By Efe Onodjae

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, says the Council protects over N90.60 billion and $1.348 million in economic value for Nigerian shippers through regulatory interventions and dispute resolution.

Speaking through a representative at a media engagement with maritime editors and reporters in Lagos, he says: “Within the period under review, the Council protects over N90.60 billion and $1.348 million in economic value for Nigerian shippers and the national economy. This includes preventing N86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage payments and securing savings of N4.54 billion and $1.348 million through Alternative Dispute Resolution and regulatory interventions.”

According to him, “The Council receives 558 complaints and successfully resolves 295 commercial disputes involving container deposits, demurrage, detention charges, terminal charges, cargo claims and export fraud.”

He adds that the Council also records out-of-court settlements with APM Terminals Nigeria Limited, CMA CGM and Maersk Nigeria Limited over charges collected above approved tariffs.

On reforms, Dr. Akutah says: “The Council harmonises bonded terminal invoice charges by reducing billing categories from 18 to six. Terminal operators are directed to display approved tariffs publicly, while shipping companies are mandated to establish holding bays outside the ports to ease the return of empty containers and reduce congestion.”

He further says: “The Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill has been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly and is awaiting Presidential assent. The proposed law will strengthen tariff regulation, service standards, competition and commercial conduct across Nigerian ports.”

According to him, the Council also secures statutory funding through the 2025 Appropriation Act and continues to support the National Single Window, the International Cargo Tracking Note and the expansion of Inland Dry Ports to improve trade and reduce the cost of doing business.

By Mather Godwin

Dangote Cement Plc has announced a 50 per cent increase in dividend payout to shareholders, raising the dividend from N30 per share to N45 per share, which translates to a total payout of approximately N753.8 billion, reaffirming the company’s position as one of the most rewarding investments on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). 

The increase follows the company’s outstanding 2025 financial performance and underscores its unwavering commitment to shareholder value creation.

The dividend payout, which was approved by the shareholders at the Company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), represents the highest dividend payout in the history of Dangote Cement and reflects the strength of its earnings capacity, robust cash generation ability, and disciplined execution of its growth strategy

Dangote Cement delivered a landmark financial performance in 2025. Earnings per share rose significantly to N59.86, demonstrating the company’s resilience and operational excellence despite prevailing macroeconomic challenges.

Chairman of Dangote Cement, Mr. Emmanuel Ikazoboh, said the increase in dividend payout reflects the Company’s determination to reward shareholders for their continued confidence and support.

“Our commitment remains to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. This significant increase in dividend demonstrates the strength of our business model, our disciplined approach to capital allocation, and our confidence in the future. We are grateful for the trust our shareholders have placed in us over the years and remain committed to delivering superior returns while maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance and operational excellence.”

The Company’s dividend history has continued to set benchmarks in the Nigerian capital market.

Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Arvind Pathak, said the dividend increase is backed by the Company’s strong financial performance and healthy balance sheet.

“The decision to increase our dividend by 50 per cent to N45 per share demonstrates the strength of Dangote Cement’s earnings capacity and cash generation capability. As we continue to execute our pan-African growth strategy, we remain committed to creating lasting value for our shareholders, investing in the future of the business, and supporting Africa’s industrial development. Our shareholders have stood by us throughout our journey, and we are delighted to reward that trust with another significant increase in returns.”

By Yinka Kolawole

Nigeria is positioning its vast critical mineral deposits as the foundation for a new wave of industrial growth, following the unveiling of a strategic roadmap designed to convert the country’s mineral wealth into investments in clean energy manufacturing and domestic value addition.

The roadmap, presented by the Council for Critical Minerals Development in the Global South to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, identifies pathways for leveraging Nigeria’s lithium, copper and bauxite resources to build local industries, deepen mineral beneficiation and attract investment into green manufacturing.

Presented on the sidelines of the just-concluded 5th African Natural Resources and Energy Investment Summit (AFNIS 2026), the report comes as Nigeria intensifies efforts to move beyond exporting raw minerals towards developing integrated value chains that support industrialisation, job creation and energy transition.

Receiving the report, Alake said it provides a clear policy blueprint for aligning Nigeria’s clean energy ambitions with its mineral endowment by mapping domestic demand for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery energy storage and electric vehicles against existing supply and trade patterns.

According to the minister, the analysis confirms that Nigeria possesses the strategic minerals required to power the country’s green energy transition while creating opportunities for local processing and manufacturing.

“By mapping domestic demand, supply and trade patterns, this report provides mineral-specific policy pathways to leverage Nigeria’s resources for our own green industrialisation,” Alake said.

He noted that the report would guide policy reforms aimed at strengthening mineral beneficiation, expanding local value addition and creating stronger forward linkages between the mining sector and manufacturing industries, enabling Nigeria to retain more value from its natural resources.

Market analysts say the strategy could significantly improve Nigeria’s attractiveness to investors seeking reliable critical mineral supply chains as global demand for battery metals and clean energy technologies continues to rise.

It was also announced that the next phase will include the development of a mineral-to-manufacturing localisation roadmap, promotion of South-South investment partnerships and collaboration with domestic stakeholders to accelerate green industrialisation projects.

The initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the rapidly expanding global critical minerals market while supporting the Federal Government’s ambition to transform the mining sector into a major driver of industrial growth, exports and non-oil foreign exchange earnings.