Business
Travellers Stranded As Dollar Shortage Hits Banks
Nigerians are finding it increasingly difficult to access the United States dollar at the Central Bank of Nigeria’s official rate for eligible transactions, Daily Trust findings revealed.
Worse affected are those travelling abroad who are experiencing delays in accessing Business Travel Allowance (BTA), Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) and monies to pay for medicals and others.
Parents are also affected as they are finding it difficult to access the dollar for remittances of school fees and upkeep allowances for their children.
Forces behind the shortage
Daily Trust investigations revealed that it is extremely difficult to access the dollar because the demand far outweighs supply, forcing some banks to extend the request period for PTA/BTA from two weeks to eight weeks.
But other sources said the CBN had tightened the processes of getting the dollar because some unpatriotic Nigerians have been abusing the process.
A source said investigations by the apex bank showed that many people had no plan to travel anywhere or to remit money abroad for legitimate purposes but yet forge papers and apply for the foreign currency only for them to hoard it or sell it at the parallel market.
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Recall that the CBN had deployed an electronic Form ‘A’ to expedite applications for PTA/BTA, medicals, education and other remittances.
The CBN assured Nigerians that all legitimate requests for foreign currency for eligible transactions would be fully met at the official exchange rate.
However, Stanbic IBTC Bank recently sent a message to its customers stating that it requires six to eight weeks before it can process the request for dollars.
“To serve you better, please be informed that we now require six to eight weeks to process your FX needs for international school fees, upkeep and medical payments. This will enable us to review your requests in line with regulatory requirements and ensure that we can source for FX to fulfil them,” it stated.
A visit to a branch of Polaris Bank on Gimbiya Street in Abuja and First Bank in Asokoro showed that customers have been in the waiting queue for more than 3 weeks
In Kano, many students and people on medical and business trips looking for official forex from banks narrated that they have been experiencing difficulties in getting dollars since the introduction of the new strategy.
They alleged that there were middlemen always working within the banks who were complicating the process thereby leading to difficulties.
Travellers narrate ordeal
Abdullahi Ahmad who had finished his preparations and the requirements to travel to Dubai for medicals said he could not get the $4, 000 he applied for over two weeks.
“I have only two weeks for my Dubai Visa to expire and yet I didn’t get the dollar from my bank. When I contacted my elder brother, he then contacted a bank manager, who later promised to give me $4,000 at the end of this week. But that is not enough, she (the bank manager) said I have to pay N340, 000 as a kickback to be able to get the money,” he said.
He said although he accepted to pay that amount, he was not sure of getting the money as his visa expiration date was fast approaching.
A marketer at the BDC market in Kano, who chose not to be named, said the banks have crippled their businesses and forced the dollar to be scarce leading to the high exchange rate in the parallel market.
He alleged that the banks now only give dollars to people who add a huge amount of money, adding that it has led to the hike in the price.
We’re battling fake applications – Banks
A top source in one of the banks in Lagos, who does not want his name in print, said the scarcity has led to rationing.
“It is an open secret that we have shortage but we are trying as much as possible to meet genuine demand of people. So, we prioritise from the most critical as we can’t meet all the demand. We look out for the most urgent need,” he said.
He said the banks also have to battle fake applications in some instances.
“Many of the applicants are not going anywhere but they use different methods to apply for the dollar,” another banker said.
“You see them forging medical records, fake admission letters and others all in an effort to deceive us and get the scarce currency,” he said.
Asked if there was any way to solve the problem, he said, “The most important thing is to encourage export so that our earnings would increase. The federal government and the security agencies must also put some measures to track and prosecute offenders.”
However, Mavis Ikpeme via her Twitter handle, @mavisikpeme, lamented the difficulties in getting PTA/BTA from banks, noting that Nigerians were forced to patronise the black market.
“You can’t even file for PTA/ BTA from banks. Nigerians travelling are forced to patronise the black market. You can hardly cash USD from a dorm account too. Is the CBN not aware of these atrocities perpetrated by banks? These are part of the issues?” she said.
Another user, Olayinka Biu, accused banks of deliberately frustrating genuine applicants for PTA while making dollars available for Bureaux De Change.
“The actual problem is genuine applicants for PTA are not getting it. With excuses of dollars not being available or the queue being so long it couldn’t get to your turn before your travel date. Meanwhile, BDC agents are getting dollars directly from these banks,” she posted via her handle, @olayinkaBiu
We’re tackling the menace – CBN
The CBN has however assured that it was tackling the scarcity nightmare, even as it advised against succumbing to the speculative activities of some players in the exchange market.
The Director, Corporate Communications at the CBN, Mr Osita Nwanisobi said the apex bank remained committed to resolving the foreign exchange issues confronting the nation and as such has been working to manage both the demand and supply side challenges.
