As demand for solar power and battery storage grows in Nigeria, local businesses are finding ways to collect, assess and repurpose used batteries. Partnerships with Chinese companies are also helping build technical expertise, but safe disposal and stronger local recycling capacity remain key challenges.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Video - Nigerian entrepreneurs tackle growing battery waste challenge
As demand for solar power and battery storage grows in Nigeria, local businesses are finding ways to collect, assess and repurpose used batteries. Partnerships with Chinese companies are also helping build technical expertise, but safe disposal and stronger local recycling capacity remain key challenges.
Dangote Cement shelves planned $1bn London listing amid market volatility
Nigeria’s Dangote Cement (NGX: DANGCEM) has shelved its proposed secondary listing and share offering on the London Stock Exchange, citing market conditions and strategic priorities, in another setback for a London market where new-listing activity has remained subdued.
In a November 10 regulatory filing, the cement producer said its board had resolved that the company and its selling shareholder, Dangote Industries Limited, would not proceed with the proposed transaction at this time. Its shares would remain listed on the Nigerian Exchange, and the decision would not affect its operations or business plans.
A person familiar with the situation told Reuters that market volatility following the US midterm elections contributed to the decision and that the company could reconsider a London listing once conditions stabilised. The Financial Times, also citing a person familiar with the decision, linked the withdrawal to volatile equity markets following a sell-off in technology stocks driven by concerns about artificial intelligence.
“These are pretty awful conditions for anyone to attempt an IPO,” Samuel Kerr, an analyst at M&A analytics platform Mergermarket, told Reuters, pointing to the recent rise in equity volatility. He added that Dangote could probably do a deal now, but that waiting for a better market would likely bring a better outcome and perhaps a higher valuation.
Wall Street fell last week after the Democrats’ midterm victory deepened concerns over whether the AI boom can last, and London’s benchmark FTSE 100 also ended the week lower, Reuters reported. Airtel Money, which listed in London in October, has mostly traded around its GBP1.96 IPO price.
The decision comes weeks after Dangote Cement chairman Emmanuel Ikazoboh, who had promoted the listing during recent investor roadshows, told The Sunday Times that “London is a natural bridge between African opportunity and global investors”.
Dangote Cement first disclosed in May that it was exploring a secondary London listing, subject to corporate and regulatory approvals, transaction terms and market conditions. The company said the move could broaden its international investor base and strengthen its access to overseas capital markets.
At its July 2 annual general meeting, shareholders authorised the board to pursue an international secondary listing and a potential sale of existing shares by the majority shareholder. The company subsequently held a Capital Markets Day in London on September 21.
Preparations continued into October, when Bloomberg reported that bankers were preparing a secondary share sale targeting approximately $1bn. Aliko Dangote had told the Financial Times in May that about 10% of the company would be sold to outside investors, although final terms had not been announced.
The proceeds from the proposed offering would have gone to the selling shareholder rather than Dangote Cement itself. Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) and UBS (SIX: UBSG; NYSE: UBS) had reportedly joined global coordinators Citigroup (NYSE: C), JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) and Standard Bank (JSE: SBK) in the banking syndicate working on the transaction.
The sale would have widened a tightly held shareholder base. Dangote Cement reported a free float of 5.73% at June 30, with Dangote Industries holding 87.28% of shares outstanding excluding treasury stock.
The announcement came a day after Dangote Cement shares rose 9.6% to close at NGN1,469.90 on the Nigerian Exchange on November 9, taking their gain since the start of the year to about 141%. In late October, the company reported a 31.2% rise in nine-month profit after tax to NGN974.8bn and a net cash position of NGN51.1bn at the end of September, compared with net debt of NGN682.9bn at the end of 2025.
The decision also comes two weeks after the close of Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s $1.6bn initial public offering on the Nigerian Exchange, which attracted about $4.78bn in domestic orders, according to sources cited by Reuters.
Reuters valued Dangote Cement at approximately NGN24.79 trillion ($18.42bn) on November 10. The company has not indicated when, or whether, it will revive its London listing plans.
