E-Financial
Nigerian Bank Customers Face Potential Service Disruptions as Core Systems Undergo Upgrades
Nigerian bank customers may need to prepare for increased service interruptions as banks across the country fast-track the migration of their core banking systems to more secure and cost-effective software.
Many financial institutions have already initiated this process, but it’s expected to intensify in the coming weeks, potentially leading to frequent transaction delays and unexpected outages.
President of the Bank Customers Association of Nigeria (BCAN) and former Registrar of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dr. Uju Ogubunka, expressed frustration over the limited communication from banks regarding these disruptions.
In an interview with THISDAY, he pointed out that banks should have better informed customers about the potential impact of these upgrades.
Ogubunka said, “The ultimate aim is to improve the system and services to customers, but whether all these upgrades should happen simultaneously is debatable, as it’s causing major disruptions. Additionally, many banks failed to give enough notice to their customers, leaving them unprepared.”
Dr. Ogubunka emphasized the need for more effective communication, particularly for those customers less familiar with digital banking.
“Not every customer is technology-compliant. Banks need to take time to explain these changes and even provide some training to help customers adjust. The lack of preparation is making things worse,” he added.
A banking industry insider, speaking anonymously, confirmed that further disruptions are likely as more banks prepare to migrate.
The insider explained that the shift is motivated by rising operational costs and heightened security concerns.
“The banks pay in dollars for every account held, along with the cost of additional services. With the naira’s decline, these expenses have become unsustainable. That is why banks are looking for cheaper alternatives, whether local or foreign,” the source revealed.
Sterling Bank was one of the first to experience service issues after moving from T24 to SEABaaS, a locally developed platform, in September.
Customers experienced days of limited access to services during this migration.
Similarly, GTBank recently announced its switch from Jordanian/UK-based ICS Financial Services software to Finacle, an Indian platform.
In another case, Zenith Bank suffered a major outage on October 1 while shifting from UK-based Phoenix by Finastra to Oracle’s Flexcube.
Access Bank, which had initially planned its own migration, has since postponed the transition and promised to announce a new date for the update.
Security concerns have also been a driving factor behind these migrations. The insider mentioned that cyberattacks targeting banks are on the rise, pushing institutions to adopt more robust security measures through system upgrades.
“There has been a rise in cyberattacks targeting financial institutions. Banks need systems that are not only cost-effective but also secure. This migration trend is largely about safeguarding against those threats,” the source said.
However, the simultaneous system upgrades by several banks remain a concern for many, as it compounds the impact on customer access and transaction flow.
Dr. Ogubunka and other industry experts have called for a more strategic, customer-oriented approach to avoid further strain.
“Yes, the goal is to improve service quality, but banks should not rush the process and neglect the needs of their customers. Without adequate preparation and communication, we will continue to see more disruptions, and the frustrations will only deepen,” Ogubunka said.
The BCAN president urged banks to focus on educating customers and ensuring smoother transitions to prevent further inconveniences.
US Secret Service has quietly seized nearly $400 million in digital assets over the past decade, amassing one of the world’s largest crypto cold wallets, Bloomberg reported at the weekend, citing people familiar with the matter.
The agency’s Global Investigative Operations Center (GIOC) has tracked funds through open-source tools, blockchain analysis, and patience, Jamie Lam, an investigative analyst with the US Secret Service, reportedly told law enforcement officials in Bermuda last month.
The agency’s crypto trove, much of which sits in a single cold-storage wallet, results from a string of investigations into scams. Scammers lure targets into seemingly legitimate crypto investment platforms in one typical scheme.
Victims often see initial profits before the sites vanish with their deposits.
“That’s how they do it,” Lam said. “They’ll send you a photo of a really good-looking guy or girl. But it’s probably some old guy in Russia.”
Lam’s team uses domain records, blockchain transactions, and VPN slip-ups to identify fraudsters. In one case, a cryptocurrency payment led investigators to another wallet. In another one, a brief VPN failure exposed an IP address, helping agents piece together the scam’s digital trail.
At the helm of the Secret Service’s crypto strategy is Kali Smith, who directs a team that has trained officials in over 60 countries to unmask online financial crimes.
