Business
Afreximbank Provides $650m for Oando’s Acquisition of Nigerian Agip Oil Company
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has announced its role in providing a substantial $650 million in financing for Oando’s acquisition of a full 100% stake in the Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited (NAOC).
This financial backing was crucial in enabling Oando, one of Nigeria’s leading energy firms, to complete the acquisition.
In a statement released on Friday, Afreximbank detailed the breakdown of the funding, which consisted of a senior $500 million loan and a junior $150 million reserve-based lending facility.
These funds were secured to support Oando Petroleum and Natural Gas Company Limited in purchasing the 20% participating interest held by NAOC in the NEPL/NAOC/Oando Joint Venture, a key asset in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Oando had earlier confirmed the successful completion of the acquisition in a statement released on Thursday, marking it as a significant achievement for the company.
“Today represents a historic milestone for Oando Plc, as we officially announce the completion of our agreement with Eni for the acquisition of 100% of the shares in Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited,” the statement read.
The acquisition solidifies Oando’s position in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, granting the company more control over vital assets in the NEPL/NAOC/Oando Joint Venture.
Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President for the Global Trade Bank, Haytham Elmaayergi, highlighted the importance of the bank’s involvement in the deal.
He emphasized that the funding represents a key element of Afreximbank’s broader strategy to promote local participation in Africa’s oil and gas sector.
“By facilitating the acquisition of major energy assets by an indigenous company like Oando, the bank is contributing to economic empowerment, fostering regional trade, and supporting the sustainable development of Africa’s natural resources,” Elmaayergi stated.
The deal reflects a growing trend towards strengthening local ownership of critical energy assets within Africa, which aligns with long-term goals of boosting economic growth, enhancing local expertise, and promoting sustainable energy development across the continent.
Oando’s acquisition of NAOC is expected to have significant implications for both Nigeria’s oil production capacity and the overall landscape of Africa’s energy industry.
Bitcoin has fallen below $63,000, reaching its lowest level since October 2024 amid weakening investor confidence and increased volatility in the cryptocurrency market.
According to CoinMarketCap data, Bitcoin dropped 13.9 per cent to $62,965 as of 10:20 p.m. on Thursday. The decline comes after months of downward movement, with the cryptocurrency now more than 45 per cent below its October peak.
Ethereum also recorded a sharp decline, falling 13 per cent to $1,863, while the global cryptocurrency market capitalisation dropped to $2.19 trillion.
Analysts reportedly linked the latest decline to a broader sell-off in US technology stocks, which has also affected other risk assets. Bitcoin had reached an all-time high of more than $125,000 on October 5 before falling sharply in the days that followed, highlighting the continued volatility in the crypto market.
Businessman Aliko Dangote has explained why he believes Nigerians should participate in the ownership of his refinery by purchasing shares.
He was asked by singer Davido why Nigerians should participate, and Dangote explained that the initiative would help spread wealth and prosperity across Africa.
“Well, it’s very important because that is the only way to spread prosperity and wealth throughout Africa. And like I said, this is not going to be the first and the last. We will continue with even our fertilizer. By the time we finish listing, every single one will own part of our businesses and we will create a pool of cash…”
He explained that the goal is to create opportunities for more Nigerians to own a stake in the businesses and help spread wealth across the country.
Aliko Dangote speaks on his lineage and addresses not having a son as he was asked about not having a son to carry his name and achievements.
“That is not my priority because God controls everything. You can pray for God to give you a son, but he might be the one to take down the name of the family.”
Instead, he shared that he does not mind not having a son. “I don’t think a son would have done better than the three daughters I have.”
Aside from that, he was also asked about giving advice to young Nigerians. “Work hard, be consistent, focused and know what you want to do.”
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