In a November 10 regulatory filing, the cement producer said its board had resolved that the company and its selling shareholder, Dangote Industries Limited, would not proceed with the proposed transaction at this time. Its shares would remain listed on the Nigerian Exchange, and the decision would not affect its operations or business plans.
A person familiar with the situation told Reuters that market volatility following the US midterm elections contributed to the decision and that the company could reconsider a London listing once conditions stabilised. The Financial Times, also citing a person familiar with the decision, linked the withdrawal to volatile equity markets following a sell-off in technology stocks driven by concerns about artificial intelligence.
“These are pretty awful conditions for anyone to attempt an IPO,” Samuel Kerr, an analyst at M&A analytics platform Mergermarket, told Reuters, pointing to the recent rise in equity volatility. He added that Dangote could probably do a deal now, but that waiting for a better market would likely bring a better outcome and perhaps a higher valuation.
Wall Street fell last week after the Democrats’ midterm victory deepened concerns over whether the AI boom can last, and London’s benchmark FTSE 100 also ended the week lower, Reuters reported. Airtel Money, which listed in London in October, has mostly traded around its GBP1.96 IPO price.
The decision comes weeks after Dangote Cement chairman Emmanuel Ikazoboh, who had promoted the listing during recent investor roadshows, told The Sunday Times that “London is a natural bridge between African opportunity and global investors”.
Dangote Cement first disclosed in May that it was exploring a secondary London listing, subject to corporate and regulatory approvals, transaction terms and market conditions. The company said the move could broaden its international investor base and strengthen its access to overseas capital markets.
At its July 2 annual general meeting, shareholders authorised the board to pursue an international secondary listing and a potential sale of existing shares by the majority shareholder. The company subsequently held a Capital Markets Day in London on September 21.
Preparations continued into October, when Bloomberg reported that bankers were preparing a secondary share sale targeting approximately $1bn. Aliko Dangote had told the Financial Times in May that about 10% of the company would be sold to outside investors, although final terms had not been announced.
The proceeds from the proposed offering would have gone to the selling shareholder rather than Dangote Cement itself. Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) and UBS (SIX: UBSG; NYSE: UBS) had reportedly joined global coordinators Citigroup (NYSE: C), JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) and Standard Bank (JSE: SBK) in the banking syndicate working on the transaction.
The sale would have widened a tightly held shareholder base. Dangote Cement reported a free float of 5.73% at June 30, with Dangote Industries holding 87.28% of shares outstanding excluding treasury stock.
The announcement came a day after Dangote Cement shares rose 9.6% to close at NGN1,469.90 on the Nigerian Exchange on November 9, taking their gain since the start of the year to about 141%. In late October, the company reported a 31.2% rise in nine-month profit after tax to NGN974.8bn and a net cash position of NGN51.1bn at the end of September, compared with net debt of NGN682.9bn at the end of 2025.
The decision also comes two weeks after the close of Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s $1.6bn initial public offering on the Nigerian Exchange, which attracted about $4.78bn in domestic orders, according to sources cited by Reuters.
Reuters valued Dangote Cement at approximately NGN24.79 trillion ($18.42bn) on November 10. The company has not indicated when, or whether, it will revive its London listing plans.
Nearly 64,000 flee Nigeria for Niger where a humanitarian crisis is deepening
Northern Nigeria has been experiencing multiple, overlapping security crises involving jihadist insurgencies, armed banditry, and farmer-herder conflicts, forcing millions from their homes over the past 25 years.
Swarming into Niger
Most this year have fled to Niger, which is already struggling with insecurity, climate shocks and overstretched services.
Before the start of 2026, the landlocked West African nation was already hosting more than half a million refugees and asylum-seekers, including some 327,500 from Nigeria, alongside large numbers of internally displaced (IDPs).
In October alone, around 1,200 people crossed into Diffa, in south-eastern Niger, and another 3,400 into Tahoua, in the west, both bordering Nigeria.
