Nigeria News Digest: September 1, 2025

Tinubu’s anti‑inflation policy seeks to anchor expectations and strengthen real purchasing power, but it may dampen short‑term demand. Proponents argue that sustained inflation control over a decade can restore confidence, raise real incomes and stimulate domestic demand. The Central Bank has struggled to keep domestic liquidity aligned with its price‑stability mandate.

The government’s debt management office closed an August 2025 sovereign bond auction that raised N200 bn, consisting of two tranches of N100 bn each for 2030 and 2032 issues. The offering attracted strong demand, producing a bid‑to‑cover ratio of 1, reflecting a cautious approach to yield management.

Stanbic IBTC Bank’s Purchasing Managers’ Index for August held at 54.2, marking the ninth consecutive month above 50 and signalling continued growth. Output and new orders climbed to four‑ and 19‑month highs, while price indices eased for the fourth month in a row.

The federal government has yet to roll out the capital component of the 2025 national budget, sparking concerns about fiscal discipline and infrastructure delivery. Economists and labour groups criticized the delay and called for reforms, warning that late implementation undermines predictability and poverty‑reduction efforts.

Nationwide petrol sales fell 28 % over the past two years, leaving fuel station attendants with fewer customers. Even though some stations offer lower prices, consumers often decide on fuel before arriving, leading to idle pumps.

IITA director general Simeon Ehui noted that Africa imports roughly $50 bn of food each year and urged investment in science‑driven agriculture to tackle food insecurity. He called for increased research and development to improve the continent’s food system and lift farmers’ livelihoods.

Cutix Plc’s first‑quarter 2025 profit fell 81 % to N56.9 m, down from N306 m the previous year. Total assets rose 34 % to N10.99 bn while liabilities surged 73 % to N6.9 bn, and the share price dropped 24 % to 390 kobo.

Union Bank of Nigeria completed its merger with Titan Trust Bank after Central Bank approval, consolidating Titan’s assets into the 108‑year‑old institution. The combined bank will operate 293 branches and 937 ATMs, retaining customers’ account details and expanding digital services.

Lafarge Africa commissioned its Freedom Plant, a new ready‑mix facility in Lekki, Lagos, adding three silos to extend capacity. The plant aims to boost production, improve customer service, and support Nigeria’s construction demand, while the company emphasizes innovation, sustainability, and job creation.