E-Financial
Banks in Good Stead to Meet CBN’s Recapitalisation Target – ACAMB
Association of Corporate & Marketing Communication Professionals of Banks (ACAMB) has assured the banking public that banks in the country have the wherewithal to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recent directives on recapilitalisation of the sector.
L-r: ACAMB Exco; Financial Secretary, Halima Isha of JAIZ Bank; Treasurer, Morolake Philip-Ladipo of Wema Bank; Vice President (VP)1, Oze K Oze of FirstvBank; President, Rasheed Bolarinwa of Polaris Bank; VP2: Tolulope Onipede of Guaranty Trust Bank; General Secretary, Jide Sipe of ECOBANK; Assistant General Secretary, Iyke Iheagwam of Access Bank; Publicity Secretary, Omede Odekina of United Bank for Africa (UBA); and Social Secretary, Ozena Utulu of Heritage Bank at the ACAMB Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election of New Exco, held at CIBN House, Lagos.Rasheed Bolarinwa of Polaris Bank; VP2: Tolulope Onipede of Guaranty Trust Bank; General Secretary, Jide Sipe of ECOBANK; Assistant General Secretary, Iyke Iheagwam of Access Bank; Publicity Secretary, Omede Odekina of United Bank for Africa (UBA); and Social Secretary, Ozena Utulu of Heritage Bank at the ACAMB Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election of New Exco, held at CIBN House, Lagos.
The Association in a statement signed and released by its president, Rasheed Bolarinwa on Sunday said ACAMB had always affirmed its support for the CBN’s recapitalisation moves.
Recall that the Olayemi Cardoso-led apex bank had last week issued and released a circular on review of minimum capital requirement for commercial, merchant and non-interest banks over the next 24 months.
“This support underlines ACAMB’s belief that while Nigerian banks are globally regarded as safe, resilient and thriving; there is always room for growth. As Nigeria seeks to aggressively unlock its innate potential to become a global emerging economy, banks must also stand ready to play their crucial roles of financial intermediation.
“The import of the recapitalisation announced is that Nigerian banks are safe and reliable but the apex bank in its developmental mandate, is leading the banks to strengthen their capacities to meet competitive domestic and global financial needs.
“This overarching theme that runs through the circular and its explanatory notes further affirms the soundness of the banking sector, in line with several rating reports on Nigerian banks by leading local and international rating Agencies,” ACAMB’s statement read in part.
The ACAMB boss commended the CBN’s clear modality for the recapilitalisation that allows addition of share capital and premium as against the previous regime of shareholders’ fund. He reiterated the capacity of the various banks to meet the recapitalization directive within the stipulated timeframe.
“We commend the CBN for the thoughtfulness it has put into the announced modality for the recapitalisation. ACAMB particularly note the distinctive definition of the new minimum capital base for each category of banks as the addition of share capital and share premium, as against the previous use of shareholders’ funds. We urge the public to take note of this change.
“As it stands, banks are on the same page and as such, there is no need whatsoever for any fear, as the banks have the capacity to meet the recapitalisation in line with allowable options stipulated by the apex bank.
“All facts point to a win-win for the Nigerian banks, the financial market and the economy under this recapitalisation.
“The Nigerian capital market, where banks are the most influential group, has the depth to meet the capital requirements of banks. The extended timeline till 2026, provides ample opportunity for each bank to follow through its recapitalisation plan, without undue crowding effect.
“With their background of good returns and liquidity, banking stocks are toasts of domestic and foreign investors. This pedigree, coupled with resilient performance of banks despite economic challenges, will come to the fore as investors know the recapitalisation means stronger banks and better returns.”
Bolarinwa further assured that the CBN’s recapitalization drive will strengthen the economy and further strategically position Nigerian banks as worthy continental and global competitors. He pledged support and cooperation of banks in the implementation of the recapitalization programme.
“The banking industry will continue to work with financial authorities to build up the economy. This recapitalisation will put Nigerian banks in better stead to support the strengthening of the economy; the expansion of the real sector, and the building of bigger banking brands that can compete continentally and globally.
