Nigeria’s debt of N31tn unsustainable, says LCCI - Newstrends
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Nigeria’s debt of N31tn unsustainable, says LCCI

Published

6 years ago

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Toki Mabogunje
  • Backs increase in electricity tariff, fuel price
  • Seeks more mass transit buses, rail system
  • Urges reopening of borders

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed worry about the nation’s state of economy, particularly the rising debt profile, currently put at N31tn, without corresponding output growth and economic development.

According to the LCCI, the growing level of the country’s debt is fast becoming unsustainable in the light of dwindling oil prices and production.

President of the LCCI, Toki Mabogunje, gave this position at a press conference on the state of the economy on Tuesday in Lagos.

She said the high level of debt servicing had continued to hinder robust investment in hard and soft infrastructure, described as key to stimulating productivity and improving living standards.

She said, “We note the increase in public debt stock was fueled by fresh domestic and external borrowing required to plug the wider fiscal deficit in the revised 2020 budget, given the impact of the pandemic on oil and non-oil sources of revenue.

“We also note the impact of recent exchange rate depreciation on the country’s level of external indebtedness.

“At the peak of the pandemic in the second quarter, the Federal Government received financial support worth $3.4 billion and $288.5 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and African Development Bank (AfDB) respectively, while negotiations are also on-going for a cumulative $1.8 billion credit support from the World Bank, African Development Bank (second tranche) and Islamic Development Bank.

“Adding this to prospective domestic issuances could possibly push the country’s public debt stock to around N34 trillion by year-end, equivalent to 23 per cent of the GDP.”

On the nation’s accelerated inflation rate, Mabogunje said the persistent pressure on consumer prices stemmed largely from the sustained uptrend in food inflation.

She said the recent incidents of flooding in key food-producing states in the North had wiped off food and cash crops on a large scale and disrupted output projections in agriculture.

Mabogunje said that the situation, if not urgently addressed, would escalate the pressure on food prices, thereby putting the country on the verge of a food crisis.

She noted, “According to local media reports, over two million tons of rice were lost to flood; other crops such as sorghum, corn and millet were also affected.

“Rising inflation trajectory has serious implications for businesses regarding production cost, investment real return rate, and overall economic performance.

“Looking forward, the Chamber expects inflation to sustain its upward trajectory for the rest of the year.

“The Lagos Chamber calls on the fiscal and monetary authorities on the need to synergise to moderate domestic prices to a level conducive for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

“The Federal Government might need to reopen the land borders to give succour to food prices in the light of lower domestic food supply amid huge demand for food.

“Similarly, both the federal and state governments also need to promptly address the issue of food wastage, majorly responsible for the food supply gap being experienced in the country.”

The LCCI president also advised policymakers on the formulation and implementation of policies to facilitate sustainability as business operators grapple with the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mabogunje said such policies must support businesses, protect jobs, preserve investment and foster economic competitiveness at both national and subnational levels.

She said the chamber endorsed the adoption of the cost-reflective tariff regime in the power sector.

The LCCI president said the new tariff would attract investment and improve power supply, even as she noted that safeguards were needed to protect consumers from exploitation.

She said, “If the economics of the investment is not right, investors will not inject capital into the sector. However, there should be safeguards to protect consumers from exploitation.

“There should comprehensive metering of consumers and there should be value for money. We believe that policy should be given a chance.”

The LCCI president said the Solar Home Initiative, aimed at expanding energy access to 25 million individuals through the provision of solar home systems or connection to a mini grid was a step in the right direction.

She said the initiative would stimulate growth and productivity in the country’s rural economy.

Mabogunje also commended government on the recent reforms implemented in the downstream segment of the oil sector.

She said the removal of petrol subsidy and the proposal by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to give up majority stakes in the four local refineries were laudable.

Mabogunje, however, appealed for the provision of mass transit buses, development of rail system for intra city and intercity transportation, and the acceleration of the auto gas programme so that more vehicles could be powered by gas.

She said, “We believe these measures are steps in the right direction in rescuing the economy from deepening fiscal crisis.

“We note that the subsidy regime had for long constituted a huge burden on public finances, encouraged corruption, inefficiencies, deterred investment flows, and weakened the earnings performance of oil refining and marketing companies.

“We acknowledge the effect of the price hike on the vulnerable segments of the society. Accordingly, we request that palliatives be provided in form of mass transit buses among other initiatives to ease the burden on consumers.”

