Business
IMF mission conclude visit to Côte d’Ivoire
ABIDJAN – An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission visited Abidjan during March 11-26, 2014, to conduct discussions on the fifth review of Côte d’Ivoire’s economic and financial program supported by an arrangement under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF).
At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Michel Lazare, Assistant Director in the IMF’s African Department, issued the following statement:
“Côte d’Ivoire’s economic and financial program remains on track. Macroeconomic performance continued to be impressive in 2013, with economic activity expanding by an estimated 8.7 percent, close to the government’s objective. Inflation remained subdued at some 2½ percent. Budget execution was better than anticipated in 2013, with the basic primary deficit estimated at CFAF 11.7 billion compared to CFAF 44 billion under the program. All quantitative performance criteria and indicative targets at end 2013 under the ECF arrangement were met, except for the quantitative target on the amount of floating debt.
“The macroeconomic prospects for 2014 remain positive, with a vigorous growth rate and low inflation expected. This outlook is partly dependant on rising private investment as well as adequate external financing to allow public investment to rise to close to 8 percent of GDP, consistent with the level envisaged in the 2012-2015 National Development Plan.
“Clear progress has been made recently in the implementation of structural reforms, especially to improve the business climate as indicated by the improvement in Cote d’Ivoire’s ranking in the World Bank 2014 report on “Doing Business”. Delays however have been encountered in some areas. The mission welcomes the authorities’ commitment to finalize and adopt shortly a medium-term wage bill strategy, a financial sector reform strategy, a public bank restructuring plan and measures to strengthen public financial management.
“Continued strong macroeconomic performance and further progress on the government’s structural reform program is necessary to support GDP growth, improve living standards including of the most vulnerable segments of the population, and allow Côte d’Ivoire to transform itself into an emerging economy.
“Upon approval by the IMF’s management and Executive Board, conclusion of this fifth program review will allow disbursement of SDR 48.78 million (about US$74 million or CFAF 35 billion) under the ECF arrangement. Executive Board consideration is expected at the beginning of June 2014.
“The IMF team thanks the authorities for their hospitality and for the constructive discussions.”
The mission met and had constructive discussions with [H.E. Dr. Alassane Dramane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire]; H.E. Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan, Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance; H.E. Dr. Albert Toikeusse Mabri, State Minister for Planning and Development; H.E. Ms. Niale Kaba, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office in charge of Economy and Finance; H.E. Mr. Abdourahmane Cisse, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office in charge of the Budget; H.E. Mr. Adama Toungara, Minister of Petroleum and Energy; H.E. Mr. Jean-Louis Billon, Minister of Trade, Handicraft and Small and Medium Size Businesses; H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Brou, Minister of Industry and Mines; Mr. Jean-Baptiste Aman Ayayé, National Director of the Central Bank of West African States; other senior government officials, as well as members of civil society, and representatives of the business and donor communities.
Business
Shell Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Energy Journey
Shell will continue to support Nigeria in its efforts to build a secure energy future through investments and efficient delivery of its businesses in Nigeria.
“We continue to invest in Nigeria’s future through our projects, our people, and our enduring confidence in the potential of this nation,” General Manager, Development and Subsurface Shell Nigeria Deepwater, Kun Jiang said today while delivering the sponsor’s remarks at the 49th edition of the Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition of the Society of Petroleum Engineers in Lagos.
Kun highlighted current investments in Bonga North, HI and the advancement of Bonga Southwest as testimonies of Shell’s confidence in Nigeria’s deepwater future. The confidence was further reiterated with the recent launch of a US$3 billion contract financing programme by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), which will help Nigerian contractors build capability, create value, and accelerate project delivery.
Shell is a major sponsor of the conference as part of a longstanding support for a professional body which has contributed to the development of the oil and gas industry. Discussing the theme of the conference; “Thriving in the Evolving Global Energy Landscape: Collaborative Growth and Resilience,” Kun said Nigeria had a lot of opportunities despite geopolitical tensions that threaten global supply chains and market volatility and shifting energy dynamics.
“With a population exceeding 240 million people, abundant natural resources, world-class talent, and growing domestic energy needs, Nigeria has all the ingredients to become one of the world’s most attractive energy investment destination,” she pointed out. “But potential alone does not create prosperity. Potential must be converted into progress. Resources must be transformed into value. Opportunity must be matched by action.”
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Nigeria must continue to attract capital, strengthen the business environment, embrace technology to unlock potentials if it will thrive in the global evolving energy landscape. She added: “The future will belong to countries and industries that combine resilience with innovation, ambition with collaboration and investment with execution excellence. Nigeria has the resources. Nigeria has the talent. Nigeria has the opportunity. What is required now is the collective determination to seize it.”
