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FG Supports Ex-Agitators With N1.5B Cooperative Program

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On Wednesday, Major General Barry Ndiomu (retd.), the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Program, announced that the Federal Government has allocated N1.5 billion to assist a cooperative initiative benefiting 30,000 ex-agitators in the Niger Delta region.

 

The goal of the program is to promote the self-sufficiency of the militants and reduce their reliance on the monthly stipends of N65,000.

 

Major General Ndiomu revealed that the PAP Cooperative Society Limited has been launched in Abuja, and an initial deposit of N1.5 billion has been made at Providus Bank to facilitate the implementation of the scheme.

 

The program aims to allocate N500 million on a monthly basis to provide ongoing support to the ex-agitators. Presently, the cooperative scheme is exclusively focused on benefiting the former agitators

 

He expressed optimism that as the funds increase, they would expand to impacted communities and that the scheme would also benefit several people across the region.

 

He said “We on our part, will continue to support the cooperative with additional finance and the plan going forward is to provide a minimum of N500 million every other month to sustain it.

 

“The whole essence is to discourage reliance on the monthly stipends which you will all agree with me has brought the culture of indolence and is not in our best interest. So we have decided that rather than give them fish we should teach them how to fish,” he added.

 

Ndiomu emphasized that the primary objective of the initiative is to establish an alternative economic development scheme that would offer ex-agitators a sustainable and more prosperous source of income to foster the socio-economic growth of both their communities and the overall region.

 

Ndiomu further outlined that the ex-agitators themselves would take charge of managing the cooperative scheme, while the PAP office, along with its consultants, would closely supervise its operations.

 

He revealed that an Advisory Board, led by Justice Francis Tabai from the Supreme Court, would oversee and monitor the program.

 

Ndiomu clarified that the cooperative would collaborate with PAP beneficiaries to identify business opportunities that align with their respective skills to establish and develop these ventures into profitable enterprises.

 

Additionally, Ndiomu highlighted that the beneficiaries would receive technical and business development support to help them establish and sustain viable businesses to empower them to meet essential needs, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the economic growth of the Niger Delta region.

 

The Interim Administrator, in his address, disclosed that the PAP’s focus would be on rice production as they have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with communities to facilitate the development of rice farms.

 

Furthermore, he stated that discussions are underway with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture to explore potential collaborations in this area.

 

The ultimate goal is for the ex-agitators to transition into entrepreneurs, and it is anticipated that the monthly stipends of N65,000 will be gradually phased out as they become self-sufficient.

 

One of the ex-agitators, HRM Henry Ekes, expressed his appreciation for the scheme, acknowledging that many of them had been concerned about their future prospects since returning to the creeks and engaging in disruptive activities was not a viable option.

 

Ekes highlighted that several other agitators were also in favor of the scheme, and he consistently encouraged them to view it as the path towards self-reliance.

 

He emphasized the significance of embracing the program, noting that its success would not only be advantageous for the ex-agitators themselves but would also bring benefits to the Niger Delta region as a whole.

 

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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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