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PZ Cussons Divests From Nigerian Palm Oil, Trims Profit Forecast

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PZ Cussons Divests From Nigerian Palm Oil, Trims Profit Forecast

The London-listed firm said its profit outlook has been impacted by £2 million of new packaging recycling costs.

Imperial Leather and Carex soap firm PZ Cussons has trimmed the top end of its profit guidance and announced plans to sell its half of a Nigerian oils business.

The London-listed firm said its profit outlook has been impacted by £2 million of new packaging recycling costs under the so-called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules, as well falling sales of self-tanning St Tropez ranges in the US.

It is now guiding for underlying earnings of between £52 million and £55 million for the year to the end of May, with the top end being cut from the £58 million previously expected.

Shares fell 4% in trading on Wednesday.

PZ said the guidance update “reflects the recognition in the fourth quarter of an additional £2 million Extended Producer Responsibility costs in our UK business, and the significant impact on group profitability as a result of the softer St Tropez US performance”.

“These factors were partly offset by cost management initiatives across the group.”

The group also announced the sale of its 50% stake in PZ Wilmar, one of the largest sustainable palm oil businesses in Nigeria, to joint venture partner Wilmar International for 70 million US dollars (£51 million).

The group, which has been looking at a possible sale of its entire African business, said the move was a “significant step in the portfolio transformation”.

It has been looking to exit Nigeria after economic woes in the country have seen extreme inflation and devaluation of the Nigerian naira, which pushed the firm to a loss of £95.9 million in the year to May 31 2024.

On the PZ Wilmar sale Jonathan Myers, chief executive of PZ Cussons, said “we are exiting a non-core category, reducing the risk associated with our presence in Nigeria, and materially strengthening our balance sheet”.

“Having delivered a solid full-year 2024-25 performance, our focus now is to continue transforming PZ Cussons into a business with stronger brands in a more focused portfolio, delivering sustainable profitable growth,” he added.

In its latest update, the group said it saw like-for-like sales grow 8% in the year to May 31, with reported revenues of around £505 million.

It said the UK saw “good growth”, which helped offset a double-digit decline in St Tropez in the US.

Standard.co.uk

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Nigeria Strengthens Maritime Leadership as Fadahunsi Emerges Vice Chairman of Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission

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The Hydrographer of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hydrographic Agency (NHA), Rear Admiral OO Fadahunsi, has been elected Vice Chairman of the Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission (EAtHC) for the 2026–2028 term, further reinforcing Nigeria’s growing influence in regional and global maritime governance.

Rear Admiral Fadahunsi’s election was confirmed on Friday, 3 July 2026, during the ongoing EAtHC Conference in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where member states endorsed his emergence to one of the commission’s most strategic leadership positions.

Established on 26 November 1984 under the auspices of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), the Eastern Atlantic Hydrographic Commission was founded by France, Nigeria, Portugal and Spain. Over the past four decades, the commission has expanded significantly, comprising 11 member states, 10 associate members and six observers committed to promoting hydrographic excellence across the Eastern Atlantic region.

The commission plays a pivotal role in advancing hydrography, nautical cartography and maritime safety through capacity-building initiatives, the development and implementation of International (INT) Charts and Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) schemes, improved hydrographic surveys, enhanced charting standards, effective dissemination of nautical information and sustained advocacy on the importance of hydrography to regional maritime development.

Since its inaugural conference in Paris, France, in April 1986, the EAtHC has convened biennially to strengthen collaboration among member states and chart the future of hydrographic development.

In another significant endorsement of Nigeria’s expanding maritime profile, the country has been selected to host the next EAtHC Conference in June 2028. Nigeria will also host the 25th Meeting of the Capacity Building Sub-Committee (CBSC25) and the 19th Meeting of the Inter-Regional Coordination Committee (IRCC19) in June 2027, positioning the country at the centre of major international hydrographic engagements.

Rear Admiral Fadahunsi’s election is widely regarded as a testament to Nigeria’s sustained investment in hydrographic development, maritime safety and regional cooperation. It also reflects growing international confidence in the National Hydrographic Agency’s contributions to safer navigation, marine resource management and the blue economy.

As Nigeria prepares to welcome leading hydrographers, maritime regulators and technical experts from across the world over the next two years, the country is poised to consolidate its reputation as a key driver of hydrographic innovation and maritime security in the Eastern Atlantic region.

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Canada Publishes 2 Official Websites to Find Jobs, Says Over 2,000 Vacancies Are Posted Daily 

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Canada has made it easier for unemployed individuals and foreigners who wish to live and work in the country to find jobs that can help them live comfortably and meet their basic responsibilities.

On the official Canadian government website, two links are provided to websites where job seekers can find available jobs in Canada

According to the Canadian government website, applicants who apply for jobs through these platforms can get hired by different companies, as more than 2,000 jobs are posted every day.

Aside from these two websites, the Canadian government explains that individuals can also use employment agencies to help them find jobs that match their skills.

A job seeker can also ask friends or family members if there are job openings or vacancies, as not all positions are advertised on these websites.

1. Job Bank

The Canadian government explains that thousands of jobs are advertised on this platform every day by organisations and companies. The link to access the website can be found in the detailed post published on the Canadian government website.

2. Jobs GC

Another website where foreigners who wish to work in Canada or Canadian citizens can find government jobs is the Jobs GC website. Federal public service jobs are advertised on the website, alongside several other opportunities that may match an applicant’s skills.

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BREAKING: Marketers Increase Fuel Prices Nationwide, as US-Iran War Escalates,  New Rates Emerge 

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Fresh petrol prices have emerged across major depots in Nigeria as marketers adjusted rates upward in response to growing uncertainty in the global oil market following renewed hostilities in the Middle East.

The latest pricing released shows that several depot operators have increased the ex-depot cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, amid concerns that escalating tensions between the United States and Iran could disrupt global crude oil supplies.

Industry observers say the adjustments are largely precautionary, with marketers seeking to cushion the impact of any sharp rise in international crude prices should the crisis worsen.

The fresh increase comes after tensions flared in the Gulf region, with Iran announcing the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz following the expiration of its ceasefire arrangement with the United States.

According to reports, Tehran accused a commercial vessel of violating its maritime regulations and carrying out hostile activities, prompting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to intercept and strike the ship.

The IRGC said the vessel had travelled through an “unapproved route” and had switched off its tracking systems, adding that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed “until further notice” and until what it described as the end of US interference in the region.

In response, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed carrying out military strikes on more than 140 Iranian military targets, including missile launch sites, drone facilities, naval assets, ammunition depots and surveillance infrastructure. Washington said the operation was aimed at protecting civilian and commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.

The latest developments have heightened fears of disruptions to global oil exports, with the Strait of Hormuz serving as one of the world’s busiest energy transit routes.

Data from PetroleumPriceNG indicates that depot petrol prices increased by an average of 0.46 per cent compared to previous rates.

The fresh adjustments signal a departure from the previous benchmark of around N1,075 per litre at several depots.

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