1. NRS BOSS: SINGLE WINDOW NOT TAKING OVER MDAS ROLES
The Nation, page 7 reported that the Executive Chairman, National Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, yesterday reassured stakeholders that the National Single Window (NSW) platform will not take over the functions of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), but rather enhance their operations.
Adedeji gave the assurance during a press conference held at the NSW Support Centre in Lagos on Tuesday, where he addressed concerns surrounding the implementation of the initiative.
He commended the collaboration among government agencies and private sector stakeholders that made the project possible, reemphasizing that the platform is designed to reduce the time and cost associated with import and export transactions, while improving transparency and overall efficiency in the system.
2. NGX VALUE DIPS TO N128.98TN AMID BEARISH PRESSURE
The Punch, page 23 reported that the Nigerian equities market reversed its recent upward trajectory on Wednesday as sustained profit-taking in banking heavyweights dragged the benchmark index lower, wiping out billions in investor wealth.
Data from the Nigerian Exchange Limited showed that the All-Share Index declined by 37 basis points to close at 200,925.75 points, resulting in a loss of N476.73bn in market value, while the year-to-date return moderated to 29.12 per cent.
Market sentiment remained cautious throughout the session, reflecting an extended period of volatility as investors locked in profits from recent rallies, with analysts noting that buying interest was simply insufficient to sustain the market’s upward momentum.
Selling pressure was most pronounced in key stocks including Fidson Healthcare Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Transcorp Plc, First Holdco Plc, May & Baker Nigeria Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, and Lafarge Africa Plc, alongside other laggards that collectively weighed on the overall performance.
3. STOCK MARKET GAINS N141BN TO MAINTAIN POSITIVE MOMENTUM
ThisDay, page 29 reported that the Nigerian stock market yesterday gained N141 billion to maintain its positive momentum for consecutive trading sessions helped by buy interest in select banking, telecom, and consumer goods stocks.
At the close of trades, the Nigerian Exchange Limited All Share Index (NGX ASI) gained by 219.87 basis points or 0.11 per cent to close at 200,925.75 basis points from 200,705.88basis points when it opened for trading.
Also, market capitalization gained N141 billion to close at N128.977 trillion as against N128.836 trillion it opened for trading.
Market breadth was broadly flat, as 32 stocks declined, narrowly outpacing 31 advancers. Legend Internet recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N7.26 and N7.15, while Zichis Agro Allied Industries and Premier Paints followed with a gain of 9.93 per cent each to close at N11.40 and N31.00 respectively, per share.
John Holt increased by 9.79 per cent to close at N15.70, while Consolidated Hallmark Insurance up by 6.26 per cent to close at N5.26, per share.
4. CBN OKAYS 100% FOREX REPATRIATION FOR OIL COMPANIES
The Punch, page 9 reported that the Central Bank of Nigeria has approved the full repatriation of export proceeds by International Oil Companies, allowing them to access 100 per cent of their foreign exchange earnings through authorized dealer banks.
The directive was contained in a circular issued by the apex bank’s Trade and Exchange Department and published on its website on Wednesday.
In the circular signed by the Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Dr Musa Nakorji, the bank said the move forms part of ongoing reforms to improve liquidity and stability in the foreign exchange market.
The CBN stated that the decision marks a shift from its earlier policy introduced in 2024, which allowed authorized dealer banks to pool 50 per cent of repatriated export proceeds on behalf of oil firms, while the balance was held for 90 days before repatriation.
5. FG PLANS TO BORROW N750BN VIA MARCH BONDS
The Punch, page 9 stated that the Federal Government, through the Debt Management Office, has opened subscriptions for N750bn worth of Federal Government of Nigeria bonds for March 2026.
Details from the March 2026 bond offer circular published on the DMO’s website on Wednesday showed that the offer comprises three re-opened instruments: N250bn for the 17.945 per cent FGN August 2030 bond, N200bn for the 17.95 per cent FGN June 2032 bond, and N300bn for the 19.89 per cent FGN May 2033 bond, bringing the total to N750bn.
