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E-Financial

FCMB Rallies Operators to Diversify, Stimulate Nigerian Economy

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Stakeholders in the nation’s financial service sector have stated that Nigeria’s vast non-oil endowment must be urgently leveraged to diversify and expand its revenue base, reduce the dependence on crude oil for foreign exchange earnings, and stimulate rapid economic growth.

They stated this in Lagos at a non-oil export trade seminar organised by First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

Fifth in its series, the Seminar themed, “Refocusing Nigeria’s Economic Development Through Non-Oil Exports,” aimed to transform the non-oil sector into the primary driver of economic growth.

In her opening remarks, Mrs Yemisi Edun, the Managing Director of FCMB, identified non-oil export as a catalyst for rapid economic growth. She said it would reduce Nigeria’s vulnerability to external shocks undermining the economy. Mrs Edun affirmed FCMB’s commitment to the sector, especially opportunities in the African Continental Free Trade Area.

She commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Bankers’ Committee for introducing the Road To $200 billion (RT200) to fast-track the diversification of the economy’s productive base through export.

Edun disclosed that the programme increased foreign exchange inflow significantly by about $600 million in the first half of 2022.

Also, Mr Ezra Yakusak, CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), lauded the “Road To $200 billion (RT200) programme.

He said it offers ample opportunities for operators in export trade to scale up. Mr Samuel Oyeyipo, Regional Director of the Council, represented Mr Yakusak at the Seminar.

According to the NEPC Boss, Nigeria’s abundant natural resources provide a good and solid base for rapid industrialization if we make the necessary financial provisions.

He disclosed that huge opportunities abound for Nigerian manufacturers that can get it right in Nigeria and other African markets.

The Export Promotion Chief disclosed that between January and June 2022, Nigeria exported products worth $2.593 billion, representing a 62.37 per cent increase from the $1.59 billion exported within the same period in 2021.

On his part, the Head of Strategic Planning at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr Tayo Omidiji, called for capital investment in the sector.

He said enhanced credit flow to the non-oil export sector, primarily to support capital investments in productive assets, will lead to economic diversification. “Given Nigeria’s endowment in agriculture, solid minerals and services sector, Nigeria has vast potential to grow non-oil exports and diversify its export revenues.”

Addressing export trade stakeholders, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (Rtd.), harped on the agency’s role as a conscious trade facilitator. The Controller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command, Comptroller Hammi Swomen, represented him at the Seminar.

Ali said the agency had re-engineered its process to ensure that exporters and Nigeria benefit from global trade.

He said, “We have automated our documentation and procedures by developing the Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS II). So today, exporters can lodge their export declaration for processing from the conduct of their office. We are also working on completing the end-to-end automation of the Export Clearance documentation on the NICIS II system”.


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E-Financial

Fitch Upgrades Fidelity Bank’s National Rating to ‘A+(nga)’, Affirms Long-Term IDR at ‘B’

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Global credit rating agency, Fitch Ratings, has affirmed Fidelity Bank Plc’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B’ and upgraded its National Long-Term Rating to ‘A+(nga)’ from ‘A(nga)’.

The upgrade, announced on May 29, 2025, reflects the bank’s strengthened capital buffers and improved profitability, signaling continued positive momentum in its performance.

According to Fitch, the rating upgrade is underpinned by Fidelity Bank’s successful capital raise through a rights issue and public offer, as well as a notable improvement in profitability—driven by higher interest income and a stable base of low-cost current and savings deposits.

Commenting on the announcement, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said, “This upgrade by Fitch Ratings affirms the resilience of our business model, the strength of our risk management practices, and our unwavering focus on delivering sustainable value to stakeholders.

Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, we have continued to maintain strong asset quality, solid profitability, and ample liquidity. This recognition reinforces our position as one of Nigeria’s most resilient and customer-focused financial institutions.”

One of the key drivers of the improved rating is the bank’s robust capitalization. Fitch reports that Fidelity’s Fitch Core Capital (FCC) ratio rose to 29.9% at the end of 2024—well above the regulatory minimum. The agency also noted that further capital raising efforts are expected to position the bank to meet the ₦500 billion minimum capital requirement for internationally licensed banks before the 2025 deadline.

Fidelity Bank’s market positioning remains strong. As Nigeria’s sixth-largest bank, it commands approximately 5% of total banking sector assets. The bank’s balance sheet is reinforced by a high proportion of low-cost deposits, which accounted for 93% of total deposits as of year-end 2024—among the highest in the Nigerian banking industry.

