Connect with us

Business

NAHCO Assures Higher Return on Business Diversification drive

Published

on

Nahco
  • NAHCO Assures Higher Return on Business Diversification drive

Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (Nahco) Plc would take advantage of Nigerian economic diversification and government policies to boost its business diversification and increase returns to shareholders.

Addressing shareholders at the annual general meeting in Abuja, Chairman, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (Nahco) Plc, Arc. Usman Bello said the company would take advantage of expected higher agricultural yield to boost its cargo export division.

He assured shareholders that the company’s business diversification ventures were on track noting that NAHCO Free Trade Zone has moved to the second phase of its development.

He noted that despite the tough operating environment, the company has been able to improve on its profitability, which enables it to increase dividend to shareholders.

He pointed out that the company started the current business year on a strong footing citing the first quarter 2018 results which showed improvements in key indicators.

Managing Director, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (Nahco) Plc, Mr. Idris Yakubu, who was appointed in 2017, said the company remained strong and more focused in 2018.

According to him, besides new acquisitions and the facility upgrade undertaken in the export warehouse to facilitate export of perishables and other goods, there has been huge improvement in the services of the company across the country to the delight of the airlines.

He assured shareholders that the company’s subsidiaries should begin to contribute significantly to the company’s performance in 2018 and beyond.

Yakubu added that the launching of the Nigeria Air will provide an opportunity to increase the revenue of Nahco, noting that the group’s diversification and pan-Africanisation plans would be revisited later in the year.

The meeting confirmed the appointment of Engr Mohammed Umar and Mr Akinwunmi Fanimokun as non-executive directors of the company. The two new non-executive directors represent the interest of, Godsmart Nigeria Limited, which recently purchased 16.7 per cent equity stake in the company through acquisition of shares from some divesting shareholders through the NSE. With 16.7 per cent equity stake, Godsmart Nigeria Limited is the single largest shareholder in the ground handling company.

Shareholders who spoke at the meeting commended the increase in dividend payout noting that Nahco has shown resilience despite macroeconomic challenges.

Representative of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Mr. Moses Igbrude noted that within a short period, the chairman and the new managing director have been able to stabilise the company and place it on the diversification trajectory.

President, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria (PSAN), Mr. Boniface Okezie, urged the board and management of the company to renew the company’s diversification drive as well as strengthening its subsidiaries to further boost performance.

President, Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders (AARNS), Dr Faruk Umar commended the new managing director for his efforts on the free trade zone diversification.

Shareholders at the meeting approved 13.6 per cent increase in dividend payout to N406 million, representing a dividend per share of 25 kobo for the 2017 business year as against 22 kobo paid for the previous year.

Key extracts of the audited report and accounts of Nahco for the year ended December 31, 2017 showed that the company improved its margins, despite a lull in the top-line. Turnover stood at N7.926 billion in 2017 compared with N7.956 billion in 2016. Finance cost reduced from N545 million in 2016 to N213 million in 2017. Profit after tax increased by 33.6 per cent to N776 million in 2017 as against N581 million in 2016. Earnings per share improved from 36 kobo to 48 kobo.

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.

Continue Reading
Comments

Company News

DLM Trust Unveils DLM Single Asset Trust

Published

on

DLM Capital Group

DLM Trust, a subsidiary of DLM Capital Group is thrilled to announce the launch of DLM Single Asset Trust.

The model is a variant of the Living Trust construct that allows for a groundbreaking solution for individuals or Corporations seeking to settle assets into a trust, for the benefit of themselves and their chosen beneficiaries.

The DLM Single Asset Trust guarantees that peoples’ assets are protected and managed in accordance with their intentions by operating under the tenets of trust, security, and careful management. The DLM SAT offers a novel approach to trust services by fusing state-of-the-art technology with knowledgeable advice to enable people and families effortlessly manage their assets.

DLM SAT enables individuals, often referred to as Settlors, to create a single asset trust that will serve both their own and their designated beneficiaries’ purposes. The Trust Fund may be started using the Settlor’s assets/funds and then expanded with future contributions in accordance with the Settlor’s goals. Only authorised individuals, including the settlor, can access the trust because of its strong independent and confidentiality level. DLM Trust Company holds the Fund in trust and manages it for the benefit of the Settlor and designated Beneficiaries.

In a statement, MD of DLM Trust, Lola Razaaq commented on the introduction of the DLM Single Asset Trust, stating that it is a means of establishing a timeline for legacy preservation. “The DLM SAT is our newest offering, and we are thrilled to announce this important milestone for DLM Trust.” The aim of our organisation is to equip people and families with the necessary resources and assistance to safeguard and maintain their heritage for future generations. “Furthermore, we are transforming the concept of future planning with DLM Single Asset Trust.” she said.

DLM Trust Company Limited is registered with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act to provide trust services to individuals, corporations, sub-sovereign entities. As always, strategic thinking and innovation will be combined by DLM Trust Company to offer its clients best-in-class services. Since its founding, DLM Trust has worked on a variety of creative and unique transactions, including securitizations, private and public bonds.

