Business

Zenith Bank Plc reported a 1.91 percent year-on-year increase in profit before tax to ₦637.6 billion for the half-year ended June 30, 2026, and proposed a 20 percent increase in its interim dividend to ₦1.50 per share.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) closed Friday’s trading session higher, with market capitalisation rising by N209 billion, while the benchmark All-Share Index (ASI) gained 321.05 points despite more stocks recording losses than gains.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, said the company remained committed to supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to cushion the economic impact of higher fuel costs.

The dispute concerns a planned 54-acre facility in Thane. Residents want it relocated, citing concerns about noise, electricity and water. Their protests predate Friday’s report, including a demonstration on September 8.

Data from the apex bank showed that balances in its Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) fell to ₦3.76 trillion on October 7, 2026, from ₦4.70 trillion a day earlier.

Brent crude futures dropped 92 cents, or 0.9%, to $103.36 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate fell 75 cents, or 0.8%, to $90.74 by 7.32 am WAT, according to Reuters. These were intraday prices.

Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, outlined the plan on Thursday, October 8, at the World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update launch in Abuja.

The commission’s August 2026 factsheets showed that Eko Power Limited had 201 compliant and 46 non-compliant feeders out of its 247 Band A feeders. IE Energy Lagos Limited, operated by Ikeja Electric, recorded 113 compliant and 52 non-compliant feeders out of 165.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has stepped up efforts to deepen Nigeria’s financial and investment links with Asia through engagements with Singapore’s financial authorities, innovation institutions, investors and market operators.

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) closed Thursday’s trading session on a bearish note, with market capitalisation declining by N1.334 trillion from N162.385 trillion at the opening to N161.051 trillion at the close.