Sterling Bank Limited, has made history by migrating to what is believed to be the continent’s first-ever indigenous core banking solution called SeaBaaS.

The implementation of SeaBaaS, developed by Peerless, according to a statement obtained by Nigeria CommunicationWeek, marks the completion of a new banking system announced to customers in August 2024.

This strategic move positions Nigeria as a leader in digital banking, driven by local talent and cutting-edge technology.

Leveraging advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, the system according to the lender, promises to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency, providing smarter, faster financial services.

Speaking on the achievement, Abubakar Suleiman, CEO of Sterling Bank, said SeaBaaS is the first fully developed core banking platform that is wholly built and owned by an African technology company.

He described the development as the start of a new revolution in Africa’s drive for economic self-sufficiency, noting that the intellectual property underpinning SeaBaas will be available to partners across the continent in the coming months.

For regulators, it ensures greater transparency, robust reporting, and compliance with evolving standards.

“Partnering with Peerless to create SeaBaaS is not just a milestone for us; it is a renewal of our resolve and ambition to remain a world-class organization. It is proof that African institutions can do great things that will make the world stand up and take notice of us,” said Suleiman.

“We are once again proving that the notion of Nigerian banking being one of the most technologically advanced is not just a myth, but a reality that is manifested in the quality of solutions we can develop, and services we can deliver to our customers.”

Suleiman explained that the transition to SeaBaaS represents many things to many people. “For the African banking industry, it is the continent’s first indigenously conceived and engineered core banking application, built and owned entirely by a Nigerian company, with every line of code, database configuration and interface proudly African, delivered by homegrown talent.

“For our customers, it offers faster transactions, enhanced security and innovative financial products tailored to their needs. For regulators, it ensures greater transparency, robust reporting and compliance with evolving standards.”

The bank’s CEO acknowledged the challenges faced during the implementation, stating that implementation issues had been resolved, with the institution’s full bouquet of digital banking services being restored in phases for customers’ use.

According to him, “This successful deployment reminds us that nothing truly valuable comes without challenges. While this transition has tested our systems and patience, it also reinforced our commitment to innovation and excellence. We enter this new phase confident that the migration will deliver unmatched efficiency and transformative customer experiences.”

He also pointed out the financial implications of the migration, noting that African banks collectively spend hundreds of millions of dollars annually on foreign core banking systems, which exacerbates the continent’s trade balance issues.

“The introduction of SeaBaaS not only sets a new benchmark for Nigerian financial services but also paves the way for a future where African institutions can reduce their technology costs, thereby enhancing financial inclusion, he said.

Sterling Bank’s migration to SeaBaaS adds to its history of being at the forefront of market-leading innovations. The bank pioneered Nigeria’s first contactless prepaid transport card (FarePay) and the first automated retail lending solution (Specta).

It has also partnered with state governments to deploy innovations like the first drone delivery system for pharmaceutical consumables with Zipline in Kaduna, and digitized medical records.

Wale Edun, minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy has debunked reports making the rounds that the rate for Value-Added Tax (VAT) has been increased from 7.5% to 10%.

Wale Edun

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, had recommended an upward review of the Value Added Tax (VAT) from the present 7.5% to 10%.

Oyedele disclosed this while speaking on Channels TV last week. This has been widely condemned by many Nigerians including former VP Atiku Abubakar.

In a statement signed and released on Sunday, September 8, Edun stated that VAT rate as contained in relevant tax laws and chargeable on goods and services remains at 7.5%.

It reads; “The current VAT rate is 7.5% and this is what the government is charging on a spectrum of goods and services to which the tax is applicable.

“Therefore, neither the Federal Government nor any of its agencies will act contrary to what our laws stipulate.

The tax system stands on a tripod, namely tax policy, tax laws and tax administration. All the three must combine well to give us a sound system that gives vitality to the fiscal position of the government.

Our focus as a government is to use fiscal policy in a manner that promotes and enhances strong and sustainable economic growth, reduces poverty as well as makes businesses flourish.

The imputation in some media reports on the issue of VAT and the opinion articles that have sprouted from them seem to wrongly convey the impression that the government is out to make life difficult for Nigerians.

“That is not correct. If anything, the Federal Government has, through its policies, demonstrated that it is committed to creating a congenial environment for businesses to thrive.

“In fact, it is on record that the Federal Government, as part of efforts to bring relief to Nigerians and businesses, recently ordered the stoppage of import duties, tariffs and taxes on rice, wheat, beans and other food items.

“For emphasis, as of today, VAT remains 7.5% and that is what will be charged on all the goods and services that are VAT-able,”

Konga’s Back-to-School campaign has been a game-changer for parents, students, teachers, and other stakeholders in Nigerian education.

Since its launch three weeks ago, the campaign—which offers necessary school supplies and educational tools at discounts of up to 80%—has given educators and families alike a lifeline.

In a time when many are feeling the pinch of the current economic climate, Konga’s Back-to-School campaign has stepped up to support Nigerian families in preparing for the new academic year.

Because of the back-to-school campaign, parents can now afford to buy everything their kids need for school, including tech devices, backpacks and stationery, without straining their finances.

At the core of Konga’s Back-to-School initiative is its commitment to empowering learners as they resume a new session. The deals provide a wide range of educational resources to make sure pupils are prepared for academic success.

Konga has addressed the diverse demands of all students, from nursery school pupils in need of new stationery to university students requiring laptops for their schoolwork.

Moreover, with the discounts offered during the campaign, more families can now afford high-quality products. This ensures that every learner, regardless of their financial situation, has the tools they need to thrive academically.

Konga’s Back-to-School campaign has also been a tremendous support for parents and educators. By offering substantial discounts on a wide range of products, Konga has made it easier for parents and educators to shop for what they need, while saving money.

Furthermore, Konga’s Back-to-School campaign is not just about school supplies; it aims to meet the broader needs of the educational community. The campaign has also featured deals on items like beauty, health and personal care products, electronics and fashion.

This ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also physically and mentally ready for the challenges of a new school year.

In addition, Konga has made it easy for shoppers to access these incredible deals through its user-friendly online platform. With just a few clicks, customers can browse, select, and purchase what they need, with the added convenience of nationwide delivery.

As the Konga Back-to-School campaign continues, it is evident that it has made a significant difference in the lives of many Nigerians.

For those who are yet to take advantage of these deals, there is still time to shop and save before the end of September. Visit Konga.com today and equip your kids with everything they need for a successful school year.