In a recent analysis aired on Arise Television, Dr. Muda Yusuf, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), provided a nuanced forecast for Nigeria’s economic trajectory in 2024. His projection, amidst cautious optimism, highlighted a potential for stability after the turbulent economic growth experienced in 2023.

Dr. Yusuf noted that 2023 was a year marked by pivotal transitions that included the national elections, a critical event during this period, that brought about economic uncertainties, casting a shadow of doubt and impact on the country’s economic rhythm. There’s also the introduction of the Naira redesign policy, which further complicated matters, disrupting the initial quarters of 2023 significantly.

Addressing these challenges, Dr. Yusuf stated, “We had the political transition, which has to do with elections, which came with its issues, which impacted the economy, especially around uncertainty. And of course, we had the terrible Naira redesign policy, which practically messed up the first quarter, going into the second quarter of 2023.”

However, he noted that there have been strides since then. The government has gradually adapted to these reforms, seeking to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products. These efforts are expected to alleviate pressure on the currency market, potentially leading to a stabilization of economic conditions.

“Government efforts to decrease dependence on imported petroleum products… are projected to ease pressure on the currency market and stabilize economic conditions,” he noted.

Additionally, the CEO cited the Central Bank’s strategic handling of foreign exchange maturity obligations and fiscal consolidation measures as positive contributors to the anticipated stability.

“Government efforts to decrease dependence on imported petroleum products, a major drain on foreign exchange reserves, are projected to ease pressure on the currency market and stabilize economic conditions,” he noted.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria’s approach to addressing the backlog of foreign exchange maturity obligations further contributes to expected currency stability.

“Government initiatives aimed at fiscal consolidation and boosting revenue generation are anticipated to strengthen the overall economic landscape.”

Dr. Yusuf also highlighted the differential impact of these economic shifts across various sectors. Sectors heavily reliant on imports or grappling with soaring energy costs are anticipated to confront significant challenges. Conversely, sectors boasting strong local content or advanced stages of backward integration are expected to display resilience in the face of these challenges.

“The higher your exposure [to foreign exchange], the higher the challenges, the higher the shocks,” Dr. Yusuf said.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) corroborated these concerns, projecting a cautious outlook for the manufacturing sector in its “Manufacturing Sector Outlook for 2024.” MAN anticipates that forex-related challenges and high inflation rates will restrict manufacturing performance until at least mid-2024. It foresees average capacity utilization hovering around the 50% mark during this period. However, a modest improvement in manufacturing output is anticipated in the third quarter as these challenges gradually ease.

Dr. Yusuf’s analysis entails a cautious optimism for 2024, acknowledging the varied impact of economic shocks on different sectors based on their exposure to forex and energy costs. Despite the challenges outlined by both CPPE and MAN, there exists a tentative hopefulness for Nigeria’s economic stability in 2024.

“I don’t share the view that 2024 will be worse than 2023. Of course, those challenges will persist, especially for manufacturing.

“Challenges around foreign exchange, particularly for manufacturing businesses and even other businesses that have high foreign exchange exposure,” Dr Yusuf said.

The delicate balance between governmental interventions, sectoral adaptability, and the gradual mitigation of economic shocks might pave the way for an improved economic outlook by the year’s end.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has emphasized the need for developed nations to reframe their approach to Africa, advocating for a strategic partnership model rather than one solely reliant on aid.

Before Italy assumed the Group of Seven (G7) leadership, Meloni highlighted Africa’s pivotal role and the looming concerns surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) as focal points for the G7 discussions this year.

“Africa’s significance and the challenges posed by artificial intelligence will be at the forefront of our discussions within the G7,” stated Prime Minister Meloni. “It’s imperative that we address these issues collectively and proactively.”

The G7, made up of the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, Britain, and Italy, commenced Italy’s presidency in January, gearing up for a series of ministerial meetings culminating in a summit scheduled for June. Meloni proposed a dedicated pre-summit session focused specifically on AI, expressing deep-seated concerns regarding its potential repercussions on the job market and the possible substitution of human intellect.

Highlighting African development as a cornerstone theme, Meloni stressed the criticality of fortifying local economies and elevating living standards as proactive measures to dissuade prospective migrants from seeking refuge in Europe. Departing from conventional aid-driven paradigms, she advocated for fostering cooperative and equitable relationships rather than perpetuating a traditional donor-recipient dynamic.

“In Africa, what’s crucial is not charity but the establishment of equitable and mutually beneficial partnerships,” said Meloni. “We must build relationships as equals, fostering growth and opportunities.”

Meloni’s strategic vision pivots toward investing in Africa’s growth trajectory, striving to mitigate circumstances compelling individuals to migrate due to limited opportunities.

“We must ensure that Africa isn’t a place where migration is a necessity due to lack of prospects. It’s about creating opportunities,” she asserted firmly.

As Italy gears up to lead the G7 discussions, Meloni’s proactive stance on Africa’s developmental approach has triggered discussions on Western aid to the continent. Historically, African nations have received various forms of aid from Western countries, encompassing financial assistance, technical expertise, and humanitarian aid.

For instance, The European Union stands as a key provider of humanitarian support in Nigeria. In 2023, the EU earmarked €34 million for humanitarian aid in Nigeria, following a previous year where €61 million was mobilized for assistance. This encompassed €9 million from the European Development Fund, dedicated to alleviating the food crisis triggered by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

Since 2014, the EU’s commitment to aiding Nigeria has totaled nearly €437 million, with €57.8 million directed toward this cause in 2021. Notably, a portion of the EU’s humanitarian funding aims to combat food insecurity, underscoring its multifaceted support for those in need within the country.