Conditions are particularly dire in Diffa, which has accounted for more than 70 per cent of Niger’s reported security incidents this year, including armed attacks and violence against civilians.
Drought and irregular rainfall have also devastated agriculture and pastureland. Grain production is expected to be insufficient in around 700 of the region’s 1,000 villages, while an estimated 70 per cent of pastureland has been lost.
Most this year have fled to Niger, which is already struggling with insecurity, climate shocks and overstretched services.
Before the start of 2026, the landlocked West African nation was already hosting more than half a million refugees and asylum-seekers, including some 327,500 from Nigeria, alongside large numbers of internally displaced (IDPs).
In October alone, around 1,200 people crossed into Diffa, in south-eastern Niger, and another 3,400 into Tahoua, in the west, both bordering Nigeria.
Conditions are particularly dire in Diffa, which has accounted for more than 70 per cent of Niger’s reported security incidents this year, including armed attacks and violence against civilians.
Drought and irregular rainfall have also devastated agriculture and pastureland. Grain production is expected to be insufficient in around 700 of the region’s 1,000 villages, while an estimated 70 per cent of pastureland has been lost.
Dire humanitarian needs
Newly arrived refugees, many of them children, face very difficult living conditions, UNHCR stressed.
Malnutrition levels are high as access to food and clean water is limited, with refugee women describing having to walk several kilometres to collect water for their families.
Many are also living in makeshift shelters that offer little protection from the elements, and humanitarian partners are reporting poor hygiene and widespread respiratory infections.
Newly arrived refugees, many of them children, face very difficult living conditions, UNHCR stressed.
Malnutrition levels are high as access to food and clean water is limited, with refugee women describing having to walk several kilometres to collect water for their families.
Many are also living in makeshift shelters that offer little protection from the elements, and humanitarian partners are reporting poor hygiene and widespread respiratory infections.
Essential services
Only around five per cent of Nigerian refugees who arrived this year have been registered, with lack of funds hampering the effort.
Without documentation, refugees face additional barriers to accessing assistance and essential services, leaving them exposed to heightened protection risks.
Education is another major concern, particularly for children arriving from Nigeria’s English-language-based education system, with no schools or transitional classes at some locations. Hausa is the sole official language of Niger.
Only around five per cent of Nigerian refugees who arrived this year have been registered, with lack of funds hampering the effort.
Without documentation, refugees face additional barriers to accessing assistance and essential services, leaving them exposed to heightened protection risks.
Education is another major concern, particularly for children arriving from Nigeria’s English-language-based education system, with no schools or transitional classes at some locations. Hausa is the sole official language of Niger.
‘Remarkable solidarity’
Despite being dealt a difficult hand, Niger's authorities and host communities are demonstrating “remarkable solidarity” with Nigeria’s refugees, UNHCR’s Dominique Hyde said, including by making land available for temporary shelter.
However, their capacity to support growing numbers of refugees is increasingly stretched, and UNHCR is calling on the international community to urgently scale up their assistance.
The UN agency is seeking $11.4 million to scale up the emergency and solutions response in Niger, Nigeria and Benin, including a $2 million appeal for immediate critical needs to support water, food, shelter, health care, registration and protection.
“Without additional resources, thousands of vulnerable families risk being left without essential assistance and protection as displacement continues,” Ms. Hyde said.
Despite being dealt a difficult hand, Niger's authorities and host communities are demonstrating “remarkable solidarity” with Nigeria’s refugees, UNHCR’s Dominique Hyde said, including by making land available for temporary shelter.
However, their capacity to support growing numbers of refugees is increasingly stretched, and UNHCR is calling on the international community to urgently scale up their assistance.
The UN agency is seeking $11.4 million to scale up the emergency and solutions response in Niger, Nigeria and Benin, including a $2 million appeal for immediate critical needs to support water, food, shelter, health care, registration and protection.
