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FCMB Shareholders Approve ₦150 billion capital Raise to Drive Future Growth Plans

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L-R: Group Chief Executive, Mr. Ladi Balogun; Chairman, Mr. Oladipupo Jadesimi; Company Secretary/General Counsel, Mrs. Funmi Adedibu; Non-Exectuive Director, Professor Oluwatoyin Ashiru; Executive Director, Coverage & Investment Banking, Mr. Olufemi Badeji and Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Gbolahan Joshua, all of FCMB Group during the 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Group held on May 24, 2024 in Lagos.
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FCMB Group Plc’s shareholders, at the company’s 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM), approved an increase in issued share capital from ₦9,901,355,390.50 to ₦19,802,710,781.00 and authorised a ₦150 billion capital raise to drive future growth plans. The shareholders also approved a 100% increase in dividend payout to 50 kobo per share, up from 25 kobo in 2023, reflecting the Group’s commitment to delivering shareholder value.

L-R: Group Chief Executive, Mr. Ladi Balogun; Chairman, Mr. Oladipupo Jadesimi; Company Secretary/General Counsel, Mrs. Funmi Adedibu; Non-Exectuive Director, Professor Oluwatoyin Ashiru; Executive Director, Coverage & Investment Banking, Mr. Olufemi Badeji and Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Gbolahan Joshua, all of FCMB Group during the 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Group held on May 24, 2024 in Lagos.

Chairman, Mr. Oladipupo Jadesimi, commended the workforce’s contribution to the company’s strong operating performance. He said, “FCMB Group Plc demonstrated resilience, the result of which has given me the great pleasure of being able to inform you that for the full year ended 31 December 2023, the Group declared a profit before tax of N104.4 billion, up 185.6% from the full year 2022.

“The diligence exhibited by our workforce across the country have been remarkable. I commend everyone who contributed to this strong operating performance for the year under review.

“As we navigate through the challenges and opportunities that our mission presents, the Board and Management remain steadfast in their commitment to cultivating a culture that will inspire excellence in our employees, customers, partners, and every member of our ecosystem.”

This would be the first Annual General Meeting of FCMB Group Plc without the presence of the Founder, the late Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, CON. A minute’s silence was observed at the commencement of the meeting and tributes were paid in his honour. Shareholders lauded the management for honouring and perpetuating the Founder’s legacy and the accelerating growth in most key indices, expressing optimism for a more rewarding future.

In his comments, Chief Timothy Adesiyan of Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association said: “We are happy that FCMB Group and its subsidiaries are growing in leaps and bounds. Of note are the strong corporate governance structures, succession plan and the commitment of the Bank to support key sectors of the economy, including corporate social responsibility programmes.

“However, the Bank should expand its interventions to artisans and other underserved sectors. We were grateful that from the 25 kobo dividend paid last year, and now we are receiving 50 kobo this year, a 100% increase.

“The Board, Management and Staff should continue to sustain the legacy of the late Founder, Otunba Subomi Balogun.”

In seeking approval for the N150 billion increase in share capital, the Group on behalf of its flagship bank, made clear its aspirations to retain its international license, with this year’s capital raise being the first step in that process.

Also speaking, the Secretary General of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Mr. Eke Emmanuel, applauded FCMB Group’s results and endorsed the capital raising programme. He said:

“The 2023 financial results of FCMB Group Plc show that the institution is in a healthy position and ready to transform challenges into opportunities. The recapitalisation plans are commendable and achievable. We are optimistic that FCMB will scale the hurdle and be better positioned to deliver more value to shareholders and Nigeria.”

The AGM concluded with renewed confidence among shareholders and stakeholders in the financial institution’s leadership and strategic direction. Board members reassured shareholders of their commitment to maintaining high governance standards and delivering consistent value while highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance risk management frameworks and ensure full regulatory compliance to safeguard the Bank’s reputation.


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E-Financial

Ecobank Nigeria to Fully Repay $300m Eurobond Ahead of Schedule

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Ecobank Nigeria has moved to retire the remaining part of its $300 million Eurobond before maturity. The bank has launched a tender offer for holders of its 7.125% senior notes due February 2026.

The bank announced the offer on Friday, 28 November 2025, inviting investors to tender their holdings ahead of schedule. Of the original $300 million issuance, $150 million remains outstanding.

