News
Court Orders First Bank to Pay Ex-Staff N23.3m for Wrongful Dismissal

An Abuja division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has ordered First Bank Plc, to pay a total sum of N23,307,134.57 million, to one of its former staff, for wrongful and unlawful dismissal from work.

The court presided by Justice Edith N. Agbakoba, awarded the judgment sum against First Bank Plc, while delivering judgment in a suit marked NICN/ABJ/229/2015, filed by one Gbenga Giwa, a former employee of the bank who was unjustly dismissed from the bank over controversial N60 million fraud.
Giwa, who worked last with the bank as Deputy Manager (Construction/Infrastructures Desk), before his unjust dismissal, had approached the court through his counsel, Bola Aidi, for the following reliefs; “a declaration that the purported letter of dismissal dated May 4, 2015, served on the claimant is null, void and of no effect whatsoever.
“A declaration that his letter of resignation dated September 2, 2014 served on the defendant is valid and subsisting.
“An order mandating First Bank, to pay all his entitlements for service with the bank for over 20 years to wit: his gratuity; N6. 3 million; Total Emolument: salary N17, 290, million, representing salary for 1 year totaling: N23,590 million, with immediate effect.
“An order mandating the First Bank to pay him one year unpaid salary and emolument while he remains in the employment of the bank from June 28, 2013 to September 2, 2014 respectively before tendering his resignation, amounting to a total of N23,007,134.57 million.
“An order of perpetual injunction restraining the bank from using; the Police, SSS, Army, Navy, Air Force and any other Security Agencies to arrest, detain, harass, intimidate or oppress the him in any manner whatsoever in respect of any loan connected with his employment.
“An order for payment of the sum of N5 million, being specific damage for withholding his entitlements, rights and benefits contrary to the provisions of the Employee Handbook of the Defendant since 2014 till date. And the sum of N50 million, as general damages, for the physical, psychological and emotional trauma visited on him through the actions of the bank.
But, First Bank Plc in a preliminary objections and counterclaims to the suit, filed by its counsel, Ayodeji Ademola, asked the court for “a declaration that it’s letter dated May 4, 2015, summarily dismissing the claimant from her employment, is valid and that the Claimant’s purported resignation via a letter dated September 2, 2014, while under suspension and undergoing investigation is null and void having contravened the terms of his employment.
“A declaration that the Claimant was properly dismissed in line with the Employee Handbook of the Counter Claimant and the claimant is not entitled to any benefit.
“A declaration that the fraudulent and unauthorized debit transfers of N60 million, in two tranches of N30 million, each from the account of Webb Fontaine Limited. i.e. account no. 200739563 (Hong Kong), to the account of Eksato Engineering Services Limited (account no. 2011773133) on March 8, 2013, and May 28, 2013 through the active connivance of the Claimant constitutes a breach of contract.
“An order that the Claimant pays to the the sum of N50 million, only as damages for breach of contract and reputation damages. And an order of the court directing the claimant to pay forthwith the sum of N30 million, fraudulently transferred by the claimant from the Bank Account of Webb Fountaine Nigeria Limited which could not be recouped from the account of Eksato Engineering Services Limited.
“An order that the claimant pays to it the sum of N1,636,484.27 million, which represent the outstanding credit facility and/or staff loan obtained by the Claimant while in the service of the bank. And an award of N2 million only, as cost of this action. And award of interest at the rate 15 percent, per annum on the judgment sum starting from the dale judgment is delivered.
Justice Agbakoba in her judgment delivered on July 28, 2022, dismissed First Bank’s preliminary objections and counter-claims, on the ground that First bank failed to satisfy the court in proofing it’s case against that claimant.
Consequently Justice Agbakoba declared “that the purported letter of dismissal dated 4th May, 2015 served on the claimant is of no effect whatsoever.
“That the Claimant’s letter of resignation dated September 2, 2014 served on the bank is valid and binding.”
The judge also ordered that “by order of this court order the Defendant (First Bank Plc) shall pay to the Claimant the sum of N23, 007,134.57 million only, being his due one year’s salary for the period of June 28, 2013 to September 2, 2014. And cost of this suit is N300, 000.00.”
Justice Agbakoba further order that all sums payable within 60 days thereafter 10 percent interest per annum will attach.
News
Karex, World’s Top Condom Maker to Hike Prices due to Iran war

Karex, world’s largest condom maker, plans to raise prices by up to 30 percent due to supply disruptions linked to the Iran war.

This means that safe sex could get more expensive if the war continues to disrupt global supply chains, according to Goh Miah Kiat, CEO, Karex.
Kiat told old Reuters that rising freight costs and shipping delays have increased demand and forced the company to pass costs to customers.
Broader supply chain issues and higher oil prices could impact many everyday products that rely on petrochemicals.
“The situation is definitely very fragile, prices are expensive… We have no choice but to transfer the costs right now to the customers,” Goh told Reuters.
Karex joins a growing list of companies that are bracing for supply chain disruptions amid the ongoing war in Iran.
Based in Malaysia, Karex produces condoms, personal lubricants, gloves, medical catheters and probe covers.
The company manufactures male latex condoms including ONE, Trustex, Carex and Pasante, and it can produce over 5 billion condoms annually. Karex also exports to more than 130 countries, according to its website.
“We’re seeing a lot more condoms actually sitting on vessels that have not arrived at their destination but are highly required,” Goh said.
News
Court Affirms FCCPC Authority over Consumer Protection

Federal High Court in Abuja has upheld Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) authority to investigate consumer complaints and enforce regulatory oversight in Nigeria.

