The Federal Government has been urged to empower the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to regulate port operations. Mr Lucky Amiwero, President, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, made the suggestion weekend in Lagos.

The new requirement by financial regulators across the globe as a result of the impact of the global financial crisis on economies is generating heated debate and controversies. Specifically the requirement that bank loans be measured on the balance sheet at fair value is said to be a profound change that will affect the balance sheet of banks and financial institution if adopted.

Custodian and Allied Insurance Plc recorded a gross profit of N2.02 billion for the year ended 31st December, 2009. The company’s gross premium increased by 29 per cent from N4.1billion in December, 2008 to N5.3billion in 2009.

Mr Guo Kun, the Consul General, Consulate of the Peoples Republic of China, says China has invested $7.24 billion (more than N1 trillion) in Nigeria. Kun disclosed in Lagos that some of the investments went into the Lekki Free Trade Zone. Besides, he said that the investment had helped to create more than 30, 000 jobs for Nigerians.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has called on the federal government to deplore resources at its disposal to redevelop the country’s mortgage scheme to become more effective in making housing more accessible to Nigerians.

The first year of Sanusi as CBN Governor has witnessed a renewed attempt to stimulate real sector financing by banks. Past attempts in this regard by previous CBN Governor produced little or no result hence lending to the real sector remains below 30 per cent of total lending to the economy.

As the deadline for the implementation of the planned categorisation of banks in the country by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) draws nearer, Union Bank Nigeria Plc has said that it will maintain its present status and will remain an international and universal bank with presence in all the nooks and crannies of the country and beyond the shores of Nigeria.

It is common knowledge that some businesses or jobs are naturally the preserve of the male folks due to the strenuous work involved. It is therefore a surprise when women decide to take on such jobs or businesses and have to compete with their male counterparts. One of such jobs is riding commercial motorcycles, popularly known as okada.

The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Lagos Chapter in collaboration with The Quadrant Company (TQC) have instituted an executive training programme for corporate businesses, in media relations, digital Public Relations, consumer and corporate communications.

Movement of interbank interest rates will be mixed this week due to further outflow through Treasury bills and foreign exchange funding, and a possible injection through statutory allocation funds. Last week, rates at the Inter-bank money market was relatively low in the week, averaging 1.000% until the last trading day.