News
Nigerian Banks Have Highest Cost Base
Nigerian banks have been discovered to have the highest cost base amongst their peers due to increased levy paid to the Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) as well as the poor state of infrastructure in the country
According to a report by JP Morgan, “Nigerian banks have higher cost/income ratios versus their Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) bank peers due to lack of necessary infrastructure in form of quality manpower, steady electricity supply, security of physical assets, etc.”
Noting from levies paid by banks to the bad bank that AMCON has risen substantially in recent times, JP Morgan’s analysts in a report on Nigerian banks said, “Higher AMCON levy limits cost/income improvement on our estimates.”
The report noted that contribution to the sinking fund of AMCON has risen to 50 basis points (bps) of total banking assets per annum compared to 30bps previously.
“Following the increase in AMCON levy, we believe AMCON charges will rise 130 per cent year-on-year average 2013 estimate versus 28 per cent year-on-year 2012 audited, adding to the operating expenses growth this year and 11 per cent year-on-year per annum average 2014-16 estimate; between 2013-2016 estimates, we expect AMCON charges to form 11 per cent of Nigerian banks cost base versus five per cent previously.”
Apart from increased operating cost due to contribution into the AMCON sinking fund, JP Morgan analysts say they also expect banks to strive to make up for loss of revenues arising from regulatory pressure on removal of commissions on turnover (COT).
“On average for the banks under our coverage, COT formed 44 per- cent of 2012 actual fee income and 10 per cent of overall revenues; COT will be phased out gradually through 2016 estimates and we believe banks will look to recover this revenue loss via higher focus on fee-yielding transactions and participation in higher-yield financial intermediation.
“However, we estimate average fee incomes as a percentage of total revenues to decline from 24 per cent 2012 actuals to 15 per cent 2016 estimates with a flat year-on-year annual growth in fee income through 16E (following 16 per cent year-on-year 2012 actuals).”
The report which forecast a 25 per cent year-on-year average growth in non-performing loans (NPL) of banks between 2013 and 2016, noted that “recent guidance on NPL development within these banks has remained low; nevertheless for our 2013-2016 estimates forecasts, we have assumed a steady deterioration in the NPL ratio including the 16-17 per cent year-on-year average annual loan growth that we have forecast for these banks for 2013-2016 estimates.
“We see this estimate as conservative but given the lack of a consistent, comparable disclosure from the banks, low economic diversification, tendency to shift lending mix to higher yield categories in 2013-2016 estimates as discussed above. Feedback from channel checks and excesses observed in the past, we prefer to err on the side of conservatism,” the JP Morgan report stated.
Refreshing its ratings and views on shares of four Nigerian banks within its coverage, JP Morgan upgraded Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTB) and United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), from Neutral to Overweight.
FBN holdings and Zenith Bank Plc were on the other hand downgraded. While FBN Holdings was downgraded to Neutral from Underweight, Zenith was downgraded to Overweight from Underweight.
GTB and UBA were named JP Morgan’s “preferred stocks in the Nigerian banks space, each offering an attractive 45 per- cent potential upside to their December 2014 fair values – among the highest within the CEEMEA banks currently.
“While GTB’s valuation (2.0x14E t.book) is at a 33 per- cent premium to the CEEMEA peer average (1.5x 14E), we estimate its offers roughly 60 per cent higher tangible ROE vs. The CEEMEA average (29 per cent 14E in GT – the highest in CEEMEA banks – versus 18 per cent 14E CEEMEA) and nearly double the dividend yield.
“UBA on the other hand offers a 30 per cent higher tangible ROE (of 23 per cent in 14E) on our estimates vs. CEEMEA banks average and a significantly higher dividend yield (10 per cent) for a 33 per cent valuation discount (1.0x14E tangible book) vs. CEEMEA banks.”
Mobility technology company, Moove has raised $250 million in a Series C funding round at a valuation of $2.1 billion, reaching unicorn status.
The startup will deploy the fresh capital to build out autonomous vehicle infrastructure, expand fleet ownership, construct robotics-focused “Nests” for charging and maintenance, and grow its autonomous workforce from 150 to 500 by year-end.
The company plans to enter additional global markets, reflecting a strategy to build the operational infrastructure required for large-scale autonomous transportation rather than simply supplying vehicles.
Led by Mubadala Investment Company and co-led by Woven Capital, Toyota’s Growth Fund, and Ion Pacific, the round also included new investors BlueCrest Capital Management, Sona Asset Management and The Raptor Group, alongside existing backers BlackRock, MUFG, Franklin Templeton and Uber.
“Autonomous mobility is becoming an infrastructure race requiring fleets, charging systems, maintenance, data infrastructure and continuous city-level operations,” said Ladi Delano, co-founder, co-CEO and advisory board chairman of Moove.
Founded in Lagos in 2020, Moove has grown into a global mobility platform employing about 3,300 people across 29 cities in 13 countries, operating approximately 42,000 vehicles and reaching $420 million in annualised recurring revenue.
It has expanded organically and through acquisitions, including Kovi in Brazil and Tokyo Taxi in Japan. Moove also operates autonomous vehicle fleets in partnership with Waymo in Phoenix and Miami, with London expected to join its footprint.