The auction is scheduled for March 30, 2026, with settlement fixed for April 1, 2026. The bonds will be issued through a competitive auction process in which investors bid based on yield-to-maturity, while coupon rates remain unchanged due to the re-opening structure.
The offer comes amid persistent fiscal pressures and rising domestic borrowing requirements, as the government continues to depend on the local debt market to finance budget deficits and refinance maturing obligations.
6. UK LEADS AS NIGERIA’S CAPITAL IMPORTATION HITS $6.44BN
The Punch, page 19 has the story that Nigeria’s capital importation rose to $6.44bn in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the United Kingdom emerging as the leading source of inflows, underscoring renewed foreign investor interest in the country’s financial markets.
Latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the figure represents a 26.61 per cent increase from the $5.09bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2024, alongside a 7.13 per cent rise from the preceding quarter, signaling sustained improvement in capital inflows.
The report, released on Wednesday, stated, “In Q4 2025, total capital importation into Nigeria stood at $6.44bn, higher than $5.09bn recorded in Q4 2024, indicating an increase of 26.61 per cent on a year-on-year basis. In comparison with the preceding quarter, capital importation increased by 7.13 per cent from $6.01bn in Q3 2025.”
7. RECAPITALISATION: BANKS ATTRACT N4.61TR, SHOWING INVESTORS’ BELIEF
The Nation, page 5 stated that Nigerian banks have attracted about N4.61 trillion in fresh capital, with nearly 27 per cent coming from foreign investors.
The performance, according to Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, followed the launch of the Banking Sector Recapitalization Programme in 2024.
CBN introduced the recapitalization policy to strengthen the resilience of financial institutions and prepare them for future risks.
Cardoso, at the IMF AFRITAC West 2 High-Level Executive Forum in Abuja yesterday, explained that the rise in capital inflow reflects growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s banking sector even in a challenging economic environment.
According to him, the policy has not only supported Nigerian banks but influenced similar reform efforts in other African countries.
8. CBN BANS FOREIGN CURRENCY PAYMENTS FOR DIASPORA REMITTANCES FROM MAY 1
Leadership, page 1 & 7, The Guardian, page 15, ThisDay, page 5, The Nation, page 4 reported that The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has banned foreign currency payments for Diaspora remittances starting from May 1, 2026, directing International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) to route all transactions exclusively through designated naira settlement accounts in Authorized Dealer Banks (ADBs)
The apex bank said the move aims at tightening regulatory oversight of Diaspora remittances into the county and maintaining transparency in the foreign exchange market.
The apex bank, in a circular signed by the director of Trade and Exchange Department, Dr Musa Narkoji, and addressed to IMTOs, Authorized Dealer Banks (ADBs) and the general public, said the measure is part of efforts to enhance transparency, traceability and effective monitoring of remittance inflows into the country.
9. CBN’S REFORM TURNAROUND WINS GLOBAL BANK OF THE YEAR
Leadership, page 15 has the story that in the austere halls of global finance, recognition is rarely handed out lightly. It is earned through discipline, tested by crisis, and validated by results. For the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the journey from the edge of economic instability in 2023 to global acclaim in 2026 tells a story of reform, resilience and restored credibility.
That story reached a defining moment in London, where the Central Banking Awards Committee named Nigeria’s apex bank Central Bank of the Year 2026.
The recognition, part of the 13th annual Central Banking Awards, placed the CBN among the world’s most effective monetary authorities—an outcome few would have predicted just three years earlier.
In 2023, Nigeria’s macroeconomic landscape was marked by deep structural imbalances. Inflation was rising sharply, the naira was under sustained pressure, and foreign exchange liquidity had dried up.
