Business
Naira exchanges for N1,610/$ in parallel market
Naira exchanges for N1,610/$ in parallel market
The Naira yesterday appreciated further in the parallel market to N1,610 per dollar from N1,615 per dollar last week Friday, as weak dollar demand persists.
But, the Naira depreciated to N1,495.6 in the official market.
Data published by FMDQ, showed that the indicative exchange rate for Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) rose to N1,495.6 per dollar from N1,474.78 per dollar last weekend , indicating N20.82 depreciation for the naira.
Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NFEM rate narrowed to N84.4 per dollar from N141.4 per dollar last weekend.
The above development indicated N45 appreciation for the naira in the parallel from N1,655 per dollar last week Monday.
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Similar in the official market, the Naira appreciated by N37.9 from N1,533.5 last week Monday.
Currency traders confirmed to Vanguard that the weak dollar demand driving the Naira appreciation is occasioned by the Chinese New Year holiday as well the market response to the launch of the foreign exchange code by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN last week.
A top official of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria, ABCON, who confirmed this development, added that some currency traders with significant dollar holdings sold in expectation of the fall in demand and exchange rate, boosting supply into the market.
Vanguard investigation also revealed another boost to dollar supply from banks.
According to a top bank official, banks are now honouring customer requests for Personal Travel Allowance, PTA, and Business Travel Allowance, BTA.
The official added this started last week adding that before then, most banks seldom honour these requests.
Naira exchanges for N1,610/$ in parallel market
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Auto
Meet Jetour G700: The 904HP Luxury beast shaking SUV world
Meet Jetour G700: The 904HP Luxury beast shaking SUV world
The battle for dominance in the premium SUV market just got fiercer as the Jetour G700 arrives with an outrageous 904-horsepower hybrid powertrain, futuristic luxury features and off-road capabilities designed to embarrass conventional rivals.
Far from being another luxury SUV, the G700 positions itself as a rolling statement of excess, power and cutting-edge engineering — a machine equally comfortable cruising through city boulevards or charging across unforgiving terrain.
At nearly 5.2 metres long, the G700 announces itself with unapologetic aggression.
Its boxy silhouette, towering stance, oversized grille and sharp matrix LED headlamps give it the presence of a military-grade explorer wrapped in executive styling.
But the real drama begins beneath the bodywork.
Powering the SUV is Jetour’s Kunpeng Super Hybrid CDM-O system, which combines a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with dual electric motors to unleash a staggering 904 horsepower and 1,135Nm of torque.
Those numbers translate into astonishing performance for a vehicle of its size. The G700 rockets from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds — territory usually reserved for elite supercars rather than heavyweight SUVs.
Despite its brutal acceleration, the G700 is engineered for endurance. It boasts a driving range of up to 1,400 kilometres, allowing long-distance adventures with fewer charging or refuelling stops.
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Jetour also ensures the vehicle is far more than a straight-line performer.
Its adaptive suspension system, triple differential locks and 970mm wading depth equip it for serious off-road punishment, from rocky trails to flood-prone roads. Adding to its arsenal is the eye-catching “Tank Turn” technology, enabling the SUV to rotate sharply in tight spaces like a military vehicle.
Inside, the G700 swaps rugged toughness for first-class indulgence.
A massive 35.4-inch 3K panoramic display dominates the cabin, creating a futuristic cockpit atmosphere, while premium Nappa leather massage seats deliver limousine-level comfort for occupants.
The luxury experience is amplified by an 18-speaker Lexicon sound system with Dolby Atmos, transforming the interior into a private concert hall on wheels.
Jetour pushes the innovation even further with a suite of unusual features aimed at adventure-focused buyers.
Certain editions come with rear turboprop assistance capable of generating additional thrust for escaping deep mud, while an onboard refrigerator drawer can cool drinks to -6°C or keep meals warm at 50°C.
An integrated oxygen supply system also supports driving at high altitudes, reinforcing the SUV’s long-distance expedition credentials.
Industry observers say the G700 signals Jetour’s intention to aggressively challenge established luxury SUV brands by combining electrified performance, premium comfort and hardcore off-road ability in one package.
The G700 is available in Nigeria through accredited dealerships including Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Ltd, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre and Tab Autos Ltd, R.T. Briscoe and Mandilas Motors.
Meet Jetour G700: The 904HP Luxury beast shaking SUV world
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Insurance
Lasaco Assurance Posts 81.5% Profit Surge in Q1 2026 Results
Lasaco Assurance Posts 81.5% Profit Surge in Q1 2026 Results
Lasaco Assurance Plc has begun the 2026 financial year on a strong note, posting an 81.5% increase in profit after tax in its unaudited Q1 2026 financial results, driven by improved underwriting performance, stronger investment returns, and enhanced operational efficiency. The company recorded a profit after tax of ₦2.36 billion, up from ₦1.30 billion in the same period of 2025, reflecting sustained momentum in its core insurance operations in Nigeria.
