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Naira Depreciation: CBN Urges Court To Dismiss Falana’s Lawsuit

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is requesting a Federal High Court in Lagos to reject a lawsuit filed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana.

 

The suit aims to compel the apex bank to halt the concerning depreciation of the Naira.

 

In its preliminary objection to the suit, the CBN argues that Femi Falana lacks legal standing to file the case, asserting that the court does not have jurisdiction to consider it.

The senior lawyer had initiated the suit to contest the declining value of the Naira and the increasing influence of the dollar in the economy.

 

In the case labeled FHC/L/CS/470/23, Falana seeks a court order to prevent the CBN from allowing market forces to set the Naira’s exchange rate under Section 16 of the Central Bank Act.

 

Additionally, he requests the court to mandate the CBN to halt the dollarization of the economy, citing Section 20(1) of the Act, which designates the Naira as the sole legal tender in Nigeria.

 

The plaintiff is further requesting the court to instruct the CBN to cease the dollarization of the economy, citing Section 20(1) of the Act, which designates the Naira as the exclusive legal tender in Nigeria.

 

In his plea to the court, the plaintiff seeks a declaration that, according to Section 16 of the Central Bank Act, the acceptable legal tender in Nigeria is Naira and kobo.

 

He also contends that, in accordance with the combined effect of Sections 15 and 20(1) of the Central Bank Act, currency notes issued by the Defendant should be recognized as legal tender in Nigeria.

 

Falana is additionally requesting the court to declare, based on Section 16 of the Central Bank Act, that the exchange rate of the Naira should be determined periodically by a mechanism devised by the CBN.

 

He is also seeking a declaration that the CBN lacks the authority to permit multiple exchange rates between the Naira and the Dollar, as well as other foreign currencies.

 

Furthermore, the plaintiff is urging the court to declare, in accordance with Section 20(5) of the Central Bank Act, that the CBN is legally obligated to prosecute individuals who refuse to accept the Naira as a valid form of payment in Nigeria.

 

However, in the preliminary objections presented by Adeleke Agboola (SAN) on behalf of the bank, the CBN argues that Falana has not demonstrated any unique harm beyond that of other Nigerian citizens regarding the CBN’s exchange rate policy.

 

The CBN asserts that Falana lacks the legal standing (locus standi) to bring this case and highlights that he hasn’t reported those engaging in dollar trading in Nigeria.

 

The CBN’s objections include Falana’s failure to demonstrate that the CBN acted in bad faith and the plaintiff’s inability to disclose a reasonable cause of action against the bank.

 

The Bank is urging the court to dismiss the suit or, as an alternative, strike it out due to the purported lack of jurisdiction.

 

It argues that the court lacks the necessary jurisdiction and emphasizes that the plaintiff has not presented a reasonable cause of action against the CBN.

 

Furthermore, the Bank contends that the action is statute-barred, not competent, and not maintainable against the Defendant.

 

It asserts that the substantive reliefs sought by the plaintiff have become irrelevant following the Central Bank’s announcement of the unification of all segments of the foreign exchange market in its Circular of June 14, 2023.

 

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Dangote Restates Commitment To Host Communities’ Capacity Building

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Dangote Tackle forex shortage with sugar

The management of Dangote Cement Plc., Ibese Plant has assured that it would continue to complement the efforts of the Ogun State Government in the development of its host communities through capacity building for the people, especially the youths.

In a statement, the company declared its commitment to development for the prosperity of the people and host communities for which it is placing a premium on the developmental needs of the communities and empowerment of their indigenes.

During a capacity development workshop for Host Community Representatives, General Manager, Human Asset Management/Admin, Aina Olugbenga, said, Dangote Cement remained committed to implementing value-adding empowerment programs to uplift the people and develop the host communities.

The workshop themed: “Team Building, Inclusivity and Stewardship, a panacea to effective Community Representatives” according to him, was to equip the Community reps with the right skills to offer quality representation for their people. He stated: this capacity building workshop is aimed at developing and strengthening the skills, instincts, and abilities of the communities through their representatives adapt and thrive in a fast-changing world.

Olugbenga noted that the workshop is part of the management’s strategy to improve relationships with the host communities and urged the participants to leverage the knowledge acquired from the workshop to improve service delivery to their people and the Cement plant.