Mabogunje also called for the expeditious passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill to consolidate recent reforms in the sector.

On the various fiscal and monetary interventions by the government, Mabogunje said the schemes would help with fulfilling payroll obligations and protect the jobs within the SMEs sector.

She said, “The Lagos Chamber acknowledges the various interventions of the fiscal and monetary sides of authorities in mitigating the adverse impact of the pandemic on economic and business environment.

“The federal and state governments need to expeditiously redirect attention to these sectors, including aviation, hospitality, entertainment, and manufacturing.

“This has become necessary to protect jobs, preserve investments and provide the much-needed liquidity required to revive these sectors.”

The LCCI president said the chamber noted the weak performance of the economy at the sectoral level, particularly among key sectors with potential to drive economic diversification.

Mabogunje said the 6.1 per cent contraction of the Gross Domestic Product in the second quarter reflected the profound impact of the pandemic on the economy.

She said the Chamber anticipated a marginal improvement in the GDP growth performance by the third quarter.

She attributed the anticipated improvement to the declining trend in the rate of confirmed cases of COVID-19, relaxation of various containment measures and the increasing tempo of economic activities.

On foreign exchange, the LCCI President said inappropriate forex policies could discourage fresh capital inflows on foreign direct investment, portfolio investment, remittances, and non-oil export proceeds into the economy.

Mabogunje said this was evidenced by the sharp plunge in the level of capital imported into Nigeria from $5.9 billion in the first quarter to $1.2 billion in the second quarter, partly caused by the capital control policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

She said, “The Chamber notes the various policy measures taken by the Central Bank of Nigeria to conserve the country’s foreign exchange resources in the light of weakening dollar inflows precipitated by the global pandemic.

“While the Lagos Chamber appreciates the efforts of the apex bank in preserving the scarce foreign exchange resources at a time the economy is confronted with the twin challenge of lower oil price and production, we believe demand management strategies alone are not sustainable solutions to the recurring foreign exchange crises.”

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FRSC Boss: Tinubu’s CNG, EV Drive Creating Jobs, Attracting Investment

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19 hours ago

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August 3, 2026

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FRSC Boss: Tinubu’s CNG, EV Drive Creating Jobs, Attracting Investment

President Bola Tinubu’s ambitious transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs) is already attracting fresh investments, creating new employment opportunities and laying the foundation for a cleaner, safer and more sustainable transport system, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has said.

Speaking at the 2026 Nigeria Auto Industry Summit (NAISU) organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), Mohammed described the Presidential CNG and EV Initiative as a game-changing policy capable of reshaping Nigeria’s automotive and transportation landscape while stimulating industrial growth and youth employment.

The FRSC boss said the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those promoting climate action and sustainable transportation, while commending President Bola Tinubu for the bold reforms and for assigning the corps a strategic role in the programme’s implementation.

“This initiative has brought in so many investments. We have assembly plants producing electric vehicles and CNG vehicles, companies manufacturing CNG cylinders and conversion kits, and new technology that is creating opportunities for our youths,” he said.

According to him, the initiative is expected to generate thousands of jobs while positioning Nigeria as a leading destination for green mobility investments in Africa.

“Really, it is a massive investment coming into Nigeria, and it is producing massive jobs for the unemployment challenge we have,” he added.

Mohammed also linked the administration’s transport agenda to ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, noting that the projects would improve connectivity and support a safer, more efficient transport network.

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He expressed confidence that the reforms would help Nigeria achieve the United Nations target of providing “a safe, accessible, affordable, reliable and sustainable transport system for all Nigerians by 2030.”

On road safety, the Corps Marshal stressed that reducing road crashes and fatalities requires collective action rather than relying solely on the FRSC.

“Road safety should not be left to the FRSC alone. It is a collective responsibility involving government, communities and every Nigerian,” he said.

While noting that the corps has sustained public enlightenment campaigns for over three decades, Mohammed said greater participation from state governments, local councils, traditional institutions and community leaders is essential to changing road users’ behaviour.

He disclosed that the FRSC has expanded its awareness campaign beyond motor parks to grassroots town hall meetings, enabling the agency to engage drivers, passengers and community stakeholders more directly.

“When you see a bad driving culture, stop the person and caution him. Let him be embarrassed. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.

The Corps Marshal expressed concern over persistent traffic violations such as speeding, overloading and the dangerous practice of conveying passengers alongside goods and livestock, warning that such behaviours remain major causes of fatal crashes.

