Business
Oil price projected to reach $80 as Nigeria suppresses brewing crisis
Goldman Sachs Commodities Research has raised its forecast for crude price, projecting that the price of Brent crude would hit $75 by the second quarter and $80 by the third quarter.
It stated this shortly after the price of Brent crude, against which Nigeria’s crude oil is priced, rose to $68.03 per barrel on Thursday.
Goldman’s prediction also followed the decision of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries at its meeting on Thursday to leave production quotas unchanged.
The $80 prediction shows an increase from the previous $70 per barrel by the second quarter of 2021.
Goldman said, “OPEC’s supply strategy is working because of its unexpectedness and suddenness.
“We believe it is now clear that OPEC+ is in fact pursuing a tight oil market strategy, with our updated supply-demand balance pointing to OECD (inventories) falling to their lowest level since 2014 by the end of this year.”
At the 14th OPEC and non-OPEC ministerial meeting that held virtually on Thursday, ministers approved a continuation of the production levels of March for the month of April, with the exception of Russia and Kazakhstan, which will be allowed to increase production by 130 and 20,000 barrels per day respectively.
Saudi Arabia also agreed to extend its voluntary one million barrels supply cut till April 2021.
“The meeting extends special thanks to Nigeria for achieving full conformity in January 2021 and compensating its entire overproduced volumes,” a statement released at the meeting also stated.
“The ministers thank the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Chief Timipre Sylva, for his shuttle diplomacy as Special Envoy of the JMMC to Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and South Sudan to discuss matters pertaining to conformity levels with the voluntary production adjustments and compensation of over-produced volumes.”
The ministers agreed to extend the compensation period for countries that exceeded their supply quota till the end of July 2021.
It also cautioned all participating countries to remain vigilant and flexible given the uncertain market conditions and to remain on the course which had been voluntarily decided and which had hitherto reaped rewards.
The next OPEC and non-OPEC ministers’ meeting has been scheduled for April 1, 2021.
Back in Nigeria, the regulators of the oil industry such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the Department of Petroleum Resources have continued to measures including persuasion, threats and clampdown to address artificial fuel scarcity in Abuja, Oyo and other states over possible pump price hike.
Just as the NNPC assured the dealers and final buyers that it had enough fuel and had no plans to increase the ex-depot price of petrol, the DPR warned against hoarding and arbitrary hike and went ahead to close down some found to have flouted the instructions.
Operators in the oil sector said the rise in crude oil price meant more revenue for Nigeria but could cause further hike in the fuel prices.
This is because the bulk of the fuel consumed in Nigeria currently is imported.
Petrol queues that surfaced in Abuja and environs last week had spread to other major cities, resulting in over 100 per cent hike in transport fares in some areas.
Oil marketers attributed the scarcity of petrol in the affected areas to the alleged moves by government to hike the price of the commodity.
The NNPC dismissed reports of an upward review in ex-depot prices of petrol. Indeed, it ruled out any increase this month (March).
Major Oil Marketers of Nigeria (MOMAN) also said its members had not increased the pump price of petrol.
But the independent marketers said they could only get the product between N160 and N162 per litre at the depot instead of N148 per litre.
Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Dr Kennie Obateru, said there was no immediate plan to increase the pump price of fuel, adding that there was enough fuel to last for 40 days nationwide.
The fuel queues are fast disappearing as more filling stations get supply and are opening for business.
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Business
BREAKING: OPay Warns Customers Against Viral Shutdown Message, Threatens Legal Action
BREAKING: OPay Warns Customers Against Viral Shutdown Message, Threatens Legal Action
OPay, one of Nigeria’s leading digital financial services platforms, has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the company is shutting down its operations or proceeding on an indefinite leave.
The company, in an official statement, described the messages as false and misleading, urging its customers and members of the public to disregard the reports and refrain from sharing unverified information.
The clarification comes amid messages being circulated across social media platforms allegedly advising OPay customers to withdraw their funds because the fintech company was purportedly preparing to shut down.
However, OPay said there was no basis for the claims, stressing that its operations remained fully functional and that customers could continue to use their accounts as usual.
“OPay remains fully operational, and your money is safe and secure,” the company stated, adding that its services were continuing to run normally.
The digital banking platform assured customers that they could continue using their OPay accounts “with confidence,” apparently seeking to calm concerns that may have arisen from the viral messages.
OPay further pointed to its regulatory status in Nigeria, stating that it is duly licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and its deposits are insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).
The company said its regulatory and insurance status underscored its commitment to providing safe, reliable and convenient financial services to Nigerians.
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The fintech firm also revealed that the authorities had taken the circulation of the alleged false information seriously.
According to OPay, the Central Bank of Nigeria, in conjunction with security and law-enforcement agencies, is investigating the individuals responsible for creating and spreading the messages.
The company warned that those found culpable would face legal consequences.
“We take this matter seriously,” OPay said, adding that violators would be prosecuted “to the full extent of the law.”
