xThe Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) closed last week on a bearish note, wiping off N439bn from the market capitalisation as the All-Share Index dropped by 0.50 per cent to 140,295.50 points. A total of 3.19bn shares worth N85.4bn were traded in 142,… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader NGX loses N439bn as investors trade cautiously By Enitan Ajebukola Ajewumi on September 1, 2025 xThe Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) closed last week on a bearish note, wiping off N439bn from the market capitalisation as the All-Share Index dropped by 0.50 per cent to 140,295.50 points. A total of 3.19bn shares worth N85.4bn were traded in 142,477 deals, lower than the previous week's 4.77bn shares valued at N107.4bn. The financial services sector dominated activity, contributing nearly 70 per cent of the total volume, with FCMB Group, Champion Breweries, and Access Holdings emerging as the most traded stocks. Read also, NGX loses N439bn as investors trade cautiously BOA hails Tinubu-Brazil pact, says deal will boost Nigerian farmers Pharmacists blame FG, NAFDAC as drug prices soar, threaten SMEs FG, BoI roll out N75bn support fund for 75,000 SMEs How to build influence without a fancy title While 32 equities gained, 57 declined, and another 57 closed flat. Top gainers included McNichols, NEM Insurance, and Berger Paints, while major losers were Secure Electronic Technology, Guinea Insurance, and Lasaco Assurance. Market analysts attributed the dip to profit-taking and cautious trading amid economic uncertainties but advised investors, including SMEs looking at stock market opportunities, to focus on fundamentally strong companies.

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos State chapter, has accused the Federal Government and NAFDAC of worsening the surge in drug prices despite policy interventions.State Chairman, Oyekunle Babayemi, said President Tinubu's June 2024 exe… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader Pharmacists blame FG, NAFDAC as drug prices soar, threaten SMEs By Busola Bamidele on September 1, 2025 The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos State chapter, has accused the Federal Government and NAFDAC of worsening the surge in drug prices despite policy interventions. State Chairman, Oyekunle Babayemi, said President Tinubu's June 2024 executive order meant to reduce drug costs has "failed completely," as life-saving medicines remain scarce and more expensive. He faulted NAFDAC's "exploitative" fees, noting that manufacturers pay nearly $11,000 for site visits, while additional "desk review" charges of $5,000 discourage competition. According to him, the policy is forcing many small pharmaceutical businesses to shut down. Read also: Pharmacists blame FG, NAFDAC as drug prices soar, threaten SMEs FG, BoI roll out N75bn support fund for 75,000 SMEs How to build influence without a fancy title FG targets 8% GDP growth to achieve $1 trillion economy by 2030 FG reaffirms commitment to empowering youth entrepreneurs Babayemi also warned that NAFDAC's proposed Track and Trace policy could push drug prices up by another 70–85%, describing it as "suicidal" for struggling patients. He called on President Tinubu to set up a Presidential Committee on the pharmaceutical sector, insisting pharmacists must lead reforms to save SMEs and make drugs affordable.

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The Federal Government, through the Bank of Industry (BoI), has commenced disbursement of its long-awaited intervention fund to strengthen Nigeria's manufacturing sector and empower small businesses. According to findings, N16.1 billion has so far … Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader FG, BoI roll out N75bn support fund for 75,000 SMEs By Enitan Ajebukola Ajewumi on September 1, 2025 The Federal Government, through the Bank of Industry (BoI), has commenced disbursement of its long-awaited intervention fund to strengthen Nigeria's manufacturing sector and empower small businesses. According to findings, N16.1 billion has so far been released to 22 manufacturing companies in the first tranche of the N75 billion fund earlier promised to 75 firms, with each expected to access up to N1 billion at a single-digit interest rate of nine per cent. The facility is targeted at helping manufacturers boost production, scale distribution, and cope with rising operational costs in the current economic climate. Read also, FG, BoI roll out N75bn support fund for 75,000 SMEs How to build influence without a fancy title FG targets 8% GDP growth to achieve $1 trillion economy by 2030 FG reaffirms commitment to empowering youth entrepreneurs Ogun dry port to open fresh opportunities for SMEs Beyond manufacturers, government has also earmarked another N75 billion specifically for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Under this arrangement, 75,000 small businesses are expected to benefit from loans of up to N1 million each through the BoI. SMEs can also approach the bank with viable business proposals to access credit facilities that will enable them to expand operations and remain competitive. Though disbursement began about 14 months after the announcement due to bureaucratic delays, stakeholders see it as a relief programme to cushion the effects of reforms such as fuel subsidy removal and forex consolidation, while creating opportunities for growth and sustainability across the SME space.

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