The $2.1 billion valuation places Moove among Africa’s small group of tech unicorns, alongside Flutterwave, OPay, Moniepoint, Andela, Chipper Cash, Wave, Tyme, MNT-Halan and Interswitch.
The $250 million round is the largest single funding deal announced by an African startup this year, though EV mobility firm Spiro raised $270 million cumulatively across two separate rounds.
Heirs Life Assurance, the specialist life insurance company of Heirs Insurance Group, has appointed Pastor Jerry Eze as an Independent Non-Executive Director on its Board, effective August 10, 2026.
L – R: Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Heirs Life Assurance; Pastor Jerry Eze, incoming director, Heirs Life Assurance
The appointment reinforces Heirs Life Assurance’s commitment to expanding financial inclusion and accelerating insurance adoption by strengthening public trust, consumer education, and long-term financial resilience across Nigeria.
Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria’s insurance penetration remains below one percent – among the lowest globally – highlighting the need to expand financial protection and build greater public trust in insurance.
As Heirs Life continues to pursue its mission of making insurance accessible to every Nigerian, Eze’s appointment brings a unique perspective on community engagement, value-based leadership, and broad societal impact.
Pastor Jerry Eze is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy International Ministry, a growing multinational ministry with 34 branches across West Africa, Southern Africa, Europe and North America.
He is also the convener of the New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declaration (NSPPD), one of the world’s largest digital prayer platforms, reaching millions of people daily. Through his ministry and humanitarian initiatives, he has become one of Africa’s most influential voices, championing hope, compassion, and community transformation.
Beyond ministry, Eze is the Founder of the Jerry Eze Foundation, a faith-led philanthropy where he provides housing support and grants to vulnerable and underserved communities.
In 2026, he announced N1billion in grants to support young entrepreneurs across agriculture, technology, and manufacturing, further advancing enterprise development and economic opportunity.
Before entering full-time ministry, Pastor Jerry Eze built a career in development communications, serving as a Communications Specialist on a World Bank HIV/AIDS programme and with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History and International Relations from Abia State University and a postgraduate degree in Business Administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
Speaking about the appointment, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman, Heirs Life Assurance, said: “Pastor Jerry brings an exceptional combination of integrity, influence, and a deep understanding of people and communities.
“As we continue our mission to democratise access to insurance, his insight will help strengthen consumer trust, deepen financial inclusion, and reinforce our commitment to protecting the financial future of millions of Nigerians.
“We are delighted to welcome him to the Board of Heirs Life Assurance and the broader family of Heirs Insurance Group.”
Commenting on his appointment, Pastor Jerry Eze said: “I am honoured to join the Board of Heirs Life Assurance at a defining moment for the insurance industry. Financial security empowers individuals, families, and businesses to pursue their aspirations with greater confidence and resilience.
“I look forward to working with the Board and Management to advance the company’s mission of making insurance more accessible, relevant, and impactful for every Nigerian.”
Heirs Life Assurance has become one of Nigeria’s leading specialist life insurance companies, ranking 7th on the Financial Times list of Africa’s fastest-growing companies.
It is one of the three insurance businesses of Heirs Holdings, the leading pan-African investment company, with investments across 24 countries and four continents.
Combining an omni-channel digital presence with physical branches spread across the country, Heirs Life continues to redefine life insurance through innovation, customer-centric solutions, and a commitment to making financial protection accessible to every Nigerian.
Heirs Insurance Group, comprising Heirs Life Assurance, Heirs General Insurance, and Heirs Insurance Brokers, collectively serves over 3 million people directly and indirectly.
The Group is championing financial inclusion and leading the digital insurance play in Nigeria, demonstrating its mission to democratise access to insurance.
The World Bank Group has announced the 31-month debarments of United Aviation Services Limited (UNASEL), a transportation services company based in Nigeria, and Air Vice Marshal Alkali Mamu, its owner and president, “in connection with fraudulent practices under the Enhancing Niger Northeastern Connectivity Project,” according to a press release issued by the multilateral development bank.
The statement said that the project aims to enhance connectivity and road safety along the Zinder-Agadez Road section and improve access to basic socioeconomic infrastructure for selected communities in that road section.
However, according to the statement: “UNASEL and Mr. Mamu presented false experience documents in a prequalification application to qualify for a contract under the project. This was a fraudulent practice under the World Bank’s sanctions framework.”
“The debarments make UNASEL and Mr. Mamu ineligible to participate in projects and operations financed by Bank Group institutions. The debarments are part of two settlement agreements under which UNASEL and Mr. Mamu admit culpability for the underlying sanctionable practices,” it added.
The statement further said: “Per the Bank Group Sanctioning Guidelines, the settlement agreements provide for a reduced period of debarment in light of UNASEL and Mr. Mamu’s cooperation.
As a condition for release from sanction under the terms of the settlement agreements, UNASEL and Mr. Mamu commit to developing and implementing integrity compliance measures that reflect the relevant principles set out in the Bank Group Integrity Compliance Guidelines, and Mr. Mamu further agrees to complete corporate ethics training.
UNASEL and Mr. Mamu also commit to continue to fully cooperate with the Bank Group’s Integrity Vice Presidency.
“The debarments of UNA SEL and Mr. Mamu qualify for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions that was signed on April 9, 2010.”
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