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The Role of E-Payment Systems in Doing Business in Nigeria

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By Rotimi Adeniyi-Akintola

Countries the world over are witnessing the rapid evolution of payment systems. These changes follow the technological shift from traditional modes of payment such as cash, cheques and cards, to the digital frontier of virtual currency and mobile platforms.

According to Capgemini and BNP Paribas World Payments Report, global non-cash transactions broke a decade-long record for growth in 2014-2015, with growth volumes in excess of 11%; to reach more than 433 billion transactions.

Two regions fuelled this increase: emerging Asia with a growth rate of 43.4% and CEMEA (Central Europe, Middle East, and Africa), with 16.4% growth. Nowhere has the growth of e-payment been more evident than in Africa.

The swell of different means of electronic payments (e-payment) and mobile payments continues to have a direct impact on local economies in Africa.

Whilst Kenya remains the continent-leader in this regard, thanks to the emergence of the likes of M-Pesa. Nigeria has also witnessed a sizeable increase in the volume of e-payments in recent years.

However, without significantly increasing the rate of financial inclusion in the country through innovative methods, some of which are discussed below, Nigeria runs the risk of never fully actualizing the expansive potential of e-payments on her economy.

Electronic or “E”-payments have significant economic benefits for individuals and businesses alike. Electronic payment lowers costs for businesses, as the more payments they can process electronically, the less they spend on paper and postage.

The convenience of e-payments can also help businesses improve customer retention, in comparison with those offering only traditional means of payments. The direct impacts of e-payments on a country’s GDP are well known and documented.

In 2016, a report by Moody’s Analytics on “The Impact of Electronic Payments on Economic Growth” stated that the explosion of e-payments resulted in an added US$460 million to Nigeria’s GDP from 2011 to 2015.

According to Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Nigeria could save as much as US$9 billion – N3.24 trillion by shifting government payments alone from cash to digital systems.

She was further quoted as saying that such a shift creates the potential to help reduce corruption, increase revenues, and generate investments in health and education.

What this means is that digital tools could be a decisive factor for Nigeria in meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

If the expected effect of the shift of government payments alone to e-payment would result in such huge gains, the impact of a similar shift in the private sector would certainly drive economic growth to seismic proportions.

However, despite the adoption of digital payments, cash continues to be utilized as the mainstream mode of payment in Nigeria, especially for low-value transactions.

Cash remains hugely popular in Nigeria, due to the anonymity it affords, the lack of adequate modernised payment infrastructure, and challenges with access to banking systems for the majority of Nigerians (financial inclusion). Other systemic challenges include the poor state of basic infrastructure; particularly electricity/power and telecommunications infrastructure.

Low literacy levels, infrastructure vandalism, and security issues mount further pressures on the shift to more advanced payment systems. Nonetheless, efforts to surmount these obstacles abound, and the opportunity to develop secure and efficient e-payment instruments to drive further economic growth, exists for Nigeria.

What is financial inclusion, and why is it important?

Financial inclusion is one of the major challenges to the growth of e-payments in Nigeria. Despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) target of 80% financial inclusion by the year 2020, the nation continues to struggle to provide financial products and services to its adult population, particularly the low-income demographic.

Financial inclusion matters, as it is one of the most important drivers of economic development. The benefits of financial inclusion for the poor are extremely significant.

Money which sits outside the banking system; in drawers, mattresses and the like, is unable to appreciate in value by earning interest, and hence has a lower worth or net present value when used in the future.

Financial inclusion would provide low income individuals and families with the means to safely make day-to-day transactions, safeguard their meagre savings, manage cash flow spikes and build working capital.

This capital can finance small businesses or micro-enterprises, mitigate shocks and expenses related to unexpected events such as medical emergencies, and improve overall welfare.

According to a 2016 report by Enhancing Financial Innovation & Access (EFInA), a financial sector development organisation, 40.1 million Nigerian adults, representing 41.6% of the adult population are financially excluded – do not have access to bank accounts or financial services. This is a huge setback to the drive towards more advanced e-payment solutions.

Radical measures are required to effectively provide a population of over 170 million citizens with access to financial services.

To this end, the Nigerian government has introduced key regulatory initiatives to drive financial inclusion and electronic payments. In 2012, the cashless society project – to make Nigeria a top-20 economy by 2020 was introduced, as part of a larger Financial System Strategy 2020 vision to boost Nigeria’s financial system.

Further, in 2017, the CBN reintroduced charges for cash handling, starting with 1.5% for cash deposits and 2% for cash withdrawals between 500,000 to 1,000,000 naira. These measures have not been enough to catalyse Nigeria’s financial inclusion goals.

