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We will prioritise People with ₦50,000 and below, says Dangote as Refinery IPO draws close

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring broad-based participation in the Dangote Refinery Initial Public Offering (IPO), announcing that investors applying with ₦50,000 and below will receive priority consideration as the company seeks to democratise ownership of one of Africa's most significant industrial assets.
Dangote made the declaration during the final leg of the nationwide IPO roadshow held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where investors, financial market experts, business leaders and other stakeholders gathered to discuss the investment opportunity and its implications for Nigeria's economic transformation.
Speaking at the event, Dangote emphasised that the IPO should be viewed not merely as an investment opportunity, but as a chance for Nigerians to become shareholders in a landmark enterprise that is reshaping the country's industrial landscape.
"We will prioritise people with ₦50,000 and below," Dangote stated, underscoring the Group's determination to make the offering accessible to small and medium-scale investors across the country.
He noted that while international and African investors had already committed substantial capital to the refinery, the IPO now offers Nigerians a rare opportunity to participate directly in the ownership of a world-class industrial project built on Nigerian soil.
According to him, investing in the refinery goes beyond financial returns, representing a vote of confidence in Nigeria's future, institutional development, corporate governance standards and industrial capacity.
"African investors have invested in this refinery. Now it is time for Nigerians to invest in themselves and participate in a project that is creating value, jobs and opportunities for generations to come," he said.
Dangote also encouraged prospective shareholders to adopt a long-term investment perspective, noting that participation in the IPO presents a pathway to wealth creation, portfolio diversification and increased public engagement with the capital market.
He added that wider participation in the stock market would deepen financial literacy, promote a savings and investment culture, and enable more Nigerians to better understand how businesses create value and contribute to economic growth.
The roadshow also featured insightful presentations from leading economists and market analysts on the refinery's economic significance and the broader opportunities associated with the public offering.
Renowned economist Bismarck Rewane highlighted the enormous economic potential of the South-South region and stressed the need to convert the area's resource endowment into sustainable prosperity, infrastructure development and improved living standards. He also noted that the IPO presents an opportunity to deepen Nigeria's capital market by encouraging citizens to participate actively in wealth creation.
Similarly, economist, Muda Yusuf outlined the refinery's far-reaching impact on economic diversification, domestic value addition, energy security, capital formation and employment generation. According to Yusuf, the refinery represents far more than a petroleum-processing facility, serving as a catalyst for growth across multiple sectors including petrochemicals, packaging, manufacturing, logistics and other downstream industries.
He further emphasised that policy consistency, regulatory stability and sustained stakeholder engagement remain critical to maintaining investor confidence and attracting long-term capital into Nigeria's industrial sector.
Speaking on the investment outlook, stakeholders urged prospective investors to consider the company's operational performance, valuation metrics and long-term fundamentals when evaluating the offer.
Yusuf also described the refinery as a major example of domestic value addition, noting that its extensive local content and industrial linkages would significantly amplify its contribution to the Nigerian economy.
Discussions at the event further highlighted the importance of sound monetary policy, affordable financing and a predictable business environment in supporting investment-led growth and industrial expansion.
The Port Harcourt engagement was particularly significant for the South-South region, with legal luminary and business leader Paul Usoro expressing satisfaction at the level of participation from investors across the region.
"My joy is to see the South-South well represented," Usoro said, stressing the importance of ensuring that investors from the region take advantage of the opportunity presented by the IPO.
The Port Harcourt event marked the final stop of the nationwide IPO roadshow, concluding a series of engagements designed to deepen public awareness and expand participation in what is widely regarded as one of the most significant capital market offerings in Nigeria's history.
For Dangote Group, the objective remains clear: to provide Nigerians from all backgrounds with an opportunity to participate in the ownership of a transformative industrial enterprise while contributing to economic growth, employment generation and national development.
Credit Dangote Group PR

We will prioritise People with ₦50,000 and below, says Dangote as Refinery IPO draws close
Economy
15-Oct-2026

How Nigerians Abroad can grow Wealth at Home

A Nigerian professional in London closes her laptop after another workday. In Toronto, a family reviews its financial plans for the next few years. In Houston, an entrepreneur considers what to do with money set aside for a future commitment in Nigeria.
Their circumstances may differ, but they face a similar financial decision. If the money will not be needed immediately, should it remain idle, or can it be positioned to earn a return.
This question is becoming more important as the Nigerian diaspora market grows beyond traditional remittances.

