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E-Financial

81 Percent of SMEs Optimistic About Future Growth in Nigeria – Mastercard Report

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After facing unprecedented changes in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) confidence in Nigeria is on the rise, according to the latest research by payments technology leader Mastercard.

81 Percent of SMEs Optimistic About Future Growth in Nigeria - Mastercard Report

The inaugural Mastercard Middle East and Africa (MEA) SME Confidence Index found 81% of SMEs in Nigeria are optimistic about the next 12 months, compared to the regional average of 74% in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Looking ahead, 78% of SMEs in Nigeria are projecting revenues that will either grow or hold steady. Over half (56%) are projecting an increase.

Access to credit, and acceptance of digital payments for future growth

As many regional economies gradually enter the normalization and growth phase, and social restrictions continue to ease, small and medium sized businesses in Nigeria have identifiedaccepting digital payments (75%), easier access to credit (72%), and doing business internationally and digitizing business operations (72%)as the top three drivers for growth.

This highlights the opportunities for small businesses that arise from both internal transformation as well as industry regulations and trends.

Making sure that SMEs have all the support they need to go digital and grow digital is a key focus for Mastercard. The company works closely with various stakeholders including the government and banking institutions to create opportunities for Nigeria’s 41 million MSMEs.

Collectively, they contribute about 50% to the national GDP, although this share could grow given that only 23% of females operate formal SME businesses in Nigeria.

Mastercard has pledged $250 million and committed to connect 50 million micro, small and medium size businesses to the digital economy by 2025 using its technology, network, expertise and resources in support of the company’s goal of building a more sustainable and inclusive digital economy.

As part of these efforts, Mastercard is focused on connecting 25 million women entrepreneurs. For many small businesses, reducing their dependence on cash through digital payments acceptance, has played a major factor in being able to get paid and maintain revenues.

Ebehijie Momoh, area business head, West Africa, Mastercard, “Small businesses have faced big challenges over the past year, but one of the most important things they can do for their own growth and in terms of future-proofing their business, is to prioritize digital payments acceptance.

“It is extremely encouraging to see that Nigerian businesses are recognizing this and understanding the role that safe, secure and simple digital payments can play as they tackle the year and decade ahead with renewed optimism.

“At Mastercard, we are committed to keep SMEs connected to the tools they need to create new connections and sustainably grow commerce.”

The cost of business a key concern, whilst public and private partnerships seen as engine for growth

When asked about the main thing that keeps them up at night, 54% of SMEs in Nigeria mentioned the challenge to maintain and grow their business was their top issue.

Looking at concerns over the next 12 months, 55%identified the rising cost of doing business, while 53% cited the need for easier access to capital and funding. Private sector partnerships (50%) and government-led initiatives (52%) were identified as having the biggest potential to positively impact SMEs and the wider Nigerian.

As consumer trends evolve in a post-pandemic world, businesses must adapt and prepare for the future. Mastercard’s Economic Outlook 2021 estimated that 20-30% of the Covid-19 related surge in e-commerce would be a permanent trend in share of overall retail spending globally.

Furthermore, recent studies from Mastercard showed that over three in four Nigerian consumers (84%) say that they would shop at small businesses, if they offered more payment options, and 81% noted being more excited to shop at retailers that can offer the latest payment methods, and an equal proportion (81%) said they would be more loyal to retailers who offered multiple payment options.


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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

GOEs’ Remit Over ₦2tn to FG in 2024

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Independent revenue remittance by the Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) moved from ₦200 billion in 2013 to over ₦2 trillion in 2024, Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC) confirmed the updated figure, on Wednesday.

FRC attributed the surge to collaboration between it and House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Speaking at 2025 National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance, held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Executive Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), Victor Muruako, Esq however notes with concern persistent challenge despite achievements. He cited weak enforcement mechanisms, limited public awareness, and the slow domestication of the FRA at the subnational level as according to him, only 26 out of 36 states have adopted similar laws.

He advocated for the establishment of a National Fiscal Governance Framework to improve coordination and strengthen audit and oversight structures.

Muruako further underscored the need for strict adherence to constitutional provisions, particularly regarding public debt and borrowing, which remain under the exclusive legislative list. He urged federal and sub-national actors to align their fiscal policies under the renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.

Muruako called on state and local government operators across Nigeria to adopt and fully implement fiscal responsibility laws in line with the federal framework.