Meloni’s proposed shift signals a departure from traditional aid-driven approaches, advocating for fostering self-sustaining growth through cooperation and investment.

The forthcoming G7 sessions are expected to delve into these multifaceted issues as Italy’s presidency navigates complex global politics while pushing for a strategic realignment in relations with Africa.

The financial year 2023 in Nigeria witnessed a dramatic shift in corporate financing strategies, notably marked by an extraordinary surge in the utilization of commercial papers (CPs) by various entities seeking capital.

Data released by the FMDQ Group revealed an astonishing 499% increase in CP issuances compared to the preceding year, reaching a monumental N1.504 trillion.

This unprecedented escalation showcases a paradigm shift in fundraising methodologies amid a challenging financial environment characterized by soaring bank lending rates.

At the forefront of this CP issuance trend were industry giants like MTN Nigeria Plc and Dangote Cement, who raised substantial amounts to meet their financial requisites. MTN Nigeria Plc led the pack, securing a staggering N375 billion across seven issuances as part of its N250 billion CP issuance program. Not far behind, Dangote Cement successfully raised N221.28 billion through six issuances within its N300 billion CP program. Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc and Nigerian Breweries Plc also made significant contributions, raising N150.97 billion and N116.49 billion, respectively, through their CP issuance programs.

Joining these heavyweights, several other prominent entities bolstered the surge in CP issuances. Sterling Bank, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, FSDH Merchant Bank, Julius Berger Nigeria, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, and Mixta Real Estate collectively added substantial amounts to the impressive CP issuance figures witnessed in 2023.

Despite the remarkable dominance of CPs as the preferred debt instrument, corporate bonds also played a role in capital acquisition, albeit experiencing a notable decline of 83.8% in comparison to the previous year. Noteworthy issuers included Aradel Holdings, Lagos Free Zone Company, FCMB Group, and Flour Mills of Nigeria, among others, per NairaMetrics.

The rationale behind this seismic shift towards CPs primarily stems from the punitive lending environment prevailing in the banking sector. Bank lending rates soared to staggering heights, touching 30%, against the backdrop of a monetary policy rate pegged at 18.75%. Faced with this onerous lending scenario, companies pivoted towards debt instruments like CPs, which offered more favorable terms and security.

CPs, renowned for their competitive interest rates compared to traditional bank loans, emerged as an attractive avenue for both borrowers and investors. For instance, CPs issued by MTN Nigeria boasted interest rates ranging from 10.41% to 14.33%, significantly lower than the exorbitant lending rates witnessed in the banking sector.

The allure of CPs, characterized by their ability to provide capital at lower borrowing costs compared to bank loans, motivated companies to embrace these instruments, circumventing the challenges posed by prohibitively high lending rates.

This strategic pivot in capital sourcing signifies the evolving dynamics in Nigeria’s corporate finance sector, accentuating the growing prominence of debt instruments like CPs in meeting the financial needs of businesses amidst stringent lending conditions.

Awa, Onna Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State mourns the end of an era as Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing (JSM) Company, once hailed as the largest syringe manufacturing venture in Africa, closes its doors indefinitely.

The company’s cessation of operations marks another grim milestone in the growing list of businesses shuttering due to the hostile business climate prevailing in Nigeria.

The company, inaugurated in 2017 by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, faced insurmountable challenges, forcing it to halt production several months ago. Finally, on December 31, 2022, the management declared an end to its operations, citing “unforeseen circumstances affecting our business operations” as the reason for the closure.

In a memo addressed to all employees, the company announced the implementation of temporary redundancy effective January 1, 2024, affecting all positions, including those of the workers. The communication, titled “Temporary Redundancy – Service Not Needed Till Further Notice,” conveyed the heartbreaking decision made in the wake of a challenging business environment.

“We trust this message finds you in good health. With a heavy heart, we write to you today to communicate a challenging decision that Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company Limited has had to make due to unforeseen circumstances affecting our business operations,” the memo reads partly.

“After careful consideration and a thorough evaluation of our current business situation, we regret to inform you that we must implement temporary measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of the company.

“Unfortunately, this includes placing all positions including yours on temporary redundancy effective January 1, 2024.”

The memo expressed regret over the necessity of taking such drastic measures, clarifying that the move was not a reflection of individual performance but a consequence of the harsh economic realities. Workers were requested to return all company belongings in their possession, marking the end of an era for the once-thriving manufacturing entity.

Akin Oyediran, the managing director of Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company, had expressed optimism about the company’s prospects in an interview in April of the previous year. At that time, he highlighted the company’s success in securing a credit facility of $1 million, attributing it to the conducive environment facilitated by the state government for the manufacturing sector’s growth.

Oyediran had spoken highly of the state government’s support, noting the level playing field and advantages that had attracted investments, enabling the company to expand its operations beyond syringe manufacturing to include gloves, masks, and infusion sets.

Despite these optimistic remarks, the company’s closure denotes the harsh realities of the Nigerian business environment, where even ventures with promising prospects have succumbed to challenges beyond their control.

Economic experts said the growing number of businesses shutting down in the country serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for structural reforms and a more favorable business environment to prevent further economic setbacks and preserve the livelihoods of workers across various industries in the country.