Business
Oxford Business Group Signs MoU with LCCI
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
Nigeria’s plans to put the private sector at the heart of the next phase of its economic development will be explored in a forthcoming report by the global research and advisory company Oxford Business Group (OBG).
The Report: Nigeria 2023 will look in detail at the key sectors of the country’s economy with high growth potential, which include agriculture, energy, ICT, and industry.
It will also consider the important role earmarked for public-private partnerships in supporting Nigeria’s infrastructure development, with major projects such as the Lekki Free Zone and the Lekki-Epe road among those in the spotlight.
The openings that are expected to emerge from the African Continental Free Trade Area will be another focal point, with an in-depth analysis provided of the potential that the initiative holds for boosting exports and fostering new trade partnerships.
Other topics set for coverage include a drive underway to encourage innovation and the introduction of tech solutions across the economic sectors, with the aim of galvanising growth in nascent segments, such as fintech.
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OBG has signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) as it begins work on The Report: Nigeria 2023. Under the agreement, the LCCI will team up with OBG to produce the Group’s first post-pandemic analysis of Nigeria’s investment opportunities and economic development, and other related content.
The MoU was signed by Wen Qian Chang, Country Director, OBG, and Chinyere Almona, Director General, LCCI.
Almona said that OBG’s new report comes at a time when Nigeria is looking to the private sector to unlock the potential of key legislative reforms put in place in recent years and spearhead a new era of growth.
“These have been challenging times for Nigeria, with recession and high inflation weighing on the country’s economic performance. However, higher oil prices and a rise in post-Covid remittances, are combining to improve the outlook,” she said.
With an eye on the future, she added, “Oxford Business Group is known for producing highly regarded, detailed resources on emerging economies and has consistently provided accurate, in-depth analysis of Nigeria’s economic development over the years.
I look forward to working closely with its representatives to highlight the latest openings across the economy as the country prepares for a new chapter in its growth story.”
Chang said she was delighted to have the LCCI on board for OBG’s 2023 report on Nigeria, with the country looking to build on its strengths, led by an abundant supply of natural resources, a sizeable workforce and a vibrant business scene, in the recovery phase.
“Long a regional powerhouse, Nigeria is now assessing the impact of measures adopted during the pandemic aimed at strengthening resilience and enabling the economy to withstand future shocks,” she said.
On the focus of the Nigeria 2023 report, Chang pointed out, “The private sector is recognised as the linchpin of Nigeria’s economic strength, with businesses ably supported by key organizations such as the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which provides a broad range of services aimed at encouraging innovation and growth.
I’m thrilled that our research into the many investment opportunities emerging in Lagos and beyond will benefit from the local knowledge and expertise of its members.”
The Report: Nigeria 2023 will mark the culmination of more than a year of field research by a team of analysts from Oxford Business Group. It will be a vital guide to the many facets of the country, including its macroeconomics, infrastructure, banking and other sectoral developments. OBG’s publication will also contain contributions from leading representatives across the public and private sectors.
The Report: Nigeria 2023 will be available online and in print. It will form part of a series of tailored studies that OBG is currently producing with its partners, alongside other highly relevant, go-to research tools, including ESG and Future Readiness reports, country-specific Growth and Recovery Outlook articles and interviews.
Click here to subscribe to Oxford Business Group’s latest content: http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country-reports
Business
Again, Aradel Shifts Results Release Forward
After failing to meet its previously announced May 29, 2026 target, Aradel Holdings Plc has extended the filing and publication deadline for its 2025 audited financial statements and first-quarter 2026 unaudited financial statements.
This was detailed in a notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), shareholders and the investing public, which had it that both reports will now be released on or before June 19, 2026.
The company blamed challenges arising from the consolidation of its recently acquired additional 40 per cent equity interest in ND Western Limited.
Aradel had earlier informed the market on March 2, 2026, that the delay in filing its financial statements was linked to the acquisition and had subsequently indicated that the reports would be released on or before May 29, 2026.
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Explaining the latest postponement, the company said unforeseen complexities emerged during the consolidation process following the integration of the newly acquired stake into the Group’s reporting framework.
According to the notice, “The delay is due to unforeseen complexities encountered in the consolidation process arising from the integration of the newly acquired interest in ND Western Limited into the Group’s reporting framework. Additional time is required to ensure that the consolidated results fairly present the financial position of the enlarged Group in line with applicable accounting standards and regulatory requirements.”
“The Company is working closely with its external auditors to complete the process without compromising the quality, accuracy or integrity of the financial statements. Both the FY 2025 Audited Financial Statements and the Q1 2026 Unaudited Interim Financial Statements will now be released on or before 19 June 2026,” Aradel said.
The extension means the company’s closed period, which commenced on January 1, 2026, will remain in effect until 24 hours after the financial statements are released to the market. During the closed period, insiders and other restricted persons are prohibited from trading in the company’s shares.
The company noted that trading in its securities by affected persons would resume after the expiration of the extended closed period. Aradel further reiterated its commitment to regulatory compliance and transparency in its financial reporting.
