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Imported Raw Materials Gulp N837bn in 11 Months

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  • Imported Raw Materials Gulp N837bn in 11 Months

Encouraged by the availability of forex, manufacturers have spent more on imported raw materials while reducing local sourcing in 2018, Anna Okon writes

Local sourcing of raw materials has dropped significantly since the country emerged from recession and manufacturers could access foreign exchange.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria confirmed this in its perspectives on the 2019 budget.

“The aggregate local sourcing of raw materials by the manufacturing sector dropped to about 57.87 per cent in 2018 from 63.21 per cent recorded in 2017,” the President, MAN, Mansur Ahmed, stated.

Data from the National Bureau of Statistics published in December 2018 showed that the volume of raw materials imported between January and November 2018, stood at N837.5bn.

A further breakdown of the figure showed that N284.81bn worth of raw materials were imported in the first quarter, N261.10bn in the second quarter and N291.57bn in the third quarter.

Import in the first quarter represented 1.93 per cent increase over the volume recorded in the fourth quarter of 2017, which was N279.41bn and an increase of 9.89 per cent over the figure of N259.17bn recorded in the first quarter of the same year.

The volume imported in the second quarter, however, represented a decline of 8.3 per cent over the volume imported in the first quarter and 14.2 per cent lower than the volume imported in the corresponding quarter of 2017, which was N304.43bn.

The third quarter import represented 11.67 per cent higher than the volume imported in the second quarter and 2.19 per cent higher than the volume recorded in the first quarter.

The volume of manufactured goods imported in the first quarter of 2018, the NBS said, stood at N1.19tn, a decline of 1.65 per cent over the previous quarter, which stood at N1.20tn, but an increase of 12.11 per cent over the same quarter in 2017, which was N1.061tn.

Again, 21.1 per cent of the imports came from China, 12.1 per cent from The Netherlands, Belgium 10.6 per cent, and the United States had 6.5 per cent while India had 6.3 per cent.

Following the 2016 recession, the subsequent rationing of the dollar by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the restriction of importers of 41 items from access to forex, manufacturers in Nigeria embarked on aggressive local sourcing of raw materials and backward integration.

MAN reported that following the implementation of the resource-based industrialisation policy of the Federal Government, local sourcing of raw materials had increased to 65.7 per cent in 2017 from 59.98 per cent recorded in the first half of 2016.

Also, the Backward Integration Programme created opportunities for big firms to establish local outlets for their raw material suppliers and to go into the production of the raw materials needed in their factories.

Local raw materials utilisation also increased across the sectors.

Unfortunately, the raw materials sourcing had dropped by 5.34 per cent in the third quarter of 2018, while capacity utilisation in the sector slowed to 54.6 per cent from 57.14 per cent recorded in 2017.

The Economic Analyst at MAN, Mr Ambrose Oruche, confirmed that the drop in local raw materials sourcing was because manufacturers were importing more than they were sourcing locally.

Asked if this was not a negation of the concept of local content promotion, Oruche responded that in raw materials sourcing, manufacturers were more concerned about plant specification.

He said, “The plant specification cannot be compromised because if you do that, you will waste materials and that will affect your bottom-line.

“If the plant specifies a certain formula and it is not available locally in the quantity and the quality that is prescribed, you have to import. It is not about patriotism, business owners are in business to make a profit so you cannot jettison your profit for patriotism.”

He added, “But we have a programme that will take off this year, where a link would be created between the Small and Medium Enterprises and the large corporations, to be raw materials suppliers to the large corporations.

“The SMEs will be guided to supply the quality and quantity of raw materials that the large corporations need.

“We are confident that this programme will greatly increase the local sourcing of raw materials.”

Exports of raw materials, however, decreased by 13.62 per cent in the first quarter of 2018 (N32.70bn) compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 (N37.85bn) but increased by 47.71 per cent compared to first quarter of 2017 (N22.13bn).

Raw materials exports decreased by 2.98 per cent in the second quarter of 2018 (N31.72bn) compared to the first quarter, which was N32.70bn but increased by 19.7per cent compared to the second quarter of 2017 (N26.50bn).

Manufactured goods exports in the second quarter of 2018 were N69.86bn, representing a decline of 83.9 per cent over the previous quarter (N434.37bn), and an increase of 0.9 per cent when compared to the second quarter of 2017 which was N69.26bn.

In the third quarter, raw materials exports increased by 1.63 per cent, over the volume of the second quarter, and 21.7 per cent over the volume recorded in the third quarter of 2017.

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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DLM Trust Unveils DLM Single Asset Trust

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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.

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Shell’s $2.4bn Asset Sale Under Close Scrutiny

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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.

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POS Terminal Deployment in Nigeria Hits 2.68 Million in March 2024

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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.

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