The event organized by House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC), brought together key financial stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting transparency and sustainable development in Nigeria’s public financial management.

He lauded administration’s of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu commitment to strengthening financial policies aimed at driving economic growth. He emphasized that states and local governments must “key into” the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) to ensure fiscal discipline and alignment with federal financial standards.

Highlighting a critical legislative gap, Muruako noted that the FRA 2007 currently outlines 54 offenses but does not prescribe punishments for offenders. He called for the urgent amendment of the Act to include stronger penalties, thereby enhancing compliance and service delivery.

“The Act must be amended speedily for efficiency and to deliver real value to Nigerians,” he stressed.

He congratulated the PAC, led by Hon. Bamidele Salam, for hosting the conference, which he described as a pivotal step toward strengthening accountability in the public sector.

He advocated for the establishment of a National Fiscal Governance Framework to improve coordination and strengthen audit and oversight structures.

Muruako further underscored the need for strict adherence to constitutional provisions, particularly regarding public debt and borrowing, which remain under the Exclusive Legislative List. He urged federal and subnational actors to align their fiscal policies under the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.

Reaffirming the FRC’s commitment to advancing transparency and reducing financial leakages, Muruako pledged continued support to the PAC in institutionalizing sound public financial management practices.

He also congratulated the committee for securing Nigeria’s hosting rights for the 2025 West African Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAPAC) Annual Conference, describing it as a testament to Nigeria’s leadership in regional fiscal governance.


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E-Financial

Union Bank Challenges High Court Ruling in Jimoh Ibrahim Case

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Union Bank of Nigeria has reacted to the recent judgment delivered by Justice Abike Fadipe of the Ikeja High Court involving Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, NICON Investment Limited, Global Fleet, and the bank.

The bank expressed strong disagreement with the ruling and confirmed that its legal team has been directed to file an appeal immediately. It said the court’s position on issues such as debt consolidation, locus standi, and third-party liability contradicts existing legal principles and the bank’s understanding of the facts.

In a statement released by Mrs. Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Union Bank reiterated that the relevant debt obligations had been transferred to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), adding that all actions taken were in line with the law and standard banking procedures.

Union Bank assured stakeholders, customers, and the general public of its continued commitment to ethical practices, legal compliance, and professional conduct. It said it remains dedicated to protecting stakeholder interests and upholding the integrity that has defined its operations for more than a century.

The bank concluded by thanking all stakeholders for their trust and support as it navigates the ongoing legal process.


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E-Financial

PalmPay Expands Access to Digital Insurance Through Strategic Partnerships

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PalmPay, a leading digital banking platform in Africa has announced the launch of strategic partnerships with top-tier insurance providers to offer accessible, affordable and simplified insurance products directly within the PalmPay app.

This initiative reflects the brand’s continued commitment to deepening financial inclusion and underscores its mission to improve the wellbeing of everyday Nigerians.

With only about 8.9% of Nigerians currently covered by any form of health insurance, the country remains one of the least insured populations in Africa. Barriers such as low awareness, affordability challenges, and trust issues continue to hinder broader adoption of insurance products.

PalmPay’s new insurance offering directly addresses these challenges by simplifying the purchase and management of insurance policies within the app. The PalmPay insurance feature is designed to make essential coverage, from health to device, and life insurance easily accessible at affordable prices, eliminating the traditional complexities often associated with insurance.

“Insurance is often perceived as complex or inaccessible, especially among underserved communities.” said Habib Kowontan, Head of Wealth Product at PalmPay. “Through these partnerships, we aim to break down those barriers by offering simple, reliable and affordable insurance options that are easily accessible within the PalmPay app.”

With over 35 million users across Nigeria, PalmPay continues to evolve as a smart, consumer-first digital banking platform. The integration of insurance services complements its growing suite of offerings, which includes transfers, bill payments, high-interest savings, and debit card services, making PalmPay one of the most comprehensive digital banking platforms in the African market.

“Our goal at PalmPay is to remove barriers and make essential services easily accessible to everyone,” said Mr Chika Nwosu, Managing Director of PalmPay. “Through these strategic partnerships, we’re expanding our services to be more inclusive and empowering our users with products that will positively impact their lives and finances.”

This rollout marks a significant milestone in PalmPay’s broader strategy to empower users with tools that enhance their daily lives. Building not just a payments app, but a smart and trusted financial partner for millions of Nigerians.


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