Business
UK Appoints New Country Director To Lead UK Nigeria Trade And Investment Relations
The United Kingdom has appointed Mark Smithson as the new country director for the Department of Business and Trade in Nigeria.
In this role, Smithson will be responsible for leading trade and investment relations between the UK and Nigeria, with the goal of increasing investment and trade between the two nations.
Smithson, who has experience in both the UK and abroad, will work to support market access and trade policy priorities in addition to his other responsibilities.
The new country director expressed his excitement about his new role and the potential for growth between the two nations. He stated that he is eager to work with the Nigerian government, the private sector, and the UK supply chain to seize the opportunities this partnership offers.
Prior to his appointment, Smithson led the Department of Business and Trade’s capital investment agenda in London, where he focused on large corporations in Europe and the US, as well as institutional investors in Southeast Asia.
He has also served as the head of the Consular Section at the British Consulate General in Barcelona, Spain, and the head of Consular Services at the British Consulate General in Miami.
The UK has also appointed John Humphrey as the trade commissioner for Africa, who will work closely with ambassadors, high commissioners, and the wider diplomatic network to promote UK trade and prosperity in Africa.
Nigerian banks’ rush to upgrade their core banking systems has caused confusion and frustration for many customers. With banks upgrading to more secure software, the lack of communication and customer support has left millions unable to access their funds, sparking questions about the bank’s commitment to customer welfare.
Dr. Uju Ogubunka, President of Bank Customers Association of Nigeria (BCAN), emphasized the severe impact of these disruptions, stressing the need for better communication and customer preparedness during such transitions. Banks must strike a balance between technological upgrades and customer service to retain trust, especially in an economy facing devaluation pressures.
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As Nigeria commemorates its 64th Independence anniversary, the stark contrast between celebration and the persistent challenges of corruption, mismanagement, and unfulfilled promises becomes evident.
The editorial revisits historical attempts at reform, such as the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission’s (ICPC) prosecutions and the House of Representatives’ inquiry into the unfulfilled $14.5 million aircraft repair contract. Many of these initiatives have faded from public memory, leaving questions about accountability unresolved.
High-profile corruption cases, including the Halliburton scandal involving alleged bribes of $180 million, highlight systemic failures within the political landscape.
The editorial emphasizes the need for collective action from citizens, civil society, and the media to demand transparency and accountability. It warns that without addressing these entrenched failures, Nigeria’s path toward democracy and good governance may continue to be fraught with unfulfilled promises.
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In a significant blow to Scotland’s energy sector, the 100-year-old Grangemouth refinery is set to close in 2025, citing its inability to compete with modern plants in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The refinery’s operator, Petroineos, announced the closure, which will result in the loss of 400 jobs.
Located in Scotland, Grangemouth refinery has been in operation since 1924, making it the country’s oldest and only refinery. However, despite its rich history, the refinery has struggled to remain competitive in the face of mounting global competition. Petroineos, a joint venture between PetroChina Internation al London (PCIL) and INEOS Group, a British chemicals firm founded by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has invested $1.2 billion in the refinery since 2011.
However, the company has incurred significant losses, totalling over $775 million during the same period. According to Petroineos, the refinery is currently losing around $500,000 per day and expects a $200 million loss in 2024.
The company’s Chief Executive, Frank Demay, stated that the market for petrol and diesel fuels is expected to shrink further due to the upcoming ban on new petrol and diesel cars within the next decade. “Grangemouth is increasingly unable to compete with bigger, more modern and efficient sites in the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Due to its size and configuration, Grangemouth incurs high levels of capital expenditure each year just to maintain its licence to operate,” Demay explained. The closure of Grangemouth refinery marks a significant shift in the global oil refining landscape, with modern and efficient plants in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East gaining a competitive edge. The Dangote Refinery in Nigeria, one of the largest refineries in Africa, may have contributed to the decline of Grangemouth refinery.
The refinery will be converted into a fuel import terminal, ensuring Scotland’s energy needs are still met. However, the closure raises concerns about the country’s energy security and the impact on local communities.
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