World Bank data put personal remittances received by Nigeria at approximately 22.8 billion US dollars in 2025, equivalent to about 7.8 percent of Gross Domestic Product. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria also show that workers remittances reached 5.24 billion US dollars in the third quarter of 2025.

These figures highlight the scale and resilience of financial inflows from Nigerians living abroad. They also point to a broader opportunity for diaspora wealth management, foreign currency savings and long-term financial planning.

From Diaspora Remittances to Wealth Creation

For many years, conversations about diaspora banking focused primarily on how Nigerians abroad could send money home quickly and securely. That remains important, but the financial needs of diaspora customers are becoming more sophisticated.

Nigerians abroad are saving, acquiring assets, funding businesses, planning education, preparing for retirement and meeting family obligations in Nigeria. Many also maintain balances in different currencies and require banking solutions that can help them preserve value, earn competitive returns and remain financially connected to Nigeria.

A customer earning in US dollars may prefer to retain part of those funds in dollars. Another customer may be building a Naira balance for a property purchase, school fees, business investment or family commitment. Some customers may want to place funds for 30 days, while others may be planning six months or one year ahead.

These changing priorities are shaping demand for diaspora investment opportunities and flexible fixed deposit accounts in Nigeria.

Fidelity Bank Diaspora Fixed Deposit

The refreshed Fidelity Bank Diaspora Fixed Deposit proposition responds to this evolving market.

The proposition is built around a practical financial principle. Money being held for a future purpose can still have an opportunity to grow before it is needed.

Eligible Fidelity Bank diaspora customers can place funds in Naira, US Dollars, British Pounds or Euros. This gives customers the flexibility to select a currency that aligns with their income, financial commitments and future plans.

Naira fixed deposit placements are available for 30, 60, 90, 180 and 365 days. US Dollar, British Pound and Euro placements are available for 30, 60, 90 and 180 days.

The available currency and tenor options allow customers to match their fixed deposit placements with the purpose and timing of their financial goals.

Competitive Fixed Deposit Rates for Nigerians Abroad

The Fidelity Bank Diaspora Fixed Deposit proposition offers up to 12.5 percent per annum on eligible Naira fixed deposits and up to 7 percent per annum on eligible US Dollar fixed deposits. Applicable rates depend on the approved deposit amount and tenor.

Rates for British Pound and Euro fixed deposits are determined according to the applicable amount and tenor. Pricing for qualifying US Dollar placements above 10 million US dollars may also be negotiated, subject to Treasury approval.

The potential return gives Nigerians abroad a compelling reason to review how their savings and foreign currency balances are being managed.

However, the proposition extends beyond interest rates. It combines competitive returns, multiple currency options, flexible tenors and direct support from the Fidelity Diaspora Banking team.

The relevant financial planning question is therefore straightforward. Which deposit option best fits the amount available, the preferred currency and the date the funds will be needed.

This approach turns a conventional fixed deposit decision into a more deliberate diaspora wealth management strategy.

Flexible Multi Currency Banking Across Borders

Managing money in Nigeria from another country can become complicated when customers need support with account opening, documentation, account funding or fixed deposit instructions.

The Fidelity Diaspora Banking team supports eligible customers through the relevant stages, including enquiries, account opening, funding and fixed deposit placement.

This service is valuable for customers whose financial lives span several countries. Income may be earned in London, Toronto, Houston or another international location, while family responsibilities, property investments, education plans, business interests or retirement goals remain in Nigeria.

A diaspora banking relationship that understands these cross-border realities can help customers make more purposeful decisions about funds that might otherwise remain idle.

Building Wealth Beyond Remittances

In March 2026, the Central Bank of Nigeria introduced additional measures aimed at deepening diaspora remittances and improving transparency in international money transfer operations.

As formal diaspora inflows expand, banks have an opportunity to help Nigerians abroad move beyond transferring money to managing, preserving and growing their wealth.