Shell is mounting an exhibition at the SPE conference with SNEPCo’s Senior Production Geologist Abidemi Belgore taking industry leaders and regulators round the stand.
Key areas of interest include technological breakthroughs that have enhanced output at Bonga and facilitated the execution of the Bonga North project. Also highlighted on the stand is the full range of Shell businesses in Nigeria from deepwater oil production and integrated gas to renewables and power solutions as well as social investments across the country.
Business
Naira Gains Strength, Appreciates to N1,408/$ in Parallel Market
The Nigerian naira recorded further gains against the United States dollar on Monday, appreciating to N1,408 per dollar in the parallel market, compared to N1,415/$ recorded at the close of trading last weekend.
The local currency also strengthened in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), where it appreciated to N1,365 per dollar, up from N1,368/$ at the end of last week.
According to data released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the indicative exchange rate improved by N3, reflecting sustained appreciation of the naira in the official market.
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The latest gains also narrowed the gap between the parallel and official exchange rates to N43 per dollar, down from N47 per dollar recorded on Friday, indicating a gradual convergence between both markets.
Meanwhile, activity in the official foreign exchange market increased significantly, with interbank turnover surging by 132.3 per cent to N137.05 million, compared to N58.99 million recorded last weekend.
The improved performance of the naira across both markets comes amid continued efforts by monetary authorities to stabilise the foreign exchange market and enhance liquidity.
Business
Pinnacle Convenes 2026 Vendors’ Forum
With a view to improving operational efficiency, safety, compliance and service delivery across its operations, Pinnacle Oil & Gas Limited has reaffirmed commitment to building stronger relationships with its vendors.
The company made the commitment at its 2026 Vendors’ Forum held in Lagos under the theme, “Partnering for Operational Excellence,” with the sub-theme, “Strengthening Partnerships Through Compliance, Safety, Performance and Innovation.”
The forum brought together more than 100 existing and prospective vendors as well as key stakeholders, both physically and virtually, to strengthen collaboration and align suppliers with the company’s operational standards and growth strategy.
Speaking at the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Oil & Gas, Adenike Labinjo, described vendors as strategic partners whose commitment to quality, innovation, safety and compliance is critical to the company’s success.
She said as Pinnacle continues to expand its operations, it has become increasingly important for the company and its vendors to share a common understanding of expectations, responsibilities and performance standards.
Labinjo stressed that safety, regulatory compliance and ethical business practices remain non-negotiable in all engagements with suppliers.
She noted that stronger collaboration with vendors would help the company deliver greater value to customers and other stakeholders while supporting sustainable business growth.
The forum featured technical presentations by senior executives from the company’s Procurement, Engineering, Compliance, Finance, Legal, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), and Sales and Marketing departments.
Participants received guidance on Pinnacle’s procurement procedures, vendor onboarding and prequalification processes, Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, tax invoicing, payment processes, contractual obligations, technical specifications, contractor responsibilities, supplier performance expectations and Service Level Agreements.
The company also unveiled improvements to its Purchase Order (PO) process aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and ease of doing business with vendors.
A major highlight of the event was an interactive question-and-answer session where vendors engaged directly with the company’s leadership on procurement procedures, compliance requirements, project execution, HSE standards and areas for continuous improvement.
According to Pinnacle, the session reinforced its commitment to transparency, open communication and stronger collaboration with suppliers.
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The company also recognised outstanding vendors whose contributions have supported its operational performance over the past year. Five companies received Certificates of Recognition for exceptional service delivery, innovation and partnership.
The award recipients were Great Grace Enterprise for Outstanding Delivery Performance, Cevets Nigeria Limited for Excellence in Project Delivery, Ceezik Projekts for Outstanding Quality, Diadco Nigeria Limited for Outstanding Responsiveness, and Sephill Innovative Solutions Limited for Best Commercial Value.
On the significance of the forum, Head of Procurement and Administration, Oluseyi Ogunfowora, said the initiative reflects Pinnacle’s determination to build stronger partnerships through transparency, collaboration and shared accountability.
She explained that the procurement function coordinates the requirements of Engineering, Operations, Marine, Compliance, Legal, Finance, HSE and other business units to ensure a fair, efficient and transparent procurement process.
Ogunfowora urged vendors to submit complete and compliant documentation, communicate proactively and seek clarification whenever necessary.
“The success of our business depends on the strength of our partnerships,” she said. “When vendors clearly understand our expectations and we work together with transparency, compliance and open communication, we create a high-performing vendor ecosystem that benefits everyone.”
She added that the 2026 Vendors’ Forum forms part of Pinnacle’s broader strategy to strengthen supplier engagement, improve operational efficiency and reinforce a culture of compliance, safety, innovation and continuous improvement throughout its value chain.





