2020 finance bill gets special Senate action, passes 1st, 2nd reading - Newstrends
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2020 finance bill gets special Senate action, passes 1st, 2nd reading

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The 2020 finance bill seeking to reduce import levy on buses, tractors and other motor vehicles has passed first and second reading at the Senate.

The proposed law passed first and second reading on Wednesday after the senators gave it a special consideration.

A letter by President Muhammadu Buhari asking the National Assembly to pass the bill was only read on the floors of the House of Representatives and Senate on Tuesday.

Normally, when a bill is read for the first time, a day is fixed to debate the general principles of the legislation after which it will be passed for second reading.

But the Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi, on Wednesday said special consideration should be given to the bill because of its importance to the economy.

He said the legislation was seeking to “provide fiscal relief for taxpayers by reducing the applicable minimum tax rate for two consecutive years of assessment.”

The senate leader said the bill was also seeking to amend the procurement act to implement key procurement reforms previously proposed by the national assembly in 2019.

“The Capital Gains Tax Act is amended at section 36(2) of the CGTA to the extent that exemption on tax liability for compensation for loss of office which was hitherto limited to N10, 000.00 is now extended to N10, 000, 000.00,” he said.

“There is a new section 32 which provides that no tax shall apply to any trade or business transferred to a Nigerian company for the purposes of better organization of that trade or business.

“Section 4 of the Value Added Tax (VAT) act has been amended by increasing the value added tax payable by consumers from 5% to 7.5%. Section 19 increased the penalty payable by a taxable person for non-remittance within the specified period from 5% to 10%.

“Under section 28, the penalty for failure to give notice of change of address or permanent cessation of business was increased from N5,000 to N 50,000 in the first month and N25,000 in subsequent months.

“There is a new section 8 of the VAT Act to cater for the registration of a taxable person upon commencement of business.

“The penalty for failure to register has been increased from N10,000 to N50,000 in the first month and from N 5,000 to N 25, 000 in the subsequent months.”

Yahya also said the bill sought to boost the Small and Medium Enterprises by reducing their tax burden.

However, Ike Ekweremadu, senator representing Enugu west, was opposed to the bill being hurried.

“It is important that we put it to a public test and see what the Nigerian people will say. We must ensure that the people of Nigeria are carried along,” he said.

The bill passed second reading after it was put to a voice vote by Senate President Ahmad Lawan.

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Petrol Prices Reach ₦1,080 Per Litre in Lagos as Global Oil Prices Soar

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Fuel pump price

Petrol Prices Reach ₦1,080 Per Litre in Lagos as Global Oil Prices Soar

Petrol prices in Lagos State have surged to as high as ₦1,080 per litre amid rising global crude oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Market surveys conducted across several filling stations on Saturday revealed that the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) now ranges between ₦1,020 and ₦1,080 per litre, depending on location and station.

The increase follows a recent adjustment in the ex-depot price by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which raised its gantry price from ₦874 to ₦995 per litre. This adjustment determines the cost at which fuel marketers purchase petrol before selling it to consumers. Analysts say the hike is linked to rising global crude prices, foreign exchange pressures, and distribution costs.

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As of the latest trading session, Brent crude was priced at about $92.69 per barrel, driven by hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have raised concerns over potential disruptions in global oil supply. Energy experts warn that continued volatility in international oil markets could push domestic petrol prices in Nigeria even higher, possibly approaching ₦1,100 per litre in the coming weeks.

The price spike is not limited to Lagos. Reports from Ibadan indicate that petrol is selling at up to ₦1,200 per litre in some areas. Consumers and transport operators have expressed concerns, noting that higher fuel prices will increase transport fares, logistics costs, and the overall cost of living.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery stated that its pricing adjustments reflect market realities and operational costs, and the refinery has absorbed part of the increase to ease the burden on consumers. Nevertheless, analysts advise Nigerians to expect continued fluctuations in petrol prices as global supply and geopolitical factors evolve.

Petrol Prices Reach ₦1,080 Per Litre in Lagos as Global Oil Prices Soar

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Recapitalisation: 30 Nigerian banks meet CBN minimum capital requirement

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CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso
Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria

Recapitalisation: 30 Nigerian banks meet CBN minimum capital requirement

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that 30 Nigerian banks have now met the new minimum capital requirements introduced as part of the banking sector recapitalisation programme launched in March 2024.

In a statement issued on Friday, Hakama Sidi Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the apex bank, said a total of 33 banks have successfully raised additional capital through rights issues, initial public offerings (IPOs), and private placements since the policy was introduced.

According to the CBN, the recapitalisation programme is aimed at strengthening the resilience, stability, and long-term capacity of Nigeria’s banking system to support economic growth and development.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria introduced a capitalisation programme for the banking sector in 2024 to strengthen the resilience, stability, and long-term capacity of the financial system to support Nigeria’s economic development,” the bank said.