He also urged passengers to challenge reckless drivers, particularly those who exceed speed limits, saying public intervention could save lives.

Mohammed commended NAJA and the media for their sustained support for the FRSC’s road safety campaigns and called for deeper collaboration with journalists to achieve the global target of cutting road traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities by 50 per cent before 2030.

Speaking on the legacy he hopes to leave, the FRSC boss said his priority is to build a technology-driven, people-focused organisation anchored on professionalism, collaboration and excellent service delivery.

“The legacy I want to leave is partnership, collaboration and bringing out the best in FRSC personnel to serve Nigerians and further enhance the image of the corps,” he said.

 

FRSC Boss: Tinubu’s CNG, EV Drive Creating Jobs, Attracting Investment

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Lanre Shittu Motors Leads Drive to Steer Lagos Students Away from Crime, Donates books to public Schools 

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20 hours ago

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August 3, 2026

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Students of St. Joseph Senior Secondary School Surulere, Lagos, receiving the books

Lanre Shittu Motors Leads Drive to Steer Lagos Students Away from Crime, Donates books to public Schools 

Lanre Shittu Motors is expanding its investment in youth development beyond skills acquisition, launching a major education campaign aimed at steering thousands of Lagos secondary school students away from financial crime through value-based learning and character development.

In partnership with the author of Clean Hands, Bright Future: A Youth Guide to Avoiding Financial Crime in Africa, the foremost automotive company has begun distributing the book to 200 public secondary schools across Lagos State, with more than 150 schools already reached in the first phase of the initiative.

The campaign, which began at Kuramo Senior College and Victoria Island Senior Secondary School, seeks to equip students with a clear understanding of the dangers of fraud, cybercrime, identity theft, examination malpractice and other financial crimes, while promoting integrity, hard work, ethical leadership and responsible citizenship.

Author of the book, Mr. Adedayo Aluko, said the project was inspired by the alarming rise in financial crime among young people and the need to intervene early through education.

“The rate of financial crime among youths is becoming increasingly alarming. We believe education is one of the most effective tools to prevent crime. The message of the book is simple: crime does not pay, and with clean hands, every young person can build a brighter future,” Aluko said.

He explained that the initiative goes beyond book distribution, with plans to return to beneficiary schools for interactive enlightenment sessions and career talks to reinforce the message of integrity.

According to him, the book simplifies over 100 forms of financial crimes, helping students understand offences that many young people unknowingly become involved in. Rich illustrations and practical examples were deliberately included to engage students and make the lessons memorable.

Aluko commended Lanre Shittu Motors for supporting the project, describing the Managing Director of the company, Mr Taiwo Shittu, as a long-standing advocate of youth empowerment and education.

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“Mr. Taiwo Shittu believes there is no shortcut to success. During the flag-off, he personally handed copies of the book to students and encouraged them to embrace hard work, education and skill acquisition as the true pathways to success.

Speaking on the initiative, the LSM MD, Mr. Taiwo Shittu, said the company’s decision to sponsor the distribution reflects its belief that preventing crime begins with shaping values at an early age.

“Young people are the future of our nation. By investing in character development and educating students about the consequences of financial crime, we are helping to build responsible citizens who will contribute positively to society.

“At Lanre Shittu Motors, we believe integrity, education and hard work remain the surest foundations for lasting success,” he said.

Shittu noted that the company’s strong culture of corporate social responsibility was inherited from its founder and his father, the late Alhaji Rasak Olanrewaju Shittu.

He said the late automotive icon instilled in his children and employees the enduring values of compassion, community service and giving back to society, a legacy that continues to shape Lanre Shittu Motors’ investment in education, youth development and other impactful social initiatives.

Published in May 2026 and endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Clean Hands, Bright Future, has been described as a practical guide for young people navigating increasing social and economic pressures.

The ongoing distribution programme underscores Lanre Shittu Motors’ commitment to corporate social responsibility and its determination to inspire a generation that chooses integrity over shortcuts and honest enterprise over criminality.

Lanre Shittu Motors has over the years maintained a strong record of investing in youth development through skills acquisition and capacity building initiatives.

The company has consistently provided opportunities for young Nigerians to acquire technical and vocational skills in automotive engineering, vehicle maintenance and related fields through internship, apprenticeship and industry training programmes.

It has also supported educational and youth empowerment initiatives aimed at preparing young people for productive careers, reinforcing its belief that equipping youths with employable skills remains one of the most effective ways to reduce unemployment, discourage crime and promote sustainable national development.