While admitting that there was huge demand pressure for foreign exchange to meet the needs of manufacturers as well as those for the payment of tuition, medical fees and other invisibles, Nwanisobi said the CBN was concerned about the international value of the naira, adding that the monetary authority was strategising to help Nigeria earn more stable and sustainable inflows of foreign exchange in the face of dwindling inflows from the oil sector.
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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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Business
IPMAN Plans Petrol Price Review as Dangote Refinery Raises Depot Cost
IPMAN Plans Petrol Price Review as Dangote Refinery Raises Depot Cost
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has said filling stations across the Federal Capital Territory will begin reviewing petrol pump prices in the coming days as new products enter the market. The National Publicity Secretary of IPMAN, Chinedu Ukadike, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja. He said marketers were preparing to adjust their pricing and sales strategies in response to changes in the cost of petroleum products. Ukadike, however, said the exact timing of the adjustment remained uncertain because marketers were yet to receive a definite date for the arrival of the new products. “Once the new products begin arriving, marketers are expected to respond quickly by reviewing their prices and updating their product offerings,” he said. He added that purchases could commence within the next few days, depending on when the process officially begins, and assured that the adjustments would be made in line with existing rules and regulations.
The development follows a series of adjustments to the gantry, or ex-depot, price of Premium Motor Spirit by the Dangote Refinery. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the refinery raised its petrol ex-depot price from N1,165 per litre to N1,185, then N1,200 and subsequently N1,265 within the last week. The latest adjustment, which took effect on August 29, represented a N65 per litre increase from the previous N1,200 price. It was the third price adjustment by the refinery in eight days, adding N100 to the price of petrol at the refinery’s gantry—an 8.6 per cent increase within just eight days. The repeated adjustments have created uncertainty for both marketers and consumers, as the cost of replacing products could change substantially within a short period.
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The increases have already been reflected in pump prices across filling stations in the FCT. Checks in Abuja showed NNPC Retail stations increased their price from N1,250 to N1,270 per litre, while TotalEnergies and Bovas stations adjusted to about N1,275 per litre. In some areas, petrol prices have reportedly climbed to between N1,310 and N1,350 per litre. In parts of Lagos and Ogun, petrol has been reported at about N1,310 per litre, while prices in some northern states and areas farther from the refinery have climbed to N1,350 and above. IPMAN had previously explained that marketers could not continue selling petrol below their replacement cost, particularly amid frequent changes in the cost of replenishing their stocks. “Every time Dangote increases his price, our price will also rise,” Ukadike said. He noted that the volatility was making it difficult for both marketers and consumers to plan, as the cost of replacing products could change substantially within a short period.
The frequent price movements have raised concerns among motorists, who have urged the Federal Government to take steps to stabilise petrol prices. The impact extends beyond motorists, as higher petrol prices could increase transportation and operating costs for households and businesses, potentially putting additional pressure on the prices of goods and services. IPMAN’s latest position indicates that further price adjustments could occur once marketers begin taking delivery of new products, with the final pump prices expected to vary depending on supply costs, transportation and other distribution expenses.
Beyond the planned price review, IPMAN has also appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the operations of Dangote Refinery to help reduce retail fuel prices. The National President of IPMAN, Abubakar Maigandi, urged the government to broker a deal with Dangote Refinery as part of its intervention to reduce fuel pump prices nationwide. He stressed that government intervention in the downstream petroleum sector should not be seen as a return to fuel subsidy. “We are appealing to the Federal Government to broker a deal with Dangote Refinery to reduce fuel prices. The government should intervene with Nigerian refiners, and this will lead to a reduction in fuel prices. It is different from fuel subsidy. In a situation where there is difficulty, the government should step in,” Maigandi said.
The development has also attracted criticism from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) , which condemned the latest price hike, describing it as “avoidable and unacceptable.” The acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, questioned why the Federal Government has not done more to ensure that the Dangote Refinery receives adequate supplies of Nigerian crude. “The latest increase is avoidable and unacceptable in light of falling prices in the international market and our local capacity to sell more crude oil to Dangote. Why are we not doing so?” he said. The debate comes as figures from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission showed that oil producers offered 68.1 million barrels of crude to Dangote Refinery in the second quarter of 2026, against the refinery’s requirement of 63 million barrels, but the refinery accepted only 52.6 million barrels, highlighting the complexity of the domestic crude supply debate.
The price changes have continued to generate debate because they occurred alongside a decline in international crude oil prices in the period under review. The development underscores the sensitivity of Nigeria’s downstream petroleum market to changes in product acquisition and replacement costs, even as consumers continue to monitor pump prices across the country. Ukadike expressed optimism that the Dangote Refinery’s free transportation initiative for petroleum marketers could reduce distribution costs and eventually ease pump prices if sustained. He also welcomed the inclusion of Imo and Anambra states in the initiative, describing the two states as important gateway markets in the South-East.
IPMAN Plans Petrol Price Review as Dangote Refinery Raises Depot Cost
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