Business

MTN Lose N400bn Earnings Over Naira Devaluation

Published

4 hours ago

March 5, 2025

A service provider giant, MTN Nigeria, has reported a N400.44bn loss after tax for the year ended December 31, 2024, as the devaluation of the naira drove up foreign exchange losses and weighed on the company’s earnings.

The loss, disclosed in the company’s audited financial statements released at the weekend, represents a 192 per cent increase from the N137.02bn loss recorded in 2023.

The operator, with over 80 million customers, said the sharp depreciation of the naira significantly impacted its foreign exchange exposure, with forex losses surging to N925bn from N740bn in the previous year.

The Naira depreciated to N1,535/$ by the end of 2024 from N907/$1 as of December 31, 2023, MTN noted.

Despite the result, the telco’s revenue rose by 36 per cent to N3.36tn in 2024, up from N2.47tn in the previous year, driven by continued demand for data and digital services.

Part of the report stated, “Forex losses arising from the revaluation of foreign currency-denominated obligations resulted in a loss after tax of N400.4bn (2023: N137 billion loss), albeit with a positive result in Q4 (PAT of N114.5bn).

“Consequently, we reported negative retained earnings of N607.5bn (December 2023: negative N208bn), which was an improvement from the June 2024 balance of N727.2bn.”

Operating profit, the profit from the company’s core business activities, stood at N778.2bn, representing a marginal increase of 0.46 per cent from N774.6bn in the previous year. However, the gains were wiped out by forex losses.

MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola, said, “We are encouraged by the resilience of our business in FY 2024, which reflects our strong commitment to driving growth and managing costs.

“Despite facing significant macroeconomic headwinds, including record-high inflation, as well as ongoing currency and energy price volatility, we remained focused on executing our strategy and creating long-term value for our stakeholders.

“We are grateful to the authorities for the recent approval of tariff adjustments, which are essential for our industry’s sustainability and crucial for addressing our negative capital position.”

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc was incorporated on November 8, 2000, as a private limited liability company.

It was granted a licence by the Nigerian Communications Commission on February 9, 2001, to undertake the business of building and operating GSM cellular network systems and other related services nationwide in Nigeria.

The company commenced operations on August 8, 2001.

Business

NIMASA Commits To Creating Enabling Environment For Maritime Business

Published

3 hours ago

March 5, 2025

The Tide

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has affirmed that it is taking strategic steps to enhance local participation and encourage investment in the maritime sector under the supervision of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who disclosed this recently while receiving the Executive Members of the Nigerian Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to fostering a level playing field and creating an enabling environment for businesses in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Dr. Mobereola revealed that NIMASA is deepening its collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) to explore policies that will boost indigenous involvement and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime sector.

“The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy is committed to encouraging indigenous players to invest more in Nigeria’s maritime industry. Issues such as national carriers and trade terms remain top priorities under this administration.

“Our focus is to create an enabling environment where private investors can thrive. In this regard, we have initiated discussions with the NCDMB and NNPC Limited to address these critical matters”, he stated.

He said NIMASA remains committed to fostering strategic partnerships that will enhance local investment, create jobs, and drive sustainable growth in the maritime sector.

In response, Comrade John Aleakhue Okpono, Secretary General of the Merchant Navy Officers and Water Transport Senior Staff Association, emphasized the need for closer collaboration between NIMASA and the Merchant Navy.

He also urged the Agency to review waiver clauses to ensure more opportunities for Nigerian seafarers.

Stories by Nkpemenyie Mcdominic, Lagos

Business

FG Inaugurates Special Committee Against Boat Accident

Published

3 hours ago

March 5, 2025

The Tide

Towards enhancing safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated a Special Committee on the Prevention of Boat Mishaps in Nigeria.

According to a statement on by the spokesman, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Suleiman Makama, the event, which was held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, confirmed crucial steps taken to address the recurring challenges of boat accidents across the country.

In his address, the Honourable Minister emphasized the urgent need to stem the tide of tragic boat mishaps, which have resulted in significant loss of lives and properties.

He described the country’s waterways as vital to commerce, transportation, and livelihoods, stressing that their safety and efficiency are paramount to the development of Nigeria’s blue economy.

He noted that the establishment of this committee aligns with the 2024 International World Maritime Day theme, “Navigating the Future: Safety First”.

“The task before us is daunting, but with unwavering commitment, we can eliminate boat mishaps and ensure that our waterways remain safe, navigable, and prosperous for generations to come”, Oyetola stated.

The committee comprises key stakeholders, including state government representatives, the Association of Boat Operators in Nigeria, marine safety experts, and academics.

It will be chaired by the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, while Mr. Adams Offie, Deputy Director of Inland Waterways at the Ministry, will serve as Secretary.

The committee is tasked with conducting an in-depth review of commercial boat operations in Nigeria, identifying the root causes of boat mishaps, and proposing sustainable solutions.

In his acceptance speech on behalf of the committee, Oyebamiji assured the Minister on the dedication of members to deliver on the assignment.

He emphasized that safety on Nigeria’s inland waterways is non-negotiable, adding that NIWA, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, has been refocused to uphold its mandate without compromise.

Acknowledging the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for his proactive leadership, Oyebamiji noted that the establishment of the committee represents a critical step in addressing the persistent safety challenges in inland water transport.

“This is another solution-driven initiative aimed at eliminating boat mishaps on our waterways. I assure you that the confidence reposed in this committee will not be misplaced.

“At NIWA, this is an opportunity for us to intensify our efforts in reducing marine accidents to the barest minimum. On behalf of my fellow committee members, we pledge to work diligently and with utmost focus on the assigned terms of reference.

“Safety on our inland waterways is non-negotiable. NIWA has been refocused to ensure the highest safety standards, and this committee will work diligently to address the causes of boat mishaps and find lasting solutions,” Oyebamiji said.

The committee has been tasked with evaluating the root causes of boat accidents and recommending lasting solutions to enhance safety and operational standards.

Business

LASG Arrests Illegal Dredgers … Issues Stop Work Order

Published

3 hours ago

March 5, 2025

The Tide

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, has launched a massive clampdown on illegal dredgers operating in the State, ordering them to stop work immediately.

This exercise, which was carried out by the officials of the Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, is aimed at curbing environmental degradation and promoting sustainable development across the waterfront schemes located across the coastal regions of the metropolis.

According to a statement, the enforcement operation, led by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Hon. Ekundayo Alebiosu, alongside members of his team, raided several illegal dredging sites which were subsequently shut down by the officials of the Ministry.

Some suspected dredging operators were arrested and a stop-work order was served on erring dredgers for non-compliance with laid-down regulations of the State Government.

Alebiosu warned the operators that failure to comply with extant laws guiding dredging activities could have dire effects and will result in severe penalties, including total closure of the sites.

Reacting to the claim that Dredgers are the major cause of environmental degradation in the state, including erosion and flooding, the Commissioner emphasised the need for dredging activities to be conducted lawfully to preserve roads, public infrastructure, and wetlands.

He explained that the State Government has vowed to streamline the activities of dredgers in the state to meet acceptable international standards.

“The Lagos State Government’s clampdown on illegal dredgers is a significant step towards protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development in the state.

“We will continue to carry out surveillance and raids across the coastal areas to ensure that the activities of a few don’t impact the lives of law-abiding citizens negatively”, Alebiosu stated.