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Change Of Guards At NGX, Popoola, Chiemeka Step Up, Onyema Bows Out

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Sequel to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s No-Objection to the announcement of appointments, the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group) has disclosed the appointment of Temi Popoola as GMD/CEO designate effective January 1, 2024.

This was revealed in statement made available to Biztellers in Lagos by Group Company Secretary, NGX, Obehi Ikhaghe.

Biztellers reports that in a related development, Jude Chiemeka has been appointed as the Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) effective January 1, 2024.

The appointments are subject to SEC’s formal approval in keeping with extant laws governing the Nigerian capital market, Biztellers reports.

It was gathered that the current GMD/CEO, NGX, Oscar N. Onyema, would be finishing his tenure on 31 March 2024.

However, ahead of this, Onyema would embark on his terminal leave effective January 1, 2024.

Popoola is currently the CEO, NGX and a member of NGX Group Executive Committee chaired by Onyema.

He is a successful C-suite leader upon whom his unique blend of business acumen, financial expertise, global market growth and operational insight have bestowed a reputation of verifiable career achievements.

He began his career in London as a portfolio manager focused on African energy markets and worked for several years as a senior equity derivatives trader with Bank of America Securities in New York, where he drove firm profitability by providing derivative solutions to US corporations and family offices.

A Wall Street-trained investment banker, Popoola joined the NGX in 2021 as CEO from Renaissance Capital (Rencap) where he was the Managing Director and CEO for West Africa.

At the NGX, he oversaw and supported its continuous growth, profitability, and success by providing strategic market insight and leadership.

Popoola graduated with a first-class degree in Chemical Engineering from University of Lagos and holds a Masters’ degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and a Chartered Stockbroker (CIS).

On his part, Chiemeka is currently the Executive Director of Capital Markets responsible for Trading, Products Development and Listings at the NGX.

He is a member of the NGX’s Executive Committee chaired by Popoola.

He has over 29 years’ experience in Securities Trading and Asset Management across markets in Africa.

Prior to joining the NGX, he was the MD/CEO of United Capital Securities, a subsidiary of United Capital Plc listed on the NGX.

He is a Fellow and Council Member of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (FCS), a Member of the Institute of Directors (IOD), a Fellow of the Association of Investment Advisers and Portfolio Managers and an Associate of the Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria.

He is also an alumnus of the University of Lagos, Lagos Business School and the University of Oxford, UK.

On the appointments, Chairman, NGX Group Plc, Umaru Kwairanga, stated, “I am delighted to announce these pivotal changes in the leadership of NGX Group which is a testament to effective succession planning.

“I would like to express my profound gratitude to Mr. Onyema for his stellar leadership first as the CEO of The Nigerian Stock Exchange from 2011 – 2021 and thereafter as the GMD/CEO of NGX Group Plc from 2021 -2024.

Mr. Onyema led the stabilization, growth, demutualization and restructuring of The Nigerian Stock Exchange to NGX Group Plc, a public company limited by shares, which is a significant milestone in the organisation’s history.

“He also led the listing of the Company on the main board of NGX.

“I have no doubt in Mr. Popoola’s capability to successfully continue the legacy Mr. Onyema has created, and take NGX Group to greater heights. I also firmly believe in Mr. Chiemeka’s ability to seamlessly assume leadership at NGX from Mr. Popoola, building upon his impressive achievements and fostering continued growth in the capital market.”

In the same vein, Onyema said, “I am deeply appreciative of the privilege to have led The Nigerian Stock Exchange as its CEO and later, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc as its GMD/CEO.

“I extend my best wishes to Mr. Popoola, and have full confidence in his capabilities to continue the legacy and growth of NGX Group.

“I am grateful for the support and dedication of the entire team at NGX Group and capital market stakeholders throughout my tenure.

“Together, we drove significant development in the African capital markets, and I am proud of the various accomplishments we have achieved since 2011.

“As I step into a new phase, I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and look forward to witnessing the continued growth and prosperity of NGX Group under Mr. Popoola’s leadership. The future is indeed promising.

On his part, Popoola averred, “I step into this new role at NGX Group Plc with a deep sense of responsibility and enthusiasm. I extend my appreciation to Mr. Onyema, for his exceptional leadership during his tenure and to the Board of Directors for the confidence reposed in me.