According to him, Dangote Cement, Ibese Plant is committed to building the capacity of the people and institutions in the communities by identifying skill gaps and partnering to up their skills for economic prosperity. This, he stated, was in anticipation that other stakeholders will continue to play their part by partnering and supporting the Company to ensure peaceful co-existence and shared prosperity for all.

Said he, “Apart from reciprocating the good gesture of Dangote Cement by ensuring peace at all times and keeping an open and trusting mind towards the organization, we also desire from our community leaders and representatives who are present here, the ownership of all Social Investment programme, be it training or infrastructure because they are meant for the betterment of our people.”

On behalf of the Community Representatives, Hon. Dayo Ogunyinka thanked the Dangote Cement management for the workshop while assuring continued commitment to effective, efficient and selfless discharge of their roles and responsibilities to their various communities and the Plant.

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JUST IN: NDIC Boosts Deposit Insurance For Banks

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The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has announced revisions to the Maximum Deposit Insurance Coverage for banks operating within the country.

NDIC’s Managing Director, Bello Hassan, disclosed the updated coverage benchmarks during a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

The coverage for Deposit Money Banks has been increased from N500,000 to N5 million, for Microfinance Banks from N200,000 to N2 million, for Primary Mortgage Banks from N500,000 to N2 million, and for Mobile Money Operators subscribers’ pass-through from N500,000 to N5 million per subscriber.

Hassan underscored that the objective of the update is to enhance depositor safety, foster public trust, promote the inclusivity of financial services, and ensure the overall stability of the financial sector.

 

 

More to follow.. . .. . 

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Shareholders Pass Key Resolutions At NGX’s 63rd AGM

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Popoola Commends Access Holdings on Nigeria’s Growth Story

The 63rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), held at the Nigerian Exchange Group House on Monday, April 29, 2024.

During the gathering, the Group concluded on ordinary and special business matters, while also unveiling plans to embark on a comprehensive digital transformation strategy to expand its business operations in line with its overarching strategy.

The meeting’s agenda, approved by the Board of Directors, included the declaration of a final dividend, ratifying the appointment of Temi Popoola as the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, presenting financial statements to shareholders, re-electing non-executive directors retiring by rotation, authorizing, and disclosing remuneration, among other undertakings.

Notably, the NGX Group, subject to regulatory approval, discussed its authorization on a rights issue to raise capital of up to N10 billion with a subjoined resolution to increase its share capital to sufficiently accommodate the rights issue.

All resolutions were approved by shareholders just as appointment and reelections of directors were ratified.

Following substantial authorization across its agenda, the NGX Group introduced plans to propel the markets with a digital transformation journey that includes an online platform for public offers and deep investments in its technology stack amongst others.

The platform will provide a smarter and efficient way for Issuers to raise capital and enhances the subscription process and operational workflow of POs in the capital market including initial public offerings (IPOs), rights issues and other public offers.

On the development, the Group Chairman, NGX Group, Umaru Kwairanga said, “I am particularly grateful to our shareholders for their assent to the critical business we conducted today. As the Board oversees the strategic direction and gives management the necessary support and guidance, we believe that the coming year will be a better one in terms of value created for our shareholders.

“NGX Group is positioned to capitalize on opportunities amid the positive and forward-looking reforms by the government and our stakeholders should rest assured we will deliver excellently.”

On his part, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NGX Group, Temi Popoola, said, “As we complete our 63rd AGM, I extend my sincere gratitude to our shareholders, customers, employees, regulators, and directors for their steadfast support. In a year that underscored NGX Group’s strategic agility and operational excellence, we witnessed growth stemming from our dynamic revenue streams. We are optimistic and well-positioned to forge a future marked by success, resilience, and prosperity.

Addressing the digital transformation agenda, Popoola stated, “The future of our business and the capital markets hinges on technology. That is why we are driving this digital transformation journey across our subsidiaries through the Group. NGX Group’s digital transformation will democratize access to public issuances for every Nigerian with a mobile phone, supporting capital-raising efforts for companies. Additionally, we aim to commercialize our technology solutions and expand our footprint across Africa”.

Key insights and proceedings from the NGX’s AGM can be accessed via the live recording available on NGX Group’s website at www.ngxgroup.com.

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