The company also appealed to its customers to exercise caution when receiving information about its operations, particularly messages circulated through social media and other unofficial channels.
OPay urged users not to believe or share unverified claims, advising them to rely on the company’s official communication channels for accurate information concerning its services.
Reaffirming its commitment to the Nigerian market, the company said: “OPay is committed to Nigeria and Nigerians. We are here, and we are not going anywhere.”
The statement ended with an appreciation to customers for their continued confidence in the digital banking platform.
The development comes against the backdrop of the growing influence of digital financial platforms in Nigeria, where millions of customers use fintech applications for money transfers, payments, savings and other financial transactions. Consequently, unverified reports concerning the stability of a major digital banking platform can generate considerable anxiety among users.
OPay’s clarification therefore appears aimed at preventing panic withdrawals and reassuring customers that its services remain available.
BREAKING: OPay Warns Customers Against Viral Shutdown Message, Threatens Legal Action
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Business
Dangote Refinery IPO approved at ₦525 per share, targets ₦2.15trn
Dangote Refinery IPO approved at ₦525 per share, targets ₦2.15trn
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the commencement of the Dangote Refinery initial public offering (IPO), clearing the way for the highly anticipated public sale of shares in one of Africa’s largest industrial projects.
Under the approved offer, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE will offer 4.1 billion ordinary shares at ₦525 per share, with the transaction capable of raising approximately ₦2.15 trillion if fully subscribed.
The development represents a major milestone for the Dangote Refinery IPO and could make the transaction one of the largest public offerings ever undertaken in Nigeria and potentially one of the biggest in Africa.
The SEC conveyed its approval in a letter to Vetiva Advisory Services Limited, the Lead Issuing House for the transaction. The letter was signed by Abdulkadir Abbas, Director of the SEC’s Securities and Investment Services Department.
The regulator also registered the company’s existing 120.13 billion ordinary shares, while approving the refinery’s draft offer documents and authorising it to proceed with the Completion Board Meeting and Signing Ceremony.
The approval brings the refinery significantly closer to its planned entry into the Nigerian capital market, where investors will have an opportunity to acquire a direct stake in one of the country’s most strategically important energy assets.
The Dangote Refinery shares are expected to be offered to a broad range of investors, with the order book scheduled to open on September 14, 2026, according to the latest details surrounding the transaction.
The proposed offer involves 4.1 billion shares priced at ₦525 each, translating to a potential gross fundraising of about ₦2.15 trillion, or roughly $1.5 billion at prevailing exchange rates.
The transaction is also expected to include a 15 per cent greenshoe option, which would give the company the flexibility to sell additional shares if demand exceeds the initial offer.
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The proceeds are expected to support Dangote Group’s ambitious plans to expand the refinery’s capacity from its current 650,000 barrels per day nameplate capacity to approximately 1.4 million barrels per day.
The refinery reached its 650,000-barrel-per-day nameplate capacity earlier in 2026 and has subsequently tested production of up to 700,000 barrels per day.
If the planned expansion to 1.4 million barrels per day is completed, the facility would become the world’s largest refinery, surpassing existing mega-refineries in other parts of the world.
The expansion is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global refined petroleum products market while further increasing the country’s ability to process crude oil domestically.
Located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Complex occupies approximately 2,635 hectares and forms part of one of Africa’s largest integrated industrial developments.
The complex combines crude oil refining, petrochemical production, power generation, storage and marine logistics infrastructure.
It includes a 900,000-tonnes-per-annum polypropylene plant and a dedicated 435-megawatt power plant, giving the facility substantial internal energy-generation capacity.
The refinery also has extensive storage infrastructure comprising 177 tanks with a combined capacity of approximately 4.742 billion litres.
Its marine facilities include multiple quays capable of handling large vessels, liquid cargo shipments and roll-on/roll-off operations, while its crude and product-handling infrastructure is designed to support large-scale domestic distribution and exports.
The complex also has five Single Point Moorings (SPMs) designed to facilitate the efficient loading and unloading of crude oil and petroleum products.
The scale of the facility has enabled Dangote Refinery to increasingly serve both the Nigerian market and international destinations as production expands.
Since commencing operations, the refinery has become an increasingly important supplier of refined petroleum products in Nigeria, while also developing an export business serving markets across Africa and Europe.
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Growing exports of refined petroleum products have further strengthened the refinery’s strategic importance, particularly as Nigeria seeks to reduce its historic dependence on imported petroleum products.
The Dangote Refinery IPO is therefore being launched at a significant stage in the company’s development.
The refinery has already undergone major capital investment and is now seeking additional funding to increase its processing capacity and strengthen its position as a major regional energy hub.
Ahead of the IPO, the refinery also completed a major private fundraising exercise and secured additional financial backing to strengthen its position ahead of the public offering.
