Economy

Dangote to scrap steel investment plan in Nigeria over allegations of monopoly

Published

8 months ago

July 22, 2024

Admin

The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has announced that the company will abandon its plans to enter Nigeria’s steel industry to avoid being branded a monopoly.

Dangote made this disclosure in a statement on Saturday while addressing journalists at his refinery in Lagos.

The business tycoon explained that the company’s board decided to avoid the steel industry to prevent accusations of attempting to monopolize it.

Furthermore, he noted that pursuing this venture would involve encouraging the importation of raw materials from overseas, which contradicts the firm’s core mandate.

“You know, about doing a new business which we announced, that is, the steel.

“Actually, our own board has decided that we shouldn’t do the steel because if we do the steel business, we will be called all sorts of names like monopoly. And then also, imports will be encouraged. So we don’t want to go into that,” he said.

Dangote, however, urged other Nigerians to invest in the industry to help boost the country’s economy.

“Let other Nigerians go and do it. We are not the only Nigerians here. There are some Nigerians with more cash than us. They should bring that money from Dubai and other parts of the world and invest in our own fatherland,” the CEO added.

In June, Nairametrics reported that Aliko Dangote said his company plans to delve into steel production in the near future stating that he wants to ensure that every steel used in West Africa comes from Nigeria.

He noted that the next venture after the refinery project would be in steel manufacturing and ensure that all steel products used in West Africa come from Nigeria.

“I don’t like people coming to take our solid minerals to process and bring the finished product. We should try and industrialise our continent and take it to the next level.

“I told somebody we are not going to take any break. What we are trying to do is to make sure at least in West Africa, we want to make sure that every single steel that we use will come from Nigeria”, Dangote said at that time.

Nigeria has tried unsuccessfully to become a leader in the steel manufacturing industry with a handful of failed projects like the Ajaokuta steel plant, Delta Steel Company, Osogbo and Jos rolling mills even under government and private ownership.

Like the oil refineries, the federal government under different administrations has spent billions trying to put the local steel plants to work but has been unsuccessful.

The administration of President Bola Tinubu had promised during the campaigns to ensure steel production starts in the multi-billion-dollar Ajaokuta steel complex.

Dangote investment in the industry might have been a game changer, attracting more capital and economic opportunity to the sector.

However, with the recent revelation and decision from the African richest man, the steel industry may still linger in the shadow of under investment for years to come.

Economy

SEE Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate: Latest Black Market USD To NGN Rate For March 20, 2025

Published

3 days ago

March 20, 2025

ADMIN

The exchange rate for the US dollar to the Nigerian naira in the black market, also known as the parallel market (Aboki FX), has been released.

As of Wednesday, 19th March 2025, traders at the Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) were buying dollars at ₦1575 and selling at ₦1585, according to sources from the Bureau De Change (BDC).

Official CBN Exchange Rate
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the black market and advises individuals to conduct foreign exchange transactions through official banking channels. The official exchange rates recorded by the CBN are as follows:

Highest Rate: ₦1545
Lowest Rate: ₦1500
It is important to note that foreign exchange rates may vary depending on the location and financial institution handling the transaction.

Economy

SEE Today’s Black Market Exchange Rate – 18th March 2025

Published

4 days ago

March 19, 2025

ADMIN

Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate for March 17, 2025
Are you looking for the latest Dollar to Naira exchange rate in the parallel market (Aboki FX)? Here’s what you need to know.

Current Black Market Exchange Rate (March 17, 2025)
The exchange rate at the Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) sees players buying a dollar at ₦1575 and selling at ₦1585, according to sources within the Bureau De Change (BDC).

Note: The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize the black market. Individuals seeking foreign exchange are advised to approach their respective banks for transactions.

Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Rate
Buying Rate ₦1575
Selling Rate ₦1585
CBN Official Dollar to Naira Rate
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1552
Lowest Rate ₦1512
Disclaimer: Forex rates fluctuate, and the price you buy or sell at may vary from what is captured in this report.

SEC Suspends Centurion Registrars from Capital Market
In a related development, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced the suspension of Centurion Registrars Limited, including its directors and affiliates, from participating in the capital market.

According to a statement titled “Additional Enforcement Measures on Erring Capital Market Operators”, the SEC emphasized that this action is part of a broader initiative in 2025 aimed at eliminating illegal capital market operations.

Affected clients of Centurion Registrars have been advised to contact Africa Prudential Plc for further assistance.

The SEC also revealed plans to publish a “Name and Shame” journal, listing capital market operators who violate market regulations. This move underscores the commission’s firm stance against non-compliance and aligns with its updated enforcement strategies.

Economy

SEE Current Black Market Dollar (USD) To Naira (NGN) Exchange Rate

Published

5 days ago

March 18, 2025

ADMIN

The exchange rate between the US Dollar (USD) and Nigerian Naira (NGN) continues to fluctuate, with notable differences between the official market rate set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the parallel (black) market rates.

Black Market (Parallel Market) Exchange Rate
At the Lagos Parallel Market, also known as the black market, foreign exchange traders are currently buying one US dollar at ₦1,575 and selling it at ₦1,585. These rates are sourced from Bureau De Change (BDC) operators who engage in unofficial currency transactions outside the banking system.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) maintains a regulated exchange rate for financial institutions and official transactions. Based on recent data:

The highest recorded exchange rate for the dollar stands at ₦1,552 per USD
The lowest rate observed is ₦1,512 per USD
The CBN does not recognize or support the black market, advising individuals and businesses seeking foreign exchange (forex) to obtain their funds through licensed financial institutions such as banks.

Factors Influencing the Exchange Rate
Several economic and market conditions contribute to the fluctuations in Nigeria’s forex market, including:

Dollar Supply and Demand: A shortage of forex liquidity can push black market rates higher, while an increased supply from CBN interventions or foreign inflows can stabilize the naira.
Inflation and Economic Policies: High inflation rates and policy decisions from monetary authorities significantly impact the value of the naira.

Global Economic Trends: The strength of the US dollar in international markets, crude oil prices, and foreign direct investment flows all play a role in determining the naira’s performance.
CBN Regulations and Policies: Restrictions on forex transactions, such as bans on certain imports or tighter controls on foreign remittances, can create fluctuations in the black market rates.

Exchange rates are subject to constant fluctuations, and the rates at which individuals or businesses buy and sell forex may differ from those listed above. It is advisable to consult multiple sources or directly contact banks and financial institutions for the most accurate and up-to-date exchange rates.