Business
MSM targets multi-billion dollar investment in cement, rivals Dangote, Lafarge, Bua, others
… eyes Geregu Power Plant in Energy Push
Nigerian conglomerate MSM Group is ramping up its footprint in the country’s critical industrial sectors, unveiling multi-billion dollar investments in the cement industry as part of an ambitious expansion strategy.
The move is designed to position the company as a formidable competitor to established industry giants such as Dangote, Lafarge, BUA, and Mangal Cement. MSM Group’s latest investments signal a broader strategy to cement its status as a key player not only in Nigeria but across Africa’s energy and construction sectors.
In addition to its focus on cement, the company is pursuing strategic initiatives aimed at reshaping its role within the continent’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape. According to industry analysts, the group’s expansion could significantly alter the competitive dynamics of both the energy and construction markets in the region.
In a major move to strengthen its footprint in the cement industry, MSM Group recently signed a $2.4 billion agreement with the Kebbi State Government for the development of a three-million-metric-ton-per-annum cement plant. The project, which is expected to generate over 45,000 direct and indirect jobs, marks one of the largest industrial commitments in the region in recent years.
The formal signing ceremony was held in Abuja, attended by top officials from both the Kebbi State and Federal Governments, as well as key executives from MSM Group. The project aligns with Nigeria’s broader industrialisation drive and is set to stimulate economic activity in northern Nigeria.
Chairman of MSM Group, Alhaji Muazzam Mairawani, has outlined the company’s ambitious expansion plans, revealing that the new cement plant will be developed in four phases. Each phase, or cluster, is expected to attract investment exceeding $600 million, marking a significant capital injection into Nigeria’s industrial economy.
“From now to production, our timeframe is a maximum of two years,” he said, adding that MSM plans to expand to other states after Kebbi.
As part of its cement expansion strategy, the company is also scouting greenfield opportunities in Edo and Gombe state, which will strengthen its bid to compete favourably with established industry giants such as Dangote Cement, BUA Cement, and Lafarge Africa.
MSM Group has rapidly evolved into a multi-sectoral conglomerate with interests spanning cement, oil and gas, agriculture, and infrastructure.
In a significant diversification move, MSM Group has entered the race to acquire the Geregu Power Plant, one of Nigeria’s most strategic power assets. This bid shows the company’s growing interest in the power and energy sector, as it seeks to capitalise on Nigeria’s ongoing power sector reforms and investor-friendly government policies.
At the helm of MSM Group’s aggressive expansion strategy is Chief Operating Officer Babatope Adedara, an internal audit expert previously with PNC Financial Services, and Chief Financial Officer Tosin Okojie, formerly CFO at Niche. Together, they are leading a company-wide recruitment drive to support the firm’s growing operations and fill a wave of new vacancies across its portfolio.
With these moves, MSM Group is not only reinforcing its presence in Nigeria’s industrial landscape but also positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s energy and manufacturing future.
Business
CRMI Urges Strategic Repositioning After UAE’s OPEC Exit
The Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) has issued a Policy Advisory in response to the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) decision to exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), effective May 1, 2026.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Registrar /CEO
Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI), Mr Victor Olannye.
According to him “ This landmark development signals a significant shift in global oil governance, potentially leading to increased market volatility, geopolitical tensions, and energy supply chain disruptions. CRMI advises corporate members, public sector institutions, financial institutions, and individual risk professionals to reassess their risk management strategies and strengthen institutional resilience.”
Mr Olannye, Ph.D., highlighted Key Risks to include
Structural breakdown of OPEC’s cohesion Oil price volatility
Geopolitical instability
Energy supply chain disruptions Macroeconomic uncertainty
Contagion risk of other member states exiting OPEC
Implications for Nigeria according to the Registrar include Increased production flexibility, potential market share expansion, and enhanced revenue prospects.
On Risks: Exposure to price volatility, reduced supply management protection, heightened competition, and fiscal instability.
He highlighted Policy Directives to Corporate Organizations to ensure they Implement robust risk management frameworks, adopt dynamic hedging strategies, and diversify business portfolios while calling on Financial Institutions and Investors to Reassess energy-related risks, strengthen portfolio diversification, and enhance risk disclosure
He called on Public Sector and Policymakers to Strengthen fiscal buffers, accelerate economic diversification, and promote renewable energy transition
For Individual Risk Professionals, the CRMI is advocating Upskill in geopolitical risk analysis and energy economics, develop expertise in scenario planning and predictive analytics.
CRMI urged stakeholders to proactively reposition their strategies to navigate this evolving geo- economic environment.
