Business
Bank Executives Obtain N549 Billion In Insider Loans Over Five Years, Analysis Reveals
Bank Executives Obtain N549 Billion In Insider Loans Over Five Years, Analysis Reveals
Directors and key management personnel of Nigerian Deposit Money Banks have reportedly borrowed approximately N549 billion from their respective financial institutions over the past five years, according to an analysis of annual reports filed with the Nigerian Exchange Limited between 2019 and 2023.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The figures indicate a significant reduction in loans and advances to these insiders in 2023, dropping to N52.40 billion for eight financial institutions, compared to N111.31 billion in 2022, marking a 52.92% decline within a year.
The decline coincided with the issuance of new corporate governance guidelines by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) effective August 1, 2023. These guidelines, aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability, stipulated responsibilities for bank boards and executive compliance officers.
Notably, Fidelity Bank Plc experienced the most substantial reduction in loans to related parties, dropping from N92.31 billion in 2022 to N2.09 billion in 2023. This decline was attributed to the exit of certain related parties in compliance with CBN requirements.
In 2022, a total of N131.04 billion in insider loans was reported among 10 banks, with Fidelity Bank leading at N92.31 billion, followed by Unity Bank at N17.32 billion and United Bank for Africa (UBA) at N13.74 billion.
The year 2021 witnessed a slight increase, with loans to related parties rising to N139.16 billion, led by Fidelity Bank at N97.73 billion and UBA at N15.28 billion.
Between 2019 and 2020, insider loans totaled N226.6 billion, reflecting a significant surge in 2020, primarily attributed to Access Bank’s substantial loans amounting to N174 billion.
While insider loans are not inherently problematic, concerns arise when these loans are not adequately disclosed or when they lead to non-performing loans (NPLs). Industry experts emphasize the importance of transparency, thorough due diligence, and regulatory oversight to mitigate risks associated with insider lending.
Analysts point out that the reduction in insider loans is a positive development for the banking industry and underscores efforts to improve corporate governance and safeguard depositors’ funds. Minority investor groups urge regulators to ensure strict adherence to disclosure requirements and prevent the write-off of non-performing insider loans to maintain financial stability and protect shareholder interests.
The future of Nigeria’s Naira-for-Crude policy remains in limbo as negotiations continue between the Nigerian government and Dangote Refinery. The six-month agreement between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPCL) and Dangote Refinery expired on March 31, 2025, without a renewal, leading to the suspension of the refinery’s sale of refined petroleum products in Naira. However, the refinery has continued processing approximately 400,000 barrels of crude oil daily, with 35% of the crude sourced from international markets, particularly Brazil and Equatorial Guinea.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Although the policy’s future is still under review, sources suggest that its economic implications, especially concerning fuel prices and foreign exchange rates, make it crucial to the national economy. Despite challenges in crude supply from NNPC, Dangote Refinery has expanded its global sourcing and is currently sourcing crude from Brazil’s Petrobras and Equatorial Guinea.
No official agreement has been reached yet to extend the Naira-for-Crude deal. The Nigerian government’s committee in charge of the policy is waiting for recommendations from the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission before proceeding. Meanwhile, the refinery’s management has expressed uncertainty regarding the renewal of the deal, citing concerns over the financial strain and volatility of exchange rates. The future of the policy remains unclear, with NNPC expected to supply crude oil to Dangote Refinery in April, but payment terms are yet to be finalized.
The price of cement, a vital resource for Nigeria’s construction industry, has witnessed significant changes recently, with rates fluctuating depending on brand, location, and market factors. Here is an overview of the current prices for some leading cement brands:....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
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Dangote Cement: The cost of a 50kg bag of Dangote Cement ranges between ₦8,000 and ₦10,300. Known for its high quality, Dangote Cement remains a preferred choice in various construction projects. Prices are generally lower in areas near production plants but tend to rise in regions requiring extensive distribution.
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BUA Cement: Priced between ₦8,000 and ₦8,500 per 50kg bag, BUA Cement is popular among builders due to its competitive pricing and stability. Prices may vary slightly depending on proximity to manufacturing sites.
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Lafarge Water Shield Cement: Priced at ₦20,000 per 50kg bag, this cement variant is specifically formulated for durability and resistance to moisture, making it ideal for projects in damp environments.
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Waterproof Cement JK: Available at ₦15,000 per 50kg bag, Waterproof Cement JK is engineered to offer exceptional protection against water ingress, particularly useful for wet construction sites.
Over the past year, cement prices in Nigeria have surged significantly. At the start of 2024, a 50kg bag cost around ₦4,500. By November 2024, the price rose to about ₦8,500, reflecting an increase of approximately 89%. This upward trend is attributed to factors such as rising production costs, increased demand, and logistical challenges.
Marketers predict a potential further increase in cement prices, emphasizing the need for stakeholders in the construction sector to stay informed and plan accordingly.
A recent survey conducted by Naija News has revealed a notable decrease in the price of cooking gas in Nigeria, offering much-needed relief to households and small businesses. According to the survey, the cost of refilling cooking gas per kilogram has reduced significantly from ₦1,350 to ₦1,020.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
This positive development is expected to ease the financial burden on Nigerian families and small enterprises, especially those that heavily depend on cooking gas as a primary energy source. The survey, encompassing gas stations and vendors from various parts of the country, shows that the reduced price may help lower the overall cost of living.
The revised price breakdown is as follows:
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1 kg of Cooking Gas: ₦1,020
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3 kg of Cooking Gas: ₦3,060
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5 kg of Cooking Gas: ₦5,100
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10 kg of Cooking Gas: ₦10,200
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12.5 kg of Cooking Gas: ₦12,750
This decline marks a significant shift from the previous upward trend in gas prices and is likely to positively impact the economy, particularly the food and hospitality sectors. Businesses that rely on cooking gas will experience reduced operational costs, ultimately boosting their profit margins.
Experts attribute the drop in cooking gas prices to several factors, including fluctuations in global energy costs and adjustments within local supply chains. Despite recent variations in crude oil and natural gas prices, the reduction is perceived as a welcome development for Nigerian consumers.
By spending less on cooking gas, households and small businesses will now see some financial relief in their monthly budgets, especially during these economically challenging times.
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