“Without additional resources, thousands of vulnerable families risk being left without essential assistance and protection as displacement continues,” Ms. Hyde said.
Nigeria records no new ebola cases 21 days after imported infection
Nigeria has recorded no additional confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease, 21 days after confirming an imported case of the Bundibugyo virus in a traveller from Uganda.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement signed by its Director-General, Jide Idris.
NCDC noted that 28 people identified as contacts of the confirmed case were still under monitoring, while 34 others had completed their individual 21-day follow-up.
“As of 9 November 2026, Nigeria had confirmed only one imported case of Bundibugyo Virus Disease, with no additional confirmed cases.”
The agency added that the 21 days since the first case was confirmed should not be confused with the individual monitoring period for each contact.
“A person identified as a contact does not necessarily have Ebola. Follow-up enables health teams to identify symptoms early and respond safely,” the statement said.
It added that surveillance and investigations of reported alerts were continuing across the country.
The NCDC urged healthcare workers in public and private facilities to remain alert, ask patients about their travel history and possible exposure, and promptly notify public health authorities when Ebola is suspected.
It also advised anyone experiencing symptoms after possible exposure to avoid contact with others and call its toll-free line, 6232, for guidance before travelling to a health facility.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement signed by its Director-General, Jide Idris.
NCDC noted that 28 people identified as contacts of the confirmed case were still under monitoring, while 34 others had completed their individual 21-day follow-up.
“As of 9 November 2026, Nigeria had confirmed only one imported case of Bundibugyo Virus Disease, with no additional confirmed cases.”
The agency added that the 21 days since the first case was confirmed should not be confused with the individual monitoring period for each contact.
“A person identified as a contact does not necessarily have Ebola. Follow-up enables health teams to identify symptoms early and respond safely,” the statement said.
It added that surveillance and investigations of reported alerts were continuing across the country.
The NCDC urged healthcare workers in public and private facilities to remain alert, ask patients about their travel history and possible exposure, and promptly notify public health authorities when Ebola is suspected.
It also advised anyone experiencing symptoms after possible exposure to avoid contact with others and call its toll-free line, 6232, for guidance before travelling to a health facility.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials.
Other disease threats
Beyond Ebola, the NCDC raised concerns about other infectious diseases affecting parts of the country, including dengue fever, chikungunya and diphtheria.
It said dengue fever had been confirmed in Sokoto and Zamfara states, while chikungunya had been confirmed in Sokoto.
The NCDC said it had deployed National Rapid Response Teams, including entomologists from the National Arbovirus Research Centre in Enugu, to support affected states with case identification, laboratory investigations, clinical readiness, community engagement and mosquito control.
It also warned Nigerians not to assume every fever is malaria.
“Dengue and Chikungunya can cause fever, headache and body or joint pain. Dengue fever can become life-threatening if warning signs are missed,” the agency said.
It advised residents to eliminate stagnant water, cover water containers and protect themselves against mosquito bites, noting that the mosquitoes responsible for spreading the infections often bite during the day.
The agency also urged states to strengthen surveillance, diagnostic capacity and vaccination efforts against cerebrospinal meningitis as the dry season advances.
On diphtheria, the NCDC said children who had missed routine immunisations remained particularly vulnerable and urged parents to check their children’s vaccination status.
It further warned that Nigeria was entering the period when Lassa fever cases have historically increased, urging state authorities and health facilities to strengthen surveillance, testing, treatment readiness and infection prevention.
The agency also called on state governments to provide frontline health workers and response teams with adequate funding, equipment and logistical support.
As the festive season approaches, it urged event organisers, healthcare providers and state authorities to prepare for increased travel and mass gatherings by ensuring access to basic medical assistance, hygiene and clear arrangements for reporting suspected infections.
Beyond Ebola, the NCDC raised concerns about other infectious diseases affecting parts of the country, including dengue fever, chikungunya and diphtheria.
It said dengue fever had been confirmed in Sokoto and Zamfara states, while chikungunya had been confirmed in Sokoto.
