The Nigerian banking sector has witnessed a concerning rise in fraudulent activities, with incidents of fraud in bank branches increasing by 31 percent in the second quarter of 2024.

This alarming statistic was disclosed by the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) in its Fraud and Forgeries report, highlighting significant challenges to the integrity of the country’s financial system.

Fraudulent activities in Nigerian banks led to a staggering N42.33 billion in reported losses during the first half of 2024.

This sharp rise was driven by escalating fraud across multiple channels, most notably within physical bank branches.

The FITC report revealed that fraud in bank branches rose dramatically to N42.2 billion in the second quarter, compared to N133.9 million in the first quarter.

The FITC data also pointed to a massive 1,560.3 percent increase in computer and web fraud. Losses in this category surged from N24 million in the first quarter to N400.8 million in the second quarter.

In contrast, mobile fraud witnessed a significant decline, dropping by 59 percent from N216.4 million in the first quarter to N88.7 million in the second quarter.

Interestingly, no cases of ATM-related fraud were recorded during the period under review.

The figures also indicate a shift in fraudulent activities involving various financial instruments. Card fraud saw a notable decline of 47.66 percent, with cases dropping from 21,469 in the first quarter to 11,231 in the second quarter. Conversely, cheque-related fraud rose by 36.67 percent, increasing from 30 cases in the first quarter to 41 in the second quarter.

Mobile fraud recorded an even steeper decline in value terms, dropping by 99 percent from N21.6 billion in the first quarter to N216.36 million in the second quarter.

These figures suggest evolving strategies among fraudsters, with some methods becoming less prevalent while others gain traction.

Amid the rising tide of fraud, legal actions have also intensified. In one notable case, an Abuja Federal High Court issued a 30-day freeze on 818 bank accounts linked to a N10 billion cyberattack on a Nigerian bank.

The court’s directive, issued on October 15, 2024, was based on a motion filed by the police against James Akagwu Isaac and other suspects, including several financial institutions.

Analysts say the surge in fraudulent activities underscores the urgent need for heightened vigilance, enhanced security measures, and robust regulatory interventions in Nigeria’s banking sector.

While the decline in some fraud categories, such as mobile and card fraud, offers a glimmer of hope, the sharp rise in branch-based and web-related fraud highlights the evolving tactics of fraudsters.

To combat these threats effectively, experts recommend that banks must invest in advanced fraud detection systems, conduct regular staff training, and strengthen internal controls.

Collaboration between financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and regulators will also be crucial in mitigating the impact of fraud and safeguarding the financial ecosystem.

The FITC report serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the banking sector and the need for proactive measures to address them. Without sustained efforts, the rising trend of fraud could pose significant risks to Nigeria’s economic stability and the trust of consumers in the financial system.

Credit: Tribune

Jaiz Bank has successfully listed the N10.04 billion proceeds from its private placement on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), following regulatory approvals by   the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

This places the bank among the few banks that have already met the new capital requirements of the CBN, ahead of the June 2026 deadline.

The bank in a statement yesterday indicated that its financial position remained robust, with a well-structured, diversified, and resilient balance sheet.

“Total assets currently stand at ¦ 1.06 trillion, while shareholders’ funds have reached ¦ 47.9 billion,” it said.

Speaking on the successful capital-raising exercise, the Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Dr. Haruna Musa, “This achievement underscores the commitment of the board and management to adding value to our customers by providing bespoke ethical finance solutions.

“Jaiz Bank is well-positioned to compete effectively on all fronts, fulfilling customer needs through ethical and innovative financing. Despite a challenging operating environment, we have demonstrated resilience and achieved remarkable growth across financial and non-financial metrics. This positions us firmly on track to becoming the leading ethical bank in Africa.”

He emphasized the bank’s strategic focus, saying: “Looking ahead, we will continue strengthening relationships with our loyal customers while attracting new ones.

“Through our digital platforms, innovative products, and services, we aim to support individuals, businesses, and communities alike. Our journey to lead the future of ethical finance in Africa remains unwavering, as we stay committed to excellence and delivering long-term value to all stakeholders.”

Jaiz Bank’s performance metrics highlight its exceptional growth and operational efficiency. Key financial ratios include a Return on Equity (ROE) of 60.74% and a Return on Assets (ROA) of 2.18%.

The achievement reinforces Jaiz Bank’s position as a leader in ethical banking, further solidifying its commitment to providing innovative financial solutions  to its customers.

The World Bank is set to decide on three major loan projects for Nigeria in 2025, totalling $1.65bn, as part of efforts to address critical developmental challenges in the country.

The loans, currently in the pipeline, will focus on internally displaced persons, education, and nutrition enhancement.

According to information obtained from the World Bank’s website, the loans are designed to support Nigeria’s social and economic recovery, particularly in vulnerable sectors requiring urgent intervention.

The first project, titled Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project, has a commitment amount of $300m and is scheduled for approval on April 8, 2025.

The project, which remains at the concept review stage, seeks to provide sustainable solutions for internally displaced persons and their host communities, addressing their social and economic challenges.

The second project, HOPE for Quality Basic Education for All, is expected to receive $553.8m in financing.

Its approval is slated for March 20, 2025, and it also remains in the concept review phase.

The third project, Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria 2.0, involves the largest share of the proposed loans, with a commitment of $800m.

The World Bank is expected to hold a decision meeting on the project by February 20, 2025.

The $1.65bn financing package reflects the World Bank’s continued commitment to supporting Nigeria’s ongoing reforms.

The World Bank’s schedule indicates that decisions on these loans will be made in early 2025, with Nigeria’s ability to meet project prerequisites and demonstrate accountability in implementation likely to play a key role in getting the funds.