“ The Institute anticipates possible scenarios, including fragmentation of global oil governance structures, increased market-driven oil pricing mechanisms, and acceleration of global energy transition initiatives” he added
Business
UNLEASH 2026: Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich Puts African Enterprise on Global Agenda
Nigerian entrepreneur, business leader, and philanthropist Dr. Elizabeth Jack-Rich, Founder and CEO of Elin Group Limited, commanded global attention at the inaugural UNLEASH Global Business Conference 2026, held Friday at the prestigious Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC.
Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected businesswomen and philanthropists, Dr. Jack-Rich featured as both a key panelist and a keynote speaker — further cementing her status as one of Africa’s most influential voices on the global stage.
She joined a high-level Fireside Chat titled _“Leadership in the Age of Disruption: Identity, Power, & Impact,”_ alongside Denise Fall, Senior Leader in Immunology at Johnson & Johnson, and Tolani Alli, Creative Campaign Director at the World Bank. The session brought together accomplished women leaders to examine how identity, power dynamics, and purposeful leadership intersect in today’s volatile global business environment.
Described as insightful, energizing, and highly relevant, the conversation resonated strongly with young professionals and emerging leaders navigating volatility, sustainability challenges, and opportunities across emerging markets.
Beyond the Fireside Chat, Dr. Jack-Rich delivered a powerful keynote address that anchored key discussions on building resilient enterprises and leading with impact amid disruption.
Dr. Jack-Rich leads Elin Group Limited, a diversified conglomerate with strategic interests spanning:
– Real Estate Development
– Power Generation and Gas Utilization
– Agriculture
– Mining
– Maritime and Aviation — notably through Elin Air, where she stands out as one of the few female operators of private jet charter services in Nigeria
– *Logistics and Infrastructure*
Beyond her corporate achievements, she is the driving force behind the Elizabeth Jack-Rich Aid Foundation (EJRAID), through which she has executed numerous high-impact philanthropic initiatives focused on poverty alleviation, women and youth empowerment, education, and community development across Nigeria.
Themed _“Building For What’s Next,”_ UNLEASH 2026 was a one-day strategic summit co-hosted by three prominent student organizations at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School: the Africa Business Club, Women in Business Graduate Club, and Net Impact Club. The conference drew MBA students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and policymakers for robust dialogue on leadership, innovation, sustainability, and strategies for thriving in an era of global disruption.
Her participation was widely applauded as a proud moment for Nigerian and African representation in global leadership conversations, with many attendees citing her journey as a blueprint for purpose-driven enterprise and impact.
Business
Dangote Sugar Seeks To Raise ₦500bn Capital Through Rights Issue
Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc has announced plans to raise up to N500 billion through a Rights Issue.
The company said shareholders have approved the plan to raise capital through the issuance of ordinary shares.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Company Secretary, Temitope Hassan, following the company’s 20th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos.
Subject to regulatory approval, the move is part of efforts to strengthen its capital base and support future growth.
“The Directors of the Company be and are hereby authorised to raise capital of up to N500 billion by way of Rights Issue through the issuance of ordinary shares, on such terms and conditions and at such time as the Directors may deem fit.”
The Rights Issue may be underwritten, depending on terms approved by the Board and regulatory authorities, the company said, noting that any shares not taken up by existing shareholders may be offered to other interested investors.
The company stated that the initiative is aimed at strengthening its financial capacity to support long-term growth objectives.
The capital raise move comes as Dangote Sugar’s financial performance reflects both growth and improvement.
In its 2025 audited results, revenue increased by 24.56% to N829.2 billion, driven largely by strong demand for 50kg sugar, which accounted for N807 billion of total revenue.
Retail sugar sales contributed N17.7 billion, while molasses and freight income added N4.02 billion and N66.4 million, respectively.
Cost of sales rose by 11.35% to N706.5 billion, largely due to raw material costs of N573.3 billion, resulting in a gross profit of N122.6 billion.
The company reported a pre-tax loss of N72.2 billion, an improvement from the N270.8 billion loss recorded in 2024.
Regional sales showed Lagos accounting for 55.82%, followed by the North at 35.35%, the West at 6.45%, and the East at 2.38%.
Dangote Sugar said its share capital will be increased to accommodate the new shares to be issued under the Rights Issue.
The Board has been authorised to allot shares and manage fractional holdings in line with regulatory requirements.
“Any unallotted shares after the exercise will be cancelled as permitted by law”, the notice added, stating that the capital raise ranks among the largest Rights Issues in Nigeria’s corporate history.
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