The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a reduction in its benchmark interest rate, lowering the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 27 percent. The move marks the first downward adjustment in months and signals the apex bank’s bid to ease credit conditions, stimulate investment, and consolidate gains from falling inflation. The decision was reached at the conclusion of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting held in Abuja, where members voted to cut the rate after carefully reviewing recent economic data. According to the CBN, the adjustment reflects the need to balance inflation control with the urgency of stimulating growth…
Author: Temitope Nlewemchi
FCMB Group, one of Nigeria’s leading financial conglomerates, has announced gross earnings totaling ₦529.2 billion in its recent financial results, underlining strong performance across its banking, wealth management, and investment operations. This marks a significant growth trajectory for the Group amid challenging macroeconomic conditions. The reported figure represents an impressive year-on-year increase, driven by higher interest and non‑interest income streams. Core banking operations saw growth in net interest revenue, reflecting expanded lending activities and improved asset quality. At the same time, fee-based services, such as transaction processing, advisory services, and digital banking charges—contributed significantly to the earnings outcome. The Group’s…
Nigeria has witnessed a significant rise in currency circulating outside the banking system, as cash held by individuals and businesses surged by N181.7bn within just one month. The development has raised concerns among financial experts and policymakers, who warn that the growing preference for cash-based transactions could undermine the country’s monetary stability, weaken financial inclusion efforts, and complicate the Central Bank of Nigeria’s broader economic reforms. According to recently released monetary data, the volume of money in circulation outside formal banking channels climbed sharply, reflecting a renewed shift toward physical cash despite ongoing initiatives promoting digital payments and regulated financial…
The Nigerian National Assembly is set to pass a suite of harmonised tax reform bills on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, marking a major milestone in the federal government’s ongoing efforts to overhaul the country’s outdated and fragmented tax structure. The bills—consolidated through the efforts of a joint conference committee of both chambers—are designed to unify tax administration across all tiers of government and improve Nigeria’s revenue generation capacity. The reforms represent a strategic part of the fiscal policy agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which is working to reduce the country’s reliance on oil revenue and expand the non-oil tax…
A fire outbreak has ravaged facilities at the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health, destroying vaccines and property estimated to be worth millions of naira, in a development that has raised concerns about public health and emergency preparedness in the state. The incident, which occurred at the headquarters of the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health in Abakaliki, reportedly broke out in the early hours of the day, catching staff and security personnel off guard. Although no casualties were recorded, the extent of damage to critical medical supplies has sparked fears about potential disruptions to healthcare services. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has raised concerns over the rapid rise in cryptocurrency-related crimes, revealing that illicit transactions involving digital currencies surged to more than $160 billion globally in 2025. The disclosure was made by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede during the inauguration of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime country programme for Nigeria (2026–2030) in Abuja. According to him, the scale of financial crimes linked to cryptocurrencies has grown significantly, posing new challenges for law enforcement agencies worldwide. Olukoyede noted that the increasing adoption of digital currencies has created new opportunities for criminal networks to move…
Nigeria has attracted a total of $20.98 billion in foreign capital inflows over the first ten months of 2025, reflecting a growing investor confidence in the country’s economic prospects and financial markets, according to financial strategist Cardoso. The figure underscores the resilience of the Nigerian economy, the effectiveness of policy reforms, and the increasing appeal of local markets to foreign portfolio and direct investors alike. The inflows are reported to have spanned multiple sectors, including banking, manufacturing, telecommunications, and the capital markets, highlighting the diversity of investment interest in Nigeria. Analysts note that foreign capital plays a critical role in…
OPay, one of Nigeria’s leading fintech companies, has officially inaugurated a new office in Ibadan, signalling the company’s continued commitment to expanding its operations, enhancing customer engagement, and strengthening its presence in key regional markets. The move reflects OPay’s strategic focus on deepening financial inclusion, improving access to digital payment services, and supporting small businesses and individuals across Nigeria’s rapidly growing fintech ecosystem. The Ibadan office is expected to serve as a regional hub, providing both operational support and customer service for OPay’s expanding user base in the Southwest. Officials explained that the new location will enable quicker response times,…
The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) ended the week on a negative note as investors collectively lost N129 billion due to bearish trends across major sectors of the equities market. Market analysts attributed the decline to profit-taking activities, lingering economic uncertainties, and fluctuations in global commodity prices that influenced investor sentiment. The downturn reflects the fragile balance between market optimism driven by positive economic indicators and the caution exhibited by investors in response to domestic and international factors. Trading activity during the week was characterised by moderate volumes, with investors selectively buying into blue-chip stocks while exiting positions in cyclical and…
The World Bank has called on the Federal Government to tackle key obstacles hindering private sector growth in Nigeria, stressing that reforms in critical areas could unlock billions of dollars in investment and drive economic expansion. In its latest assessment, the global financial institution highlighted issues such as inconsistent policies, inadequate infrastructure, forex shortages, and high operational costs as major constraints affecting businesses in the country. It emphasized that without urgent interventions, private sector-driven economic recovery could be stalled. The World Bank advised the government to create a more stable policy environment, improve access to credit, and enhance ease of…
