A declining trend was recorded in the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, last week, as equities’ value, represented by the market capitalisation dipped by N16.48 billion. Specifically, the capitalisation shed 0.23 per cent to close at N7.268 trillion from N7.285 trillion at which it opened the week. Another key performance indicator, the All-share index dropped by 0.23 per cent or 621.89 basis points to close at 22,724.02 points from 22,775.55 points.

Stanbic IBTC Bank indicated its intention to compete for market share in the retail segment of the market by rolling out an aggressive branch expansion programme, which resulted to opening of 80 branches last year. In this interview, JACQUES TROOST, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PERSONAL AND BUSINESS BANKING (PBB) for the bank explains the philosophy behind the banks entry into the retail segment

The consolidation in the Nigerian banking sector is likely to shift to the telecommunication industry in the next 12 months.

In the wake of the Central Bank’s pseudo liberalization of dollar supply to the foreign exchange market, naira rate tumbled from over N140=$1 to today’s rate of about N130=$1 in the black market, leaving a spread of just about N2 from the official rate.

The United States Consulate-General, Lagos has unveiled an initiative to support the efforts of government to tackle the menace of unemployment among youths in the country.

The Chemical and Allied Products (CAP) Plc, marker of Dulux paints has reiterated its commitment to providing customers with high quality paints that not only allows consumers to fully express themselves in colours, but also in creativity, as it showcases colour centre.

For insurance professionals with an eye on other industries, such as banking and financial services, this can be frustrating. “The insurance industry is significantly more regulated than the banking sector everywhere in the world,” said Edward Woods.

The Central of Nigeria (CBN) has established a team to develop measures on how to respond to the impact of the global debt crisis on Nigeria.

Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Ms. Amal Pepple, has taken the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON) to task over the spate of building collapse in the country, urging them to provide solution to the menace.

The federal government is committed to reviewing the National Housing Policy (NHP) to meet international standards.