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ECOWAS Bank Targets West African SMEs, Onfrastructure With €230m Approved Funding: EBID

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Tinubu Taken To ECOWAS Court

ECOWAS Bank Targets West African SMEs, Onfrastructure With €230m Approved Funding: EBID

ECOWAS bank targets West African SMEs, infrastructure with €230m approved funding: EBID. The Board of Directors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has approved a combined financing package of €230 million and $10 million to boost socio-economic growth and regional development across West Africa.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the bank on Tuesday following the conclusion of its 91st Ordinary Board Meeting, held under the chairmanship of Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID.

EBID is the financial arm of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The bank provides long-term financing for both public and private sector projects across the 15 ECOWAS member states

These latest disbursements are part of EBID’s ongoing efforts to mobilise capital for transformative projects, especially in underfunded sectors across West Africa.

A breakdown of the approved funding showed that a $50 million line of credit was approved to Sterling Bank Limited, Nigeria, aimed at supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

The funds will be deployed across critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, renewable energy, and transport, in line with Nigeria’s development objectives and the bank’s pro-SME strategy.

Tinubu Taken To ECOWAS Court

ECOWAS Bank

In the Republic of Benin, Bénin Cashew SA received a €10 million facility to co-finance the construction of five cashew nut processing plants and a cashew balsam production unit located in the Glo-Djigbe industrial zone.

The project is expected to handle 50% of Benin’s national cashew production, while creating 1,666 permanent and daily jobs under the government’s Strategic Plan for the Development of the Agricultural Sector (PSDSA).

EBID also approved a $180 million credit line to Mota-Engil Nigeria to support the Kano-Maradi standard gauge railway project.

This strategic infrastructure will link Northern Nigeria to the Republic of Niger, enhancing cross-border trade, economic integration, and mobility.

The rail project is projected to create over 100,000 jobs during the construction phase and 20,000 permanent jobs once operations commence.

Economy

FG Inaugurates PenCom Board, Tasks Members On Protection Of Pension Assets

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PenCom

FG Inaugurates PenCom Board, Tasks Members On Protection Of Pension Assets

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Board of the National Pension Commission, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of over ₦28 trillion in pension assets.

Speaking at the ceremony, the SGF, Senator (Dr.) George Akume, charged members to uphold strong corporate governance while maintaining a clear boundary between oversight and management.

PenCom

PenCom

The Board, led by Chairman Agbaje Opeyemi Olukayode, pledged to safeguard contributors’ funds and support national development, while the Director-General Omolola Oloworaran reaffirmed commitment to collaboration in delivering secure and timely retirement benefits for Nigerians.

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Economy

SEC Sign MoU With NYSC To Fight Ponzi Schemes

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SEC Warns Again Violation

SEC Sign MoU With NYSC To Fight Ponzi Schemes

SEC sign MoU with NYSC to fight Ponzi schemes. The initiative was designed to sensitise young Nigerians to the risks of fraudulent investment schemes and promote sound, legitimate investment practices.

The Securities and Exchange Commission and National Youth Service Corps have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a community development service group focused on investment education for corps members.

The initiative was designed to sensitise young Nigerians to the risks of fraudulent investment schemes and promote sound, legitimate investment practices.

According to a statement by the SEC on Sunday, the MoU was recently signed by its director-general, Emomotimi Agama and NYSC director-general, Olakunle Nafiu.

It was also meant to promote financial literacy and sound investment habits among young Nigerians.

In addition, the collaboration will help equip corps members with essential knowledge and skills to identify and avoid Ponzi schemes and other illegal investment practices.

It will also help enhance public awareness campaigns against illegal financial schemes across all LGAs in the country, among other objectives.

“Based on the scope of the collaboration, SEC shall develop and provide relevant and up-to-date educational content, materials, and training modules on capital market operations, safe investment practices, and the identification and avoidance of Ponzi schemes.

“SEC will also be responsible for the content, resources and funding of training sessions for selected corps members and NYSC supervisors who will serve as trainers and facilitators in their respective communities.

SEC Warns Again Violation

SEC

“On its part, the NYSC shall facilitate the integration of anti-Ponzi scheme education into its Education and Enlightenment CDS programme. This may involve dedicated sessions, workshops, or awareness campaigns during orientation camps and throughout the service year,” said the statement.

The parties shall collaborate on joint awareness campaigns, utilising various channels and platforms, including social media, traditional media, and community outreach, to disseminate information on safe investment and expose fraudulent schemes.

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Economy

Persistent Grid Collapse, Weak Power Supply Worsening Economic Hardship: Oyintiloye

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DisCos Generate

Persistent Grid Collapse, Weak Power Supply Worsening Economic Hardship: Oyintiloye

Speaking with journalists on Sunday in Osogbo, Oyintiloye said the situation had continued to deteriorate despite assurances and reforms introduced by authorities.

He described unreliable electricity as a major setback to the federal government’s reforms in the power sector.

He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene, noting that poor power supply is worsening economic hardship across the country.

Oyintiloye said the poor supply has compounded the effects of the current heatwave, making living conditions more difficult for many Nigerians.

The former lawmaker called for the constitution of a panel to investigate recurring national grid collapses and persistent supply challenges despite significant investments.

“It is a terrible situation across Nigeria with persistent poor power supply,” he said.

“Many small-scale businesses and large industrial players are affected, while most homes cannot boast of even three hours of electricity supply daily for domestic use.

“Despite numerous reforms and promises, the national grid continues to collapse. The situation is now compounded by gas supply shortages, weak transmission infrastructure, and chronic underinvestment across the power value chain.

“Nigerians are groaning, and urgent action must be taken by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, and his team. The situation cannot continue like this.”

Oyintiloye warned that the situation has already triggered protests in parts of the country and could escalate if not addressed promptly.

“The situation must be quickly addressed before it becomes a national embarrassment. Nigerians need to be informed whether the issue is due to structural failure or sabotage within the power sector,” he said.

DisCos Generate

Electricity

“This epileptic power supply has led to a series of peaceful protests nationwide. I appeal for the President’s intervention before these protests turn violent.

“Electricity is essential for households and the survival of businesses. Since the end of last year, there has been no stable power supply across the country, despite assurances by those in charge and huge investments in the sector.

“Poor power supply should not be added to the challenges Nigerians are currently facing. The high cost of fuel has also made it difficult for those relying on generators to cope.”

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