Business
Africa Energy Bank begins operations Jan 2025, says FG

Africa Energy Bank begins operations Jan 2025, says FG
The Federal Government has designated January 28, 2025, as the deadline for operationalizing the $5 billion Africa Energy Bank in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
A Nigerian delegation, led by Amb. Nicholas Agbo Ella, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and Executive Board Member representing Nigeria at the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), announced the timeline during the 19th Executive Board Meeting of the organization in Yaounde, Cameroon.
Amb. Ella emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to APPO’s ideals and the prompt establishment of the energy bank in Abuja.
He further stated that the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) aims to bridge financing gaps within the continent’s oil and gas industry.
“Nigeria won the hosting right for the establishment of the Africa Energy Bank (AEB) Headquarters in July 2024, after it competed with Ghana, Algeria, South Africa, and Benin Republic.
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“I am pleased to address the Executive Board (EB) meeting on this very important subject matter – the take-off of the Africa Energy Bank Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.”
“As you are no doubt aware, the Headquarters building (of the Africa Energy Bank) was inspected by the Technical Team on 24th May 2024, and renovation works for its completion are ongoing. Nigeria is fully committed to delivering the building with furnishing to the bank in good time.
“We have the full support and cooperation of Mr. President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and our National Assembly to actualise this project in Nigeria,” he said.
Nigeria’s Equity Contribution to the Bank
Regarding Nigeria’s equity contribution to the Africa Energy Bank, Amb. Ella stated that Nigeria is actively working to fulfill its share.
He noted that, in addition to an earlier payment of $59.1 million, the Federal Government made an additional $10 million contribution to the APPO account last week.
He added that Nigeria intends to complete the full payment before the bank becomes operational.
“Apart from the earlier payment of $59,120,000:00, an additional $10 million was paid into the APPO Account by the FGN (Nigeria) last week. We intend to make full payment before the bank takes off.
“Nigeria wishes to advocate for the establishment and funding of the Africa Energy Bank as part of APPO’s budgetary plans. This initiative would not only address the financial needs of the energy sector but also provide a platform for mobilizing investments in oil and gas projects, which are vital for Africa’s economic growth and development.” Ella said.
Africa Energy Bank begins operations Jan 2025, says FG
Business
Bitcoin plunges to $80k amid ongoing volatility

Bitcoin plunges to $80k amid ongoing volatility
Bitcoin’s price plummeted to $80,052 late Sunday night, marking a 7% decline over the past 24 hours as uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic policies continues to ripple through the market.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading at approximately $82,200.
The overall cryptocurrency market experienced a 7% drop, reducing its valuation to $2.77 trillion.
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Solana and XRP both recorded 7% losses, while Ethereum fell 8%, trading near the $2,000 mark. Despite the downturn, Bitcoin’s dominance remains steady at 58.2%.
The market’s decline has triggered significant liquidations, with Coinglass data reporting $616 million in liquidations over the past 24 hours, according to crypto.news price tracker.
Bitcoin plunges to $80k amid ongoing volatility
Railway
NRC targets moving 100 containers daily from Lagos to Kaduna, Kano by rail

NRC targets moving 100 containers daily from Lagos to Kaduna, Kano by rail
There are plans to commence movement of containers by rail soon from Lagos port to Kaduna by rail with an initial target of 50 to 100 containers daily.
Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa, disclosed this when he received the management team of the ICNL, led by the Managing Director, Mr Omotayo Dada, at the corporation’s headquarters, Ebute Metta, Lagos, on Tuesday.
Only recently, the corporation re-launched the rail cargo train from Apapa port Lagos to Moniya container terminal deport in Ibadan, Oyo State, following a partnership deal with APMT.
The NRC MD had earlier paid a visit to ICNL headquarters in Kaduna, which paved the way for discussion on the resumption of container movement by rail to Kaduna, according to a statement by the corporation.
Opeifa said the corporation was willing to partner with major movers of large containers from across the country.
He said the corporation would continue to design products for companies willing to use the rail to move its cargoes.
He noted that with the ICNL partnership, the corporation hopes to move additional 50 to 100 containers per day from Lagos to Kano via Apapa, Ijoko, Ilorin, Minna and Kaduna.
L-R: Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr Kayode Opeifa; Managing Director, Inland Containers Nigeria Ltd, Mr Omotayo Dada, and the Head of Commercial Services, Mrs Odetunde King Abigail, during the courtesy call on the NRC MD…on Tuesday.
Earlier, the Director of Operations and Commercial of the corporation, Mr Akin Osinowo, said the corporation was in talks with many manufacturers, including the Dangote Group of Companies and BUA, among others.
He added that the NRC still continues to service Lafarge, taking cement consignments from Ewekoro to Osogbo and Ilorin.
He however said any company or terminal operator partnering with it is meant to add value to rail movement by using their size and status to prospect new customers in order to boost the railway’s haulage capacity.
He said the ICNL is a long standing customer of the corporation, adding that some of the factors that led to the stoppage of cargo movement especially on the narrow gauge are being addressed.
He said issues such as insecurity, especially between Minna and Kaduna, and the washouts of several portions of the rail tracks, among others, were being aggressively addressed either by the corporation’s team of engineers or by the Federal Government.
The NRC management and that of ICNL expressed commitment to continue their engagement and draw a road map for quick commencement of container freight to as far as to Kaduna and Kano on the western line.
Auto
Suzuki By CFAO slashes prices of Grand Vitara GL, GLX SUVs, EECO van in promotional campaign

