State authorities say discussions on electricity pricing ongoing as residents await details of new energy initiative

The Bayelsa State government has not reached a final decision on the electricity tariff for its proposed independent power plant, officials confirmed on Thursday. The clarification comes amid growing public interest in the project’s potential impact on power supply and household bills in the oil-rich South-South state.

According to government representatives, talks are still underway regarding the framework for tariff determination and stakeholder engagement. The proposed power plant, which aims to boost electricity generation within Bayelsa, is expected to address persistent outages and unreliable supply that have affected businesses and residents in recent years.

The issue of affordable energy remains critical for many Nigerians, particularly in the Niger Delta region where communities often face erratic power despite being at the centre of the country’s oil and gas sector. The Bayelsa government’s push for an independent power solution is seen by some as a step towards addressing these challenges, but questions remain about how much consumers will eventually pay once the facility becomes operational.

State officials said consultations with regulatory agencies and private sector partners are ongoing to ensure a transparent process that balances sustainability with fair consumer pricing. As at Thursday, no date has been announced for when tariff rates will be finalised or when the independent plant will commence full operations. Residents and business owners in Bayelsa have called on the government to prioritise affordability in its final decision.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/888671-independent-power-plant-bayelsa-govt-yet-to-decide-tariff.html

Acquisition links SEC-regulated Nigerian operations with London platform, enabling cross-border investments between both markets

BRB Capital Group, headquartered in Lagos, has completed the acquisition of Amalfi Capital Limited, an investment advisory and brokerage firm authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), in a move aimed at creating a regulated investment corridor between Nigeria, the United Kingdom and global capital markets. The announcement was made on Tuesday, following regulatory approval for BRB Capital Limited, the Group’s UK arm, to acquire full ownership of Amalfi Capital.

The acquisition brings together BRB Capital Group’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-regulated Nigerian business with a UK FCA-approved investment platform. According to company statements, this pairing is expected to boost cross-border investment infrastructure and facilitate access to the estimated ₦8.1 trillion (£8.1 billion) trade corridor linking Nigeria and the UK. The transaction positions both entities to serve clients seeking regulated pathways for cross-border financial flows.

Industry observers say this development holds significance for Nigeria’s financial services sector as it opens up new opportunities for investors looking to diversify portfolios internationally under clear regulatory frameworks. With persistent demand from Nigerian high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors for offshore assets, as well as growing interest from foreign investors in West Africa’s leading economy, market stakeholders believe the deal could help address longstanding barriers around compliance and transparency.

Officials from both companies noted that the FCA’s approval of the acquisition demonstrates growing confidence in Nigerian institutions expanding into international markets. They stressed that the integration will enable more efficient due diligence and risk management processes for clients operating across both jurisdictions. As at press time, there was no immediate statement from Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission regarding possible regulatory adjustments or future oversight arrangements related to the expanded group structure.

Looking ahead, BRB Capital Group said it plans to leverage its dual presence in Lagos and London to introduce new investment products tailored for Nigerian diaspora investors and British clients interested in African growth opportunities. The group expects that seamless regulatory compliance across both markets will encourage more robust capital flows and enhance Nigeria’s profile as a hub for global finance.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/brb-capital-group-acquires-fca-authorised-amalfi-capital-to-build-regulated-nigeria-uk-investment-corridor/

Bank’s plan aims to boost small business access to finance, strengthen Nigerian market presence, and deepen regional trade ties

Standard Bank has announced a fresh $15.4 billion expansion drive targeting Nigeria and other key African markets, with a focus on supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The move was revealed on Thursday, 18 June, as the bank outlined its strategy to increase funding and services for businesses in Lagos, Abuja, and major commercial hubs across the continent.

The bank’s latest initiative will inject significant capital into Nigeria’s growing SME sector, which faces persistent challenges accessing affordable credit. Standard Bank said the expansion is part of a broader effort to enhance its footprint in Africa’s largest economy and provide tailored financial solutions for entrepreneurs navigating volatile currency conditions and rising operational costs.

With Nigeria’s inflation rate hovering above 30 percent as at May 2026 (according to NBS data), many small businesses have struggled with limited access to working capital and foreign exchange constraints. Industry analysts note that Standard Bank’s intervention could help unlock growth opportunities for thousands of enterprises involved in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and trade within West Africa.

While the bank did not immediately provide a breakdown of how much will be disbursed within Nigeria specifically, officials emphasised that local SMEs stand to benefit from increased lending lines, advisory services, and cross-border transaction support. Standard Bank stated that the expansion would also support regional trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

The bank indicated that rollout of new products and credit facilities will commence before year-end. Experts say this move could intensify competition among Nigerian lenders while helping bridge the estimated $42 billion SME financing gap reported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in recent years.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/888665-standard-bank-targets-15-4bn-expansion-in-nigeria-african-sme-markets.html