The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, disclosed this at a virtual meeting with Special Economic Zones stakeholders in September, as the government moves to modernise the regulatory framework governing the zones and strengthen their contribution to investment and non-oil exports.
Alawuba spoke at the 19th Annual Banking and Finance Conference of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Abuja on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Finance experts contend that the real value of the revenue has diminished because of the prevailing exchange rate, which makes logistics and operational costs very prohibitive.
The Central Bank of Nigeria's recapitalisation programme requires banks to build substantially larger capital bases, with minimum paid-up capital rising to N500 billion for banks with international authorisation, N200 billion for national banks and N50 billion for regional banks.
The country possesses one of Africa’s largest consumer markets, a huge and youthful population, abundant agricultural resources, substantial oil and gas reserves, a rapidly expanding digital economy, a vibrant entrepreneurial culture and an increasingly sophisticated financial sector.
Across the continent, entrepreneurs are building businesses, serving customers, employing people, and creating value. Markets are busy. Shops are open. Farms are producing. Manufacturers are making goods. Innovation is happening.
Inflation is slowing, external reserves have climbed, and several major companies are reporting stronger profits. At the same time, borrowing remains expensive, food prices are still putting pressure on household budgets, and investors can now earn relatively high returns from fixed-income instruments.
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a Milan-bound businessman with 4.80 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the soles of shoes and the railings of travelling bags at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.