Boosting Financial Inclusion and E-payments

A major untapped resource for advancing financial inclusion would be to leverage existing telecommunications networks. Current mobile penetration stands at over 238,116,977active lines according to the Nigerian Communications Commission, with 21 million smartphones in circulation according to Jumia Mobile Report 2018. Compared to the 97.57 million bank accounts reported by the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) as being in existence in February 2017, it is evident that more Nigerians own mobile phones than those that operate bank accounts, even accounting for double or multiple mobile line registrations.

A report by KPMG Africa, estimated that only 30 million Nigerians have access to bank accounts.

There is therefore a clear incentive to harness mobile penetration as a means of driving e-payments and in turn driving economic growth.

The example of Kenya could provide some guidance here. Kenyans transacted a record US$33 billion on mobile money transactions in 2016, up from US$27.8 billion from the previous year, according to data from the Central Bank of Kenya.

In recognising this potential, and in an effort to bolster the use of mobile money, the CBN has repealed its decision to exclude telecommunications companies in Nigeria entirely from operating as purveyors of mobile money.

Approval was given to Globacom, Nigeria’s second national operator, to create 500,000 mobile money agent outlets in the country through the Glo Xchange, a mobile money agent network in partnership with 3 commercial banks.

Whilst this is a positive development, much more is required by the CBN in opening mobile payments to the telecommunications companies without restricting them to commercial banks. This will further harness their rich subscriber base.

The CBN is advised to identify opportunities to engage stakeholders and experts in dialogue, to identify avenues for collaboration on mobile payments, and mitigate potential problem areas.

The role of e-payments and financial inclusion in Nigeria’s economy will be further discussed at the “Technology as a Catalyst for the Ease of Doing Business” Conference 2018, due to hold on October 5, 2018, organised by Perchstone & Graeys and Knowledge Resources Limited, in conjunction with The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC).

If interested, kindly send an email to [email protected] to express your interest in attending this conference.


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E-Financial

DLM Trust Unveils DLM Single Asset Trust

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DLM Trust, a subsidiary of DLM Capital Group is thrilled the announce the launch of DLM Single Asset Trust, a variant of the Living Trust construct that allows for a groundbreaking solution for individuals or Corporations seeking to establish single asset trusts for the benefit of themselves and their chosen beneficiaries.

The DLM Single Asset Trust guarantees that people’s assets are protected and managed in accordance with their intentions by operating under the tenets of trust, security, and careful management.

The DLM SAT offers a novel approach to trust services by fusing state-of-the-art technology with knowledgeable advice to enable people and families to effortlessly manage their assets.

DLM SAT enables individuals, often referred to as Settlors or Corporations, to create a single asset trust that will serve both their own and their designated beneficiaries’ purposes.

The Trust Fund may be started using the Settlor’s assets/funds and then expanded with future contributions in accordance with the Settlor’s goals. Only authorised individuals, including the settlor, can access the trust because of its strong independent and confidentiality level.

DLM Trust Company, acting as the designated Trustee, holds the Fund in trust and manages it for the benefit of the Settlor and designated Beneficiaries.

In a statement, MD of DLM Trust, Lola Razaaq commented on the introduction of the DLM Single Asset Trust, stating that it is a means of establishing a timeline for legacy preservation.

“As a game-changer in the trust services industry, the DLM SAT is our newest offering, and we are thrilled to announce this important milestone for DLM Trust.”

The aim of our organisation is to equip people and families with the necessary resources and assistance to safeguard and maintain their heritage for future generations. “Furthermore, we are transforming the concept of future planning with DLM Single Asset Trust.” she said.

DLM Trust Company Limited is registered with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act to provide trust services to individuals, corporations, sub-sovereign entities.

As always, strategic thinking and innovation will be combined by DLM Trust Company to offer its clients best-in-class services. Since its founding, DLM Trust has worked on a variety of creative and unique transactions, including securitizations, private and public bonds.


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UBA Champions Youth Empowerment through Graduate Programme, Employs 398 Across Africa

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United Bank for Africa (UBA), Africa’s Global Bank held the second edition of its expanded Graduate Management Acceleration Programme (GMAP) class of 2024, where 398 young Africans were inducted into the UBA Tribe after a rigorous six-month hands-on-work and learning experience.

The event, which was held in a grand ceremony in Eko Hotel, Lagos on Thursday, was graced by esteemed guests, the UBA management, faculty members, mentors, and the graduating class.

The granduads are from six African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroun, Kenya, Tanzania and Zambia.

