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FG inaugurates committee to implement digital, creative enterprises programme

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The federal government has inaugurated a technical committee to kick off the investment in digital and creative enterprises (i-DICE) programme.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the technical committee on Wednesday in Abuja, describing the development as the dawn of a new era in the country.

The i-DICE programme is a collaborative effort between the government and international partners, including the Bank of Industry (BoI), the African Development Bank (AfDB), French Development Agency (FDA) and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).

i-DICE, according to the federal government, aims to nurture and empower enterprises in the digital and creative sectors.

On March 21, the national economic council (NEC) endorsed the implementation of the $617.7 million i-DICE programme in the 36 states of the federation and Abuja.

Speaking on Wednesday during the inauguration of the technical committee, the vice president expressed optimism about the initiativeā€™s potential to redefine the nationā€™s digital and creative space.

ā€œWe embark on a journey of innovation, collaboration, and boundless opportunity ā€“ a journey that holds the power to redefine the trajectory of our nationā€™s digital and creative landscape,ā€ Shettima said.

He also said the ministry of finance has been mandated to ensure the expeditious disbursement of funds for the i-DICE programme, paving the way for its swift implementation.

Also, Tope Kolade, special adviser to the president on economic matters (office of the vice president) and chairman of the technical committee on the i-DICE programme, said the substantial financial backing underscores the programmeā€™s potential to drive transformative change in Nigeriaā€™s digital and creative sectors.

The i-DICE programme is expected to create 100,000 jobs per state and 5.5 million indirect jobs nationwide.

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PETROAN lauds NNPC Ltd, Dangote refinery over fuel price reduction

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The Petroleum Retailers Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has commended the NNPC Retail Ltd. for slashing the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), known as petrol from N920 to N875 per litre.

PETROAN said the bold move was expected to alleviate the financial burden on Nigerians amidst rising inflation.

In a statement on Monday, the National President of the association, Dr Billy Gillis-Harry praised the NNPC Retail Ltd. for taking proactive steps to support the Nigerian people.

ā€œThis price reduction will be a huge relief to many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet,ā€ he said.

Gillis-Harry said the reduction in pump price was expected to positively impact Nigerians by reducing transportation costs, making it easier for people to commute and transport goods.

He said the reduced transportation costs would lead to reduced food prices, making it easier for Nigerians to access affordable food.

The PETROANā€™s President also lauded Dangote Refinery for agreeing to refund N65 to retail outlet owners affected by the price reduction.

This refund initiative follows Dangote Refineryā€™s recent reduction of its gantry price from N890 per litre to N825 per litre.

According to the refinery, customers who purchased PMS at higher rates than the advertised prices from Dangoteā€™s key partners are eligible for a refund.

The refund amount is N65 per litre on over 200,000 metric tonnes of PMS purchased by marketers at the old gantry price.

He said that Dangote had absorbed a N16 billion loss to implement these refunds, demonstrating its commitment to fair pricing and consumer welfare.

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The refund initiative, he said would also positively impact retail outlet owners, who would benefit from reduced prices and refunds.

ā€œMany retail outlet owners purchased PMS at the higher rate before the price reduction, and the refund will help mitigate their losses.
ā€œWe commend Dangote Refinery for this initiative, which will help reduce the financial burden on our members,ā€ Gillis-Harry said. (NAN)

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Dangote cement reports N3.58bn revenue growth in 2024

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Dangote Cement has reported a 62.2 per cent revenue growth, reaching N3,580.6 billion in 2024.

The companyā€™s Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) also grew by 56.0 per cent to N1,388.2 billion, with a 38.6 per cent margin.

Arvind Pathak, Chief Executive Officer and Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, disclosed this in a corporate filing with the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX).

Pathak said ā€œWe wrapped up 2024 with strong momentum, driven by our focus on operational efficiency and excellence.

ā€œOur group volume grew by 1.6 per year-on-year, reaching 27.7 Mt, driven by a strong recovery in Nigeria, where we improved efficiency and boosted sales growth by 7.9 per cent.

ā€œA major milestone was the launch of the Document Management System (MMS), which enables customers to independently manage sales transactions and track deliveries, remotely.

DMS is the use of a computer and software to store, manage and track electronic documents and electronic images of paper-based information captured through the use of a document scanner.

ā€œOver 80 per cent of our customers actively use this platform, and we aim to increase adoption to 90 per cent .

ā€œDespite macroeconomic challenges, both globally and domestically, we remain committed to innovation and value creation, delivering strong returns for our stakeholders.ā€

He noted that the groupā€™s revenue grew by 62.2 per cent to N3,580.6 billion, which was driven by a combination of volume growth and price adjustments to reflect inflationary trends.

He said as a result of this, the EBITDA reached a record high, surpassing the N1 trillion mark for the first time at N1,382.0 billion, while profit after tax (PAT) grew by 10.5 per cent year-on -year, totaling N503.2 billion.

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ā€œReflecting our strong financial performance, the board has proposed a dividend of ā‚¦30.00 per share for the 2024 financial year.

ā€œBy leveraging our strong export-to-import strategy, Dangote Cement achieved a record 31 clinker shipments from Nigeria to Ghana and Cameroon, driving a 69.1 per increase in Nigerian exports and strengthening our commitment to Africaā€™s cement self-sufficiency.

ā€œWe also made significant strides in sustainability, particularly in alternative fuel investments.

ā€œOur Thermal Substitution Rate (TSR) improved to 10 per cent , with 11 alternative feed systems installed across our plants, enabling greater flexibility in energy sourcing.

ā€œRecognising our sustainability efforts, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) upgraded Dangote Cementā€™s rating to B across both climate and water categories,ā€ he said.

Looking ahead, Pathak noted that the group would remain focused on strengthening the Nigerian market position, enhancing productivity, and driving economic growth across its operating regions.

He said, ā€œwe are now set to commission our 3Mta Cote dā€™Ivoire grinding plant in 2025, further expanding our footprints to capitalise on the high-growth African cement market.ā€ (NAN)

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NNPC Slashes Petrol Price To N880/Litre In Abuja, N860/Litre In Lagos

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By Abubakar Yunusa

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced a reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to N860 per litre.

This decision comes amid an intensifying price war among major marketers and independent petroleum dealers, as well as fluctuations in global crude oil prices.

The new price, which took effect on Monday, marks a significant drop from the previous average of N920 per litre, offering relief to millions of Nigerians grappling with the high cost of living.

The reduction by NNPC, the countryā€™s largest fuel supplier, has sparked a wave of competitive pricing among private marketers.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited had last week reduced the ex-depot price of petrol from N890 per litre to N825.The reduction marks the second price cut in February.

Dangote, in a public notice on the price slash, announced three filling stations in Lagos, which included MRS: N860 per litre, AP: N865 per litre, and Heyden: N865 per litre, as its partner off-takers.

While the price reduction has been welcomed by many, some Nigerians remain skeptical, questioning whether the drop is sustainable.

ā€œThis is good news, but we hope itā€™s not just a temporary move to calm the public,ā€ said Adeola Ogunleye, a commercial bus driver in Lagos. ā€œFuel prices have been too high for too long, and we need lasting solutions

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