“Banks will continue to cooperate with the CBN in the implementation of the recapitalisation programme.
“ACAMB shall also be engaging all stakeholders in order to ensure balanced and factual representation as the recapitalisation progresses.
“ACAMB reassures all depositors and shareholders to keep about their businesses with the Nigerian banks without fears.”
Independent revenue remittance by the Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) moved from ₦200 billion in 2013 to over ₦2 trillion in 2024, Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) confirmed the updated figure, on Wednesday.
FRC attributed the surge to collaboration between it and House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Speaking at 2025 National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance, held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako, Esq however notes with concern persistent challenge despite achievements. He cited weak enforcement mechanisms, limited public awareness, and the slow domestication of the FRA at the subnational level as according to him, only 26 out of 36 states have adopted similar laws.
He advocated for the establishment of a National Fiscal Governance Framework to improve coordination and strengthen audit and oversight structures.
Muruako further underscored the need for strict adherence to constitutional provisions, particularly regarding public debt and borrowing, which remain under the exclusive legislative list. He urged federal and sub-national actors to align their fiscal policies under the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.
Muruako called on state and local government operators across Nigeria to adopt and fully implement fiscal responsibility laws in line with the federal framework.
The event organized by House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC), brought together key financial stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting transparency and sustainable development in Nigeria’s public financial management.
He lauded administration’s of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu commitment to strengthening financial policies aimed at driving economic growth. He emphasized that states and local governments must “key into” the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) to ensure fiscal discipline and alignment with federal financial standards.
Highlighting a critical legislative gap, Muruako noted that the FRA 2007 currently outlines 54 offenses but does not prescribe punishments for offenders. He called for the urgent amendment of the Act to include stronger penalties, thereby enhancing compliance and service delivery.
“The Act must be amended speedily for efficiency and to deliver real value to Nigerians,” he stressed.
He congratulated the PAC, led by Hon. Bamidele Salam, for hosting the conference, which he described as a pivotal step toward strengthening accountability in the public sector.
He advocated for the establishment of a National Fiscal Governance Framework to improve coordination and strengthen audit and oversight structures.
Muruako further underscored the need for strict adherence to constitutional provisions, particularly regarding public debt and borrowing, which remain under the Exclusive Legislative List. He urged federal and subnational actors to align their fiscal policies under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.
Reaffirming the FRC’s commitment to advancing transparency and reducing financial leakages, Muruako pledged continued support to the PAC in institutionalizing sound public financial management practices.
He also congratulated the committee for securing Nigeria’s hosting rights for the 2025 West African Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAPAC) Annual Conference, describing it as a testament to Nigeria’s leadership in regional fiscal governance.
PalmPay, a leading digital banking platform in Africa has announced the launch of strategic partnerships with top-tier insurance providers to offer accessible, affordable and simplified insurance products directly within the PalmPay app.
This initiative reflects the brand’s continued commitment to deepening financial inclusion and underscores its mission to improve the wellbeing of everyday Nigerians.
With only about 8.9% of Nigerians currently covered by any form of health insurance, the country remains one of the least insured populations in Africa. Barriers such as low awareness, affordability challenges, and trust issues continue to hinder broader adoption of insurance products.
PalmPay’s new insurance offering directly addresses these challenges by simplifying the purchase and management of insurance policies within the app. The PalmPay insurance feature is designed to make essential coverage, from health to device, and life insurance easily accessible at affordable prices, eliminating the traditional complexities often associated with insurance.
“Insurance is often perceived as complex or inaccessible, especially among underserved communities.” said Habib Kowontan, Head of Wealth Product at PalmPay. “Through these partnerships, we aim to break down those barriers by offering simple, reliable and affordable insurance options that are easily accessible within the PalmPay app.”
With over 35 million users across Nigeria, PalmPay continues to evolve as a smart, consumer-first digital banking platform. The integration of insurance services complements its growing suite of offerings, which includes transfers, bill payments, high-interest savings, and debit card services, making PalmPay one of the most comprehensive digital banking platforms in the African market.
