General News
A call for Better Compliance to News Media Ethics: The Case of the Rumoured Acquisition of Jumia by Zinox

By Adeola Olanloko
Last week, Nigeria’s business media was awash with the speculation that Leo-Stan Ekeh, the chairman of Zinox Technologies and owner of the Konga e-commerce platform is on his way to acquiring Jumia Technologies, Africa’s leading e-commerce platform.

According to Nairametrics, an online business journal, Ekeh “has been scooping Jumia shares indirectly suggesting a possible acquisition could be in play if the opportunity arises.”
In the same report, Nairametrics quoted the Head of Corporate Communications for Zinox Group, Gideon Ayogu, who refused to confirm or deny the takeover move, as saying that “nothing positive is impossible.”
In a statement signed by Jumia Nigeria, the company said that they do not comment on speculations, noting that such a bid must comply with the rules and conventions as stipulated by the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) laws.
“As per US Securities Law, shareholders must disclose any shareholding above a 5% threshold and so far we are yet to see any such disclosure. We are focused on executing on our strategy to scale the business towards profitability.
And as you can see from the Q1.22 results released on Tuesday, we made very good progress on this front. The fundamentals of the business are very strong, we posted the fastest GMV, Order and Revenue growth rates of the past 9 quarters,” the statement read.
How does one acquire a publicly listed company?
Who takes over companies on the pages of the newspaper? A look at how the stock market works shows that there are laid down procedures for the acquisition of a quoted company . A quoted company refers to any company whose shares are listed on a Stock Exchange – local or international. Jumia Technologies is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
One of the ways to achieve such a takeover/acquisition is by Management buyout. It is called a Management buyout in the instance that the Management owns a significant stake in the company such that acquiring the shares owned by Management takes the acquirer close to a controlling stake (50% plus one share of the company).
Typically the acquiring company/individual enters into an agreement with the owners of the company to buy controlling shares of the company at a given price. The Board/Management of the company targeted for acquisition will facilitate the negotiations between the company’s shareholders and the proposed buyer.
This process is what Standard Bank, owners of the Stanbic Bank brand, used to acquire IBTC in September 2011 and is what is being played out between Elon Musk and Twitter. Jumia’s statement indicates no such discussions were held with Zinox.
Another route is for an entity to scoop up shares from the floor of the exchange where the stocks are listed. These stocks are called over-the-counter (OTC) stocks because you can buy and sell them through most major online brokers. This was the route Heirs Holdings used to acquire a significant stake in Transcorp Plc in April 2011.
At Jumia’s current market capitalization, excluding any premium existing shareholders may demand, we estimate that to scoop up 51% of the company shares will require a minimum investment of over $350 million or N203 billion.
Possibly the price will be higher if an average of the stock price in the past 12 months is used as a benchmark. If such an over the counter transaction in a single stock were to take place on the New York Stock Exchange, market watchers would have noticed the activity in the stock and would not rely on Nairametrics to bring it to their attention. Here the reporter overreached himself.
Typically before launching such an acquisition bid, the acquirer already owns significant shares in the company. Elon Musk for example owned 9.2% of Twitter stock before his acquisition bid and his aggregate stock holding was duly declared as required by the rules of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
The SEC law stipulates that anyone who hits an aggregate five percent shareholding threshold must declare it to the Exchange. It is what applies in most international Exchanges, including the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Failure to comply with this law is considered a violation of Securities law. Going by the statement from Jumia, there has been no such disclosure yet. We doubt that a very savvy investor like the Chairman of Zinox would have acquired shareholding in Jumia Technologies above this 5% threshold without disclosing it, given the implications of non-disclosure.
Is this a case of careless reporting and lack of due diligence?
Media analysts are thus suspecting that given Jumia and Zinox are well known brands in the Nigerian market, the story may have been spun purely for its sensational value to drive clicks without thought on how it might affect stakeholders in the two companies, investing public and other critical stakeholders.
Jumia released its Quarter 2 financials on May 10th to Analysts and the Media. All listed companies are required to release their quarterly results to Analysts and the Media and Jumia publicly announced this date on its website in advance.
The company reported posting the fastest GMV, order and revenue growth rates of the past nine quarters and this is possibly what drove the uptick in the stock price following its Earnings release not the rumour!
Notwithstanding any future activity on Jumia Technologies stock, this particular story appears not to have been well researched and subjected to proper due diligence before it was published and this verges on carelessness and lack of respect for the reading public.
Sensational titles always drive clicks for digital media but spending credibility just for a few more clicks is a bad trade and harms all digital newspapers. It is time for professional media practitioners to encourage compliance with ethics and tighten the rules either through private digital media group initiatives. Otherwise, we will give room to the government to intervene.
Adeola Olanloko, a business analyst writes from Lagos.
General News
NDIC Reinforces Full Oversight Compliance to Safeguard Depositors

Mr. Thompson Sunday, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), has reaffirmed the Corporation’s strict compliance with fiscal and financial regulations, including the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007, noting that the NDIC has consistently remitted the required percentage of its earnings to the Federal Government.