The affirmation and upgrade by Fitch is expected to enhance investor confidence and support Fidelity’s continued efforts to scale its operations both locally and internationally.

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.


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E-Financial

SEC Alerts Public on Silverkuun, Trending Dubious Investment Schemes

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Securities and Exchange Commission  (SEC) has warned the public against investing in unregistered investment schemes, including Silverkuun Investment Cooperative Society/Silverkuun Limited.

SEC Alerts Public on Silverkuun, Trending Dubious Investment Schemes

In a circular issued in Abuja, yesterday, the commission said its attention had been drawn to the activities of these entities, which falsely present themselves as investment advisers and fund managers in the Nigerian capital market.

“The attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission has been drawn to the activities of Silverkuun Investment Cooperative Society/Silverkuun Limited which holds itself out as an Investment Adviser/Fund Manager.

“The Commission hereby informs the public that Silverkuun Investment Cooperative Society/Silverkuun Limited is not registered to operate in any capacity in the Nigerian Capital Market.”

SEC advised the public to refrain from engaging with Silverkuun Investment Cooperative Society/Silverkuun Limited or its representatives in respect of any business in the Nigerian capital market.

“The Commission uses this medium to reiterate that transacting in the Nigerian Capital Market with unregistered and unregulated entities exposes investors to financial risk including fraud and potential loss of investment.

“The investing public is therefore reminded to verify the status of companies and entities offering investment opportunities on the Commission’s portal before transacting with them,” the SEC added.

Dr. Emomotimi Agama, director-general of the SEC, recently warned that the Commission would not hesitate to shut down the operations of such unregistered entities while also ensuring that the promoters are made to face the full weight of the law.

Agama said, “we will shut down their operations and the promoters will be made to face the full weight of the law.

“In a major reform, ISA 2025 officially brings digital assets under the SEC’s regulatory purview, defining them as securities and mandating registration for all virtual asset service providers (VASPs) and digital asset exchanges. This development aims to close the regulatory vacuum that has allowed many Ponzi-style platforms to thrive under the guise of cryptocurrency and digital finance.”

Agama also emphasized the Commission’s education-focused strategy to combat fraud through podcasts, digital campaigns, and the introduction of capital market literacy in schools and universities, the SEC aims to equip Nigerians with the knowledge to detect and avoid dubious investments.

 

 

 


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E-Financial

Africa Cross-border Payments Set to Hit $1 trillion by 2035

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Africa’s cross-border payments market is on track to hit $1 trillion by 2035, according to a new report by venture capital firm Oui Capital. Titled “Africa’s Cross-Border Payment Landscape—a deep dive into the systems, players, and shifts shaping Africa’s cross-border payment flows,” the report states that the market is currently valued at $329 billion and growing at a compound annual growth rate  of 12%.

It identifies Africa’s booming digital adoption, increasing intra-African trade, and a surge in mobile money usage as the key growth drivers.

Despite the impressive growth, the report highlights systemic inefficiencies.

“Legacy rails, double currency conversions, and fragmented regulations still siphon billions in hidden costs,” Oui Capital states, noting that the continent continues to have the highest global remittance costs, averaging 7–8%.

However, digital innovation is helping reshape the landscape. Mobile money is now a key channel, with 30% of Sub-Saharan remittances flowing through mobile wallets.

In 2022, Africa accounted for 66% of global mobile money transaction value, demonstrating the rapid formalisation of what was once a predominantly informal cash ecosystem.

Oui Capital sees significant investment potential in addressing these inefficiencies. “Infrastructure plays—interoperable API layers, decentralised FX liquidity pools, and PAPSS integrations—represent $10 billion-plus opportunities,” the report says.

The Pan-African Payment and Settlement System is one such initiative pushing for local currency settlements and reduced reliance on USD/EUR clearing, which presently adds around $5 billion in annual costs.

According to the report, cryptocurrencies and Stablecoins are emerging as promising alternatives, cutting remittance costs by up to 60% in markets with clear regulations.

“Fintech APIs are already pushing fees as low as 1.5–3%,” the report notes.

Still, the venture capital firm warns that challenges persist as only 55% of African jurisdictions allow full electronic KYC, limiting the scalability of fintech solutions.

The report urges founders to go beyond peer-to-peer transfers by embedding services like lending and insurance.

“Africa’s payments race is now a scale game. Those that solve for liquidity, compliance and cost will define the continent’s digital trade backbone over the next decade,” it concludes.


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