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Forex Scarcity Threatens Leather Factory

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  • Forex Scarcity Threatens Leather Factory

Scarcity and lack of access to foreign exchange (forex) is threatening the survival of the multi-billion naira leather factory project in Delta State. This is even as plans are underway to sponsor a handful of Delta youths to Europe, to acquire professional expertise needed in enhance the smooth running of the multi-million Naira state-of-the-art Shoe/Leather Works Factory in the state.

The N1.23 billion (S820,000) counterpart funding) Factory, which was set up partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), was commissioned in May 2015, but has not been fully operational.

Part of the vision was to make the factory one of the biggest in West Africa, as well as reducing the unemployment index of the state, as when completed, would employ about 2,000 youths both skilled and unskilled.

Reacting to the development in a telephone interview the Executive Secretary, Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Development Agency (DSMSMEDA), Mrs. Shimite Bello, said the persistent rise in the exchange rate of the Dollar against the Naira has been a major setback in the commencement of the planned training exercise for the over 280 trainees (Deltans) proposed to be engaged at the centre.

She said the training is being organised in partnership between the Delta State Government and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO, which is scheduled to commence in May, this year.

She however explained that given the continued scarcity of forex, the training may not hold anytime soon, except the high exchange rate, now at unprecedented highs is resolved.

Bello, in a telephone interview, hinted that aside the approval of the over N81 million for the proposed training, the State Government and UNIDO, had perfected all other necessary arrangements required for the smooth take-off of the training exercise.

While describing the market forces as circumstances currently beyond the control of the partners, she expressed confidence that once the current high exchange rate challenge normalises, the training exercise, which she described as critical to the SMART agenda of the government will commence.

She added: “We got the exchange at N324 to $1 (but) by the time the money came, the exchange rate was N385. Now, it has come down to N345; we have to watch the rate. But, as I speak with you right now, we are on queue at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). You know that a lot of people are waiting for exchange currently, (but) it is not available. Until the money that we have currently can make transaction, we will still wait.”

She added, “I have spoken with UNIDO and have given them evidence that the money has been made available; anybody can go online and see that the exchange rate is really crazy; that is all that has been delaying it.

“Everything that the State Government needed to do have been done as well as that of the partnering agency, UNIDO, but the exchange rate, Naira to dollar is really crazy. We are waiting to ensure that we do good transaction.”

It would be recalled that the proposed training exercise is targeted at artisans in the state particularly, fashion designers and cobblers, among others.

But investigation revealed that the factory premises have been taken over by weeds and rodents with billions of Naira equipment rotting away, one security man at the gate who pleaded anonymity, decried government’s neglect of the factory.

He said: “I’m just here suffering in the midst of rodents and overgrown weeds, the place is completely moribund, the equipment locked inside the rooms are rotting away.”

In a swift reaction, the State Commissioner for Industry, Mrs. Mary Iyashere, who expressed regrets over the state of the factory, however assured of the Government’s commitment to reviving the factory, adding, “it is unfortunate that the factory had not lived up to its expectations, but the State Government will do something about it.”

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Guinness Nigeria Postpones Spirits Importation Exit, Extends Deal with Diageo

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Guinness Nigeria Plc has announced a delay in its plan to halt the importation of spirits as it extended its agreement with multinational alcoholic beverage company Diageo until 2025.

The decision, communicated through a corporate notice filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Tuesday, cited a longer-than-expected transition period for separating its business from Diageo’s.

Initially slated for discontinuation in April 2024, the importation of premium spirits like Johnnie Walker, Singleton, Baileys, and others under the 2016 sale and distribution agreement with Diageo will now continue for an additional year.

The extension comes as the process of business separation between Guinness Nigeria, a subsidiary of Diageo, and Diageo itself faces unexpected delays.

In October, Guinness Nigeria had announced plans to cease importing spirits from Diageo, a move aimed at reducing its foreign exchange requirements.

However, the separation process has encountered unforeseen hurdles, necessitating the extension of the importation agreement.

The notice, signed by the company’s Legal Director/Company Secretary, Abidemi Ademola, highlighted the ongoing efforts by Guinness Nigeria and Diageo to implement the separation, originally scheduled for completion by April 2024.

