E-Financial

Elumelu Advocates Collaborations to Boost Africa’s Fortunes

Published

6 years ago

August 3, 2020

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^{Tony O. Elumelu, group chairman, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has said that the Corona virus pandemic has presented a perfect opportunity for foreign investors to invest in Africa, owing to the huge opportunities that are inherent in the African economy.}

Elumelu Advocates Collaborations to Boost Africa's Fortunes

^{“This is the time to invest. Africa is a land of opportunities; There is huge population and there is now the realisation by African leaders who are creating an enabling environment to encourage these investments,” Elumelu said on Thursday, while speaking at a virtual session organised by the TIME100TALKS on the theme, ‘Empowering Entrepreneurs’.}

^{Bill Gates, Founder of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and United States Senator, Tammy Duckworth were other thought leaders who also spoke in sessions at the event.}

^{While pointing out that the African continent is well positioned to emerge into a strong digital economy, Elumelu said, there is now more macro-economic stability than ever before, especially given that the young African is energetic, restless and has the ambition to succeed, in the face of difficult circumstances.}

^{“Challenges exist in Africa, but we have huge returns on investments. There is huge population and there is realisation by African leaders who are now creating an enabling environment to encourage investments into Africa. There is no better time to make the multi-million dollar bet I made in Africa, than the times we live in now,” he said in a chat with Kimberly Dozier, a Time Correspondent who moderated the session.}

^{Speaking on the effect that the pandemic has had on the operations of UBA in the last few months, Elumelu noted that there has been a rapid increase in technological embrace and called for the strengthening of infrastructure, networks and digital platforms to support the growth.}

^{“In banking business this whole digital transformation is heightened further by COVID-19, right now, you have less than 15% of our over 20million bank customers that are transacting in the bank. Most of them now transact online, which is 85% of over 20million customers. That is significant. Before COVID, it was about 65%. UBA is seeing an explosion in its digital platforms. Thankfully, the bank invested significantly in technology, and now, they are investing even more so that they can serve their customers better. So, the digital connectivity technical infrastructure should be strengthened in such a way as to aid this explosion we are seeing,” Elumelu said.}

^{He also spoke on how the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which he founded, has been supporting the growth of its entrepreneurs especially in the tough business climate presented by the ravaging coronavirus pandemic.}

^{“Through the TEF virtual platform called the TEFConnect, we are able to engage our entrepreneurs on a day-to-day basis; get resource speakers from all over the world and ourselves, to talk to them and to train them and let them know how to manage difficult moments like this. And I can say that at-least 72% of our 9,500 beneficiaries are hanging in there, expanding their businesses. You know most SMEs typically die after their first year, but we are seeing a different trend, where beneficiaries of our programme in different countries are contributing towards fighting the virus in their different countries. We are seeing the creation of jobs, the one million jobs we set out to achieve,” he noted.}

^{The TEFConnect Community is a meeting ground where entrepreneurship ecosystem players share information and ask questions on their business activity. Currently one million entrepreneurs are on TEFConnect}

^{Elumelu seized the opportunity to call on all bodies and key sectors such as the private sector, public sector, development agencies like the African Development Bank and other institutions to work together to make a difference, adding that “What the world needs today and Africans, in particular, is hope and that to me is what will make the difference but that hope has to be backed by tangibility, some substance so that we can make it work.”}

^{In his submission, Bill Gates sought for collaboration between the private and public sector to end the pandemic, adding “Every country has to think through the right policies to stop the spread, there is need to speed up the process of getting new drugs and vaccines, we need a global response.”}

^{Senator Duckworth who also emphasised the need for funding for teaching and appreciation for teachers, advocated for more teamwork at all levels to fight the pandemic, said, “What the country needs is a team that will step forward to deal with the crisis. It is very significant for me to be on a national stage for other Asian Americans, because we often are the forgotten minority in this country.”}

^{TIME100 Talks, an initiative of TIME magazine, is a new live event series that convenes leaders from every field to spotlight solutions to urgent global problems and encourage cross-disciplinary action.}

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E-Financial

Bank Customers to Pay N1,500 for ATM Card Issuance, Replacement – CBN

Published

2 hours ago

April 25, 2026

Ebere Melum-Nwogbo

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that the cost of issuing or replacing a standard debit or credit card will rise by 50 percent to about N1,500, up from about N1,000.

Bank Customers to Pay N1,500 for ATM Card Issuance, Replacement - CBN

The new charge is contained in the Exposure Draft of the Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria, 2026, released by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The draft followed a circular issued to banks, other financial institutions and the public, dated April 21, 2026, and signed by Rita I. Sike, director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department.

Under the revised guide, issuance and replacement of regular or basic debit and credit cards will attract a N1,500 fee, while charges for premium debit, credit or hybrid cards will be negotiable.

In the 2020 guide, debit card charges were fixed at N1,000 as a one-off fee for issuance, replacement of lost or damaged cards, and renewal upon expiry, applicable across all card types.

