their grievances, calling the inaction insufferable.

The staff have vowed to continue the strike until all demands outlined in their communiqué are met.

NAFDAC, which plays a critical role in regulating Nigeria’s food, drug, and pharmaceutical industries, is expected to face significant operational disruptions as a result of the industrial action.

Before now, there had been public outcry over the increase in fake products as Nigerians called out the agency and tasked it to be more proactive.

They expressed fear that there is a tendency that manufacturers of fake products would have ample opportunities to saturate the markets with dangerous products as those who would tackle them are now on strike.

Business

27.75% Interest Rate Painful but Necessary – CBN Gov Cardoso

Published

6 days ago

October 7, 2024

Bassey Marshall

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, has described the recent increase in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 27.25% as a painful but necessary move.

Cardoso made this known in Lagos, during his address to members of the Harvard Club of Nigeria on the topic: “Leadership in Challenging Times: Restoring Credibility, Building Trust, and Containing Inflation”.

Investors King reported that on September 24, 2024, the apex bank announced another increase in its Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 26.75 percent to 27.25%

The decision was reached during the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting chaired by the CBN Governor.

However, while delivering his speech in Lagos, the CBN boss sympathized with borrowers highlighting the pain the new interest rate will heap on them.

According to Cardoso, the bank’s decision to raise the interest rate was a bold move to reduce excess money in circulation and control inflation effectively.

He emphasized the need for Nigeria to look beyond short-term comfort and strive to secure long-term stability.

Cardoso reaffirmed the CBN’s commitment to rebuilding public trust in the institution.

He said, “Our decision to raise the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 27.25% was a bold move. Higher interest rates, while painful for borrowers, are necessary to curb excess money in circulation and control inflation.

“Leadership is about making hard choices to secure long-term stability over short-term comfort in moments like these

“Leading through challenging times means avoiding the temptation to take on too many initiatives. The Central Bank must focus on its core mandate—price stability. It is easy to become distracted by various political and economic pressures, but as a leader, one must prioritise.”

“Trust is the currency of central banking. If the public loses trust in the institution, the efficacy of its policies diminishes.

“Our decision to implement the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) is rooted in this understanding.

“By enhancing transparency and providing more accurate oversight of forex transactions, we send a strong signal that the CBN is serious about fair and efficient markets.”

Meanwhile, The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) had criticized the interest rate hike by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, made the association’s position known in a statement titled ‘Reaction of MAN on the Report of MPC Meeting on September 23-24, 2024’.

MAN noted that with the higher interest rate, the cost of production will increase.

According to him, the impact of the increase goes beyond the manufacturers, it will stifle investment opportunities.