The extension underscores the complexity of disentangling the businesses and ensuring a smooth transition.

Guinness Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the long-term growth strategy, aligning with Diageo’s decision to establish a new, wholly-owned spirits-focused business.

Despite the delay, both companies remain dedicated to managing the importation and distribution of international premium spirits in West and Central Africa, with Nigeria as a key hub.

The postponement comes amid challenges faced by Guinness Nigeria, including significant exchange rate losses, which amounted to N49 billion in the 2023 half-year operations.

Despite these setbacks, the company remains optimistic about its future prospects in the Nigerian market.

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Private Sector Warns: Interest Rate Hike to Trigger Job Cuts and Inflation Surge

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As the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced a hike in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 22.75% to 24.75%, concerns have been raised by the private sector regarding the potential ramifications on job stability and inflationary pressures.

The move, aimed at curbing inflation and stabilizing the exchange rate, has prompted apprehension among business operators who fear adverse effects on the economy.

Representatives from the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists have voiced their worries over the increased difficulty in accessing affordable credit.

They argue that the higher interest rates will impede the private sector’s ability to borrow funds for expansion and operational activities.

This, they fear, could lead to a reduction in business investments and subsequently result in widespread job cuts across various sectors.

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) acknowledged the necessity of the interest rate hike but emphasized the potential negative consequences it may bring.

While describing it as a “price businesses would have to pay,” the LCCI highlighted the current fragility of the economy, exacerbated by various policy missteps.

They cautioned that the increased cost of borrowing could stifle entrepreneurial activities and discourage expansion plans critical for economic growth and job creation.

Experts have echoed these concerns, warning that the tightening monetary conditions could exacerbate inflationary pressures and hinder economic recovery efforts.

With inflation already soaring at 31.70%, the rate hike could further fuel price hikes, especially in essential goods and services, thus eroding the purchasing power of consumers.

However, CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso defended the decision, citing the imperative to address current inflationary pressures and ensure sustained exchange rate stability.

He emphasized the need to restore the purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians and expressed confidence that the economy would stabilize by the end of the year.

Despite assurances from the CBN, stakeholders remain cautious, calling for a more nuanced approach that balances the need for price stability with the imperative of fostering economic growth and job creation.

As businesses brace for the impact of the interest rate hike, all eyes are on the evolving economic landscape and the measures taken to mitigate its effects on livelihoods and inflation.

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Breaking Barriers: Transcorp Hotels CEO Shares Journey from Crisis to Success

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Dupe Olusola

Dupe Olusola, the Managing Director/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, reflects on her remarkable journey from navigating the depths of a global pandemic to achieving unprecedented success in the hospitality industry.

Appointed in March 2020, amidst the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Olusola found herself at the helm of a company grappling with the severe economic fallout and operational challenges inflicted by the crisis.

Faced with a drop in occupancy rates from 70% to a mere 5%, Olusola and her team were confronted with the daunting task of steering Transcorp Hotels through uncharted waters.

Undeterred by the adversity, they embarked on a journey of transformation, leveraging creativity and resilience to navigate the turbulent landscape.

Implementing innovative strategies such as introducing drive-through cinemas, setting up on-site COVID-19 testing facilities, and enhancing take-away services, Transcorp Hotels adapted to meet the evolving needs of its guests and ensure continuity amidst the crisis.

Embracing disruption as a catalyst for growth, Olusola fostered a culture of collaboration and teamwork, rallying her colleagues to overcome obstacles and embrace change.

Through unwavering determination and a commitment to excellence, Transcorp Hotels emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever, breaking profit and revenue records year after year.

“It’s indeed been a great opportunity to learn and relearn, to lead and to grow. When you see success stories, remember it’s a journey with twists, turns, ups and downs but in the end, it will all be okay”, she said.

Olusola’s leadership exemplifies the power of adaptability and perseverance, inspiring her team to transcend limitations and chart a course towards unprecedented success.

As Transcorp Hotels continues to flourish under her stewardship, Olusola remains steadfast in her dedication to driving innovation, fostering growth, and breaking barriers in the hospitality industry.

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