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E-Financial

MoMo PSB to Invest in Financial Education, Mobile Financing, to Drive Financial Inclusion

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L-R: Co-Founder, Andela, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji; Group Head, Digital Banking, UBA, Kayode Olubiyi; Co-Founder, PiggyVest, Odunayo Eweniyi; Chief Executive Officer, MoMo PSB, Eli Hini; Chief Executive Officer, Uplift, Agada Apochi; and Managing Director, Fairmoney, Henry Obiekea at the inaugural MoMo PSB Stakeholder Conference in celebration of MoMo's first anniversary in Lagos on Wednesday
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Eli Hini, CEO of MoMo PSB, says that the mobile money operator will invest in financial education, mobile device financing and other financial solutions, to bridge the financial inclusion gap in Nigeria.

L-R: Co-Founder, Andela, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji; Group Head, Digital Banking, UBA, Kayode Olubiyi; Co-Founder, PiggyVest, Odunayo Eweniyi; Chief Executive Officer, MoMo PSB, Eli Hini; Chief Executive Officer, Uplift, Agada Apochi; and Managing Director, Fairmoney, Henry Obiekea at the inaugural MoMo PSB Stakeholder Conference in celebration of MoMo’s first anniversary in Lagos on Wednesday

He said this at the MoMo Stakeholder Forum, held to commemorate the first anniversary of the Payment Service Bank in Nigeria.

The event was held at the Lagos Continental Hotel on May 17, 2023.

Eli, after identifying financial illiteracy as one of the barriers to financial inclusion said, “Financial literacy is key in the drive for financial inclusion. This is why we are committed to investing in customer education to ensure people understand basic financial solutions and are able to use them to improve their lives.

This also includes sensitisation to help people understand the value of having access to financial solutions and the impact it has on the quality of their lives.”

According to Eli, MoMo PSB  “intends to invest in the provision of mobile phones to rural locations to help improve access to phones which will enable us to provide financial services to our rural communities.”

He also added that MoMo’s large spread in Nigeria will ensure that customers without the luxury of having financial institutions in close proximity can also be financially included.

“Limited access to traditional financial institutions is also what institutions like MoMo PSB will address because of our deep distribution and penetration into the rural areas. We believe that we can extend financial solutions to all Nigerians to bridge that gap.”

Themed “Addressing the Barriers to Financial Inclusion and Cashless Payment in Nigeria”, the MoMo PSB Stakeholder Forum pulled together industry heavyweights to discuss a way forward for financial inclusion and cashless payments in Nigeria.

The focus was on exploring the current landscape of financial inclusion in Nigeria, highlighting key advancements, addressing challenges and exploring strategies for the future. The forum also presented MoMo PSB with the opportunity to share some of the fintech’s efforts in driving financial inclusion.

At the forum, a panel of industry experts shared their experiences, expertise and visions, shedding light on the industry’s progress, and discussing innovative approaches to drive further inclusivity.

Speakers on the panel included the CEO of MoMo PSB, Eli Hini; Founding Partner, Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji; Group Head, Digital Banking, UBA, Kayode Olubiyi; CEO of Unified Payments, Agada Apochi and MD of FairMoney, Henry Obiekea.

Also present at the stakeholder event was the Lagos State Honourable Minister for Science and Technology, Hakeem Fahm, who spoke on some of the ways the state is promoting cashless transactions, as well as the importance of collaboration between the public and private sector to drive financial inclusion.

He said,  “In Lagos state, we have adapted the way we do business to make sure that we embrace cashless payments in most of our transactions, from transportation to paying for government services.

“If you look around you today, we have adopted a multi-modal transport system from boats, to rails, to buses. We have adopted the cowry card which is a payment system you can use for any of our transportation channels.

“There is also an opportunity for the private sector to collaborate with the Lagos state government in extending this mode of cashless payments across our other transportation systems like mini buses.”

Speaking on the thinking behind the stakeholder conference, Eli recognised the importance of collaboration in achieving set goals, stating that the stakeholder conference is designed to serve as a platform for forward-thinking conversations on the state of the industry and for key stakeholders, comprising industry players, the regulator, government officials, to provide solutions to the challenges affecting financial inclusion and cashless payments in Nigeria..


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

E-Financial

UBA Announces Successful Completion of System Upgrade

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United Bank for Africa (UBA) has successfully completed its much-anticipated system upgrade, restoring all banking services to normalcy.

UBA Announces Successful Completion of System Upgrade

In a message to customers, UBA reassured customers that they could now log in to the mobile app and enjoy a smoother, more efficient banking experience.

The bank acknowledged any inconvenience caused by the process and reaffirmed its commitment to providing top-tier financial services.

“We are pleased to inform you that our mobile app upgrade has been completed, and all services have been fully restored. You can now log in and enjoy a smoother banking experience and improved services,” UBA announced.

While the upgrade promises enhanced functionality and reliability, UBA urged customers experiencing any lingering issues to reach out to its 24-hour Customer Fulfilment Centre via 02012808822 or email cfc@ubagroup.com for prompt assistance.

With the completion of the process, UBA reassured its customers of its dedication to innovation and excellence in banking.