10. CARDOSO SEEKS STRONGER CROSS-BORDER REGULATORY COOPERATION
Leadership, page 27 stated that Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has called on African financial regulators to deepen collaboration in tackling cross-border risks, stressing that stronger partnerships are critical to preserving financial stability across the continent.
Cardoso made the call at the 4th Annual IMF/AFRITAC West 2 High-Level Executive Forum for Financial Sector Regulation and Supervision held at the CBN headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, where he underscored the growing interconnectedness of African financial systems.
He noted that as regional financial integration accelerates, cooperation among regulators has become imperative rather than optional. “As African banks and financial systems become increasingly interconnected, collaboration among regulators is not optional but essential to safeguard stability and ensure shared prosperity,” he said.
11. CBN REAFFIRMS UNION BANK’S STABILITY, PLEDGES STRONG OVERSIGHT AFTER COURT RULING
Daily Sun, page 25 has the story The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reassured anxious Nigerians and investors that Union Bank of Nigeria Plc (UBN) remains safe and stable.
The reassurance followed market concerns that sprang up after a Federal High Court judgment in Lagos related to its regulatory action on the lender.
In a statement released on Wednesday night by the Acting Director, Corporate Communications of the apex bank, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, it acknowledged the March 25, 2026 ruling and confirmed that it is in the process of obtaining the Certified True Copy of the judgment for detailed legal review.
It stressed that any next steps would strictly follow due process, cementing its commitment to the rule of law and institutional transparency.
Beyond the legal process, the CBN delivered a clear message to depositors and investors that Union Bank remains financially sound.
12. NBS: NIGERIANS SPENT N1.58TRN ON VEHICLE IMPORTS IN 2025
Daily Sun, page 25 according to the paper Nigeria’s passenger car imports surged to N1.58 trillion in 2025, which shows a rebound in demand, though vehicles still accounted for a relatively small share of the country’s total import bill.
This was revealed in the new data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
The figures reveal a 24.64% year-on-year increase from N1.26 trillion in 2024, and a 6.89% rise over 2023’s N1.47 trillion, highlighting a recovery after the decline seen in 2024. Despite the growth, passenger cars represented only 2.34% of Nigeria’s total imports, which reached N67.35 trillion in 2025. Total imports expanded by 11.14% YoY, up from N60.59 trillion in 2024, indicating that while car demand is rising, other import categories grew at a faster pace.
Analysis of import origins shows a clear dominance by the United States, particularly for used vehicles. In Q1 2025, Nigeria imported N93.51 billion worth of used cars from the US, far ahead of South Africa (N25.84 billion) and the United Arab Emirates (N8.48 billion). Canada, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom contributed N3.72 billion, N4.84 billion, and N2.81 billion respectively.
13. FG OKAYS N32BN FOR PHCS IN Q1 2026
Daily Sun, page 27 has the story that The Federal Government has approved N32 billion for disbursement to Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) for the first quarter of 2026 under the platform of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) to sustain healthcare service delivery nationwide. The government also okayed the revised ambulance tariffs under the Emergency Medical Treatment (EMT) gateway of the BHCPF to improve emergency response systems, as well as other efforts to integrate private sector actors into the Ministerial Oversight Committee (MOC) framework.
These decisions were taken at the 14th expanded BHCPF MOC meeting in Abuja under the chairmanship of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
The Minister said the meeting convened key government institutions, partners and stakeholders to reinforce accountability, improve efficiency and accelerate impact in healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
He said: “The MOC provides strategic direction, coordination and oversight for the implementation of the BHCPF. As Nigeria advanced reforms under BHCPF 2.0, the 14th MOC meeting served as a critical platform to review implementation progress, strengthen alignment across gateways and drive key policy and operational decisions.”
14. NIGERIA ATTRACTS $6.44BN CAPITAL INFLOWS IN Q4 2025, UP
26.6% – NBS
Daily Trust, page 17, The Guardian, page 15 the papers have it that Nigeria recorded a total capital importation of $6.44 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a 26.61 per cent year-on-year increase from the $5.09 billion posted in the corresponding period of 2024.