A key highlight of the performance was the sharp growth in insurance service results, which rose by 119.6% to ₦4.22 billion, compared to ₦1.92 billion in Q1 2025. The company attributed this growth to stronger risk selection processes, improved claims management efficiency, and a more profitable insurance portfolio structure, which helped enhance underwriting margins.
Lasaco Assurance also recorded significant growth in net insurance and investment results, which increased by 74.7% to ₦5.14 billion, up from ₦2.94 billion in the previous year. This performance underscores the company’s ability to balance income from insurance underwriting activities with returns from its investment portfolio, even amid a challenging economic environment.
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The company’s total assets rose by 16.6% to ₦46.20 billion, compared to ₦39.63 billion recorded in March 2025, reflecting steady balance sheet expansion. Cash and cash equivalents also grew by 24.5% to ₦18.45 billion, strengthening liquidity and improving the company’s capacity to meet claims obligations and operational needs. In addition, reinsurance contract assets increased by 34.9%, signalling higher risk-sharing arrangements and improved underwriting capacity.
A major financial highlight was the turnaround in retained earnings, which moved from a negative position of ₦573 million in December 2025 to a positive ₦1.55 billion in Q1 2026. This improvement reflects stronger earnings quality and reinforces shareholder confidence in the company’s long-term financial stability and growth outlook.
The company also reported an 81.5% increase in earnings per share (EPS), which rose to 21.29 kobo from 11.73 kobo, highlighting improved profitability and efficient capital utilisation.
Operating expenses increased by 30.3% to ₦1.81 billion, driven by planned investments in business expansion, technology, and operational improvements. Despite the rise in costs, revenue growth significantly outpaced expenditure, resulting in stronger overall profitability and improved margins.
The Q1 2026 results reflect Lasaco Assurance’s continued focus on product innovation, risk management, and customer service enhancement. With strong earnings growth, improved liquidity, and a healthier balance sheet, the company is positioned to sustain its momentum in Nigeria’s insurance sector performance outlook for 2026.
Lasaco Assurance Posts 81.5% Profit Surge in Q1 2026 Results
Business
BREAKING: Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Price to ₦1,350 Per Litre
BREAKING: Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Price to ₦1,350 Per Litre
The Dangote Refinery has implemented another upward adjustment in the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), increasing it to ₦1,350 per litre, according to confirmation from industry sources and Petroleumprice.ng.
The new adjustment represents a ₦75 increase from the previous ₦1,275 per litre, continuing a series of frequent price changes that have characterised Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market in recent weeks.
The revised price has reportedly been implemented across all loading depots, with marketers already adjusting their pricing templates in response to the new cost structure.
A senior industry official said the updated pricing has been activated across all gantries, adding that distribution channels have already reflected the new rate as supply conditions remain tight.
According to the official, marketers are quickly recalibrating their depot and retail prices to align with the latest adjustment, which reflects ongoing shifts in production and distribution costs.
The latest increase comes just days after the refinery raised its ex-depot price from ₦1,200 to ₦1,275 per litre, making it the second ₦75 hike within one week.
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Market observers say the rapid adjustments underscore the volatility currently shaping Nigeria’s deregulated fuel sector, where prices now respond directly to supply and demand dynamics.
Industry sources attributed the latest increase to a combination of factors, including fluctuations in global crude oil prices, foreign exchange pressures, and logistics costs associated with fuel distribution.
They also pointed to a temporary disruption in the issuance of pro forma invoices earlier in the week, which contributed to tighter supply conditions across the downstream market.
A senior official explained that the suspension of PFIs created short-term supply constraints, which, when combined with global oil market movements, led to the latest upward price revision.
Despite the recent increases, a senior Dangote Group official had earlier stated that the refinery has been subsidising petrol and diesel sales to stabilise supply within the Nigerian market.
Analysts, however, note that the refinery’s pricing pattern reflects a transitional phase in Nigeria’s downstream sector, where domestic refining is increasingly replacing imports but remains sensitive to international crude prices.
The latest increase is expected to translate into higher pump prices nationwide, as marketers adjust retail rates to reflect new depot costs.
Economists warn that sustained fuel price increases could further intensify inflationary pressures, particularly on transport fares, food distribution, and other essential goods and services.
Within the past month, Dangote Refinery has adjusted petrol prices multiple times, reflecting changes in crude sourcing costs, foreign exchange movements, and domestic supply conditions.
Market watchers say this volatility highlights the evolving nature of Nigeria’s deregulated petroleum market, where pricing is increasingly determined by global and local economic forces rather than fixed controls.
BREAKING: Dangote Refinery Raises Petrol Price to ₦1,350 Per Litre
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