“Our goal at PalmPay is to remove barriers and make essential services easily accessible to everyone,” said Mr Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Through these strategic partnerships, we’re expanding our services to be more inclusive and empowering our users with products that will positively impact their lives and finances.”
This rollout marks a significant milestone in PalmPay’s broader strategy to empower users with tools that enhance their daily lives. Building not just a payments app, but a smart and trusted financial partner for millions of Nigerians.
In a timely gesture aimed at improving the plight of internally displaced persons (IDP) in Benue State, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has distributed mattresses and essential food items to over 2,000 victims of the Yelwata attacks currently taking refuge at the Ultra-Modern International Market IDP Camp in Makurdi.
Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka (Left); CEO, The Abbasid Charity Foundation, Hauwa Abbas (Centre); and Branch Leader, Fidelity Bank Plc, Makurdi, Terwase (Right), representing the Regional Bank Head, North Central, Sadi Zawiya, with some beneficiaries during the Fidelity Food Bank distribution event in Makurdi, Benue State recently.
The donation, which was carried out in collaboration with the Abbasid Charity Foundation, is part of Fidelity Bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through its flagship Fidelity Food Bank program. Since its launch in April 2023, the Food Bank has distributed over 200,000 food packs to beneficiaries across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
Speaking about the donation event, the bank’s Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh reaffirmed Fidelity Bank’s dedication to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its mission to uplift communities.
His words, “Since its launch, the Fidelity Food Bank initiative has helped to alleviate the effect of poverty and malnutrition across the country. We are honored to be back in Benue State to continue this impactful initiative, and we hope that today’s donation brings much-needed relief and comfort to the beneficiaries during this difficult time”.
In her remarks, the Executive Officer, the Abbasid Charity Foundation, Mrs. Hawa Abbas, emphasized the importance of restoring dignity to the displaced, stating that the donation of mattresses was to ensure the IDPs no longer sleep on bare floors.
“This gesture is our way of letting the displaced persons know that they are not forgotten. We care deeply for them, and we hope this donation offers some comfort and hope, even in these difficult circumstances,” Abbas noted.
The Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. James Iorpuu, who was represented by Camp Manager, Mr. Robert Nyom, expressed deep appreciation to Fidelity Bank and the Abbasid Charity Foundation for their timely support.
“Your intervention has brought much-needed relief to the camp and we thank you for your compassion and generosity towards improving the welfare of the displaced persons,” he said.
The bank’s outreach to the International Market IDP Camp in Makurdi represents the most recent of its ongoing critical and timely interventions. Previously, through its Food Bank Initiative, the bank provided essential food items to more than 1,500 residents impacted by the recent flood disaster in Mokwa, Niger State.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
GOEs’ Remit Over ₦2tn to FG in 2024
Senate Orders Full Probe into N1.3 Trillion CBEX Ponzi Scandal
UpSkill Universe Launches ‘Skills for Business’ to Empower 10,000 African SMEs, in Collaboration with HP and Google
NITDA Reaffirms Commitment to 95% Digital Literacy by 2030, as UBEC Pledges Collaboration
MTN’s Karl Toriola and Business Leaders Champion Corporate Climate Reform
Telecom2 days agoNCC Wins Global ICT Award for Digital Awareness in Schools
Broadcasting2 days agoMore Woes for MultiChoice as Ghana Orders 30% Price Cut
News2 days agoNnamani, CEO Digital Realty Nigeria Bags Digital Economy Icon of the Year @ Digital Innovation Awards in Ghana
News2 days agoFG Says No Going Back to Nuclear Testing
E-Financial2 days agoAscensia Finance Commences Operations in Abuja
News2 days agoDICON, Saudi Firm to Produce Drones, Satellites in Nigeria
News2 days agoNIPOST to Crack Down on Criminal Courier Operators
Broadcasting1 day agoEFCC Re-Arraigns Echefu, TStv CEO for Allegedly Defrauding Ex-Minister of N1Bn, $1.3m