General News
Are inflationary pressures in Nigeria returning with a vengeance?
By Lukman Otunuga, Research Analyst at FXTM
The Naira has weakened against the Dollar in recent days on the parallel markets due to a combination of domestic and external factors.
An appreciating Dollar continues to weigh on the Naira while falling Oil prices are compounding downside pressures. Investors will be keeping a very close eye on Nigeria’s inflation figures today which may confirm whether inflationary pressures are making a return. Although the inflation figures are unlikely to impact the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) monetary policy decision this week, it could play a role in what steps are taken by the CBN during Q1 of 2019.
Dollar buoyed by safe-haven flows
Market caution has sent investors rushing to the Dollar which remains the go-to currency in times of uncertainty.
The Dollar Index is rebounding towards the 96.85 level as of writing and is likely to extend gains on expectations of a rate hike in December. While the short- to medium-term outlook for the Greenback remains heavily bullish, the longer-term view remains open to questions. Cautious comments from Fed officials last Friday have prompted investors to re-evaluate the central bank’s hiking path beyond 2019. A scenario where trade tensions negatively impact global growth and emerging markets crumble to an appreciating Dollar could force the Fed to slow down its monetary tightening cycle.
In regards to the technical perspective, a daily close above 96.68 may inspire a move higher towards 97.00 and 97.18.
Commodity spotlight – WTI Oil
The past two trading months have been unquestionably bearish for Oil markets due to ongoing supply and demand side concerns.
Rising global supply and worrying signs of slowing demand have been the key players behind Oil’s steep decline. Although Oil prices recently received a slight boost on speculation over OPEC cutting production by roughly 1 million to 1.4 million barrels per day in December, gains were capped by rising US Shale production and fears of global growth plateauing. With global inventories back on the rise and global supply outstripping demand, the underlying fundamentals point to further downside for Oil prices.
Currency spotlight – GBPUSD
Where the Pound concludes this year will be heavily dictated by how markets react to ongoing Brexit developments. The persistent uncertainty over Brexit talks and political instability in Westminster has clearly haunted investor attraction towards the Pound. The technical picture points in favour of the bears with weakness below 1.2910 opening a path back towards 1.2750.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has detained Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of defunct Skye Bank Plc, for alleged fraud involving N36.5 billion and $30 million.
Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of defunct Skye Bank Plc,
This follows the probe of alleged diversion of N36.5 billion and $30 million secured as loans from Polaris Bank Plc through companies linked to Ayeni.
He was arrested by EFCC operatives in Abuja on April 23, 2026, and is still been held in custody as at the time of filling the report.
Dele Oyewale, spokesperson, EFCC, confirmed the arrest on Friday but declined to provide further details.
Ayeni is under investigation for diverting funds obtained for marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate projects into other unknown projects.
Investigators allege the loans were instead channelled into telecom investments tied to NITEL/MTEL assets via a NATCOM account.
About 12 firms believed to be connected to Ayeni are also under investigation for their role in securing the loans.
The EFCC is expected to file charges once the investigation is concluded.
Summit Household Solutions Limited has opened its ultra-modern manufacturing facility in Ota, Ogun State, as part of its efforts to scale production of home and personal care products in Nigeria.
The plant, which started operations in April 2025, produces items such as dishwashing liquids, handwash, sanitisers and multipurpose liquid soaps, with an annual capacity estimated at 7,000 tonnes.
Commissioning the facility on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Investment, Mr Kehinde Akintomide, said the investment reflects growing confidence in Ogun State’s business environment.
He noted that the state hosts over 6,000 manufacturing firms and described the development as consistent with ongoing efforts to promote industrialisation, attract investment and reduce reliance on imports under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope initiative.
Akintomide disclosed that the factory has already employed more than 50 Nigerians, with projections to exceed 250 jobs as operations expand.
In his remarks, the General Manager of the company, Mr Sadiq Ali, said the facility represents a major step in Summit’s growth plans, adding that its flagship brand, 2Sure, currently leads production at the plant.
He also revealed that the company is preparing to introduce new home and personal care products later this year.
Summit Household Solutions manufactures the 2Sure brand and has expanded into the personal care segment with Lewar, a premium beauty soap line positioned for quality and affordability.
Among dignitaries present were the Onikotun of Otun, Ota, Oba Abdulakeem Odunaro, representing the Olota of Ota, Prof. Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege; the Agba Akin of Ota, Chief Dada Olusola; Director of Investment, Ms Yemisi Folarin; Director of Industrial Promotion, Mr Femi Adeboye; former Managing Director of 7Up Bottling Company, Mr Ziad Maalouf; and the Chief Executive Officer of OmniRetail, Mr Deepanker Rustagi.
Speaking at the event, Maalouf, who conceived the 2Sure brand during his time at 7Up Bottling Company, expressed satisfaction with its growth and commended Summit Solutions Limited for advancing the brand.
The special guests were conducted around the facility, and the programme was concluded with a luncheon.
The administration of Donald Trump has frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency allegedly linked to Iran, marking a sharp escalation in financial pressure on Tehran.
The move comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts and a fragile ceasefire in the region.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that authorities are sanctioning multiple crypto wallets tied to Iran. “We will follow the money that Tehran is desperately attempting to move outside of the country and target all financial lifelines tied to the regime,” he said.
Tether, which facilitated the transactions, said it worked with U.S. authorities to freeze the funds across two wallet addresses after receiving intelligence linked to unlawful activity.
A U.S. official said blockchain analysis revealed “material links” to the Iranian regime, including transactions routed through intermediary addresses connected to wallets associated with the Central Bank of Iran.
Responding to the development, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said the company does not tolerate illicit use of its stablecoin. “USD₮ is not a safe haven for illegal activity. When there is credible linkage to sanctioned entities or criminal networks, we act immediately,” he stated.
The crackdown underscores the growing reliance of sanctioned states on digital assets to bypass traditional banking restrictions. Data from Chainalysis shows Iran’s cryptocurrency holdings reached $7.8 billion in 2025, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly controlling about half.
Analysts say while the freeze is significant, Iran has historically adapted to sanctions. Daniel Tannebaum of the Atlantic Council noted that targeting third-party actors enabling such transactions may be key to increasing pressure.
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