Tunji Bello, EVC/CEO, FCCPC
In a statement signed by Ondaje Ijagwu, director, Corporate Affairs, the Commission said that in the judgment delivered by James Omotosho on April 20, 2026, the court dismissed a suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the Commission’s statutory powers.
The ruling affirmed the Commission’s mandate under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 to “receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.”
Reacting to the decision, Tunji Bello, executive vice chairman and chief executive officer of the Commission, said; “the judgment reinforces the importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding consumers and ensuring fair market practices.”
Bello explained that the case stemmed from complaints involving “unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.”
Bello stressed that consumers who pay for services are entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.
He also said that investigations conducted by the Commission are administrative processes aimed at establishing facts.
“It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing,” he said.
The FCCPC boss further reiterated the agency’s commitment to due process and constructive engagement with businesses, noting that the Commission would continue to operate in a “fair, professional, and transparent manner.”
Bello also urged companies operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory procedures and strengthen internal complaint resolution mechanisms to address consumer grievances promptly.
The Commission said it will continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and build confidence in key sectors, including aviation.
News
UK-Nigeria Trade Mission Builds on State Visit Momentum to Drive Commercial Outcomes

Underscoring the strength of the UK-Nigeria strategic partnership, the UK has completed its first trade and investment mission to Nigeria since the recent State Visit, focused on turning high‑level agreements into practical commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Supported by the UK Department for Business and Trade and delivered by DMA Invest in partnership with the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council (NIPC), the 2-day trade mission brought together 43 delegates from 30 British companies to build partnerships, deepen commercial engagement and pursue new opportunities across priority sectors with their Nigerian counterparts.
With trade between both countries now at a record £8.1 billion, and Nigeria established as the UK’s largest export market in Africa, the mission highlighted where UK expertise can add the more value to Nigeria’s reform‑driven economy.
Opportunities discussed spanned key sectors such as infrastructure; energy and power; water, environment and climate solutions; agriculture; finance and professional services; testing and certification standards; logistics and supply chains; and technology, including education, aviation and communications.
These sectors align closely with the priorities set out under the UK-Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) and reflect areas where UK capability, high standards and long‑term partnership approaches are well matched to Nigeria’s evolving market needs.
The mission also focused on challenging outdated perceptions of Nigeria, highlighting its shift towards a high‑potential, reforming economy, and energising businesses around new commercial opportunities supported by an improving macroeconomic outlook.
It encouraged UK and Nigerian firms to recognise complementary strengths and pursue new partnerships, reinforcing the message that both countries are open for business and natural partners for growth.
Dr Richard Montgomery, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, said: “This trade mission is a clear signal of intent. As the first UK business delegation to Nigeria since the State Visit, it shows how we are turning strong political alignment into real commercial action and long‑term partnerships for businesses in both countries.
“By bringing together UK companies and Nigerian partners across priority sectors and working closely with DMA Invest and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, we are backing ambition with delivery and making clear that the UK is committed, engaged and ready to do business with Nigeria for the long term.”
Aisha Rimi, Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, said: “This trade mission represents a timely and strategic step in translating the renewed momentum from the UK–Nigeria State Visit into tangible investment outcomes for Nigeria. At the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, we are focused on facilitating partnerships that align with our national priorities and unlock value across key sectors of the economy.
The strong interest from UK companies reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s reforms and its position as a leading investment destination in Africa. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure that these engagements result in sustainable investments, job creation, and inclusive economic growth for both countries.”
Ronald Chagoury Jr. Vice-Chairman of Hitech and ITB, said: “As long-standing investors and operators in Nigeria’s infrastructure sector, Hitech and ITB are proud to support this UK–Nigeria Trade Mission and its focus on delivering tangible commercial outcomes.
“The successful close of a $1 billion ports transaction, backed by UK Export Finance, reflects both our execution capability and the strength of international partnerships when aligned with national priorities. We see this as a pivotal step in advancing Nigeria’s port infrastructure and a strong signal of confidence in the country’s reform agenda under the Renewed Hope framework.”
Atam Sandhu, Chief Executive, DMA Invest, said: “This UK–Nigeria Trade Mission demonstrates the value of bringing government, investors and delivery partners together in a structured, deal-focused environment. Our role is to convene the right stakeholders and translate strategic alignment into practical commercial outcomes.
The quality of engagement across infrastructure, energy, finance and related sectors reflects the depth of opportunity in Nigeria and the UK’s commitment to long-term partnership. We are proud to have supported this mission alongside the UK Department for Business and Trade and NIPC, and to help accelerate conversations that move projects closer to investment and delivery.”
All 43 delegates from 30 British companies participated in the UK-Nigeria Business Forum alongside senior representatives from the UK and Nigerian Governments, Nigerian businesses and the wider private sector.
The forum provided a platform for direct engagement with Nigerian companies, practical discussions, relationship‑building and the exploration of new partnerships aligned with Nigeria’s reform‑driven priorities.
This mission marks an important step in deepening the UK-Nigeria economic partnership. By strengthening relationships, building confidence and supporting deal‑making, it ensures that the momentum from the State Visit continues to translate into sustained commercial outcomes, long‑term investment and shared growth.
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