Author: Julius Alagbe
Julius Alagbe is a senior financial journalist and Editor at MarketForces Africa with nearly two decades of experience in finance, accounting, and economics reporting.He is one of Nigeria's most prolific financial market reporters, covering capital markets, monetary policy, corporate earnings, banking, telecoms, and macroeconomic developments across Africa.Julius has built a strong footprint reporting on Nigeria's leading corporates and financial services sector, including coverage of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Central Bank of Nigeria monetary operations, MTN Nigeria, GTCO, and major investment banking transactions.He regularly monitors the CBN’s open market operations, interbank FX markets, and equity market movements, providing readers with real-time intelligence on Nigeria’s financial landscape.His reporting draws on direct access to institutional research from firms including Moody’s Ratings, CardinalStone Securities, Fitch, and other leading African investment houses.Julius brings analytical depth and editorial rigour to every story, making complex financial data accessible to professionals, investors, and policymakers across Africa.Julius Alagbe is based in Lagos, Nigeria.
BUA, Dangote, Zenith Boost NGX Index, Investors Gain N2.1trn BUA Foods, Dangote Cement and Zenith Bank were among the gainers that boosted the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), with investors recording about N2.1 trillion in gains. The positive turnout was driven by price gains in BUAFOODS (+7.93%), DANGCEM (+2.35%) and ZENITHBANK (+3.47%), which offset declines in MTNN (-0.13%) and FIDELITYBK (-1.35%). The market index or All-Share Index added 3,251.48 basis points in today’s trading session, reflecting a 1.48% increase to close at 222,837.68. Likewise, market capitalisation gained ₦2,093.05 billion to close at ₦143.48 trillion. However, the Total Volume of trades declined by…
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) drained more cash from the banking system with oversold Treasury bills, with deposit money banks leading the subscription levels.
XRP price retreated by 3% to $1.42 amid a stalled exchange-traded fund (ETF) driven by a technical breakdown at key support levels amid a risk-off shift in crypto capital.
Shell Deal Ignites Sierra Leone Energy Push Sierra Leone has strengthened its upstream petroleum ambitions with the signing of a Reconnaissance Permit Agreement with Shell Exploration Company B.V., marking a significant step toward attracting investment and advancing offshore basin evaluation. The agreement was signed through the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL) at the Invest in African Energy 2026 Forum in Paris on Wednesday. Under the terms of the agreement, Shell is granted rights to undertake advanced geological and geophysical studies across offshore G-Blocks 91, 92, 93, 110, 111, 112, 114, 115, 116, 117, 133, 134, 135, 148, 149, 150,…
Oil Tops $102 over Unsettle Middle East Tensions Oil prices climbed above $102 per barrel on Thursday as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz resurfaced, outweighing the impact of an extended ceasefire between the United States and Iran. International benchmark Brent crude was trading at $102.7 per barrel in international futures markets, up 0.7% from the previous close while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude traded at $93.9 per barrel. Prices had risen as high as $102.31 on Wednesday before settling at $101.91. Oil prices had initially eased after US President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire with Iran. However, reports that…
Riot police will be sent onto French beaches to stop migrants crossing the Channel under a fresh multimillion-pound deal with the United Kingdom.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned firms, transaction parties and other stakeholders against non-compliance with statutory obligations relating to mergers and acquisitions.
DMO to Reopen N700bn Nigerian Bonds for Subscriptions The Debt Management Office (DMO) has released the awaited bond circular for the month, with a plan to auction a total of N700.0 billion across the 5-, 7-, and 10-year re-openings. In April, the debt managers will supply reopened bonds, and analysts anticipate tight rates across 17.945% FGN AUG 2030, 17.95% FGN JUN 2032 and 22.60% FGN JAN 2035 offers. The fixed-income market traded quietly as investors’ appetite for government borrowing instruments remained subdued. Traders said they saw minimal activity at the mid-segment (+4bps) of the curve, leading average yields to inch…
The naira was quoted at N1348 per dollar at the official window, reflecting a moderate gain from N1350 previously quoted for international payments.
Red Line Rail to Move 500,000 Commuters Daily – Sanwo-Olu The Lagos State Government says the Red Line Rail will significantly boost mass transit capacity, with the ability to move up to 500,000 passengers daily when fully operational. Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Wednesday while speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the 159th meeting of the Joint Revenue Board (JRB), currently holding in Lagos. The governor said the meeting brought together the leadership of the Nigerian Revenue Service, chairmen of the 36 state Internal Revenue Services, and the Federal Capital Territory. He noted that the state was pleased…