The agency has focused on jurisdictions with weak oversight or programs selling residency to foreign nationals. “Sometimes after just a week-long training, they can be like, ‘Wow, we didn’t even realize that this is occurring in our country,’” Smith said.
The Secret Service’s work has uncovered scams ranging from romance-investment schemes to sextortion cases. One investigation involved an Idaho teenager who sent a nude photo to an online stranger. The scammer extorted $300 twice before the teen went to the police.
Analysts traced the payments through another coerced teenager acting as a money mule, leading to an account tied to nearly $4.1 million in transactions under a Nigerian passport.
British police arrested the suspected extortionist when he arrived in Guildford, England, where he remains in custody pending extradition.
Ascensia Finance Company has officially commenced operations to provide financial intermediation services in Abuja.
Licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in April, the financial institution aims to support individuals and small businesses through customised financial solutions delivered via efficient and accessible channels.
It offers a broad range of services, including loans, investment products, and financial advisory services tailored to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
In a statement, Mr. Jude Ezeami, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Ascensia, stated that proud member of the Finance House Association of Nigeria (FHAN), and in partnership with the Nigeria Interbank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS) and Remita, the company is leveraging strong institutional relationships and digital infrastructure to offer reliable financial services.
He said, “At Ascensia, we are committed to the growth of our clients by delivering inclusive, customer-centric financial services that empower individuals and small businesses to thrive.
“Our suite of products is designed to address the financing needs of Nigerians — whether through accessible personal loans, business financing, or innovative investment solutions.”
He said with the company’s strong foundation, experienced leadership, and a deep understanding of the local market, Ascensia remained poised to become a key player in Nigeria’s financial services industry.
The company is driven by a team of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in Nigeria’s resilient financial services sector.
Anchored on the core values of Trust, Resilience, Integrity, Creativity, and Empathy (TRICE), the company introduced a suite of innovative financial products.
These include personal loans of up to N5 million for self-employed professionals, with a repayment tenor of up to 12 months.
The company also provides SME loans of up to N10 million, specifically designed to support shop owners and small business operators engaged in trade of fast-moving consumer goods, with financing available for inventory and working capital needs.
The Ascensia PayEasy, a “Buy Now, Pay Later” solution, enables individuals and companies to acquire consumer goods or assets with a minimum 30 per cent deposit, and repay the balance over a six-month period.
For salaried employees in both the public and private sectors, the company offers PayDay Loans of up to ₦5 million, repayable over 12 months.
Through its Contract Finance offering, Ascensia supports vendors, suppliers, and contractors working with credible companies, NGOs, and public-sector agencies.
The product facilitates timely order fulfilment and improves liquidity by providing early access to funds through invoice discounting on confirmed invoices from approved counterparties.
The company also offers group loans for traders, artisans, farmers, and producers of fast-moving goods.
These loans are structured around group-based cross-guarantees, making financing accessible to individuals with strong cash flows but limited collateral. Eligible borrowers can access up to N3 million, repayable within 180 days.
Union Bank, one of Nigeria’s most enduring financial institutions, made a resounding statement of support for governance reform by partnering with the first-ever International Civil Service Conference, held on June 25–26, 2025, at Eagle Square Arena, Abuja.
With the theme “Rejuvenate, Innovate & Accelerate,” the conference brought together civil servants, development partners, and senior government officials—including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—to strategize on the digital transformation and renewal of Nigeria’s public service.
Hosted by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation in collaboration with the Global Government Forum UK, the event focused on modernizing governance through inclusive leadership, adaptive institutions, and seamless service delivery—values that resonate with Union Bank’s digital-first approach.
Speaking at the event, Mannir Ringim, Executive Director for North and Public Sector, emphasized the Bank’s dedication to national development:
“At Union Bank, we believe in the transformative power of public-private partnerships. Our support for this landmark conference underscores our commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s civil service through innovative financial solutions that foster transparency and efficiency.”
Union Bank’s presence at this pioneering event not only underscores its forward-thinking ethos but also positions the Bank as a catalyst for progress at the intersection of finance and public administration.
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