“The modernization of the Nigerian market infrastructure space and the demutualization and restructuring of NSE under Mr. Onyema’s guidance have been instrumental in shaping NGX Group, and I am honored to continue this legacy.

“I am fully committed to building on the foundation laid out and taking NGX Group to greater heights. With the support of the dedicated team and in collaboration with the esteemed leadership, I am optimistic about the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

“I am also very confident in Mr. Chiemeka’s ability to successfully steer the helm of affairs at NGX and propel NGX to greater heights”.

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Dangote Cement Shareholders Earn N3.3 Trillion Dividend in 15 Years

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Shareholders of Dangote Cement Plc are set to receive a record dividend of N45 per share for the 2025 financial year, which represents a 50 percent increase over the previous year’s payout.

Biztellers reports that it also reinforces the company’s position as one of the most rewarding investments on the Nigerian capital market, as it has now distributed over N3.3 trillion in dividends to shareholders over the last 15 years, underscoring its unwavering commitment to creating sustainable value for investors.

The latest dividend announcement reflects the strength of Dangote Cement’s business model, its resilient financial performance, and its disciplined approach to balancing expansion with superior returns to shareholders. Over the years, investors have benefited not only from robust dividend payments but also from significant capital appreciation in the company’s stock.

Speaking on the company’s commitment to value creation, Chairman of Dangote Cement, Emmanuel Ikazoboh, reaffirmed the company’s determination to deliver consistent returns while maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance and operational excellence.

“Our commitment remains to create sustainable value for all stakeholders. We are proud of the confidence reposed in us by our shareholders over the years, and we will continue to pursue strategies that enhance profitability, strengthen corporate governance, and deliver superior returns on investment,” he said.

The company’s dividend history has become one of the most impressive on the Nigerian Exchange. Dangote Cement previously increased its dividend by 50 per cent from N20 per share to N30 per share, demonstrating a consistent track record of rewarding shareholders even in challenging economic conditions.

On his part, Dangote Cement’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Arvind Pathak, noted that the company’s growth strategy remains firmly anchored on expanding production capacity, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening its pan-African footprint.

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Commenting on the Board’s decision to increase the dividend payout to N45 per share, Pathak said: “The decision to increase our dividend by 50 percent 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.”

According to him, Dangote Cement aims to expand installed capacity to 80 million tonnes per annum by 2030, supported by strategic investments across Africa. “In 2025, we marked a milestone with the successful commissioning of a 3Mta grinding plant in Cote d’Ivoire, strengthening our presence in West Africa. With this addition, Dangote Cement now operates fully commissioned assets in 11 African countries, with total installed capacity of 55Mta-comprising 33.5Mta in Nigeria and 19.7Mta across our pan-African operations”

Pathak emphasized that the company remains focused on its vision of making Africa self-sufficient in cement and clinker production while maintaining strong returns for shareholders.

The company’s remarkable dividend record highlights the success of its long-term growth strategy, which has seen it evolve into Africa’s largest cement producer with operations spanning ten African countries. Through continuous investments in capacity expansion, logistics, energy efficiency, and innovation, Dangote Cement has consistently strengthened its earnings profile and market leadership.

Market analysts say the increase in dividend payout to N45 per share sends a strong signal of confidence in the company’s future earnings prospects and underscores management’s commitment to shareholder wealth creation. The milestone dividend distribution further cements Dangote Cement’s reputation as a premier blue-chip stock and a benchmark for value creation on the Nigerian Exchange.

As the company continues to execute its expansion strategy across Africa, shareholders are expected to remain key beneficiaries of its sustained growth, operational excellence, and long-term commitment to delivering superior returns.

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Shell, Banks Launch $3bn Contractor Support Fund

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Senate probes Shell over Joint Venture default, seeks $200m refund to FG

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd (SNEPCo) has taken a major step towards empowering Nigerian contractors with the launch of a $3-billion Contract Finance Facility in partnership with nine leading Nigerian banks.

A company statement has it that the facility is designed to provide credit support for local contractors executing projects for SNEPCo operations and will be available in both Naira and US Dollars.

The participating banks are First Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, United Bank for Africa, Stanbic IBTC, Standard Chartered Bank, First City Monument Bank and Fidelity Bank, it added.

Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lagos, the SNEPCo Managing Director, Ronald Adams said, “the initiative reflects the spirit of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, which is aimed at in-country value retention. Our partner banks offer capital and discipline. SNEPCo brings contracts and domiciliation of payments that de-risk lending. On their part, the contractors provide performance. Each is accountable to others, and the mutual accountability gives the arrangement its strength.”

ALSO READ: DPRP, Congo National Oil Consider Strategic Partnership

Also, at the signing ceremony, the Vice President Finance, Shell Nigeria, C. J. Akwaeze, said the scheme reflects Shell’s commitment to the growth of oil and gas operations in Nigeria.

The chairman of indigenous oil and gas contractor group PETAN, Wole Ogunsanya, represented by Dr Joan Faluyi, lauded the scheme as a “gateway to unlocking contractor financing issues which will also drive efficiency in contract execution.”

Representatives of the banks commended SNEPCo for the opportunity to partner on an initiative aimed at empowering contractors and assured the company of their continued support and cooperation.

Nigerian companies have continued to play key roles in supporting SNEPCo’s operation and project execution. Early this year, 43 wholly Nigerian companies took part in the turnaround maintenance exercise at the Bonga Floating Production and Offloading (FPSO) vessel out of the total of 53 companies involved.

The Contract Finance Facility is expected to further boost the capacity of Nigerian companies to deliver even more value in the operations of Nigeria’s premier deepwater producer.

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DPRP, Congo National Oil Consider Strategic Partnership

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Dangote Refinery to Open Global Markets for Nigeria’s Downstream, Midstream Sectors

The national oil company of the Republic of Congo, the Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals (DPRP) are discussing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the Republic of the Congo’s supply of refined petroleum products.

The parties also have on the agenda, advancing regional energy cooperation and industrial integration across Africa, Biztellers can report.

SNPC Managing Director, Maixent Raoul Ominga, who led a delegation from his country on a visit to the DPRP, described the facility as a strategic asset for Africa and expressed the national oil company’s interest in developing a long-term partnership with Dangote.

“We have visited this remarkable refinery, which represents a major industrial achievement for Africa. The Republic of the Congo has refining capacity and we are keen to explore strategic cooperation that will help strengthen the supply of refined petroleum products while creating value for both organisations,” Ominga said.

ALSO READ: PETROAN Calls for Dialogue over Fuel Prices

Discussions between both organisations, he said, focused on opportunities for collaboration in refining, petroleum products supply, energy security, industrial development, and knowledge sharing.

He praised the Dangote Group for demonstrating that Africa can successfully finance, build and operate world class industrial infrastructure, describing the refinery as an important milestone in the continent’s industrial transformation.

Ominga also commended the Group’s investments in the Republic of the Congo, particularly in the cement sector, noting that they have strengthened local industrial capacity, expanded production and improved access to construction materials.

On his part, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Aliko Dangote, reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to Africa’s industrialisation through value addition, regional partnerships and investment across the continent.

“We are for Africa, not just Nigeria. Tell us what you need, and we will see how we can work together,” Dangote said.

He noted that the refinery has established a new benchmark for fuel quality in Africa by producing petroleum products that meet the highest international specifications, while improving access to cleaner fuels and reducing the continent’s dependence on imported refined products.

In the same vein, the Vice President, Oil and Gas, DIL, Devakumar Edwin, outlined the Group’s long term expansion strategy, which will increase its total refining capacity to 2.1 million barrels per day, comprising 1.4 million barrels per day in Nigeria and a planned 700,000 barrels per day refining complex in Kenya to serve East African markets.

He also disclosed plans by the Group to invest an additional US$46 billion between 2026 and 2028 across its refining, cement and fertiliser businesses as part of its drive to accelerate industrialisation across Africa.

The engagement underscores the shared commitment of SNPC and the DPRP to deepen African energy cooperation, strengthen regional value chains and promote greater self sufficiency in refined petroleum products as the continent advances towards enhanced energy security and increased intra African trade.

Also present at the meeting were Group Executive Director, Commercial, Oil and Gas, DIL, Fatima Aliko Dangote; Adviser to the President of the Republic of the Congo, Peggy Ndongo and advisers to the SNPC Managing Director, Aymar Ebiou and Norbert Mabiala.

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