Business
Fidelity Bank’s customer deposits cross N4tr mark, posts N124.3b pre-tax profit

Fidelity Bank Plc has recorded a profit before tax of N124.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, indicating a 131.5 per cent increase from N53.7 billion posted in the 2022 financial year.
The bank disclosed this in its 2023 full year audited financial statement issued to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX) on Tuesday in Lagos.
Fidelity Bank said it would also pay investors a final dividend of 60k per share and a total dividend of 85 kobo per share for the reporting period.
This represents a 70 per cent increase compared to the 50 kobo per share paid to its shareholders in the previous year.
The financial institution stated that this led to an increase in return on average equity of 26.5 per cent in the year under review from 15.6 per cent in the corresponding year.
According to the financial statement, the bank’s gross earnings increased by 64.9 per cent year over year to N555.83 billion.
The bank stated that this was driven by 81.6 per cent growth in net interest income which increased from N152.7 billion in year 2022 to N277.37 billion in the 2023 financial year.
This led to a profit after tax of N99.45 billion, representing a 112.9 per cent annual growth.
Commenting on the performance, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, managing director of Fidelity Bank, said the financial institution closed the financial year with strong double-digit growth across key income and balance-sheet lines.
Ms Onyeali-Ikpe stated that the bank’s performance in 2023 was an attestation of its capacity to deliver superior returns to shareholders despite the difficulties in our operating environment.
She said, “A review of the financial performance showed that the bank grew its net interest income by 81.6 per cent to N277.4 billion. This was driven by a 55.5 per cent increase in interest income, thus reflecting a steady rise in asset yield throughout the year.
“The average funding cost dropped by 20bps to 4.4 per cent due to increased low-cost funds that grew from 83.6 per ent in 2022 to 97.4 per cent in 2023.
“The combination of higher asset yield and lower funding cost led to an increase in net interest margin of 8.1 per cent from 6.3 per cent in 2022 financial year.”
According to her, the total customer deposits crossed the N4 trillion mark, as deposits grew by 55.6 per cent from N2.6 trillion in 2022.
She noted that the increase was driven by 81.1 per cent growth in low-cost funds.
Ms Onyeali-Ikpe explained that despite the challenging operating environment, the bank reaffirmed its devotion to helping individuals grow and inspiring businesses to thrive.
She said the bank also committed to empowering economies to prosper by increasing net loans and advances to N3.1 trillion from N2.1 trillion in the 2022 financial year.
The managing director stated that despite the growth in its loan portfolio, regulatory ratios were maintained well above the required thresholds.
Ms Onyeali-Ikpe noted that the bank liquidity ratio stood at 45.3 per cent in the year ended 2023, from 39.6 per cent in the year 2022, while the capital adequacy ratio rose to 16.2 per cent, compared to the minimum requirement of 15.0 per cent.
“We recognise the changing dynamics in the Nigerian banking space and the need to monitor and proactively manage evolving risks. The proposed final dividend of 60 kobo per share reflects our commitment to strong value creation and returns to our shareholders.
“Fidelity Bank has consistently paid dividends since 2006,” she said.
(NAN)
Business
REVEALED: Why Aliko Dangote Lost $163 Million In Four Days

Aliko Dangote, known as Africa’s wealthiest businessman, recently experienced a significant decline in his fortune following a drop in shares of his cement company on the Nigerian Exchange, as reported by Business Elites Africa.
The billionaire, who leads the Dangote Group, faced a staggering loss of approximately $163 million in a mere four days.
Cement slump drags down fortune
Dangote’s fortune had been on an upswing earlier this month, boosted by gains in Dangote Cement and a stronger naira. But the recent decline in the company’s stock has wiped out part of those profits.
Shares of Dangote Cement, where he owns over 87 percent, slipped more than three percent, falling from ₦528 on September 11 to ₦511.2 by Monday morning.
The drop pushed the company’s market value down to roughly $5.6 billion, directly affecting Dangote’s personal wealth.
This setback has reduced his year-to-date gains to $687 million, down from the $850 million growth recorded earlier in September.
Despite the dip, Dangote still remains one of the most influential figures on the African continent, with his cement business dominating markets across the region.
A refinery making global moves
Beyond cement, Dangote is also making bold moves in the energy sector. His $20 billion refinery near Lagos, which started operations last year, is gradually reshaping Nigeria’s role in global energy trade. Nigeria fuel prices
At the end of August, the plant made headlines by sending its first-ever shipment of gasoline to the United States.
Roughly 300,000 barrels of petrol left the refinery aboard the vessel Gemini Pearl, marking the first time Nigeria exported refined gasoline directly to America. For decades, the country had relied on exporting crude oil while importing refined fuel for local use.
The new facility, with a daily capacity of 650,000 barrels, has already exported cargoes to Asia and the Middle East.
Refinery outages in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have also opened opportunities for Dangote’s products to fill supply gaps in those markets, a sign of Nigeria’s growing competitiveness in refined petroleum exports.Nigeria fuel prices
Balancing losses and gains
While the slip in Dangote Cement has trimmed Dangote’s paper wealth, his diversification into energy and food industries continues to strengthen his long-term influence in Africa’s economy.
The billionaire may have lost $163 million on paper, but with his refinery steadily gaining ground in global markets, the picture of his financial empire remains one of resilience and expansion.
This sharp decrease has brought his total estimated wealth down to around $28.8 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. The fluctuations in his company’s stock serve as a critical reminder of the volatility inherent in the financial markets.
Business
Naira Crushes Dollar Again, Breaks Seven-Month Records, See New Rate

