The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has reported a 59% surge in profits, with retained earnings hitting N3.74 trillion in 2024—marking over a decade of sustained growth.A statement by NSIA's Head of Corporate Communications, Joyce Onye… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader NSIA's profits soar to N1.86tn—What this means for Nigerian SMEs By sbinsights on April 1, 2025 The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has reported a 59% surge in profits, with retained earnings hitting N3.74 trillion in 2024—marking over a decade of sustained growth. A statement by NSIA's Head of Corporate Communications, Joyce Onyegbula, highlighted the agency's strong financial performance, with total operating profits rising from N1.17 trillion in 2023 to N1.86 trillion in 2024. This was driven by strategic investments in infrastructure, financial assets, and foreign exchange gains. For small businesses and MSMEs, this signals potential economic stability, as increased government-backed investments can improve access to funding, enhance infrastructure, and boost sectors that directly impact entrepreneurs. The Total Comprehensive Income (TCI), which includes returns from joint ventures and partnerships, climbed by 59% to N1.89 trillion, while Core TCI, excluding currency and derivative gains, rose 148% to N407.9 billion. NSIA attributed this growth to investments in private equity, hedge funds, and Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)—many of which support business expansion and innovation. NSIA's Net Assets nearly doubled, reaching N4.35 trillion in December 2024, up from N2.22 trillion the previous year. Read also NSIA's profits soar to N1.86tn—What this means for Nigerian SMEs Minister calls for public-private collaboration to grow Nigeria's art industry  IMF flags rising sovereign debt risks in banking sector Nigerians took N470bn personal loans in three months – CBN Germany's retail sales beat expectations, but economic uncertainty looms NSIA Managing Director and CEO, Aminu Umar-Sadiq, said the results reaffirm the institution's commitment to long-term economic transformation, adding that strategic investments will open more funding and growth opportunities for SMEs. "With innovation, partnerships, and sound risk management, we will continue to create value and drive prosperity for businesses across Nigeria," he said. Under President Bola Tinubu's newly appointed Board of Directors, chaired by Olusegun Ogunsanya, NSIA pledged to sustain its commitment to transparency, governance, and impactful investments. For small businesses, NSIA's focus on infrastructure and financial stability could mean better lending conditions, improved economic policies, and more investment opportunities in key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. Despite global economic challenges, Onyegbula emphasized that NSIA's financial resilience is a positive sign for Nigeria's business environment, ensuring sustained investments that support entrepreneurs and economic growth.

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Nigeria's Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure the sustainable growth of the country's art industry.  Speaking at the Int… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader Minister calls for public‑private collaboration to grow Nigeria's art industry  By sbinsights on April 1, 2025 Nigeria's Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure the sustainable growth of the country's art industry.  Speaking at the International Art Fair held at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Lagos, Musawa commended the diverse artistic expressions on display, ranging from paintings and photography to sculptures.  "I was delighted to attend the Plus 234 Art Fair by Soto Gallery in collaboration with Ecobank, a celebration of Nigeria's rich artistic talent," she said.  During a guided tour of the exhibition led by Tola Akerele, Director General of the Wole Soyinka Theatre, Musawa noted the transformative power of storytelling in art and its potential to shape narratives.  She highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships in fostering innovation, expanding market opportunities, and boosting Nigeria's global competitiveness in the creative economy.  Commending Ecobank Nigeria, the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), Soto Gallery, and other sponsors for their support, Musawa acknowledged their role in providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent. Read also Minister calls for public-private collaboration to grow Nigeria's art industry  IMF flags rising sovereign debt risks in banking sector Nigerians took N470bn personal loans in three months – CBN Germany's retail sales beat expectations, but economic uncertainty looms Over 60,000 MSMEs apply for 2025 National Awards – Here's your chance to join! "This event beautifully reflects the richness of Nigeria's emerging talent and creative ideology. It serves as a bridge to the future, drawing inspiration from our artistic heritage," she added.  The minister reiterated the government's commitment to supporting initiatives that drive value creation in the creative sector. She assured attendees of continued partnerships to ensure that young artists receive the exposure and support needed to contribute to the nation's economic growth.  Her presence at the fair's second edition, she noted, reaffirmed the administration's dedication to positioning Nigeria's creative industry on the global stage. She pledged comprehensive government support to elevate the sector's international relevance.  The Plus 234 Art Fair, hosted at the Ecobank Pan African Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, remains a key platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their work and engage with stakeholders in the art industry.

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concerns over the increasing exposure of commercial banks to domestic sovereign debt in Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs).In its latest report, "Fiscal Determinants of Domestic Sovereign … Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader IMF flags rising sovereign debt risks in banking sector By sbinsights on March 31, 2025 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concerns over the increasing exposure of commercial banks to domestic sovereign debt in Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs). In its latest report, "Fiscal Determinants of Domestic Sovereign Bond Yields in EMDEs," the IMF highlighted how domestic bonds have become a primary source of government financing, with banks playing a key role in absorbing this debt. Banks' Growing Role in Sovereign Debt According to the IMF, banks' holdings of government bonds have surged since the global financial crisis, accelerating further after COVID-19. This trend, known as the sovereign-bank nexus, increases financial sector risks and affects borrowing costs. Key Risks Identified by IMF Higher Borrowing Costs: Increased reliance on banks for deficit financing could push up domestic bond yields, especially in countries with high debt levels. Read also IMF flags rising sovereign debt risks in banking sector Nigerians took N470bn personal loans in three months – CBN Germany's retail sales beat expectations, but economic uncertainty looms Over 60,000 MSMEs apply for 2025 National Awards – Here's your chance to join! Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger impose 0.5% levy on imports from ECOWAS nations, including Nigeria Fiscal Policy Impact: Loose fiscal policies have a stronger effect on bond yields due to banks' deep involvement in sovereign debt. Credit Risk Spillover: Banks' exposure to government debt could weaken their ability to lend to businesses and households, slowing economic growth and raising sovereign credit risk. Sovereign-Bank Nexus Deepens Post-Pandemic The IMF noted that during the COVID-19 crisis, many EMDEs relied on domestic debt issuances to meet financing needs, with commercial banks absorbing a significant portion. This shift has made bond yields increasingly sensitive to fiscal policies and heightened the risks of financial instability. IMF's Warning to EMDEs The Fund cautioned that as domestic debt markets expand, governments must carefully manage fiscal policies to prevent rising borrowing costs and systemic financial risks.

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