Connect with us

News

Nigeria and Oil: Looking Beyond Price Collapse Towards Post Recovery Savings (Part 1)

Published

on

Austin Okere
Kindly share this post

The recurrent mistake we keep making as a Nation is failing to anticipate and plan for our oil windfalls.

There have been many boom opportunities since Nigeria joined the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in 1971; Oil prices increased by 400% in six short months after the Yom Kippur War following the Arab Oil Embargo.

Crude prices doubled from $14 in 1978 to $35 per barrel in 1981 following the Iran/Iraq war. The price of crude oil spiked in 1990 with the uncertainties associated the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the ensuring Gulf War – the so called ‘Gulf War windfall’ under then Head of State Ibrahim Babangida.

Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that the latest windfall happened between February 2011 and August 2014, under the Goodluck Jonathan presidency, when oil prices were much in excess of $100 per barrel.

Another golden opportunity was squandered, characterised by organised kleptocracy of epic proportions as has now come to light.

During this same period Saudi Arabia has amassed a whopping $593b in foreign exchange reserves and has recently announced that it is creating a $2 trillion mega-sovereign wealth fund, funded by sales of current petroleum industry assets, to prepare itself for an age when oil no longer dominates the global economy.

Coming closer home, Algeria, the second biggest African oil producer, with 1.9mbpd has accumulated foreign reserves of $156b and a sovereign wealth fund of $50b. Nigeria, by far the biggest producer in Africa with 2.5mbpd has only managed foreign reserves of $28b and a sovereign wealth fund of a paltry $2.9b – about 5% that of Algeria.

The major difference being that while the Algerians saved for a rainy day during the boom years, Nigeria was busy squandering her wealth, with nothing to show by way of infrastructure or any solid investments.

Yet Nigeria was able to balance her budget, pay off her debts and save over $62b in foreign reserves during the Obasanjo presidency from 1999 to 2007, even though the price of crude was mostly under $40 per barrel, except for the two years between 2005 and 2007 when it hovered between $50 and $75 dollars per barrel.

It is bothersome that with the same level of oil price, Nigeria today is struggling to balance her budget and has resorted to aggressive borrowing to finance the deficit, inadvertently driving us back to where we were before escaping from the huge burden of sovereign debt and the attendant debilitating impact of debt servicing.

I believe that Nigeria can save as much as $36.5b in the coming year if oil prices recover towards the end of 2016 and through 2017 to the projected $80 per barrel.

This assumes we have all agreed that the current crises is much too painful and too precious to waste. It can actually be a blessing in disguise, affording us the much needed leverage to deliberately diversify our economy away from the over dependence on oil, and attempt to become self-sufficient in every low hanging opportunity such as feeding ourselves.

There is a reason why the Chinese use the same word for challenge and opportunity; behind every challenge is an opportunity. We must seize this golden opportunity with both hands and make the structural changes that will lead us to true prosperity as a nation.

Almost every third Nigerian businessman you come across claims to be into Oil and Gas; usually, briefcase contractors who manage to have their ‘papers’ stamped, and proceed to collect money from the treasury of our commonwealth. Yet oil contributed only 6.4% to GDP growth in 2015.

An often overlooked area for rapid economic growth is telecoms, entertainment and media. At a recent event in Lagos, Dr. Doyin Salami, lecturer at Lagos Business School, remarked that ‘The telecommunication sector grew Nigeria’s GDP by 8.7% in 2015, generating spill overs, with uptakes in financial transactions technology and payment systems, e-commerce facilitation and proliferation of transport services, while making the offering of the burgeoning entertainment industry ubiquitous’.

Quite simply, if each of the 34 million MSME’s in Nigeria could be supported with technology to improve their businesses through online presence and seamless bookkeeping to the point of employing one more staff, they would create an additional 34 million jobs, much more than the government can ever provide.

I totally agree with Dr. Salami that Nigeria’s economy has systematically and strategically diversified along the lines of technology and other services sector without Nigerians noticing.  The services sector today contributes as much as 52% of Nigeria’s GDP.

Agriculture is also another sector that could do with special attention. If we strive to produce what we eat, we will not only be saving a whopping $6b from our import bill, but also provide the opportunity for inclusive growth, with the spill over effects down the value chain, from logistics and transportation to light manufacturing.

But we need to make the right investments in infrastructure such as roads and rail transport linking farms with their food processors and markets.

The change that will make all this happen is not the ‘outsourced variety’ where we believe that we can carry on with business as usual, or sit back and fold our arms while only the President delivers the promised change. All hands must be on deck, and we each have to be the change we desire.

The elephant in the room question is; who says oil prices will reach $80 per barrel?
 
Austin Okere is the Founder CWG Plc and Entrepreneur in Residence, Columbia Business School, New York. He also serves on the World Economic Forum Business Council on Innovation and Intrapreneurship.


Kindly share this post

Nigeria CommunicationsWeek believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. So since 2007, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and how they affect lives.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Comments

News

Karex, World’s Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Karex, world’s largest condom maker, plans to raise prices by up to 30 percent due to supply disruptions linked to the Iran war.

Karex, World's Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

This means that safe sex could get more expensive if the war continues to disrupt global supply chains, according to Goh Miah Kiat, CEO, Karex.

Kiat told old Reuters that rising freight costs and shipping delays have increased demand and forced the company to pass costs to customers.

Broader supply chain issues and higher oil prices could impact many everyday products that rely on petrochemicals.

“The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive… We ​have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to ⁠the customers,” Goh told Reuters.

Karex joins a growing list of companies that are bracing for supply chain disruptions amid the ongoing war in Iran.

