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FG Considers Asset Sales to Revamp Economy

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Malaysia's economy
  • FG Considers Asset Sales, Others to Revamp Economy

The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udo Udoma, on Monday gave further insights into the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan due to be launched next month.

He said the government planned to privatise some selected national assets and restore the 2.2 million barrels per day oil production and possibly raise it to 2.5mbpd by 2020 as part of the plans to revamp the economy.

Udoma spoke at the Second Presidential Business Forum held at the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

He, however, did not disclose the national assets slated for privatisation.

Apart from the planned privatisation and the restoration of the oil production capacity, the minister said 10 other strategies had been prioritised based on their importance to the ERGP.

The strategies, according to the minister, are to accelerate non-oil revenue generation; drastically cut costs; align monetary, trade and fiscal policies; expand infrastructure, especially power, roads and rail; revamp the four existing refineries; and improve the ease of doing business.

Others are to expand social investment programmes; deliver on agricultural transformation; accelerate implementation of the National Industrial Revolution Plan using special economic zones; as well as focusing on priority sectors in order to generate jobs, promote exports, boost growth and upgrade skills.

Udoma said the ERGP, which will run between 2017 and 2020, was being finalised to address current economic challenges, restore growth and reposition the economy for sustained inclusive growth.

He said its implementation would be driven by strong political will and close partnership and strong collaboration between the public and private sectors, especially in the areas of agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, services and infrastructure.

Osinbajo said the main objective of the Federal Government’s economic plan was the sustenance of the robust private sector partnership.

He said, “It is our strong belief that sustainable economic growth is only possible if it is private sector-led and a great attention has been paid as you will possibly find in sustaining private sector leadership, especially in the economic recovery and growth plan 2017, which is to be launched next month.

“The pivot of that plan is private sector-led recovery growth and plan. So, this forum is an important one for engendering the continuous engagement that this partnership will entail.”

The President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Frank Jacobs, who spoke on behalf of the Organised Private Sector, said the operators were aware of the current state of the economy and the efforts the Federal Government was making to revive it.

He also commended the government for the effort at curbing the security challenges the nation had been encountering and the determination to rid the country of corruption.

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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Economy

Nigeria’s Plan to Review Oil Companies’ Gas Flaring Strategies

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Oil

Nigeria is ramping up its efforts to address environmental concerns in the oil and gas sector with a comprehensive plan to review gas flaring strategies of international and indigenous oil companies.

The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, announced this initiative during a national stakeholders engagement meeting on methane mitigation and reduction held in Abuja, Investors King reports.

Gas flaring, a common practice in the oil industry, releases methane—a potent greenhouse gas—into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and posing health risks to communities near oil facilities.

Nigeria aims to end routine gas flaring by 2030, aligning with global climate goals and commitments.

Dr. Salako explained the importance of reducing methane emissions and highlighted the detrimental effects on public health, food security, and economic development.

He outlined practical steps being taken to tackle methane emissions, including the development of methane guidelines and the engagement of government institutions.

The ministry, through the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency, will conduct periodic reviews of oil companies’ plans to ensure compliance with the gas flaring deadline.

Deloitte management consultants will assist in conducting comprehensive forensic audits to scrutinize the legitimacy of forward-contracted transactions.

President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to environmental sustainability underscores the government’s dedication to addressing climate change and fulfilling its multilateral environmental agreements.

The engagement event served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss methane mitigation strategies, existing policies, and implementation challenges.

Collaboration and dialogue among diverse sectors are crucial in charting a unified course towards sustainable methane reduction in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

As the country navigates its environmental agenda, ensuring accountability and transparency in gas flaring practices remains paramount for achieving a greener and healthier future.

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Economy

Interest Rate Jumps to 24.75% as CBN Takes Aggressive Stance Against Inflation

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Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a significant increase in the monetary policy rate, known as the interest rate, to 24.75%.

This move disclosed by CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso during the 294th Meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee press briefing in Abuja, represents a bold step by the apex bank to address the mounting inflationary pressures faced by the country.

With inflation soaring to 31.70% in February, the CBN aims to moderate this upward trend by tightening its monetary policy stance.

This decision follows the previous hike in the interest rate to 22.75% in February, showcasing the CBN’s commitment to combatting inflationary forces.

While the bank opted to maintain the Cash Reserve Ratio at 45%, the significant increase in the interest rate underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for decisive action.

Governor Cardoso emphasized that these measures are essential to stabilize the economy and safeguard the purchasing power of the Nigerian currency.

The 294th MPC marks the second meeting under Governor Cardoso’s leadership, indicating a proactive approach to addressing economic challenges.

The next MPC meeting is scheduled for May 20th and 21st, 2024, highlighting the ongoing commitment of the CBN to navigate Nigeria’s economic landscape amidst inflationary pressures.

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Economy

Nigeria Braces for 10th Consecutive Interest Rate Hike by Central Bank

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)

As Nigeria grapples with persistently high inflation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is gearing up to implement its tenth consecutive interest rate hike in a bid to curb the soaring prices and attract investment.

Analysts surveyed by Bloomberg are anticipating a substantial 125 basis-point increase in the key rate to 24%, marking one of the most significant adjustments in the current tightening cycle.

The decision, expected to be announced by Governor Olayemi Cardoso on Tuesday at 2 p.m. in Abuja, comes on the heels of inflation accelerating to 31.7% in February, far surpassing the central bank’s target range of 9%.

This surge has been primarily attributed to the sharp depreciation of the naira, prompting authorities to devalue the currency twice since June to narrow the gap with the unofficial market rate and encourage investor confidence.

While these measures have seen the naira strengthen in recent days and bolstered investment inflows, including a fourfold increase in overseas remittances and significant foreign investor portfolio asset purchases, there remains a palpable need for more decisive action.

Giulia Pellegrini, a senior portfolio manager at Allianz Global Investors, emphasized the necessity for the CBN to intensify its tightening efforts to regain foreign investors’ confidence in the local bond market.

While acknowledging the positive strides made by the central bank, Pellegrini stressed the importance of a more assertive approach to prevent the diversion of investor attention to other frontier markets.

As the Nigerian economy navigates through these challenging times, the impending interest rate hike signals the CBN’s determination to address inflation head-on and foster a more stable economic environment.

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