Under the terms, investors whose notes are accepted for repurchase will receive $1,000 for every $1,000 in principal, plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the settlement date. The transaction is expected to be completed on or before 31 December 2025.

Ecobank said the early repayment move is part of a broader strategy to optimise its balance sheet and strengthen capital planning flexibility. The lender added that the tender offer gives investors an opportunity to exit the instrument ahead of the original February 2026 maturity.

In a statement, the bank said the initiative underscores its “commitment to transparent engagement with funding partners and investors,” stressing that the offer supports its long-term goal of maintaining a well-structured debt profile.

Participation in the programme is voluntary, and investors will make decisions based on their individual considerations, the bank added.

Ecobank emphasised that the announcement is for information only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities. Eligible noteholders are expected to rely on the formal tender documents when deciding whether to take part.

 


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Reps Give Banks Four-Day Ultimatum on Tax Deductions, Charges

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The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating deductions of taxes and sundry charges from the earnings of civil and public servants has given commercial banks a four-day deadline to submit all requested documents.

Reps Give Banks Four-Day Ultimatum on Tax Deductions, Charges

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The committee, chaired by Hon. Kelechi Nwogwu, issued the ultimatum at the commencement of its investigation, following a motion earlier moved by the House Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, on alleged deductions from civil servants’ salaries.

Nwogwu insisted that Chief Executive Officers of affected financial institutions must appear in person before the panel, rejecting representatives sent by GT Bank, Zenith Bank, Access Bank and other banks.

He explained that the panel was mandated to ensure that all deductions of charges by banks on customers’ accounts were fair and properly applied.

The committee disclosed that invitations had also been extended to the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and all commercial banks operating in Nigeria.

“You cannot appear here without an identity. We are here on the mandate of the people who elected us into parliament. We have resolved to meet next week on Wednesday.

“You must submit all requested documents by Monday, May 1,” Nwogwu said.

He warned that any bank that failed to comply with the deadline would face sanctions, adding that the committee would put the CEOs on oath during the next sitting.

The investigation continues next week.


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SEC Urges IST to Freeze all CBEX Bank Accounts in Nigeria

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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has asked the Investments and Securities Tribunal (IST) to order the freezing of all bank accounts belonging to Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) and other defendants held in commercial banks and financial institutions across Nigeria.

The request was made in Suit No. IST/OA/02/2025: Securities and Exchange Commission & Anor v. Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) & 25 Others, the first case before the 6th Tribunal presided over by Hon. Aminu Jinaidu, Chairman of the IST.

SEC also urged the Tribunal to seize houses and other assets allegedly acquired by the defendants using proceeds obtained from the public through the CBEX investment scheme, which it said falsely operated as a digital assets platform and capital-market operator.

The Commission argued that CBEX, which is not registered with SEC, unlawfully promised investors a 100 percent return on investment within 30 days—conduct it said is in violation of Section 3(b) of the Investments and Securities Act, 2025.

SEC further disclosed that the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong had, on April 23, 2024, issued an advisory warning against CBEX, describing it as a suspicious virtual-asset entity. According to the advisory, CBEX adopted a name resembling that of a Chinese property-rights trading organisation to give investors false assurance, despite having no connection with the legitimate entity.

At Tuesday’s sitting, the Tribunal ordered that hearing notices be served on the defendants through national newspapers, as CBEX failed to appear and was not represented in court.

CBEX launched in Nigeria in July 2024, operating through a website and mobile app. It claimed to use advanced artificial intelligence to generate unusually high profits from cryptocurrency trading, promising returns of up to 100 percent within a 40- to 45-day lock-in period. The scheme later collapsed and was exposed as a Ponzi operation that reportedly defrauded investors of more than N1.3 trillion (about $800 million).

Hon. Jinaidu also presided over several other matters on the tribunal’s docket, including Benue Investments Property Co. Ltd & Anor v. Securities and Exchange Commission & 6 Others; Maven Asset Management Ltd v. Securities and Exchange Commission; John Makinde Onade & Anor v. First Registrars & Investors Services Ltd & Anor; and Securities and Exchange Commission & Anor v. Tourist Company of Nigeria PLC & 6 Ors. All the cases were adjourned to January 27, 2026.

 


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