Based in Malaysia, Karex produces condoms, personal lubricants, gloves, medical catheters and probe covers.

The company manufactures male latex condoms including ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante, and it can produce over 5 billion condoms annually. Karex also exports to more than 130 countries, according to its website.

“We’re seeing a lot more condoms actually sitting on vessels that have not arrived at their destination but are highly required,” Goh said.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

News

Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

Published

on

Kindly share this post

Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) authority to investigate consumer complaints and enforce regulatory oversight in Nigeria.

Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

Tunji Bello, EVC/CEO, FCCPC

In a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, director, Corporate Affairs, the Commission said that in the judgment delivered by James Omotosho on April 20, 2026, the court dismissed a suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the Commission’s statutory powers.

The ruling affirmed the Commission’s mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 to “receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.”

Reacting to the decision, Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the Commission, said; “the judgment reinforces the importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair market practices.”

Bello explained that the case stemmed from complaints involving “unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.”

Bello stressed that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.

He also said that investigations conducted by the Commission are administrative processes aimed at establishing facts.

“It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing,” he said.

The FCCPC boss further reiterated the agency’s commitment to due process and constructive engagement with businesses, noting that the Commission would continue to operate in a “fair, professional, and transparent manner.”

Bello also urged companies operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory procedures and strengthen internal complaint resolution mechanisms to address consumer grievances promptly.

The Commission said it will continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and build confidence in key sectors, including aviation.

 


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

News

UK-Nigeria Trade Mission Builds on State Visit Momentum to Drive Commercial Outcomes

Published

on

L-r: Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest; Steve Grey OBE, UK Export Finance Lead; Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria; Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission; Ayo Sotinrin, MD/Chief Executive Nigeria's Bank of Agriculture (BoA), and Lovina Kayode, Director, Investor Relations, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, at the UK-Nigeria Trade mission in Abuja, yesterday.
Kindly share this post

Underscoring the strength of the UK-Nigeria strategic partnership, the UK has completed its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria since the recent State Visit, focused on turning high‑level agreements into practical commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the 2-day trade mission brought together 43 delegates from 30 British companies to build partnerships, deepen commercial engagement and pursue new opportunities across priority sectors with their Nigerian counterparts.

With trade between both countries now at a record £8.1 billion, and Nigeria established as the UK’s largest export market in Africa, the mission highlighted where UK expertise can add the more value to Nigeria’s reform‑driven economy.

Opportunities discussed spanned key sectors such as infrastructure; energy and power; water, environment and climate solutions; agriculture; finance and professional services; testing and certification standards; logistics and supply chains; and technology, including education, aviation and communications.

These sectors align closely with the priorities set out under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) and reflect areas where UK capability, high standards and long‑term partnership approaches are well matched to Nigeria’s evolving market needs.

The mission also focused on challenging outdated perceptions of Nigeria, highlighting its shift towards a high‑potential, reforming economy, and energising businesses around new commercial opportunities supported by an improving macroeconomic outlook.

It encouraged UK and Nigerian firms to recognise complementary strengths and pursue new partnerships, reinforcing the message that both countries are open for business and natural partners for growth.

Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said: “This trade mission is a clear signal of intent. As the first UK business delegation to Nigeria since the State Visit, it shows how we are turning strong political alignment into real commercial action and long‑term partnerships for businesses in both countries.

“By bringing together UK companies and Nigerian partners across priority sectors and working closely with DMA Invest and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, we are backing ambition with delivery and making clear that the UK is committed, engaged and ready to do business with Nigeria for the long term.”

Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, said: “This trade mission represents a timely and strategic step in translating the renewed momentum from the UK–Nigeria State Visit into tangible investment outcomes for Nigeria. At the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, we are focused on facilitating partnerships that align with our national priorities and unlock value across key sectors of the economy.

The strong interest from UK companies reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reforms and its position as a leading investment destination in Africa. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that these engagements result in sustainable investments, job creation, and inclusive economic growth for both countries.”

Ronald Chagoury Jr. Vice-Chairman of Hitech and ITB, said: “As long-standing investors and operators in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, Hitech and ITB are proud to support this UK–Nigeria Trade Mission and its focus on delivering tangible commercial outcomes.

“The successful close of a $1 billion ports transaction, backed by UK Export Finance, reflects both our execution capability and the strength of international partnerships when aligned with national priorities. We see this as a pivotal step in advancing Nigeria’s port infrastructure and a strong signal of confidence in the country’s reform agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.”

Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest, said: “This UK–Nigeria Trade Mission demonstrates the value of bringing government, investors and delivery partners together in a structured, deal-focused environment. Our role is to convene the right stakeholders and translate strategic alignment into practical commercial outcomes.

The quality of engagement across infrastructure, energy, finance and related sectors reflects the depth of opportunity in Nigeria and the UK’s commitment to long-term partnership. We are proud to have supported this mission alongside the UK Department for Business and Trade and NIPC, and to help accelerate conversations that move projects closer to investment and delivery.”

All 43 delegates from 30 British companies participated in the UK-Nigeria Business Forum alongside senior representatives from the UK and Nigerian Governments, Nigerian businesses and the wider private sector.

The forum provided a platform for direct engagement with Nigerian companies, practical discussions, relationship‑building and the exploration of new partnerships aligned with Nigeria’s reform‑driven priorities.

This mission marks an important step in deepening the UK-Nigeria economic partnership. By strengthening relationships, building confidence and supporting deal‑making, it ensures that the momentum from the State Visit continues to translate into sustained commercial outcomes, long‑term investment and shared growth.


Kindly share this post
Continue Reading

Trending