As the 2027 election approaches, the political landscape is intensifying, with the spotlight firmly on President Bola Tinubu and the policies his administration has implemented.
One notable development is the recent appreciation of the Naira, which has gained traction in the foreign exchange market. Click link to continue reading.
On Monday, the Naira made headlines by appreciating to below N1,500 per dollar at the official foreign exchange market for the first time since February 2025.
According to data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Naira improved to N1,497.5 per dollar, a notable increase from last week’s closing figure of N1,501.5. This remarkable shift indicates a substantial gain of N4.03 against the dollar, showcasing the currency’s strengthening position compared to its previous status.
In contrast, the Naira held steady at the black market, maintaining a rate of N1,537 per dollar, consistent with the figures from the previous weekend.
The last recorded instance of the Naira trading below N1,500 at the official market was back in February 2025, underscoring the significance of this recent performance.
This rising trend in the Naira is notable against the backdrop of Nigeria’s bolstered external reserves, which have surged to an impressive $41.70 billion as of September 12, 2025. The combination of these economic indicators casts a spotlight on the government’s financial strategies and their implications as the nation gears up for a pivotal electoral season.
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Business
Delta Eyes Ranching, Industrial Growth from Brazil Investment Drive — Aniagwu

The Delta State Government says its recent investment mission to Brazil has unlocked fresh prospects for industrial expansion, agricultural development, renewable energy, and job creation in the state.
Briefing journalists in Asaba, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration has already recorded significant gains by opening up all 25 local government areas with vital infrastructure, thereby creating access to mineral resources, industrial corridors, and potential free trade zones.
Aniagwu explained that the Brazil engagement was aimed at showcasing Delta’s investment opportunities while also drawing lessons from Brazil’s agricultural model, especially in ranching.
He stressed that the establishment of ranches in the state would not only boost food production and jobs but also strengthen security by curbing the use of forests as criminal hideouts.
“We are pursuing both security and job creation by targeting ranching and other agro-industrial investments,” Aniagwu said. “Our discussions in Brazil are progressing very well, and we are optimistic about the outcomes.”
He disclosed that the state also held talks with renewable energy firms and other players in the power sector, building on earlier engagements with the Rural Electrification Agency in Abuja.
According to him, the goal is to light up the state, expand industries, and create employment opportunities that will improve living standards.
Aniagwu noted that the government’s focus on agriculture and industry was deliberate, given the rising number of graduates from tertiary institutions across the state.
“Our goal is to create a productive economy where our graduates and young women can secure meaningful jobs beyond the limited space in the civil service,” he added.
“This is how we can guarantee both social and fiscal security for our state while raising living standards.”
He reaffirmed that the Oborevwori administration remains committed to the MORE Agenda, with particular emphasis on infrastructure expansion, energy generation, agriculture, and industrial growth.
Business
Afreximbank, MDGIF Sign $500m MoU To Develop Nigeria’s Gas Infrastructure

African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative framework aimed at promoting, developing, and improving gas infrastructure in Nigeria, according to ChannelsTV.
It was signed on the sidelines of the just-ended fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) by Helen Brume, Director and Global Head – Project and Asset-Based Finance on behalf of Afreximbank, and Oluwole Adama, Executive Director on behalf of MDGIF.
The MoU emphasises private sector-led delivery models and aligns with both institutions’ mandates and strategic priorities.
Under the terms of the MoU, Afreximbank and MDGIF will work together with the overarching intention of mobilising up to $500 million over a four-year period to support midstream and downstream gas infrastructure projects. The investment is structured as a blend of senior debt and equity contributions, considered under both entities’ independent mandates, with a focus on accelerating the modernisation and expansion of Nigeria’s gas sector.
Project Highlights:
Targeted Gas Infrastructure Investment: Joint identification and prioritisation of eligible projects, with annual pipeline targets to ensure investment goals are met.
Senior Debt Financing: Afreximbank will consider providing direct financing and credit risk guarantees to support project finance transactions, working alongside local financial institutions.
Project Preparatory Support: Establishment of a dedicated support, either through funding or a support framework, for feasibility studies, legal structuring, environmental assessments, and other preparatory activities for bankable gas projects.
Equity Financing: MDGIF will consider equity contributions to complement Afreximbank’s senior debt, enabling full capital structuring for eligible projects.
Promotion and Advocacy: MDGIF will leverage Afreximbank’s platforms, including the Intra-African Trade Fair, to promote its initiatives and engage stakeholders.
Capacity Building: Development of a structured programme to enhance MDGIF’s institutional capabilities in project structuring, risk management, and innovative financing.
With respect to the collaboration between both parties, Mrs Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President – Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, noted that:
“This MoU marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to accelerating Africa’s economic transformation. By combining Afreximbank’s deep expertise in trade and project finance with MDGIF’s national investment reach, we are poised to unlock new opportunities for inclusive growth and sustainable development across Nigeria and, potentially, across the West Africa sub-region.”
She added: “We stand ready to work with the MDGIF in advancing the development of gas infrastructure projects in Nigeria, which will add value to the country’s natural resources. This intervention is also important as it aligns with Afreximbank’s Industrialisation and Export Development Agenda.”
Business
First Lady Calls Support For NDPHC To Boost Power Sector

