Weekly Money Round-Up

Simple Ways to Manage Your Business Finances

Every successful business depends on how well its funds are managed. It’s not just about making sales but about clearly seeing what’s coming in, what’s going out, and what can be set aside for growth. Without that clear view, even a profitable business can struggle to move forward.

One of the simplest ways to start is by separating your business and personal accounts. When funds are mixed, it’s easy to overspend, miscalculate, or make decisions based on inaccurate assumptions. A dedicated business account gives you a clear picture of what is available for operations and growth.

Next, think about profit and reinvestment. Decide early what portion of your earnings will be reinvested into the business and what you can withdraw for yourself. Reinvesting fuels expansion and opens new opportunities, while profit withdrawals ensure you still benefit personally from your hard work.

Finally, access financing wisely. Loans and credit lines can be powerful tools, but they work best when used strategically for growth opportunities or critical needs, not as a quick fix for gaps caused by poor money management. When you borrow smartly, it strengthens your business instead of adding stress.

The great thing is, you don’t have to manage all of this alone. Modern business banking tools such as the Vale Business Banking App can help your money grow even while it sits in your account, set aside funds for a fixed period similar to an investment, and give you quick access to financing when opportunities arise. With clarity in your business finances, every decision becomes achievable.

When your business money is organized, every decision from paying staff to investing in growth is intentional. This structure provides clarity, which in turn gives you confidence and control over your business.

Managing your business finances is essential. It is the foundation for growth, stability, and long-term success.

NOW TO THE NEWS

Vale Reminds Users to Join the Detty December Challenge

At Vale Finance, we are helping users save smarter while preparing for the festive season through our Detty December Challenge. This goal-based savings initiative is designed to make setting aside money for holiday-related expenses both fun and rewarding.

Participants can save specifically for festive needs such as gifts, travel, parties, and celebrations, while earning up to 13% interest per annum on their savings. In addition, users receive an extra 5% bonus on interest earned, giving them even more value for their money.

The challenge runs until 15th December and is open to both new and existing Vale app users. Don’t miss the opportunity to save with purpose and make your festive season financially stress-free.

Stable Naira and cleared FX Backlogs Boost Nigeria’s Economic Outlook

Nigeria’s economic outlook is improving as recent reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) restore investor confidence and stabilize the naira. The clearance of a $7 billion foreign exchange backlog and a more transparent FX market have encouraged foreign capital to return. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria attracted $5.6 billion in capital inflows in Q1 2025, a 67.12% increase from Q1 2024, signaling renewed investor interest.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso’s reforms, including unifying exchange rates and allowing greater flexibility in the forex market, have reassured investors that they can access foreign exchange and repatriate profits without restrictions. Analysts and international institutions, including the World Bank and IMF, have described these measures as bold interventions that improve economic sustainability and reduce sovereign risk.

Portfolio investment dominated inflows, accounting for $5.2 billion, while foreign direct investment remained low at $126.29 million. The banking and finance sectors attracted the largest shares, with $3.1 billion and $2.09 billion respectively, while the UK contributed 65.26% of total inflows. Analysts warn, however, that such portfolio flows are highly sensitive to market conditions and may be volatile.

Looking ahead, the CBN plans to recapitalize Nigeria’s banks to support larger transactions and development projects, echoing reforms from 2004. Economists also note that upcoming GDP rebasing will provide a more accurate view of the economy, incorporating sectors like technology and entertainment, which could further attract investment. Despite progress, challenges remain, including insecurity, weak institutions, and regional disparities in capital inflows.

CSCS, NGX Reduce Securities Settlement cycle to Two Days

The Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) and the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) have announced that Nigeria’s capital market will move to a two-day securities settlement cycle, effective November 28, 2025. The initiative aims to enhance market efficiency, reduce counterparty risk, and align the market with international best practices.

Speaking at a stakeholder webinar, Bola Ajomale, Executive Commissioner (Operations) at the Securities and Exchange Commission, said the Commission plans to move to a T+1 cycle next year, with the ultimate goal of same-day settlement, urging market participants to prepare and engage their clients accordingly.

CSCS and NGX executives highlighted the preparations made to ensure a smooth transition. Adeyinka Shonekan, Executive Director representing CSCS, noted the establishment of a stakeholder-driven committee to benchmark processes against global standards.

NGX CEO Jude Chiemeka confirmed readiness through simulations, communication strategies, and dedicated support systems, while other market operators, including the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange and NASD Plc, reported system testing and stakeholder education.

Onome Komolafe, CSCS Depository head, added that infrastructure upgrades, operational reviews, and robust risk management frameworks have been implemented to support the new settlement system. The shift is expected to modernize Nigeria’s capital market, reduce inefficiencies, and strengthen investor confidence.

80% of 2024 Budget Executed – Edun

The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has revealed that about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s 2024 budget had been executed as of September 2025. This was disclosed following a closed-door session between the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Edun, and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, to review the pace of implementation of the 2024–2025 Appropriation Act.

Committee Chairman Rep. Abubakar Bichi said the meeting focused on ensuring accountability, noting that both ministers acknowledged concerns about budget performance and assured that more visible results would be seen before the end of the year.

Edun added that the 2024 budget is still running, having been extended by the National Assembly until December, and that the review also covered the 2025 budget, with emphasis on grassroots projects and infrastructure such as roads and irrigation. He clarified that there are no plans for a supplementary budget for 2025.

Minister Bagudu noted that lawmakers commended the Tinubu administration’s respect for the National Assembly and its reform efforts, including tax reforms, and said the engagement helped identify areas for further improvement.