Continue Reading

Company News

Shell’s $2.4bn Asset Sale Under Close Scrutiny

Published

on

Shell

The proposed $2.4 billion asset sale by energy giant Shell to Renaissance Africa Energy has become the focal point of intense scrutiny as the Federal Government of Nigeria aims to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance in the transaction.

The deal has sparked widespread interest and raised questions about its implications for the country’s energy landscape.

Shell, a prominent British energy major with a century-long history of operations in the Niger Delta, announced in January its intention to divest its Nigerian onshore subsidiary, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, to Renaissance Africa Energy.

This landmark agreement, if finalized, would represent a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s energy sector dynamics.

Renaissance Africa Energy, a consortium comprising five companies, including four Nigerian-based exploration and production firms and an international energy group, has confirmed its participation in the deal.

The consortium’s involvement underscores its strategic positioning to capitalize on Nigeria’s vast energy resources and contribute to the country’s economic development.

The proposed transaction, however, is contingent upon approvals from the Federal Government of Nigeria and other relevant regulatory bodies.

To ensure adherence to regulatory protocols and safeguard national interests, the government has initiated a comprehensive due diligence process, commencing with a high-level meeting held on Monday.

Parties involved in the deal, alongside officials from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), convened in Abuja for a thorough examination of the transaction details.

Gbenga Komolafe, the Chief Executive of NUPRC, outlined the government’s objective to conclude the divestment exercise by June, underscoring the importance of timely and meticulous evaluation.

Komolafe revealed that the government has enlisted the expertise of two globally renowned consulting firms, S&P Global and the BCG Group, to facilitate the due diligence process.

These consultants, recognized for their proficiency in financial analysis and regulatory compliance, will collaborate with NUPRC to ensure that the transaction aligns with industry best practices and regulatory standards.

The due diligence meeting served as a forum to discuss the proposed divestment of Shell’s participating interests in the SPDC JV assets, which are currently operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigerian Limited.

These assets, awarded as Oil Exploration Licence-1 in 1949, have played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, contributing significantly to the nation’s crude oil and gas output.

With an estimated total reserve of nearly 5 billion barrels of oil and extensive gas resources, the SPDC JV assets hold immense strategic importance for Nigeria’s energy security and economic prosperity.

However, as Nigeria seeks to optimize its energy sector operations, the selection of a responsible and capable successor to manage these assets remains paramount.

As discussions continue and the due diligence process unfolds, stakeholders remain optimistic about the prospects of the deal.

Representatives from Shell, Renaissance Africa Energy, and regulatory authorities expressed their commitment to ensuring a transparent and seamless transition, with the overarching goal of advancing Nigeria’s energy sector agenda.

The outcome of the scrutiny surrounding Shell’s $2.4 billion asset sale will not only shape the future of Nigeria’s energy landscape but also demonstrate the country’s commitment to fostering a conducive investment environment and promoting sustainable development in the oil and gas sector.

Continue Reading

Business

POS Terminal Deployment in Nigeria Hits 2.68 Million in March 2024

Published

on

POS Business in Nigeria

The total Point of Sale (POS) terminals deployed across Nigeria have now reached 2.68 million as of March 2024.

According to data released by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), this represents a Year-on-Year (YoY) growth rate of 47.36% and reflects the accelerating pace of digitalization within the nation’s financial sector.

The proliferation of POS terminals signals a fundamental shift towards cashless transactions, as businesses and consumers increasingly embrace the convenience and efficiency offered by digital payment solutions.

This surge in adoption highlights the growing reliance on technology to facilitate financial transactions, driving innovation and transforming the way commerce is conducted across various sectors of the economy.

Breaking down the figures, January 2024 saw a deployment of 2.47 million POS terminals, representing a significant YoY increase of 50.61% compared to the same period in 2023.

Similarly, February 2024 witnessed a surge in deployment with 2.58 million POS terminals, marking a YoY growth rate of 54.49% compared to February 2023.

While these numbers paint a picture of rapid expansion, a closer examination reveals that there are over a million registered POS terminals yet to be deployed or taken up by merchants.

In January 2024, the number of registered terminals reached 3.44 million, rising from 2.31 million in 2023. February and March continued this trend, with registered terminals reaching 3.6 million and 3.73 million respectively in 2024.

The increase in registered POS terminals underscores the potential for further expansion and utilization within Nigeria’s digital payment landscape.

As the number of terminals continues to grow, there is a clear indication of the country’s readiness to embrace cashless transactions on a broader scale, paving the way for increased financial inclusion and efficiency.

Industry stakeholders view this surge in POS terminal deployment as a positive step towards realizing Nigeria’s vision of becoming a digital economy powerhouse.

However, challenges such as infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and merchant adoption still need to be addressed to fully harness the potential of digital payments in driving economic growth and development.

As Nigeria moves towards a cashless future, collaboration between the public and private sectors will be crucial in overcoming these challenges and ensuring that the benefits of digitalization are accessible to all segments of society.

With the continued expansion of POS terminal deployment, Nigeria is poised to emerge as a leader in digital payments innovation, transforming the way transactions are conducted and driving economic progress in the process.

Continue Reading
Advertisement




Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending