Business
Naira gains against dollar, sells below 1,280/$ at official, parallel markets
Naira gains against dollar, sells below 1,280/$ at official, parallel markets
The naira began the new month on a positive note, rising to N1,278.58 against the US dollar from N1,309.39 per dollar last Thursday. This is an increase of N30.81 at the end of trading activity.
According to FMDQ Securities statistics, the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market’s indicative exchange rate has fallen below the N1,300 ceiling for the first time since January 26 of this year.
On March 13, 2024, the naira fell as low as N1,615 per dollar.
Since March, when the central bank implemented a series of FX regulations, the naira has risen by more than 21% against the dollar.
Liquidity in the forex market has been attributed to an array of policies currently implemented by the CBN.
Key reforms include the unification of exchange rate windows, liberalisation of the FX market, clearance of FX backlog obligations for banks and airlines, implementation of a Price Verification System, imposition of limits on banks’ Net Open Position, removal of the daily cap of N2bn on remunerable Standing Deposit Facility, and overhaul of the Bureau De Change segment.
Forex turnover is a critical metric in the financial world as it represents the total value of all foreign exchange transactions completed within a specific timeframe, providing insights into the liquidity and vibrancy of the forex market.
High turnover rates indicate a highly active market with numerous participants engaging in buying and selling currencies, which can signal investor confidence and economic stability.
In the last two weeks, the Central Bank of Nigeria and other banking institutions improved dollar supply to the foreign exchange market by $2.5bn.
Similarly, forex transactions between willing sellers and buyers at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market reduced by 106 per cent to $111.18m on Tuesday from $857m at the close of trading activity last week Thursday.
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The summary of the FX trading revealed that the intraday high closed at N1,312 from 1392 per dollar on last Thursday. Also, the intraday low remained at N1,250 it traded last Thursday.
The foreign exchange resumed on Tuesday after the Easter holiday with the Naira appreciating at the parallel market to N1,220. Bureau De Change operators bought at N1,220 per dollar and sold either through cash or transfer to customers at N1,265/$ with a profit margin of N30.
This represents 1.99 per cent appreciation over N1,280 closed last week.
The Naira strengthened in both the official and parallel market segments following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s move to clear all verified FX backlogs (final tranche of $1.5bn).
The Naira which appreciated by 21.8 percent month-on-month in March 2024 is expected to maintain the trend in April, following the policy measures of the Central Bank.
Currency traders, who spoke to The PUNCH attributed the naira appreciation to waned demand for the greenback note and the decision of the apex bank to sell foreign exchange to operators.
A BDC operator at Wuse Zone 4, Ibrahim Yahu, stated, “The demand for dollars has really gone down and the naira is appreciating because of the new rate determined by the CBN for traders.
The CBN initially started selling to us at N1,251 but they gave another rate last week Thursday at N1,190 and that is the reason for new fresh drop of the dollar. The CBN selling directly to us has really helped trading activities.”
Another trader, Malam Yunusa, stated that the naira was poised to maintain its gain against the dollar adding that operators also want the naira to grow.
The President of the Association of Bureaux de Change Operators of Nigeria, Aminu Gwadabe, recently noted that apart from the tightening of monetary policy resulting in interest rate hikes, increased investment in government instruments, and the clearance of $7 billion forex backlog forward commitments, the reactivation of the BDCs has notably enhanced dollar liquidity in the retail segment of the forex market.
Analyst at Afrinvest also predicted that the naira would trade within similar band in the month of April as the CBN continues its activities to mop up liquidity and attract more capital.
Naira gains against dollar, sells below 1,280/$ at official, parallel markets
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Business
Dangote Refinery Announces New Petrol Price as Crude Oil Eases
Dangote Refinery Announces New Petrol Price as Crude Oil Eases
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a ₦75 reduction in the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, lowering the rate from ₦1,250 to ₦1,175 per litre in a move expected to influence Nigeria’s downstream fuel market.
In a notice issued to fuel marketers, the refinery said the adjustment takes effect from midnight on June 16, 2026, and applies to all outstanding but yet-to-be-loaded gantry volumes, which will be repriced at the new rate. The company also reduced its coastal petrol price per metric tonne from ₦1,595,790 to ₦1,495,215, reflecting a broader downward review across its pricing structure.
The refinery explained that the decision was influenced by the easing of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which had previously driven up global energy costs and caused volatility in the international oil market. It added that improved diplomatic engagements around key global shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, have helped stabilize crude oil movement and pricing.
The international oil market had experienced significant pressure in recent months following tensions between major global powers, which pushed crude prices above $120 per barrel at the peak of the crisis. However, with renewed diplomatic discussions and easing tensions, crude prices have begun to stabilize, recently trading around the $80 per barrel range, offering some relief to refining and import costs globally.
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Since crude oil is the primary raw material for petrol production, changes in global prices directly affect refined product pricing across markets, including Nigeria.
The latest price adjustment positions the Dangote refinery as one of the most competitive suppliers in Nigeria’s deregulated downstream sector. Industry data from market tracking platforms indicate that petrol is currently being sold by some marketers at around ₦1,240 per litre, depending on logistics, location, and distribution costs.
The reduction is expected to gradually influence retail pump prices nationwide, although final consumer prices will still depend on transportation costs, dealer margins, and regional supply dynamics. Regulatory oversight is provided by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which continues to monitor pricing trends and market stability in the downstream sector. Major industry players such as NNPC Limited are also expected to adjust their pricing strategies in response to shifts in the refinery’s ex-depot rates.