Addressing the gathering, UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, who congratulated all the graduates, expressed profound pride and admiration for their success having completed the intense capacity-building programme, combining learning with on-the-job training experience, garnered while rotating across several departments and units in the bank.

Elumelu took time to highlight the bank’s passion for youth empowerment in Africa, while bridging the unemployment gap, which according to him, remains one of the greatest challenges of the continent.

“For me these young UBA Graduates are a testament to who we are: a truly pan-African Group, that invests in African talent.This milestone is more than just numbers. It signifies UBA’s commitment to youth empowerment. Unemployment is the greatest challenge we face – a tragic and cruel betrayal of a generation. We know governments alone cannot create all the jobs we need – so it is up to us, the African private sector, to partner our government in improving lives and livelihoods. This is Africapitalism, and it is gratifying to see UBA play its part. UBA is dedicated to creating a positive impact, through the GMAP programme UBA is creating employment, boosting economic growth, and transforming lives across Africa,” Group Chairman said.

Continuing, he said, “At UBA, identifying these young ones, bringing them to the centre, training them, equipping them for the future and the task ahead, not just for a career in UBA, but wherever they end up remains our passion, because this is how we play our role as a Pan-African bank, in helping to empower the next generation, which is the African youth. We are helping to create employment and this for us is our driving force.”

Earlier in his speech, UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, commended the graduating class for their unwavering commitment and emphasized the program’s role in cultivating the next generation of UBA leaders.

“Your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment have been nothing short of inspiring. Each of you has demonstrated the qualities of a true UBA ambassador, and today, we celebrate not just your achievements but also the collective strength of our UBA family.

While recognizing the invaluable support extended by families and friends, the GMD said, “Let us take a moment to express our deepest appreciation for their steadfast support as the invaluable support of your families and friends throughout this journey. Their love, encouragement, and understanding have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in your success.”

UBA’s Group Head, Human Resources, Modupe Akindele, said the bank remains committed to nurturing talent and leadership within the organisation. She noted that the GMAP programme, which marked its second graduation will be a continuous initiative, as it culminates an intensive journey towards leadership excellence.

“Already, the programme has graduated over 1,100 graduates, that is about 700 in 2023 and now we have 398 graduates. The fact remains that at UBA, we believe in equal opportunity for all, regardless of age, tribe, gender, or background; and so, we will continue to pursue our dream to nurture these young ones to their full potential,” she added.

United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than twenty-five million customers, across over 1,000 business offices and customer touch points, in 20 African countries and across 4 continents.

With presence in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and France and more recently the United Arab Emirates, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail; commercial and corporate banking; innovative cross-border payments and remittances; trade finance and ancillary banking services.


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Banks to Charge 0.375 Percent Stamp Duty on Loans

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Nigerian banks on Thursday announced that they will kick-start the implementation of the stamp duty charge of 0.375 per cent on loans backed by legal mortgages, shares, debentures or bonds.

Banks to Charge 0.375 Percent Stamp Duty on Loans

This is coming after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had directed banks to implement stamp duty on certain transactions that requires duty payments such as contracts and legal mortgages.

According to the FIRS, as the manner of business transactions continue to evolve and change pattern, the law on stamp duties will also change. It noted that the stamp duties has therefore undergone several amendments over the years up to the Finance Act 2019.

Stamp duty is essentially a duty chargeable on both physical and electronic instruments. The stamp duties Act defines duty to mean “any stamp duty for the time being chargeable under any act and also includes any fee chargeable hereunder”.

In several email notifications sent to its customers, banks revealed that they will start implementing the FIRS directive while adding that the charge will be applied to the value of the assets and remitted back to the revenue office.

Access Bank in an email notification titled to its customers, “Stamp Duty Automation Update”, said, “We will like to inform you that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has directed all Nigerian banks to implement stamp duty on certain transactions that require duty payments such as contracts and legal mortgages”.

The bank noted that in compliance to this directive, it have taken measures to streamline the process to make transactions more convenient for its customers.

“To this end, a stamp duty charge of 0.375 per cent will be applied to loans backed by legal mortgages, shares, debentures or bonds. The charge will be applied on the value of legal mortgages, shares, debentures or bonds and remitted to the FIRS”, the bank said.

Access Bank added that all previously approved loans will remain unchanged and should be repaid in full as per the agreed terms and conditions.

“We are committed to providing you with exceptional service”, it said.

It will be recalled that the Federal Government stated it is looking to expand net on transactions covered by the stamp duty charges from regular bank transfers.

 

 


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