Business

Afreximbank Returns to International Markets, Raises Over $800m

Published

1 month ago

April 10, 2026

Preport

BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—-The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has disclosed that it successfully raised over $800 million in international capital markets in 2025, despite earlier concerns flagged by global credit rating agencies.

In a statement released on Thursday detailing its 2025 financial performance, the bank said the funds were mobilised through Samurai bonds issued in Japan and Panda bonds issued in China, underscoring its diversified funding strategy across key global debt markets.

Afreximbank noted that the transactions reflect strong investor demand and reaffirm its access to cross-border debt capital markets, even amid heightened scrutiny from rating institutions.

According to the bank, the successful issuances demonstrate its funding resilience, credit market credibility, and sustained investor confidence, despite prevailing macroeconomic and rating pressures.

“Contrary to concerns raised by some rating agencies during the year, the Bank accessed international bond markets by successfully raising over $800 million from Japan and China through Samurai and Panda bond issuances in 2025,” the statement said.

It added that the transactions highlight the institution’s robust balance sheet structure and strong market positioning as a pan-African multilateral development finance institution.

Afreximbank further emphasized that the capital raise reinforces its mandate to support trade finance, liquidity provision, and economic development across Africa, while strengthening its long-term funding base and financial sustainability.

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Business

FAAN announces additional health screening measures, enhanced Ebola surveillance at Nigerian airports

Published

3 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Preport

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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured travellers and other airport users that enhanced health surveillance measures have been activated across the country’s international airports following renewed Ebola concerns in parts of Central Africa.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, FAAN said the measures were introduced in collaboration with Port Health Services, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other relevant agencies to strengthen preparedness and prevent possible health risks.

According to the authority, surveillance and passenger monitoring have been intensified, particularly for travellers arriving from high-risk regions.

“Passengers are being screened for symptoms associated with Ebola, and any suspected case will be promptly isolated and subjected to secondary health checks in line with established national and international health protocols,” the statement said.

FAAN noted that additional emergency response procedures have also been reinforced while airport personnel have undergone increased sensitisation as part of precautionary efforts.

The authority stressed that there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria but said it remains vigilant in safeguarding public health and ensuring safe airport operations.

“FAAN remains vigilant and fully committed to safeguarding public health and maintaining safe airport operations,” the agency stated.

READ ALSO: FAAN nabs four unauthorised persons at Akure airport

Passengers were also advised to remain calm, cooperate with health screening procedures and report any symptoms to health officials at the airports.

The development comes as health authorities across parts of Africa continue to monitor Ebola-related concerns and strengthen border surveillance to prevent cross-border transmission.

Nigeria’s aviation and health authorities have previously activated similar emergency screening measures during periods of global and regional disease outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and earlier Ebola scares.

Business

Inspen Retirement summit for informal sector workers holds Today

Published

9 hours ago

May 20, 2026

Preport

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How to transition informal sector workers from “daily survival” to a life of “structured retirement” through insurance and pension instruments is the question experts will be providing answers to at the 2026 Inspenonline Retirement Summit holding tomorrow.

The summit, which is the third edition in the series, is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) House, Plot A2, Hakeem Balogun Street, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, starting at 9:00am prompt.

According to the Promoter of the summit, who is also the Publisher of Inspenonline, Chuks Udo Okonta, the event addresses a critical gap in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem: the vulnerability of the informal sector.
With over 90 per cent of the workforce operating outside formal structures, Okonta noted that the summit serves as a strategic roadmap to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their employment status, can retire with dignity and financial security.

He said the summit aims to bridge the financial inclusion gap by exploring how the Personal Pension Plan (PPP) and various Life Insurance products can be tailored to the irregular income streams of informal workers to ensure they save towards a comfortable life in retirement.

Dignitaries already lined up to brainstorm at the event include the Chairman of STI Leasing Limited, Tom Ogboi, who will preside as the Chairman of the event.

The Commissioner for Insurance, Olusegun Omosehin, and the Director General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, are expected as the Special Guests of Honour.

The Keynote Address will be delivered by the Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, who will provide economic perspectives on integrating the informal sector into the national financial safety net.
Other prominent industry captains confirmed for the summit are: the Director-General, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA), Mrs. Bola Odukale; Chief Executive Officer, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), Anthonia Ifeanyi-Okoro; President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Mrs. Ekeoma Ezeibe; and the National President, Association of Registered Insurance Agents (ARIA), Mayowa Olatubosun.
A robust panel session has also been curated to dissect the practicalities of pension and insurance adoption for informal workers.

The paper discussants include: the National President, Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria (ASBON), Dr. Femi Egbesola; Managing Director, Coronation Life Assurance Limited, Adebowale Adesona; Managing Director, Leadway Pensure Limited, Olusakin Labeodan; and the Chairperson, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Chapter, Comrade Funmi Sessi.

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