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Three Investors in Talks With AMCON to Acquire Aero Contractors

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Aero Contractors Airlines
  • Three Investors in Talks With AMCON to Acquire Aero Contractors

Three investors are in talks with the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria to acquire Aero Contractor, our correspondent has learnt.

It was gathered that the airline had attracted 19 investors since it was acquired in 2016 and the number had been narrowed down to six and later three.

An industry source said on Sunday that the investors had met with the AMCON on the possibility of acquiring the airline.

The Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Capt. Ado Sanusi, who confirmed the information, said the investors were looking at all the assets of the airline including its maintenance, repair and overhaul facility.

“There are so many investors that have come forward. They are looking at all the core assets,” he said.

The source, however, stated that the contrary had been the case with Arik Air, which was taken over by AMCON in 2017.

According to the source, Arik has not attracted any known investors except a Chinese company that indicated interest in March 2017, one month after the airline went into receivership.

The Chinese firm was said to have commenced talks with the former management of the airline, but had to allegedly withdraw when it learnt of the airline’s debt profile.

It was gathered that the Chinese investors went ahead to invest in African World Airlines, a Ghana-based airline.

“Since AMCON took over Arik Air in 2017, only Chinese investors indicated interest in the airline and that was one month after the government agency took over. It will be difficult to sell Arik because of the heavy debt burden and the ownership structure,” the source said.

“But, it is not the same with Aero where 19 investors indicated interest and these have been reviewed down to six and recently to three. Those Chinese investors that initially indicated interest in Arik Air have invested in AWA and they aim to take over the West African market with time,” the source added.

An aviation expert and the Chief Executive Officer of Selective Securities International Limited, Mr Ayo Obilana, said that the lack of transparency, due diligence and policy summersaults on the part of the government would make it difficult for the nation’s aviation industry to attract willing investors.

Obilana said the government needed to show sincerity of purpose as well as consistency in its policies to change the poor perception that investors had.

“In Nigeria, government policies change and because of this, a lot of people are very reluctant to put their money in such an economy,” he said.

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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Nigeria’s Paper Import Bill Hits $3 Billion Annually, Reveals FAE Limited MD

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Funlayo Okeowo, the Managing Director of FAE Limited, a prominent paper manufacturing firm, has disclosed that Nigeria’s annual expenditure on paper imports stands at $3 billion.

Okeowo made this revelation during a recent press conference held in Lagos to commemorate the company’s 50th anniversary.

Addressing reporters, Okeowo explained the crucial role of manufacturing in driving economic growth and underscored the challenges faced by the sector, particularly concerning operational costs.

She highlighted that a significant portion of manufacturers’ profits, up to 80%, is being consumed by diesel expenses, making it increasingly difficult for businesses to remain profitable.

Expressing concern over the financial strain faced by manufacturers, Okeowo called upon the government to take decisive action to alleviate the burdens faced by the industry.

She emphasized the need for policies and interventions aimed at reducing operational costs and fostering a conducive environment for manufacturing growth.

In addition to addressing the pressing issues surrounding manufacturing, Okeowo also unveiled plans for the establishment of ‘World Envelopes Day,’ an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the significance of envelopes in various aspects of human communication and expression.

The initiative, set to be celebrated annually on April 16th, reflects FAE Limited’s commitment to promoting the cultural and practical importance of envelopes in society.

As part of the company’s anniversary celebrations, FAE Limited will host a special roundtable event featuring key stakeholders from diverse sectors to discuss the past, present, and future of the paper manufacturing industry in Nigeria.

This event is expected to provide valuable insights and recommendations for driving

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Economist Intelligence Unit Warns Indigenous Oil Companies of Investment Gap

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Oil

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) has issued a cautionary note to indigenous oil companies eyeing the acquisition of assets from divesting international oil companies, warning them of potential investment challenges.

In its latest Country Report on Nigeria, the EIU underscored that local companies may not match the financial prowess of multinational firms, historically significant players in Nigeria’s oil industry.

Citing concerns over Nigeria’s business environment, characterized by corruption, insecurity, and infrastructure deficits, the EIU projected a possible net withdrawal of foreign direct investment (FDI) in 2024, following a similar trend observed in the previous year.

The report pointed to multinational corporations scaling back or exiting Nigeria altogether, exacerbating the economic landscape’s challenges.

Foreign oil companies, including Shell, ExxonMobil, Equinor, and TotalEnergies, have announced plans to divest their onshore oil assets, signaling a shift toward offshore operations.

This trend aligns with the broader industry shift and poses significant implications for indigenous players.

While government officials like the Minister of State for Petroleum, Heineken Lokpobiri, view these divestments as opportunities for local capacity development, concerns remain over indigenous firms’ ability to fill the investment void left by departing multinationals.

The EIU emphasized the positive potential for local participation in the sector’s indigenization, but cautioned that indigenous companies might struggle to match outgoing multinationals’ investment capabilities.

This warning underscores the imperative for strategic planning and support mechanisms to ensure indigenous firms can navigate the evolving landscape and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s oil industry sustainability.

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Heirs Technology Appoints Obong Idiong as Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

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Obong-Idiong

Heirs Technology, the latest subsidiary of investment powerhouse Heirs Holdings, has announced the appointment of Obong Idiong as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

This move marks a significant step in the company’s mission to spearhead Africa’s digital transformation through innovative and locally tailored solutions.

Idiong, who previously served as the Managing Director/CEO at Africa Prudential Plc, brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to his new role.

During his tenure at Africa Prudential Plc, he led the digital transformation of its registrar services, positioning the company as a technology-driven organization.

His track record of success and expertise in the technology sector make him well-suited to lead Heirs Technology into a new era of growth and innovation.

In his statement following the appointment, Idiong expressed pride in bringing Heirs Holdings’ core values and business approach to the tech sector.

He highlighted the company’s commitment to excellence, execution, and enterprise, aiming to bridge the gap in the technology ecosystem by delivering local relevance to a global market and offering cutting-edge solutions to enhance competitiveness.

Also, Dr. Fumbi Chima has been appointed as the Chair of Heirs Technology. With her extensive experience in technology leadership roles across global organizations, including Adidas, Fox Network Group, and Walmart, Chima brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to her new role.

She expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to unlock Africa’s potential through Heirs Technology, confident that the company will make a meaningful impact on the continent’s digital landscape.

Heirs Technology’s strategic appointments underscore its commitment to driving Africa’s digital agenda forward and positioning the continent as a leader in technology innovation and entrepreneurship.

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