The proposed listing will also broaden investor participation in the refinery. Until now, ownership of the facility has largely remained within the Dangote Group and associated investors, meaning ordinary investors have had limited opportunities to directly participate in its growth.
The planned NGX listing could change that by opening the refinery’s ownership to a much wider pool of Nigerian and international investors.
Aliko Dangote has previously described the planned listing as an opportunity to broaden participation in the company and allow more Africans to benefit from the growth of one of the continent’s largest industrial investments.
The transaction could also have a significant impact on Nigeria’s capital market because of its sheer size.
A successful ₦2.15 trillion IPO would represent a substantial injection of new capital and could increase the depth, liquidity and attractiveness of the Nigerian equities market.
The listing is also expected to attract considerable attention from institutional investors, pension funds, asset managers, high-net-worth individuals and retail investors seeking exposure to the energy and industrial sectors.
For investors considering the Dangote Refinery shares, however, the ₦525 offer price will be only one part of the investment decision.
Prospective investors will need to examine the company’s final offer documents, financial performance, profitability, debt position, expansion requirements, dividend policy and exposure to changes in crude oil prices, petroleum product prices, exchange rates and global refining margins.
The ability of the refinery to maintain high utilisation rates and generate sufficient cash flow while simultaneously funding its planned expansion will also be closely watched by investors.
The company’s ability to expand its export markets could become increasingly important as its production capacity grows beyond Nigeria’s domestic requirements.
With the proposed expansion to 1.4 million barrels per day, Dangote Refinery is seeking to move beyond its role as Nigeria’s largest refinery and establish itself as a major global refining and petrochemical hub.
The ₦525 per share Dangote Refinery IPO consequently represents more than another stock market transaction. It could mark a new phase in the development of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector while giving investors direct access to one of the country’s most ambitious industrial projects.
As the expected September 14 opening approaches, market attention will increasingly focus on investor demand, the final terms of the offering and whether the refinery succeeds in raising the targeted ₦2.15 trillion.
If successfully completed, the IPO would give the Dangote Refinery a new ownership structure, provide additional capital for expansion and potentially establish one of the most significant new listings in the history of Nigeria’s capital market.
Dangote Refinery IPO approved at ₦525 per share, targets ₦2.15trn
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Auto
Jetour G700 PHEV Lands in Abuja for 3-Day Luxury Mobility Showcase
Jetour G700 PHEV Lands in Abuja for 3-Day Luxury Mobility Showcase
Jetour Nigeria is taking its premium mobility campaign to the Federal Capital Territory, with the flagship G700 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) set to headline a three-day luxury automotive showcase in Abuja from September 22 to 24, 2026.
The Abuja experience, coming on the heels of the brand’s major showcase in Lagos, is part of Jetour Nigeria’s aggressive drive to deepen its presence in the country’s premium automotive market while introducing consumers to a new generation of electrified mobility.
The G700 PHEV, positioned as Jetour’s flagship luxury SUV, combines executive-class comfort with advanced hybrid technology and serious off-road capability.
The model’s arrival in Abuja also comes at a time the brand is gaining increasing recognition in Nigeria’s automotive industry. Jetour Nigeria was recently honoured by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA) as the Fastest Growing Auto Brand of the Year, underscoring its expanding market presence.
At the heart of the G700 is Jetour’s Kunpeng Super Hybrid system, paired with dual electric motors. The powertrain delivers a claimed combined driving range of up to 1,400 kilometres, offering a response to one of the major concerns surrounding electrified vehicles—range anxiety.
The flagship SUV also comes equipped with adaptive suspension, triple differential locks and up to 970mm wading capability, giving it the muscle to handle demanding terrain while retaining the refinement expected of a luxury vehicle.
Inside, the six-seat G700 delivers a premium cabin experience, featuring Nappa leather upholstery, massage seats, a 35.4-inch 3K panoramic display, an 18-speaker Lexicon sound system and an onboard refrigerator.
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The Abuja showcase is expected to attract government officials, corporate executives, fleet managers, motoring enthusiasts and members of the media. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the G700 through an exclusive vehicle reveal, hands-on demonstrations and VIP test drives.
Jetour Nigeria promises ownership support
Beyond the vehicle itself, Jetour Nigeria is highlighting its after-sales support as a key component of the ownership proposition.
Customers purchasing through its authorised network will benefit from a five-year or 150,000-kilometre manufacturer warranty, access to genuine spare parts, software upgrades and certified technical support.
The company currently operates through seven accredited dealerships, including Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos, R.T. Briscoe Motors and Mandilas Motors.
Jetour Nigeria is inviting prospective customers and automotive stakeholders to register for the Abuja experience and secure VIP test-drive slots.
Registration, vehicle specifications and event updates are available through www.jetournigeria.com, Instagram @jetour_nigeria and @Jetourngofficial, or via info@jetournigeria.com.
Jetour G700 PHEV Lands in Abuja for 3-Day Luxury Mobility Showcase
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