Business
Savannah Energy Posts Strong Four-Month Performance
Ahead of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) billed for June 1, 2026, Savannah Energy, has provided a trading update on its Nigerian operations and other markets in Africa for the four months to April 30, 2026, reflecting continued operational progress and a strong focus on cash discipline.
It reports that following the completion of the SIPEC Acquisition in March 2025, the production expansion programme underway at its Stubb Creek has delivered an 8% increase in average gross daily production to 3.1 Kbopd for the period, compared to 2.8 Kbopd during the same period in 2025.
Its group average gross daily production for the four-month period stood at 15.7 Kboepd (FY 2025: 18.8 Kboepd) with gas production volumes constrained as a result of the ongoing drilling and operational activity, and customer gas demand.
The update shows that its Revenues increased by 17% year-on-year to US$104.1 million, compared to US$89.1 million in the same period last year. It also shows that its trade receivables balance declined by 22% to US$395.2 million from US$507.2 million at year-end 2025.
It also reported cash balances of US$64.7 million during the four-month period, compared to the 31 December 2025 figure of US$42.8 million, with its net debt standing at US$641.7 million compared to the 31 December 2025 figure of US$658.6 million.
According to the update, Savannah’s cash collections for the four months ended April 30 amounted to US$183.5 million, a 48% increase from the US$89.1 million it received during the same period in 2025.
Savannah also reported that it has entered into a new £32 million unsecured loan facility with NIPCO plc, its largest shareholder. The facility is structured in two tranches: £20 million available immediately and £12 million available from July 1. The loan carries a 4.5% annual interest rate and has a 36-month term.
The facility includes a conversion option that allows Savannah to repay the loan through the issuance of new shares at 8 pence per share. NIPCO cannot require conversion, and Savannah is under no obligation to issue shares. The transaction constitutes a related party transaction under AIM rules.
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The report highlighted the operational progress being made across key African assets, including Uquo and Stubb Creek, as well as continued advancement of its wind, solar and hydropower projects. It reports that drilling and completion activities at the Uquo NE well location have now been concluded, with rig-down operations currently underway ahead of mobilisation to the next well.
It also reports that the flowline installation is in its final stages, with tie-in activities ongoing at the Uquo CPF, while tie-in works at the well pad are expected to commence shortly, with first gas targeted for early July 2026, supporting the higher forecast gas production expected in H2 2026. Site construction activities at the Uquo South exploration well location, it said, are progressing well, with the site expected to be ready by early June 2026, just as conductor piling operations are also ongoing in preparation for the rig move from the Uquo NE location.
In Niger, Savannah reports that its Parc Eolien de la Tarka project has made significant progress to date, with the Minister of Energy confirming that the project is on the Government’s list of priority projects. It expects the timing and sequencing of further development activities in relation to the project to be linked to the timing and outcome of the Company’s ongoing discussions with the Government of Niger regarding the R1234 PSC and the potential recommencement of oil activities.
In Cameroon, negotiations with the Government are at an advanced stage regarding a Joint Development Agreement for the up to 95 MW Bini, a Warak hybrid hydroelectric and solar project. This is expected to replace the Memorandum of Agreement signed in April 2023 and secure the terms under which Savannah will collaborate with the Government of Cameroon to further develop the project.
Andrew Knott, CEO of Savannah Energy, said: “Savannah continues to deliver against the nine core focus areas we set out for the business at the start of 2025. In Nigeria, we have seen a significant improvement in cash collections, with a 48% year-on-year increase in the first four months of the year, alongside a 17% year-on-year increase in Revenues and a 22% reduction in our trade receivables balance since year-end 2025. This reflects our ongoing focus on disciplined cash collections and receivables management, which remains a key priority for the business this year.
“Operationally, we are advancing a number of important projects, including the drilling of two new gas wells at the Uquo field, and the production expansion programme at Stubb Creek which has already delivered an 8% increase in average daily production (compared to the first four months of 2025). In our power division, we continue to progress our greenfield wind, solar and hydro portfolio.
“Alongside this, we continue to pursue further value-accretive acquisitions across both hydrocarbons and power, with several opportunities under active discussion. We are also pleased to have secured a new £32 million loan facility from NIPCO plc (“NIPCO”), our largest shareholder, strengthening our financial flexibility and further underpinning our confidence in delivering continued operational, financial and strategic progress through 2026 and 2027.”
Business
Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol, Diesel Prices Again
In a move reinforcing its commitment to making refined petroleum products more affordable and supporting economic activities across Nigeria, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals has announced a fresh reduction in the ex-depot prices of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Under the latest price adjustment, the refinery reduced the ex-depot price of PMS, commonly known as petrol, to N1,250 per litre from N1,275 per litre, while the price of AGO (diesel) was cut to N1,700 per litre from N1,800 per litre.
The price review comes amid the refinery’s continued efforts to improve supply efficiency, deepen domestic refining, and provide cost relief to consumers and businesses that depend heavily on petroleum products for transportation, power generation and industrial operations.
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Since commencing operations, the 650,000 barrels per day refinery has increasingly supplied the domestic market with refined products aimed at eliminating the country’s dependence on imported fuels.





