Access Bank has said that scammers are impersonating, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, former group chairman, with fraudulent WhatsApp investment groups and warned Nigerians to avoid and report groups.

The fake WhatsApp investment groups masquerading under the name “Value Growth Club,” lure unsuspecting members of the public into investment schemes.

In a public disclaimer issued yesterday, the bank said the fraudsters were falsely presenting themselves as associates of Aig-Imoukhuede and linking his name to Gotham Capital in a calculated bid to lend credibility to the scam.

Access Bank said checks had confirmed that Aig-Imoukhuede has no affiliation whatsoever with the WhatsApp groups or any related investment platform, stressing that the respected banker neither created, endorsed, nor authorised any initiative known as “Value Growth Club.”

The lender emphatically stated that its former chairman was not involved in any WhatsApp-based investment competition, trading group, or financial initiative tied to Gotham Capital or any similar entity, and described the representations as false, misleading, and fraudulent.

It urged members of the public not to join the groups, or send money, or disclose personal or financial information to anyone claiming to be associated with the purported platform.

The bank also advised individuals who may have encountered the groups to exit immediately, report the accounts through appropriate channels, and ignore further contact from the operators.

The warning comes amid heightened regulatory concern over the proliferation of digital investment scams in Nigeria.

Earlier this year, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) similarly flagged the Value Growth Platform, warning that the entity displayed characteristics consistent with a Ponzi-style operation.

The commission said the platform had portrayed itself as a sophisticated investment service offering market intelligence, portfolio guidance, and third-party trading services, but investigations showed that its claims were misleading and potentially unlawful.

John Nwabueze, chief executive officer, Tax Ombudsman, has assured Nigerians that complaints relating to taxes, levies, and regulatory charges will be resolved within 14 to 30 days.

John Nwabueze, chief executive officer, Tax Ombudsman,

Nwabueze made this known while addressing journalists at a breakfast meeting in Lagos, noting that the timeline is in line with the provisions of the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2025.

He explained that the Tax Ombudsman was established as an independent and impartial body to resolve disputes between taxpayers and tax authorities, while also safeguarding taxpayer rights and promoting fairness and transparency in tax administration.

“We will ensure we keep to that timeline of between 14 to 30 days that the law stipulates. We will work with all authorities concerned to dispose of complaints in a timely manner,” he said.

Nwabueze urged journalists to play an active role in educating the public on the functions of the Office of the Tax Ombud, particularly on how taxpayers can file complaints and obtain redress at no cost.

To enhance accessibility, he disclosed that the Office is set to launch a website and a toll-free call centre, aimed at making its services more reachable to Nigerians.

According to him, the establishment of the Office provides a new platform for citizens to actively engage in the nation’s economic development, while strengthening confidence in the tax system.

He noted that the initiative reflects Nigeria’s commitment to building a modern, people-focused tax system that balances revenue generation with justice and due process.

The Ombudsman added that a fair, responsive, and transparent tax system is critical to encouraging voluntary compliance and fostering public trust.

Nwabueze commended His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, for leading a transformative tax reforms that are rooted in fairness, inclusiveness, and sustainability for revenue growth and economic prosperity adding that at the core of the reforms” lies a renewed social contract, one in which taxpayers are not passive partakers, but active partners in nation-building”.

Further, the Tax Ombud acknowledged Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, minister of Finance and Coordinating minister of the Economy, for his leadership in the reform process.

Nwabueze explained that his Office neither “determines tax liability, nor has it replaced the courts or the Tax Appeal Tribunal” but was rather established to ensure that tax administration is conducted in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner.

He added that beyond dispute resolution, the Office of the Tax Ombud plays a systemic role in identifying recurring issues in tax and revenue administration and recommending reforms to improve efficiency, fairness, and transparency.

With the rapid rate of technological change and shifting customer demands, financial institutions in Nigeria have been looking to keep up with innovation and modernise their technology.

Nigeira CommunicatiosWeek in this report evaluates top five money deposit banks that have successfully integrated technology to enhance customer experience.

This is based on 2025 and early 2026 industry reports, ranks in no particular order.

Despite variations in size and market, these bank share a foundational set of core characteristics and technologies designed to ensure stability, security, and real-time functionality.

First Bank

First Bank of Nigeria leverages technology to drive digital transformation through its FirstMobile app, *894# USSD banking, and automated Digital Xperience Centres (DXC) featuring humanoid robots, AI, and self-service kiosks.

With over 80 percent of transactions handled digitally, the bank focuses on AI-driven customer support, secure card issuance in under three minutes, and cloud-based ERP.

The bank has heavily invested in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to transition from a traditional institution into a leading digital bank, adopting the mantra “a tech company offering banking services”.

According to a FirstBank leadership report, Callistus Obetta, group executive, technology, Digital Innovation & Services, is overseeing the bank’s IT operations.

He joined First Bank in 2016 from Standard Chartered Bank.