The NCDC said it had deployed National Rapid Response Teams, including entomologists from the National Arbovirus Research Centre in Enugu, to support affected states with case identification, laboratory investigations, clinical readiness, community engagement and mosquito control.
It also warned Nigerians not to assume every fever is malaria.
“Dengue and Chikungunya can cause fever, headache and body or joint pain. Dengue fever can become life-threatening if warning signs are missed,” the agency said.
It advised residents to eliminate stagnant water, cover water containers and protect themselves against mosquito bites, noting that the mosquitoes responsible for spreading the infections often bite during the day.
The agency also urged states to strengthen surveillance, diagnostic capacity and vaccination efforts against cerebrospinal meningitis as the dry season advances.
On diphtheria, the NCDC said children who had missed routine immunisations remained particularly vulnerable and urged parents to check their children’s vaccination status.
It further warned that Nigeria was entering the period when Lassa fever cases have historically increased, urging state authorities and health facilities to strengthen surveillance, testing, treatment readiness and infection prevention.
The agency also called on state governments to provide frontline health workers and response teams with adequate funding, equipment and logistical support.
As the festive season approaches, it urged event organisers, healthcare providers and state authorities to prepare for increased travel and mass gatherings by ensuring access to basic medical assistance, hygiene and clear arrangements for reporting suspected infections.
Regional spread of Ebola
The Nigerian case is part of a wider outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease, declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in May 2026.
In its latest situation update published on 6 November, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the DRC had recorded 10,668 confirmed cases and 5,198 deaths as of 3 November, across 67 health zones in eight provinces.
Kenya had recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths, while Nigeria had reported one imported case. WHO said there had been no new confirmed cases in Kenya or Nigeria since its previous update.
The Nigerian case is part of a wider outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease, declared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in May 2026.
In its latest situation update published on 6 November, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the DRC had recorded 10,668 confirmed cases and 5,198 deaths as of 3 November, across 67 health zones in eight provinces.
Kenya had recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths, while Nigeria had reported one imported case. WHO said there had been no new confirmed cases in Kenya or Nigeria since its previous update.
By Mariam Ileyemi, Premium Times
Nigeria approves 145 new oil wells so far this year
Nigeria's upstream oil regulator has approved 145 new well-drilling operations, 595 well re-entries and 39 field development plans (FDPs) so far this year as it seeks to boost crude output, attract investment and strengthen energy security, a senior official said on Tuesday.
"Year to date, about 39 FDPs have been approved. About 145 new well-drilling approvals granted. Year to date, about 595 well re-entry approvals were granted," NUPRC Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan said at an oil conference in Lagos.
Eyesan, represented by Ahmad Abdullahi, deputy director of basin administration, said faster approvals were helping operators advance projects needed to meet production targets and support energy availability.
She said Nigeria had more than 100 drilling rigs, with 46 active this year, up more than 300% from 2021 levels.
Eyesan also said seismic companies had invested more than $100 million in Nigeria since the Petroleum Industry Act came into force three years ago, improving exploration data and supporting efforts to discover new oil and gas reserves.
The regulator is also working to curb crude theft across the country.
By Camillus Eboh, Reuters
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said the approvals reflected faster regulatory processing that has reduced project delays and costs for operators.
"Year to date, about 39 FDPs have been approved. About 145 new well-drilling approvals granted. Year to date, about 595 well re-entry approvals were granted," NUPRC Chief Executive Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan said at an oil conference in Lagos.
Eyesan, represented by Ahmad Abdullahi, deputy director of basin administration, said faster approvals were helping operators advance projects needed to meet production targets and support energy availability.
She said Nigeria had more than 100 drilling rigs, with 46 active this year, up more than 300% from 2021 levels.
Eyesan also said seismic companies had invested more than $100 million in Nigeria since the Petroleum Industry Act came into force three years ago, improving exploration data and supporting efforts to discover new oil and gas reserves.
The regulator is also working to curb crude theft across the country.
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