The refreshed Fidelity Bank Diaspora Fixed Deposit proposition supports this transition by giving eligible customers the opportunity to retain funds in a preferred currency, select a suitable tenor and earn a return on balances reserved for future use.

For Nigerians abroad, the benefits are clear. They can maintain a strong financial connection with Nigeria, retain control over their preferred currency and position eligible balances to earn competitive returns.

Individual financial plans will differ, but the underlying principle remains the same. Money being kept for tomorrow can still be positioned to grow today.

With Fidelity Diaspora Banking, customers can explore opportunities to grow their money across borders.

Rates are per annum and are subject to applicable taxes, Treasury confirmation, market conditions and approval. Terms and conditions apply.
Credit Fidelity Bank PR

How Nigerians Abroad can grow Wealth at Home
Back Page
15-Oct-2026

Why I brought External Members into MPC - CBN Governor

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso has reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to building a credible, independent and transparent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

Cardoso said this on Thursday at the ongoing IMF/World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.

The governor, who spoke on how Central Banks Decide: “Committee Decisions- Making and Communication” in an Era of Uncertainty, stressed that the committee’s decisions were informed by rigorous debates, diverse perspectives and integrity.

Cardoso said ensuring the independence of external members and encouraging open discussions among committee members were critical to strengthening public and investor confidence in the bank’s monetary policy decisions.

The governor said the appointment of recognised, independent-minded external members to the MPC was a deliberate step towards reducing groupthink and improving the quality of policy deliberations.

He noted that external members brought perspectives different from those of internal members, who were more closely involved in the bank’s daily operations and had regular access to its data.

Cardoso said the diversity of views had strengthened discussions within the committee, adding that members were encouraged to question existing assumptions and contribute independent assessments before decisions were reached.

“I just want to emphasise something here once again. You see, for us, we were coming in at a time of crisis, and I am not just saying this as a cliché or anything like that.

“But the actions that we have taken post that time were essential to create the credibility of the Monetary Policy Committee and the central bank.

“So that’s really the background we have come from to ensure that we have another chance at building up a monetary policy committee that has credibility and to ensure that once they take decisions, there are decisions that are credible.”

Addressing concerns about the influence of his position as CBN governor on internal committee members, Cardoso said he did not hold separate meetings with them to reach conclusions ahead of formal MPC meetings.

“I don’t do that. All the data is given out to members in advance to allow them to examine the information, ask questions and conduct their own analysis before deliberations begin.”

He added that the committee had a strong secretariat to respond to members’ inquiries and support their assessment of policy options.

On ensuring that external members had access to resources comparable to those available to internal members, Cardoso said the bank provided support to external members.

According to him, the bank also allows them to engage specialists from outside the institution when necessary.

He said the CBN also organised retreats and other engagements outside the formal MPC meeting cycle, sometimes involving experts from other central banks, to strengthen members’ understanding of monetary policy challenges and international experiences.

Cardoso explained that external members were involved from the early stages of the bank’s transition towards inflation targeting rather than being brought into the process only when decisions were ready to be taken.

He said transparency remained central to rebuilding the credibility of both the MPC and the CBN, adding that external members sometimes questioned why certain information had not been made available to the public.

On monetary policy communication, Cardoso said the bank’s approach was to explain the economic conditions and policy considerations underpinning its decisions, particularly when those decisions surprised financial markets.

He cited improved coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities, an agreement to strengthen cooperation between both sides, and greater clarity in overnight financing rates as measures that had supported the effectiveness of monetary policy.

Cardoso also pointed to Nigeria’s improved external reserves, which he said had reached their highest level in 18 years at the time of the decision under discussion, alongside a sustained decline in inflation and continued economic growth.

He said the CBN’s engagement with the media following MPC meetings helped explain the rationale behind policy decisions and enabled market participants to understand the broader economic context.

Cardoso maintained that credibility was essential for managing market expectations, arguing that confidence was built when investors consistently observed an institution making sound decisions and communicating them clearly.

He said the ultimate objective was to establish a monetary policy committee whose decisions were trusted because they were based on independent judgment, transparency and robust deliberation. 

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline

Why I brought External Members into MPC - CBN Governor
Economy
15-Oct-2026

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