General News
Nigeria PMI’s Under the Radar, Bitcoin Rallies
By Lukman Otunuga, FXTM Research Analyst,
The major risk event for the Nigerian economy will be the Manufacturing and Non-Manufacturing PMI reports for March that are being released on Wednesday and which should offer fresh insight into the health of the nation’s economy.
Manufacturing PMI is projected to rise to 57.6 in March, while Non-Manufacturing will rise to 59.0 during the same month. A steady expansion in both PMI reports is likely to boost confidence over Nigeria’s economic recovery as the second quarter of 2019 gets underway.
Bitcoin back in the limelight as prices surge above $5000
Bitcoin was one of the main talking points across financial markets today after suddenly climbing to its highest level since November 2018 above $5000.
While sudden and explosive swings are nothing new in the world of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin has certainly struggled for direction in recent months as investors evaluated the possibility of its adoption by the mainstream. Although the reason behind Bitcoin’s aggressive 23% jump remains a mystery, it does suggest that bulls could be back in town. In regards to the technical picture, BTCUSD turned bullish on the daily charts after prices rallied from $4200 to just above $5100. With prices trading above the 200 Simple Moving Average and the MACD trading to the upside, lagging indicators suggest that Bitcoin has the potential to push higher. A solid daily close above $5000 will be needed to seal the deal for bulls. Alternatively, if $5000 proves to be a reliable resistance, Bitcoin has scope to retest $4500.
Currency spotlight – GBPUSD
Sterling remained bruised and depressed on Tuesday after UK lawmakers rejected all alternative Brexit options for a second time.
This unfavorable development has created another element of uncertainty and confusion over Brexit at a time where investors are desperately seeking clarity. The United Kingdom now has until April 12 to either seek a longer extension from the EU, agree on an alternative Brexit plan or leave the EU without a deal in place. Market fears of the UK crashing out of the EU with no deal is likely to weigh heavily on the Pound and this was reflected in the GBPUSD.
Taking a look at the technical picture, the GBPUSD is coming under pressure on the weekly charts. A breakdown below 1.3000 is seen opening a path lower towards the 1.2890 regions.
USDZAR hovers above 14.14
The Rand entered the second quarter of 2019 on a firm footing after Moody’s delayed its credit rate decision on South Africa. Positive data from the United States and China also supported appetite for emerging market currencies, with the Rand falling into this category.
Although the local currency weakened on Tuesday, this has more to do with an appreciating Dollar rather than a change in overall sentiment. If risk sentiment continues to improve on easing global growth fears and domestic data shows signs of stabilizing, the Rand has the potential appreciate against the Dollar.
In regards to the technical picture, the USDZAR is likely to test 14.00 if the 14.14 level is conquered.
Commodity spotlight – Gold
An appreciating Dollar and improvement in risk sentiment have reduced appetite for safe-haven Gold.
Positive economic data from China and the United States has eased investor concerns over slowing global growth, with equities and riskier assets back in focus. While Gold has the potential to sink further in the near term, the medium to longer term outlook remains in favor of bulls. Geopolitical risks in the form of Brexit, uncertainty over US-China trade talks and a dovish Federal Reserve are likely to continue supporting Gold. Focusing on the technical picture, the precious metal is likely to test $1280 in the near term. For bulls to jump back into the game, prices need to break back above the psychological $1300 level.
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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