 


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E-Financial

SERAP Gives CBN 48-Hour Ultimatum to Withdraw ATM Fee Hike

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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to immediately revoke its recent increase in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fees, describing the move as “Patently unlawful, unfair, unreasonable, and unjust.”

SERAP Gives CBN 48-Hour Ultimatum to Withdraw ATM Fee Hike

In an open letter addressed to Olayemi Cardoso, governor, CBN, and dated February 15, 2025, SERAP warned that the fee hike would worsen economic hardship for millions of Nigerians, particularly those at the lower end of the financial spectrum.

The rights group gave the apex bank a 48-hour deadline to reverse the policy or face legal action.

The CBN’s new directive mandated that ATM withdrawals at off-site locations, such as shopping malls, airports, and standalone cash points, will attract an N100 charge per N20,000 withdrawal.

Additionally, a surcharge of up to N500 may apply for transactions conducted at certain locations. The new fees are set to take effect from March 1, 2025.

In its letter, signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, deputy director, SRERAP criticized the policy, arguing that it would disproportionately affect struggling Nigerians while benefiting commercial banks.

“The manifestly unfair increase in ATM transaction fees will hit hardest those at the bottom of the economy and exacerbate the growing poverty in the country,” SERAP stated.

The organization further argued that financial institutions should bear the cost of banking operations, rather than shifting the burden onto customers, particularly those with limited financial means.

SERAP accused the CBN of prioritizing the interests of banks over the welfare of ordinary Nigerians, many of whom already struggle with the high cost of living.

The group pointed out that banks continue to report record-breaking profits while imposing excessive charges on customers.

“CBN policies should not be skewed against poor Nigerians and heavily in favour of banks that continue to declare trillions of naira in profits, mostly at the expense of their customers.

“The increase in ATM transaction fees will inflict misery on Nigerians and contribute to human rights abuses,” the letter read.

SERAP also noted that the policy contradicts President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling poverty in Nigeria.

The rights group argued that the CBN’s action violates multiple legal provisions, including the Nigerian Constitution, the CBN Act, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act.

SERAP highlighted specific sections of these laws that prohibit unfair business practices and protect consumers from exploitative charges.

According to SERAP, the increase in ATM fees discriminates against low-income Nigerians who may struggle to afford the higher fees, creates a two-tiered financial system that favours the wealthy, contradicts the CBN’s stated mission to promote national economic well-being, and violates international human rights obligations under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,

“The CBN has responsibilities under the UNGPs to take effective steps to avoid or mitigate potential human rights harm and to consider ending any charges or transaction fees where severe negative human rights consequences cannot be avoided or mitigated,” SERAP asserted.

“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter.

“If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the CBN to comply with our request in the public interest,” the letter warned.

 

 

 


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E-Financial

FG Seeks Fresh $300m Loan from World Bank for Health Security

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Federal government has engaged the World Bank for a fresh $300m loan to strengthen Nigeria’s health security infrastructure.

FG Seeks Fresh $300m loan from World Bank for Health Security

Information obtained from the World Bank showed that the loan, which is under consideration, will be implemented by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) with the Federal Ministry of Finance acting as borrower on behalf of the Federal Government.

According to information on the World Bank website, the loan project is expected to “increase regional collaboration and health system capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The project is currently in the pipeline stage, with the disclosure date scheduled for February 6, 2025.

The World Bank board is expected to give its approval on July 30, 2025, following necessary assessments. The appraisal is set for April 14, 2025, and implementation will commence in the 2026 fiscal year.

According to a document on the concept of environmental and social review, the Nigeria Health Security Programme aligns with broader government efforts to enhance disease surveillance, diagnostic capabilities, emergency response, and laboratory networks across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The programme’s primary objective is to enhance regional collaboration and strengthen Nigeria’s health systems to deal with emergencies. It falls within the World Bank’s investment in health, nutrition, and population sectors across Western and Central Africa.

According to the Environmental and Social Review Summary of the project, HeSP will expand molecular laboratory capacity, upgrade primary healthcare centres, establish emergency operation centres, and construct warehouses.

It will also deploy mobile laboratories and install water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities alongside solar energy systems to support health infrastructure improvements.

Although the total project cost is yet to be determined, the World Bank has committed $300m to the initiative. The funds aim to bolster Nigeria’s pandemic preparedness and improve response mechanisms for public health threats.

The initiative comes as Nigeria strengthens its public health infrastructure following lessons from previous outbreaks, including COVID-19.

If approved, the loan will support the NCDC in improving disease surveillance, diagnostics, emergency response, and laboratory services.

Nigeria has previously secured funding from international financial institutions to boost healthcare resilience, including financing for vaccine procurement, emergency medical services, and infrastructure development.

However, the project, categorised as a high-priority public health intervention, carries substantial environmental and social risks due to potential health, safety, and ecological concerns associated with infrastructure expansion.

Identified risks include increased medical waste, occupational hazards, and heightened energy and water demands.

Social risks range from potential grievances from stakeholders to concerns over land acquisition and implementing health interventions in conflict-prone areas.

 


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