The latest petrol price reduction in Nigeria is expected to bring moderate relief to consumers already grappling with fluctuating fuel costs. However, analysts note that despite lower ex-depot prices, retail fuel prices may vary across states due to logistics costs and supply chain factors. If global crude oil prices remain stable or continue to decline, further downward adjustments in fuel prices may be possible in the coming weeks.
Dangote Refinery Announces New Petrol Price as Crude Oil Eases
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Business
SERAP Takes NNPCL to Court Over Alleged ₦5.9bn Rebranding Expenditure
SERAP Takes NNPCL to Court Over Alleged ₦5.9bn Rebranding Expenditure
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has dragged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to court over an alleged ₦5.9 billion expenditure linked to the incorporation, transition and rebranding of the former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into NNPCL.
The lawsuit, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja and marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1248/2026, seeks an order compelling NNPCL to provide a comprehensive account of how the funds were spent and whether all approvals and procurement procedures were properly followed.
According to SERAP, the disputed amount comprises about ₦2.9 billion reportedly spent on incorporation expenses from petroleum product proceeds and another ₦2.9 billion allegedly charged by the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS) to crude oil revenues for the transition process.
The rights group is asking the court to direct NNPCL to release a detailed reconciliation statement showing all financial transactions related to the expenditure. SERAP is also seeking information on contractors involved in the rebranding exercise, the services they rendered, and the amounts paid to them.
In addition, SERAP wants NNPCL to disclose the identities and official positions of government officials who approved and authorized the expenditure. The organization argues that Nigerians have a constitutional right to know how public resources were utilized during the transformation of NNPC into NNPCL.
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The suit was filed by SERAP’s legal team, including Oluwakemi Agunbiade, Kehinde Oyewumi and Andrew Nwankwo. According to the organization, transparency and accountability are essential in the management of public funds, particularly in the oil and gas sector, which remains one of Nigeria’s most important sources of revenue.
SERAP maintained that the public deserves answers regarding who approved the spending, who received the funds, and whether the expenditure represented value for money. The organization further argued that the alleged failure to account for the funds raises concerns about public trust and good governance.
The lawsuit also references concerns reportedly raised by the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, which questioned the size of the expenditure and reportedly called for further explanations and legislative scrutiny.
Before approaching the court, SERAP had written to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to direct anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to investigate the reported spending and identify those responsible for approving and receiving the funds.
According to SERAP, the matter goes beyond financial disclosure and touches on broader issues of accountability, transparency and responsible management of national resources. The organization contends that failure to provide details of the expenditure may be inconsistent with constitutional provisions designed to promote openness in public administration.
SERAP also cited Nigeria’s obligations under international anti-corruption frameworks, including the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which emphasize transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
The transformation of NNPC into NNPCL followed the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which restructured the national oil company into a commercially oriented limited liability company wholly owned by the Federal Government. The transition was officially unveiled in July 2022 as part of efforts to reform Nigeria’s petroleum industry and improve operational efficiency.
As of the time of filing this report, no hearing date has been fixed for the case, while NNPCL has not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the lawsuit.
SERAP Takes NNPCL to Court Over Alleged ₦5.9bn Rebranding Expenditure
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Auto
Toyota Celebrates Customers, Partners as Zenith Bank Clinches Top Honour
Toyota Celebrates Customers, Partners as Zenith Bank Clinches Top Honour
Toyota (Nigeria) Limited celebrated customer loyalty, strategic partnerships and industry excellence at its 2026 Awards and Customers’ Night in Lagos, with Zenith Bank, AGL Motors and leading automotive journalists emerging among the biggest winners.
The event, which coincided with Toyota Nigeria’s 30th anniversary celebrations, attracted customers, dealers, government officials, financial institutions, media practitioners and other stakeholders who have contributed to the company’s growth over the past three decades.
A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Evergreen Customer of the Year Award to Zenith Bank Plc in recognition of its status as Toyota Nigeria’s most consistent customer over the last five years.
The award came with a brand-new Toyota Starlet Cross, presented by the company’s Chairman and founder, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo.

Managing Director of Toyota Nigeria Limited, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo; Chairman of TNL, Chief Michael Ade.Ojo, and MD/CEO, AGL Motors Ltd, Alhaji AbdulAfeez Gabar Lado, at the presentation of the 2025 best customer award to AGL Motors at the Toyota Awards in Lagos.
AGL Motors received recognition as Customer of the Year after recording the highest volume of Toyota vehicle purchases in 2025. The Nigerian Army and Zenith Bank finished as first and second runners-up respectively in the category, with winners receiving office equipment worth several millions of naira.
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Toyota Nigeria also used the occasion to honour members of the media for their contributions to automotive journalism and public understanding of developments in the sector. Theodore Opara of Vanguard won the Journalist of the Year Award, while Mike Ochonma of Transport World and Rasheed Bisiriyu of Newstrends emerged first and second runners-up respectively.
In his address, Managing Director of Toyota Nigeria, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo, described the annual gathering as a celebration of the enduring relationships that have shaped the company’s success since it commenced operations in 1996.
“Tonight is a moment of reflection, celebration and renewed commitment,” he said, noting that the event underscores Toyota’s customer-first philosophy and appreciation for the loyalty and trust of its stakeholders.
According to him, Toyota Nigeria has grown into one of the country’s most trusted automotive brands through its commitment to quality products, reliable after-sales support and continuous investment in customer satisfaction.
Ade-Ojo assured customers that despite prevailing economic challenges, the company would continue to introduce initiatives aimed at making vehicle ownership easier and more accessible for Nigerians.
He also expressed appreciation to dealers, customers, suppliers, consultants, financial institutions and employees for their support over the years, describing them as critical partners in Toyota Nigeria’s journey and future growth.
Toyota Celebrates Customers, Partners as Zenith Bank Clinches Top Honour
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