Author: Olu Anisere

Olu Anisere is a financial and economic journalist at MarketForces Africa, specialising in African macroeconomic policy, international finance, energy markets, and continental development.He covers major multilateral institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), providing readers with frontline reporting on policies shaping Africa's economic trajectory.Olu has reported extensively on Nigeria's fiscal and monetary policy landscape, including CBN interest rate decisions, Nigeria's bond market, FX inflows, and the country's engagement with global financial institutions.His coverage spans IMF and World Bank Spring and Annual Meetings, African Ministers of Finance conferences, and high-level economic forums where Africa's development agenda is set.His reporting captures perspectives from Africa's most influential economic voices, including Tony Elumelu, senior IMF officials, and CBN leadership, bringing institutional insight and policy depth to MarketForces Africa's readers.Olu also covers Inside Africa — tracking economic, investment, and development stories from across the continent. Olu Anisere is based in Lagos, Nigeria.

Julius Berger Dividend Rises 150% on 2025 Earnings Beat

Analysis

Julius Berger Dividend Rises 150% on 2025 Earnings Beat Julius Berger Nigeria Plc boosted shareholders’ wealth with a 150% year-on-year increase in dividends following a strong earnings beat in the financial year 2025. The company’s gross earnings rose by 34.09% year-on-year to ₦759.9 billion from ₦566.7 billion, spurred by accelerated project execution and improved operational efficiency. The company’s share price remained flattish despite improved earnings performance in 2025, reflecting tightened sentiment even with sizeable proposed dividends. In 2025, Julius Berger’s revenue growth was supported by the resilience of its core operations, with gross profit rising significantly by 67.6% to ₦119…

Read More

Nigeria, Bangladesh Trade, Investment Ties Set to Expand

News

Nigeria, Bangladesh Trade, Investment Ties Set to Expand The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing trade and investment partnerships. This statement follows his meeting with the Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Mr. Miah MD Mainul Kabir. Bilateral trade between Nigeria and Bangladesh has more than doubled, reaching approximately $100 million. Nigeria aims to elevate this relationship to higher-value economic cooperation that will generate jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and attract increased foreign investment. The Minister emphasised key sectors, including garments, agriculture, and maritime. He highlighted Nigeria’s potential…

Read More

FG Moves to Bridge Education, Labour Market Gap

Politics

FG Moves to Bridge Education, Labour Market Gap The Federal Government (FG) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the disconnect between formal education and labour market outcomes. Vice-President Kashim Shettima gave the assurance on Wednesday at a news conference held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Shettima was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia. He disclosed that the federal government would inaugurate Africa’s first University Innovation Pods (UNIPOD) at the University of Lagos on April 7. UNIPOD is an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Federal Government of…

Read More

PenCom Opens Pension Plan for Students, Infants

News

PenCom Opens Pension Plan for Students, Infants The National Pension Commission (PenCom) says its Personal Pension Plan is now open to students and infants, encouraging Nigerians to begin retirement planning early. Director-General, Mrs Omolola Oloworaran, disclosed this after the second Pension Industry Leadership Council meeting in Lagos on Tuesday. Oloworaran said the move formed part of efforts to expand retirement savings and strengthen financial security across all segments of society. According to her, students and infants can contribute voluntarily, urging parents to enrol their children early to secure their financial future. “The Personal Pension Plan is available for everyone. Previous…

Read More

Naira Depreciates as Interbank Deals Sink on FX Shortage

FX Market

Naira Depreciates as Interbank Deals Sink on FX Shortage The naira maintained a downtrend against the US dollar for the second trading session at the Nigerian foreign exchange market (NFEM) on Tuesday. There are signs that the forex market’s liquidity shrank, as the number of interbank FX deals collapsed by 62% in 24 hours to 114. According to data published by the Central Bank, the official spot rate closed at N1386.72 per dollar, up from N1383.58 the previous day, reflecting increased demand for foreign payments. Naira wobbled at the official window last week despite the FX intervention operations that saw…

Read More

Dangote Refinery Obtains $4bn Syndicated Loans Led by Afreximbank

Companies

Dangote Refinery Obtains $4bn Syndicated Loans Led by Afreximbank African Export-Import Bank has underwritten $2.5 billion in a $4 billion senior syndicated term loan for Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, in a move aimed at strengthening the refinery’s financial position and supporting its long-term growth and expansion strategy. The five-year facility, arranged alongside Access Bank as co-Mandated Lead Arrangers, is designed to consolidate existing debt, optimise the refinery’s capital structure and align its financing with current operational realities. The transaction marks a significant milestone for the Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest refining and petrochemical complex with a capacity of 650,000 barrels…

Read More