The CBN said the review is part of its mandate to promote a safe and sound financial system, accelerate the adoption of innovative financial services, and enhance financial inclusion, particularly in micropayments and transactions.

According to the regulator, the revised guide expands the range of financial services, encourages innovation, strengthens oversight and accountability, and promotes financial inclusion through lower tariffs for micropayments. It also updates certain banking charges to support increased use of electronic channels and accommodate new industry participants since the 2020 version.

The apex bank said the draft has been exposed to the public for comments and input on the proposed fees, with submissions expected via [email protected] on or before May 08, 2026.

The guide provides a framework for the application of charges, including fees and rates, on products and services offered by financial institutions in Nigeria. It applies to all institutions licensed or regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The charges, according to the regulator, were developed following extensive consultations with stakeholders and are aimed at enhancing flexibility, standardisation, transparency and competition in the financial system.

It added that where charges are designated as negotiable, financial institutions must inform customers of their right to negotiate at the start of transactions and reach mutual agreement on applicable fees through verifiable means.

Where limits are specified, charges must not exceed the prescribed maximum or fall below the minimum.

The apex bank noted that the guide is not exhaustive and that financial institutions must seek prior approval before introducing new products, services or charges not covered.

The framework applies to a wide range of institutions, including commercial banks, merchant banks, payment service banks, non-interest banks, microfinance banks, finance companies, primary mortgage banks, development finance institutions, credit guarantee companies, mobile money operators, and other institutions designated by the regulator.

In line with existing consumer protection regulations, the apex bank said non-credit charges can only be applied to the extent of the available account balance, with any outstanding fees deferred until the account is funded. Such deferred charges will not attract interest.

The guide is to be read alongside the relevant guidance notes and glossary provisions and will supersede the 2020 version when it takes effect on May 1, 2026.

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ProvidusBank Launches Ado-Ekiti Branch, Eyes Nationwide Rollout

Published

2 hours ago

April 25, 2026

Ugo Onwuaso

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ProvidusBank Plc has commissioned a new branch in Ado-Ekiti, advancing its expansion strategy across Nigeria’s high-growth markets while leveraging its compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation directive since January 2025.

ProvidusBank

The move aims to enhance financial inclusion, support local enterprises, and deliver banking services closer to communities and businesses.

At the event, Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer, Deoye Ojuroye, described the rollout as part of a 12-month plan to bolster the bank’s nationwide presence.

“Our approach is deliberate—we are growing in the right places, supporting real economic activity, and building a bank that is both resilient and responsive to customer needs,” Ojuroye said.

He emphasised the bank’s robust capital and risk management, stating: “We are well capitalised within our regulatory category, giving us confidence to expand responsibly while aiding businesses and communities.”

ProvidusBank plans further branches in strategic locations over the next year, underscoring its focus on scalability, accessibility, and sustainable growth as a trusted partner for individuals and enterprises.

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Fidelity Bank Bolsters SME Growth with April Masterclass Series on Pricing, Digital Tools, Global Trade

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2 hours ago

April 25, 2026

Ugo Onwuaso

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Fidelity Bank Plc has launched a series of high-impact masterclasses in April 2026 to empower Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with practical skills for pricing, digital expansion, and international growth.

Fidelity Bank

The initiative aligns with the bank’s drive to boost SME operational efficiency and market access amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.

The flagship session, “Pricing That Works: How to Charge Right and Earn More,” took place on April 10 at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos. It drew about 100 entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, offering insights into costing, value-based pricing, pricing psychology, and customer perception to ensure profitable, customer-friendly strategies.

Buoyed by positive feedback, the bank rolled out three more sessions. The second, “Baking Masterclass: From Kitchen to Cashflow,” ran on April 14 and 15, providing hands-on training for bakers and food businesses to enhance product quality and profitability.

Divisional Head, SME Banking, Ugochi Osinigwe, stated: “At Fidelity Bank, we believe that when SMEs succeed, the economy grows. That is why we have curated masterclasses on pricing, product improvement, online sales, and global expansion to equip entrepreneurs with immediate, actionable tools.”

She highlighted the series as part of broader SME support via the Fidelity SME Hub, including advisory services, funding, and nationwide programmes. The bank recently earned the Best Retail and SME Bank Award from Independent Newspapers.

Upcoming events include “Grow Online Sales on a Budget” today, April 24, focusing on low-cost digital strategies for visibility and sales; and “Take Your Business Global: One-on-One Trade Advisory” on April 29, covering export readiness, payments, markets, and compliance.

Fidelity Bank, ranked among Nigeria’s top lenders, serves over 10 million customers via 255 branches, digital platforms, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. It has clinched awards like the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking from BusinessDay BAFI Awards, Most Innovative Mobile Banking App from Global Business Outlook, Best Bank for SMEs from Euromoney, and Export Financing Bank of the Year from BusinessDay BAFI.

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