 

Lanre Shittu Motors Leads Drive to Steer Lagos Students Away from Crime, Donates books to public Schools

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Policy Bottlenecks Threaten Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Drive, LCCI Warns

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3 days ago

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August 1, 2026

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Policy Bottlenecks Threaten Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Drive, LCCI Warns

The Chairman of the Auto and Allied Sector Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. Femi Eguahide, has warned that policy inconsistencies, regulatory bottlenecks and weak coordination between the public and private sectors could derail Nigeria’s clean mobility ambitions, urging the Federal Government to deepen collaboration with industry stakeholders to accelerate the transition to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Electric Vehicles (EVs).

Speaking at the 3rd Nigeria Auto Industry Summit in Lagos on Thursday, Eguahide said the success of the Federal Government’s clean mobility agenda would depend on sustained stakeholder collaboration, policy consistency and the removal of operational challenges slowing investment and implementation.

The summit, organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) under the theme, “Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Future: The EV and CNG Journey Under the Bola Tinubu Administration,” brought together policymakers, regulators, automobile manufacturers, financiers, transport operators, researchers, safety agencies and development partners to chart a roadmap for accelerating Nigeria’s transition to cleaner transportation.

Eguahide acknowledged the Federal Government’s commitment to alternative energy solutions through the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), but stressed that translating policy into tangible results would require stronger coordination between government institutions and private investors.

According to him, the automotive industry remains a critical driver of industrialisation, job creation and economic growth, making it imperative for government agencies to work closely with manufacturers, assemblers, financiers and technology providers to create a more predictable and investment-friendly operating environment.

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He said effective policy implementation must be backed by continuous stakeholder engagement capable of resolving challenges surrounding vehicle conversion, local manufacturing, infrastructure development, financing and technology deployment.

Eguahide maintained that Nigeria possesses enormous potential to build a globally competitive clean mobility ecosystem, but cautioned that fragmented policies and institutional inefficiencies could slow the country’s progress if left unresolved.

He therefore urged government agencies to deepen engagement with the organised private sector to develop practical solutions that would accelerate the rollout of CNG refuelling infrastructure, EV charging networks and local automotive production.

Earlier, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to expanding Nigeria’s clean mobility ecosystem through increased investment in infrastructure, local manufacturing and strategic partnerships.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV), Barrister Ismaeel Ahmed, the Initiative’s Chief Compliance Officer, Engr. Zayyanu Tamberi Yabo, said the programme had evolved into a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s transport and energy reform agenda.

According to Ahmed, the Presidential Initiative was established not merely to promote alternative fuels but to build an integrated ecosystem covering infrastructure development, investment, vehicle conversion, local manufacturing, technical capacity building and consumer confidence.

“Our approach from the beginning has been to build the foundations of a sustainable industry rather than pursue isolated interventions,” he said.

He disclosed that certified CNG conversion centres had expanded significantly across the country over the past two years, while new refuelling stations were being developed through public and private sector investments.

Ahmed added that vehicle conversions continue to rise as commercial transport operators and private motorists increasingly embrace CNG because of its lower operating costs.

He also highlighted partnerships with financial institutions, energy companies and automobile manufacturers aimed at improving access to financing and accelerating the adoption of clean mobility technologies.

Despite the progress, he identified infrastructure expansion, consumer financing, local manufacturing capacity, technical training, research, innovation and standardisation as priority areas requiring sustained attention.

In his welcome address, NAJA Chairman Theodore Opara described the summit as a strategic platform for shaping the future of Nigeria’s automotive industry.

He said reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration had created fresh momentum for CNG, electric vehicles and local automotive manufacturing, adding that stronger collaboration among government, industry players and the media would be critical to sustaining the gains.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, represented by Engr. Olalekan Omoniyi, said strict compliance with internationally recognised standards would determine the success of Nigeria’s transition to EVs and CNG-powered transportation.

He disclosed that SON had developed more than 80 Nigerian Industrial Standards for CNG vehicles and equipment, as well as 87 additional standards and the National Nigeria Guideline (NNG 1214:2024) for CNG vehicle conversions.

The SON boss warned against the proliferation of uncertified conversion centres and substandard equipment, urging mandatory certification for imported and locally assembled EVs, CNG vehicles, conversion kits and charging infrastructure.

 

Policy Bottlenecks Threaten Nigeria’s Clean Mobility Drive, LCCI Warns

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