“Since the introduction of the policy, banks across the industry have taken steps to strengthen their capital base in line with the revised regulatory requirements.

“As of March 6, 2026, the recapitalisation exercise is progressing steadily. Thirty banks have met the new minimum capital requirements applicable to their respective licence authorisations.

“In total, thirty-three banks have raised additional capital through rights issues, IPOs and private placements as part of the programme.”

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The apex bank said the capital positions of the remaining banks are currently undergoing routine regulatory verification before final confirmation of compliance within the stipulated timeline.

“The CBN reiterates that the Nigerian banking system remains stable and sound. The recapitalisation programme remains firmly on track and will further strengthen the capacity of the banking sector to support households, businesses, and sustainable economic growth,” the statement added.

The regulator also assured that it would continue to maintain close supervisory engagement with financial institutions to ensure full compliance with prudential and capital requirements.

Earlier, on February 24, Olayemi Cardoso, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, disclosed that 20 banks had already met the minimum capital requirement, noting that the recapitalisation process was progressing steadily across the sector.

Cardoso also revealed that as of February 19, 2026, the total verified and approved capital raised by Nigerian banks had reached about ₦4 trillion, reflecting strong investor participation and confidence in the banking sector.

The recapitalisation programme follows the CBN’s March 28, 2024 directive reviewing the minimum capital base for commercial banks, with institutions given until March 31, 2026 to fully comply.

Under the revised framework, banks with international authorisation are required to have a minimum capital base of ₦500 billion, while national banks must raise ₦200 billion and regional banks ₦50 billion.

Financial analysts say the policy is designed to create stronger and better-capitalised banks capable of financing large-scale investments, supporting businesses, and improving financial stability in Africa’s largest economy.

The recapitalisation exercise has also triggered increased activity in Nigeria’s capital market, with several lenders launching public offers, rights issues, and strategic fundraising programmes to meet the regulatory thresholds.

Industry experts believe the ongoing exercise could lead to further consolidation in the banking sector, including potential mergers and acquisitions among smaller institutions struggling to meet the capital requirements before the deadline.

Recapitalisation: 30 Nigerian banks meet CBN minimum capital requirement

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Dangote Refinery Hikes Petrol Price to ₦995 per Litre Amid Global Oil Price Surge

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Pump price

Dangote Refinery Hikes Petrol Price to ₦995 per Litre Amid Global Oil Price Surge

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has raised its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) gantry price to ₦995 per litre, marking a sharp increase of ₦221 in just four days amid rising global crude oil prices and shipping costs. The move signals further upward pressure on fuel prices nationwide, with retail petrol likely to surpass ₦1,050 per litre in many parts of Nigeria.

A senior refinery official confirmed the revision, stating that the price adjustment reflects recent fluctuations in international oil markets, crude oil replacement costs, and logistics expenses. The official said, “Yes, the price has been reviewed. The new gantry price is now ₦995 per litre.”

This hike follows an earlier increase this week when the refinery raised its ex-depot price from ₦774 to ₦874 per litre, meaning the cost of petrol from Dangote Refinery has risen nearly 29 per cent within four days. Updated pricing data on petroleumprice.ng confirmed the new benchmark for Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

The refinery temporarily halted truck-out operations early Friday, a move often preceding price adjustments, leaving marketers uncertain about future costs. Industry sources noted that this pause in loading activities indicated a likely price increase, which has now been confirmed.

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Refinery officials emphasised that petrol prices in Nigeria’s fully deregulated market are influenced by global crude oil prices, foreign exchange rates, and supply chain costs, and are not set arbitrarily. They added that the facility has absorbed about 20 per cent of rising costs to reduce the impact on the domestic market.

The development comes amid geopolitical tensions, particularly the US-Iran conflict, which has pushed Brent crude prices above $84 per barrel, fueling additional cost pressures. Dangote Petroleum stated that it will prioritise domestic supply to help insulate Nigerians from global supply shocks.

Data from the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria (MEMAN) shows that imported petrol remains cheaper than locally refined fuel, with landing costs at ₦809.37 per litre, compared to Dangote’s gantry price. Diesel prices reflect a similar trend, with Dangote diesel at ₦1,169.42 per litre versus ₦1,125.70 per litre for imports.

The latest price hike is expected to push retail petrol prices higher, further straining household budgets and increasing transport costs across the country. Consumers and businesses alike are bracing for a surge in energy costs as the ripple effects of the gantry price increase reach filling stations nationwide.

Dangote Refinery Hikes Petrol Price to ₦995 per Litre Amid Global Oil Price Surge

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