The figures, contained in the latest Capital Importation report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), also showed a quarter-on-quarter rise of 7.13 per cent compared to $6.01 billion recorded in the third quarter of 2025.
The data underscores a sustained recovery in foreign capital inflows into the Nigerian economy, largely driven by strong portfolio investments and heightened activity within the financial services sector.
According to the NBS, total capital importation stood at $6,443.48 million in Q4 2025, up from $5,089.16 million in Q4 2024. On a quarterly basis, inflows rose from $6,014.77 million in Q3 2025, signaling growing investor interest despite lingering macroeconomic challenges.
15. MOBILE MONEY DOUBLES IN FOUR YEARS, RECORDS $2TR TRANSACTION IN 2025
The Guardian, page 15 according to the paper over $2 trillion flowed through mobile money wallets globally in 2025, the Global System for Mobile Telecommunications Association (GSMA) has said.
GSMA described the trend as an important threshold that exemplifies the exponential growth in transaction value the industry experienced in recent years.
It said it took 20 years to pass $1 trillion in yearly transaction values, but just four years for the figure to double.
Between 2022 and 2024, transaction volumes grew faster than transaction values, which led to a drop in the average transaction value, from $18.6 in 2021 to $15.9 in 2024. The telecom body noted that from inception, only 25 years ago, mobile money has now become a mainstream financial service for underserved populations around the world, empowering those without access to traditional banking services and contributing to economic growth in countries where mobile money is present.
The 14th State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2026 also found that mobile money reached 2.3 billion registered accounts in 2025, growing by 268 million.
GSMA Director-General, Vivek Badrinath, said: “Mobile money has become one of the world’s most impactful financial services.
16. ‘NIGERIA’S BANKING RECAPITALIZATION MUST DRIVE REAL INVESTMENT’
The Guardian, page 18 according to the paper the Country Director of the World Bank in Nigeria, Matthew Verghis, has said the success of Nigeria’s banking recapitalization will depend on how effectively funds raised are channeled into productive investment.
Speaking at the 2026 Economic Roundtable organized by Agusto & Co, Verghis said the real test of the exercise is whether it translates into tangible economic outcomes as the country moves from stabilization to growth.
“The real measure of recapitalization will lie in how effectively savings are channeled into productive investment, determining whether national ambition translates into tangible economic achievement,” he said.
He noted that strengthening financial intermediation is critical at this stage of Nigeria’s economic transition, stressing that capital alone will not deliver growth unless it is efficiently deployed.
At the roundtable, Agusto & Co said Nigeria’s banking sector has risen about N2.5 trillion as the recapitalization exercise approaches its final phase, marking one of the most significant structural reforms in nearly two decades.
17. DOMESTIC INVESTORS LIFT NGX TURNOVER BY 78% TO N1.5 TRILLION
The Guardian, page 18 has the story that the Investors’ participation on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) increased significantly in February 2026, as total market transactions rose by 78.93 per cent month-on-month to N1.5 trillion, against N0.862 trillion recorded in January 2026.
The latest domestic and foreign portfolio investment data released by the Exchange for February, showed that market turnover also rose year-on-year by 38.15 per cent from N1.1 trillion in February 2025.
A breakdown of the February 2026 figures showed that domestic investors continued to dominate market activity, accounting for about 91 per cent of total transactions, while foreign investors represented roughly nine per cent.
Similarly, domestic transactions stood at N1.4 trillion, significantly higher than foreign transactions of N0.13903 trillion.
On a month-on-month basis, domestic transactions also improved by 87.65 per cent from N0.74783 trillion in January 2026 to N1.4 trillion in February 2026, reflecting renewed local participation and increased institutional activity.