In his role at First Bank, he has overall responsibility for strategy formulation and leading the team charged with transforming and operating the technology platforms and banking services that power the bank and its subsidiaries.

Zenith Bank

Another heavy investor in technology is Zenith Bank and driving its digital banking, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, and fintech innovation through its annual Tech Fair and Zecathon, with a recent major IT infrastructure upgrade improving service delivery.

Key digital solutions include the *966# E-banking service, a mobile app, and the XPath digital platform.

The bank has recently completed a significant IT infrastructure migration to a new, more robust operating system to enhance service quality.

Zenith Bank offers XPath for digitizing payment collection across branches.

The bank is currently overhauling its core banking systems, implementing software from providers like Misys to modernize frontend and backend operations across its African and UK branches.

Akin Ogunranti leads the Bank’s technology group, digital transformation, and strategic technology initiatives.

Ogunranti is a seasoned banker with over 30 years of experience, joining Zenith Bank in 2004.

He previously managed the Bank’s relationships with Multilateral Institutions and Export Credit Agencies, and served as Group Head for Power & Infrastructure, Oil & Gas, and Structured Trade & Project Finance.

He currently oversees Corporate Banking, Oil & Gas, and the Bank’s Business portfolios across Lagos (Public Sector, Apapa, Isolo and Ilupeju), South-West, and South-South regions.m

Fidelity Bank

Fidelity Bank leverages digital technology to enhance banking convenience, offering solutions like Cardless ATM withdrawals, the *770# instant banking code, and the Ivy AI chatbot.

Their technology stack includes secured online banking, NQR scan-to-pay, and advanced digital tools for SME management and corporate credit lending.

Fidelity Online Banking and a Mobile App are top notches as they  support NQR scan-to-pay.

The *770# Instant Banking service works on all phones without data.

The bank also offers Virtus for real-time transaction monitoring and Corporate Online Banking (CONB) for bulk payments.

Fidelity utilizes SSL encryption, token technology, and adheres to ISO 27001 and PCIDSS security standards.

With mobile technology and AI-driven solutions, Fidelity Bank provides cost-effective financial access to both banked and unbanked customers.

Stanley Chiedoziem Amuchie, Executive Director, Chief Operations and Information Officer is leading the Bank’s IT operations.

Amuchie holds a record of impressive multi- functional work experience spanning banking, audit, risk management, corporate governance, quality control, operations and information technology, strategy, financial control, business and financial advisory, accounting, general management, business development and consulting, with over 23 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry.

He joined Zenith Bank Plc and enjoyed a distinguished career spanning over 18 years which culminated in his appointment as Group Chief Financial Officer in July 2015 and Group Zonal Head in June 2018, a position he held until his exit in October 2018.

While at Zenith Bank, Stanley also served as a Non-Executive Director on the Boards of Zenith Trustees Limited, Zenith Bureau De Change Limited, Zenith Nominees Limited and was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zenith Securities Limited.

Between April 2019 and February 2021, Stanley was Chief Technical Consultant at Mint Financial Technologies Limited (now Mintyn Bank, a digital bank).

United Bank for Africa

United Bank for Africa (UBA) also leverages technology to drive digital banking across 20 African countries and globally, serving over 45 million customers.

Key technology banking services include the UBA Mobile App, Leo AI Chatbot, and *919# USSD banking, enabling account opening, transfers, bill payments, and loans.

UBA focuses on Fintech partnerships to enhance AI-powered customer engagement and digital payments.

UBA prioritizes collaborations with fintech companies to accelerate financial inclusion and enhance digital payment infrastructure.

Emmanuel Lamptey is the key executive overseeing technology and digital transformation at UBA.

Lamptey, who serves as the Executive Director, Digital Banking, has 25 years of experience in retail banking, corporate banking, asset management, brokerage, insurance, and microfinance.

His background allows him to combine financial expertise with a digital vision.

TAJBank

TAJBank is a leading Nigerian non-interest (Islamic) bank leveraging technology for digital banking, featuring the TAJWAY app for secure, 24/7 transactions.

The bank uses the SBS Core Amplitude Up banking platform for seamless digital services, including account opening, instant transfers, bills payment, and agency banking.

It offers secure, user-friendly app offering card management, budget planning, and high-frequency transfers available on the App Store and Google Play.

Customers can open accounts through the app or website without visiting a branch.

Its offers USSD Banking and *898# code for mobile transactions can be donewithout internet connectivity.

TAJBank’s technological focus supports its goal of being a leading digital non-interest bank in Nigeria by providing seamless, ethical banking solutions.

Sherif Idi, Co-Founder/Executive Director, is actively involved in the bank’s operational trajectory and growth, often commenting on the bank’s investment in technology, human capital, and expansion strategies.

He oversee the bank’s growth-driven, tech-enabled, and innovative initiatives.

With 21 years career experience in the banking sector, Idi has worked in every unit of banking, from operations manager to marketing and customer service, risk management, branch manager and group head, carving a niche for himself.