Suzuki By CFAO slashes prices of Grand Vitara GL, GLX SUVs, EECO van in promotional campaign
Suzuki by CFAO has commenced a nationwide promotional campaign, slashing prices of three outstanding models in a move to give Nigerians an opportunity to own durable, fuel-efficient and stylish Suzuki vehicles at affordable rate.
The fast-growing automobile dealership in Nigeria says in a statement that the limited-time offer also comes with added benefits designed to maximise customer value and return on investment.
The three models, Suzuki Grand Vitara GL, Grand Vitara GLX, and the Suzuki Eeco van, come with exclusive incentives such as one-year free service and free registration, apart from the price slash.
General Manager of Suzuki by CFAO, Madam Aissatou Diouf, says, “The Suzuki brand under CFAO remains committed to delivering affordability, innovation, and reliability to its customers.
“We encourage potential buyers to take advantage of this offer before it ends. Customer feedback continues to reinforce Suzuki’s reputation for quality, fuel efficiency, and overall satisfaction.”
The auto firm says the promotional offer allows customers to drive home the Suzuki Grand Vitara GL for ₦46 million, instead of ₦48 million, while the Grand Vitara GLX is currently available at ₦53 million, down from 55 million, and the Suzuki EECO van for ₦19.5 million, down from ₦23 million.
Grand Vitara GLX
This is a feature-packed SUV with a robust design, sophisticated styling, and cutting-edge technology.
It comes equipped with 1.5L, 2WD automatic transmission (FS), panoramic sunroof, power door mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, 9-inch touchscreen audio system, 360-degree camera, outstanding fuel efficiency of just 4-5 litres per 100km.
Grand Vitara GL
This variant features a 1.5L engine, 2WD automatic transmission (FS), power door mirrors, alloy wheels, and fabric seats while maintaining the same remarkable fuel efficiency as the GLX.
Suzuki Eeco van
This is for businesses and entrepreneurs seeking affordability and efficiency.
It is a versatile and reliable vehicle, perfect for a practical and affordable transportation solution.
It is powered by a 1.2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine and delivers 54 kW (73hp) of power and 101 Nm of torque;
5-speed manual transmission.
Its other features are exceptional fuel economy of just 4-5 litre per 100km; low maintenance costs and practical features such as manual air conditioning, park assist, and fabric seats.
Basic safety features, including seatbelts, a driver-side airbag, and an audio system with AM/FM radio and USB connectivity are available.
Exterior features
Compact design: The Eeco Panel van has a compact design, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Sliding doors: The van features sliding doors on both sides, providing easy access to the cargo area.
Rear door: The rear door is designed for easy loading and unloading of cargo.
Interior features
Spacious cargo area: The Eeco Panel van has a spacious cargo area, perfect for carrying goods, equipment, or tools.
Vinyl flooring: The cargo area features vinyl flooring, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Tie-down points: The van has tie-down points to secure cargo and prevent shifting during transport.
Safety
Driver airbag: The Eeco comes equipped with a driver airbag for added safety.
Seatbelts: The van features seatbelts for the driver and passengers.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS): The Eeco has ABS to prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking.
Comfort/convenience features
Manual air conditioning: The van which can accommodate 5 to 7 passengers features manual air conditioning for added comfort.
Power steering; The van features power steering for easy maneuverability.
The auto firm notes that this is a golden opportunity to own a Suzuki vehicle at an unbeatable price and urged interested people to visit any Suzuki by CFAO dealership nationwide to take advantage of this limited-time offer before it runs out.
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