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has called for unwavering support for the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to accelerate growth in the nation’s power sector.
The appeal came during a courtesy visit by the managing director and chief executive officer of NDPHC, Engr. Jennifer Adighije, to the First Lady over the weekend in Abuja.
Speaking passionately about the critical role of NDPHC, Senator Tinubu said, “It is essential that all stakeholders rally behind NDPHC’s leadership to ensure the company fulfills its mandate of advancing Nigeria’s power infrastructure. I urge the entire Management and staff of NDPHC to continue supporting Engr. Adighije’s vision with dedication and teamwork.”
The First Lady also commended Adighije’s commitment and leadership qualities. “Your diligence, passion, and deep sense of responsibility stand as a shining example of leadership in Nigeria’s power sector,” she stated. “Young women like you, who demonstrate rare leadership virtues, inspire a new generation of leaders and bring hope to our nation’s development.”
Senator Tinubu expressed joy and pride in seeing young Nigerians excel in positions of high responsibility. “I sincerely commend your efforts towards leading NDPHC with every sense of diligence and commitment,” she emphasised. “Your leadership is not only about managing the company but also about inspiring others to step up and contribute meaningfully.”
She further urged continuous teamwork within NDPHC to ensure the attainment of critical milestones in power generation and distribution. “For Nigeria to achieve steady power growth, the success of companies like NDPHC is vital. Let us all work together to support this leadership and push forward the sustainable energy agenda for our people,” she concluded.
Engr. Jennifer Adighije expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the commendations. She assured that NDPHC would remain resolute in transforming Nigeria’s power landscape through innovative projects and effective management.
The visit underscores a renewed focus on the power sector’s growth, with strong endorsements from key national figures encouraging collaboration and dedication toward a brighter energy future for Nigeria.
Business
REVEALED: 7 Businesses Owned By Mr Eazi That Many Nigerians Do Not Know About [FULL LIST]

When Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, tied the knot with Temi Otedola, daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, many in Nigeria’s elite circles questioned why one of the nation’s most prominent families would give their daughter’s hand to a musician.
But at the couple’s white wedding in Iceland, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, provided an answer that silenced critics by confirming Mr Eazi as an entrepreneur with businesses across 18 countries on the continent.
Below is a list of Mr Eazi’s businesses, not known to many Nigerians.
1- emPawa Africa – Founded in 2018, emPawa is a talent incubation and music distribution platform that has helped launch stars like Joeboy. It provides mentorship, funding, and resources for up-and-coming artists across Africa.
2- Zagadat Capital – Mr Eazi’s venture capital firm invests in startups in tech, media, and entertainment. Notable investments include:
3- pawaPay – A pan-African mobile payments company.
4- Thrive Agric – an agri-tech startup connecting farmers to investors.
5- BetPawa – A popular online betting platform.
6- Street Banker – A financial inclusion project for underserved communities.
7- Choplife Gaming & Choplife SoundSystem – Expanding beyond music, Eazi launched Choplife Gaming in 2022, a pan-African lottery and gaming company. His Choplife SoundSystem blends music, events, and lifestyle branding into a cultural business model.
Although less publicised, the singer has confirmed investments in real estate projects across Nigeria and Ghana, as well as hospitality ventures linked to his Choplife brand.
Through Zagadat Capital, Eazi also holds stakes in several fintech firms driving financial inclusion across Africa.
Now married into one of Nigeria’s most influential families, Mr Eazi embodies a hybrid lifestyle — blending music, global entrepreneurship, and elite family life.
For him, business has never been secondary.
As Dangote hinted, music may be just the tip of the iceberg. With ventures spread across at least 18 African countries, Eazi is positioning himself not just as a musician, but as one of the continent’s most ambitious entrepreneurs.
And with his marriage to Temi Otedola, many say the couple may just become Africa’s new symbol of power, wealth, and influence.
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