The federal government has encouraged women to take advantage of opportunities in the capital market to achieve financial independence and long-term wealth creation. Officials emphasized the need for increased female participation in investments such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, highlighting their potential to provide stable returns and economic security. Speaking at a financial literacy workshop, government representatives stressed the importance of informed investment decisions, urging women to seek professional guidance and leverage digital platforms for easy access to market trends. They noted that despite the growing number of women in entrepreneurship, many still shy away from capital market investments…
The Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB) has paid tribute to its founding president, honoring his contributions to the development of corporate communications and public relations in Nigeria’s banking sector. The late pioneer, whose leadership laid the foundation for ACAMB’s growth, was remembered for his dedication to promoting professionalism and ethical standards in the industry. In a statement, ACAMB described its founding president as a visionary who played a critical role in shaping the association’s mission and fostering collaboration among corporate affairs professionals in the financial sector. His efforts were instrumental in strengthening the reputation of banks through…
Friends, family, and industry leaders gathered to celebrate the 60th birthday of a former President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), recognizing his contributions to the Nigerian insurance sector. The event, which was attended by top executives, regulatory officials, and professionals from the insurance and financial industries, highlighted his impact on industry reforms, professional development, and mentorship. Speakers at the celebration praised his leadership in driving innovation, enhancing regulatory compliance, and promoting ethical standards in the insurance profession. During his tenure at CIIN, he played a key role in advancing policies that improved insurance penetration in Nigeria, strengthened…
Nigeria’s equities market suffered a major decline, losing N476 billion in a week as investor sentiment weakened amid economic uncertainties and foreign exchange volatility. The downturn, which affected major stocks across different sectors, was fueled by profit-taking activities, concerns over inflation, and cautious trading in response to policy shifts in the financial landscape. The Nigerian Exchange (NGX) recorded a series of losses throughout the trading week, with key market indicators reflecting declining investor confidence. The All-Share Index (ASI) dropped as several blue-chip stocks faced sell-offs, leading to a significant contraction in market capitalization. Analysts attribute the bearish trend to a…
A new report has revealed that the federal government is losing an estimated N120 billion annually due to illegal private jet charter operations. The findings indicate that unregistered operators are bypassing regulatory fees and taxes, depriving the government of significant revenue. According to industry experts, many private jet owners engage in unauthorized commercial operations without the necessary permits, exploiting loopholes in aviation regulations. These illegal charters, often arranged discreetly, offer services at lower rates than licensed operators, creating unfair competition in the sector. Aviation regulators have expressed concerns over the impact of these activities, not only on government revenue but…
Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp) has recorded a remarkable financial performance, posting a profit of N94 billion, a significant increase driven by strong revenue growth and strategic investments across its business segments. The company’s latest earnings report reflects its resilience in Nigeria’s challenging economic environment and its ability to capitalize on opportunities in the energy and hospitality sectors. The impressive profit surge comes amid ongoing macroeconomic pressures, including inflation and foreign exchange volatility. Despite these challenges, Transcorp has maintained a steady growth trajectory by optimizing its operations, expanding its asset base, and leveraging synergies across its subsidiaries. The group’s diversified portfolio,…
Metro Africa Xpress (MAX), a leading mobility company, has intensified its investment in electric mobility innovation as part of its commitment to sustainable transportation solutions across Africa. The company, known for pioneering tech-driven mobility services, is expanding its electric vehicle (EV) offerings to address the growing demand for cleaner and more efficient transportation alternatives. With rising fuel costs, environmental concerns, and increasing urbanization, the shift to electric mobility has become a strategic priority for many transportation firms. MAX has positioned itself at the forefront of this transition by developing electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers tailored to the African market. These vehicles…
A rift has emerged between the federal government and tanker drivers over the enforcement of a ban on 60,000 unfit trucks operating across the country. The government’s decision to take unsafe petroleum tankers off the roads has sparked resistance from the drivers’ union, which argues that the move could lead to job losses, fuel distribution disruptions, and economic hardship for thousands of workers. The federal government, through regulatory agencies, has insisted that the ban is necessary to improve road safety, reduce accidents, and prevent environmental hazards caused by faulty petroleum tankers. Officials have cited numerous incidents of fuel tanker crashes,…
The Lagos Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has been honored with a prestigious award in recognition of outstanding contributions to the development and management of Nigeria’s inland waterways. The award highlights the manager’s leadership in enhancing water transport efficiency, safety, and infrastructure within the Lagos region. Under the manager’s tenure, NIWA Lagos has implemented key initiatives aimed at improving waterway navigation, regulating boat operations, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. These efforts have been instrumental in reducing accidents and promoting the use of inland waterways as a viable mode of transportation. The recognition comes at a…
The Regional Off-Grid Electricity Access Project (ROGEAP) has partnered with Ecobank to provide training for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the renewable energy sector. The initiative aims to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, and financial support needed to scale their businesses and contribute to the growth of sustainable energy solutions across West Africa. With the increasing demand for clean and affordable energy, SMEs play a critical role in driving innovation and expanding access to renewable power sources. However, many small businesses in the sector face challenges such as limited funding, lack of technical expertise, and regulatory hurdles. The…