The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it will launch its new website today.

In a statement on Sunday, Hakama Sidi Ali, acting director of corporate communications at the CBN, said the redesigned website, operational from Monday, can be accessed on www.cbn.gov.ng.

She also said the platform will introduce a variety of new content, covering a broader spectrum of information regarding the bank’s mandate.

“The Bank has developed a contemporary Web API that operates on Microsoft .NET Core 8 (the most recent and stable release) to enhance user experience by speeding up and simplifying the navigation process,” Sidi-Ali said.

“We are pleased to announce that the front-end design and back-end technology were created in-house.

“The redesigned website introduces a variety of new content, which encompasses a broader spectrum of information regarding the Bank’s mandate.

The CBN director also said the website is “responsive to mobile devices, facilitating navigation across various web browsers and devices”.

“The Bank is grateful for the feedback provided by the public, which served as a valuable guide for our redesign endeavours,” she added.

“We are committed to developing and enhancing the website to facilitate communication.

“Please follow our different social media channels linked on the website’s home page for more updates.”

Holcim, a Swiss building materials company, has agreed to sell its Nigerian business to Huaxin Cement Ltd., a Chinese firm.

The deal, valued at $1 billion, would lead to the sale of Holcim’s 83 percent stake in Lafarge Africa, according to a statement on Sunday.

Lafarge Africa Plc is a member of the Holcim Group — a maker of roofing and other housing products, such as cement, aggregates for construction and ready-mix concrete.

The company said the agreement has been signed, noting that the transaction is expected to close next year.

“Holcim has signed an agreement with Huaxin Cement Ltd to sell its entire 83.81% shareholding in Lafarge Africa Plc, at an equity value of $1 billion on a 100% basis,” the statement reads.

“The transaction is expected to close in 2025, subject to customary and regulatory approvals.”

Holcim, however, did not give reasons for its exit.

On May 24, Kimberly-Clark, makers of Huggies, said it plans to stop local manufacturing and sales in Nigeria after 14 years of operation.

According to the firm, the decision was made owing to its recently refocused corporate priorities globally as well as economic trends in the country.

Pick n Pay, a South African grocery retailer, in October, also announced plans to exit Nigeria by selling its 51 percent stake in a joint venture.

Sean Summers, chief executive officer (CEO) of Pick n Pay, said the move was part of plans to restructure outside of its home market.

In 2023, three pharmaceutical companies exited Nigeria.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Nigeria Plc ceased operations and transferred its business activities to a third-party organisation.

Sanofi-Aventis Nigeria Limited, a French pharmaceutical company, also halted its direct operations in the country in November 2023.

One month later, Procter & Gamble (P&G), an American multinational consumer goods company, disclosed plans to transition from local production to solely importing its products.

The house of representatives has postponed its special session on tax reform bill.

The session was initially scheduled to be held on Tuesday.

In a memo issued on Saturday, Yahaya Danzaria, clerk of the house of representatives, said a new date will be communicated to lawmakers.

“I am directed by the House Leadership to inform all Honourable Members that the Special Session, initially scheduled for Tuesday, 3rd December, 2024, to discuss all the Tax Reform Bills, has been postponed to a later date,” the memo reads.

“This rescheduling is due to the need for further and broader consultations with all relevant stakeholders.

“A new date and venue for the session will be communicated in due course. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding”.

Akin Rotimi, spokesperson of the house, also confirmed to TheCable the postponement of the session.