18. NGX LIFTS SUSPENSION ON ZICHIS
AGRO-ALLIED SHARES
ThisDay, page 24 the paper has it that NGX Regulation Limited has officially lifted the suspension on trading the shares of Zichis Agro-Allied Industries Plc, after an investigation into the company’s market activities.
The decision, communicated via a market bulletin, marks the return of the agro-allied firm to the daily official list of the Nigerian Exchange.
The suspension, which was originally socio-economically triggered on February 23, 2026, had frozen all transaction activities involving the company’s securities to allow for a regulatory review.
The suspension, which was announced on 23rd February, was triggered by an extraordinary surge in the company’s share price — a climb of 772 per cent to N17.36 from its listing price of N1.81 on January 20th, a movement that prompted NGX Regulation Limited to intervene.
After NGX actions, the stock price of Zichis Agro Allied Industries tumbled by 50.58 per cent.
According to information obtained , the stock price moved from N17.36 per share, about N8.78 per share or 50.58 per cent decline to N8.58 per share on the floor of the Exchange.
18. NGX GROUP, WOMEN AFFAIRS MINISTRY COLLABORATE TO DRIVE INCLUSION IN CAPITAL MARKETS
ThisDay, page 28 according to the paper Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to advance women’s economic empowerment and promote greater gender inclusion in Nigeria’s capital markets.
This was highlighted during a strategic visit by the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, to NGX Group, which culminated in a ceremonial Closing Gong to signal a shared commitment to expanding financial access and unlocking opportunities for women across the country.
Welcoming the Minister, the Group Chairman of NGX Group, Umaru Kwairanga, commended the Ministry’s leadership in promoting women’s development and economic participation.
He stated, “Women are central to Nigeria’s economic progress. As we work towards a more inclusive and resilient economy, the capital market remains a vital platform for expanding access to finance, supporting women-led enterprises, and enabling broader participation in wealth creation. NGX Group remains committed to partnering with the Ministry to drive sustainable impact and empower the next generation of women leaders.”
19. SEC, VNL CAPITAL URGE STRATEGIC, RISK-AWARE INVESTMENTS ACROSS SECTORS
Vanguard, page 19 the paper has it that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and VNL Capital Asset Management have urged investors to adopt strategic and risk-conscious approaches in allocating their funds, highlighting the need to navigate global uncertainties while capitalizing on emerging opportunities within the country’s key sectors. Speaking at the VNL Capital Economic Roundtable held in Lagos, SEC Regional Director, Lagos John Briggs, cautioned investors to remain aligned with their risk appetite. He warned that unregulated schemes continue to pose serious threats to financial security.
“Understanding your investment objective and risk appetite is critical. Investors should not be swayed
He advised retail investors to focus by promises of high returns without considering the associated risks,” he said.on relatively simple and professionally managed products such as mutual funds, which help mitigate risks, rather than venturing into complex instruments better suited for institutional investors.
20. RAIL PASSENGER REVENUE EXCEEDS FG’S N7BN TARGET BY 11%
Vanguard, page 19 this paper has it that Revenue generated from rail passengers in 2025 exceeded the Federal Government’s (FG) N7.01 billion target by 11 percent. Recall that in February 2025 the FG set a target of generating N7.01 billion in revenue from rail passengers by the end of 2025 with the aim of expanding services and recovering from previous security and operational challenges. To realize these aims, the FG allocated N41.49 billion to rail infrastructure and modernization projects in the 2025 budget, with funds specifically for security surveillance systems on routes like Abuja (Idu)-Kaduna following the previous year’s insecurity and derailment incidents recorded.
Vanguard analysis of data from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, Rail Revenue Report for the period showed that revenue from passengers stood at N7.77 billion in 2025 rising by 15.6 percent year-on-year (YoY) from N6.72 billion in 2024. Further analysis showed that N2.29 billion was collected for goods/cargo conveyed through rail, representing a 17.4 percent YoY increase from N1.95 billion collected in 2024.
Felicia Odanwu
PI & PRO
For: DD Information & PR