Mr. Sunday made this known during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong Takang, as part of NDIC’s ongoing engagement with key stakeholders following his formal assumption of office in July 2025.
According to him, NDIC takes financial accountability and transparency seriously, stressing that the Corporation complies fully with statutory remittance obligations, including the payment of 20 per cent of gross earnings or 80 per cent of net surplus to the Federal Government, as applicable. He added that NDIC also submits its financial statements ahead of statutory deadlines.
The NDIC MD/CE explained that this culture of compliance aligns with the Corporation’s role as a key institution within Nigeria’s financial safety-net, charged with protecting depositors and promoting confidence in the banking system. He emphasized that adherence to fiscal discipline remains central to NDIC’s credibility and effectiveness.
Mr. Sunday further disclosed that NDIC also complies with the Federal Government’s 50 per cent cost-to-income ratio policy, although he noted that the policy poses operational constraints. He explained that the deductions affect NDIC’s ability to build a strong Deposit Insurance Fund, which is needed to respond effectively to bank failures.
He stressed that international best practices under the Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance issued by the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) require deposit insurers to maintain adequate funds to reimburse depositors when banks fail without recourse to government, adding that the NDIC is seeking an exemption to strengthen its capacity in this regard.
Mr. Sunday described MOFI as a critical stakeholder, noting that the Federal Government, through MOFI, holds a 40 per cent equity stake in NDIC. He said sustained collaboration with MOFI is essential to ensuring that NDIC continues to meet its obligations to government while effectively safeguarding depositors’ funds.
In his remarks, Dr. Takang commended the NDIC for its exemplary collaborative spirit and acknowledged the Corporation’s compliance with fiscal regulations. He assured that MOFI would continue to engage the Federal Ministry of Finance on NDIC’s behalf, noting that a strong NDIC is vital to sustaining confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation, transparency and accountability, with Mr. Sunday reiterating that NDIC remains focused on balancing regulatory compliance with its overriding mandate of depositor protection and financial system stability.
General News
T2 Backs Youth Excellence as NCBC Wins Bosun Tijani Foundation Basketball Tournament

T2 has reaffirmed its commitment to youth development and excellence through sport as the NCBC basketball team, adopted by the brand, emerged champions of the Bosun Tijani Foundation Youth Basketball Tournament held at the Alake Sports Complex, Ijeja, Abeokuta.

The tournament, organised by the Bosun Tijani Foundation in collaboration with the Ogun State Government and supported by several partners including T2, brought together 12 competitive teams from across Nigeria, positioning basketball as a powerful platform for youth engagement, discipline, and opportunity.
NCBC’s championship run reflected the values T2 seeks to champion, work ethic, intelligence, teamwork, and resilience. The team recorded commanding victories over Team Vision, Warlords, and Elevate before defeating the Ilupjeu Raiders 66–52 in a gripping final.
Commenting on the adoption of the team, Seni Ogunkola, Vice President, Brands and Communication, T2 stated “NCBC embodies the qualities we believe in, exceptional work rate, intelligence on the ball, discipline, and a hunger to excel. By supporting them, T2 is investing in potential, purpose, and the next generation of leaders on and off the court.”
The climax of the event saw His Royal Highness, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, present the trophy to the victorious team, drawing rapturous applause from spectators. The event was also attended by the Chief of Staff to Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr. Lere Olayinka, and the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Wasiu Isiaka, underscoring strong institutional support for youth-focused initiatives.
Through its participation in the tournament, T2 continues to position itself as a brand that goes beyond sponsorship, championing platforms that unlock talent, inspire ambition, and create lasting social impact for Nigerian youth.
General News
Ecobank Guarantees Seamless Digital Banking Services Throughout the Christmas and Year-End Period

Ecobank Nigeria, a member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, has assured customers of uninterrupted access to banking services throughout the year-end holiday period via its secure and robust digital platforms. The Bank also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud and scams during the festive season.

Ecobank Bank
Speaking on the development, Victor Yalokwu, Head, Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Bank’s digital channels – including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, RapidTransfer, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point (Agent Banking) locations nationwide – will remain fully available to support customers throughout the yuletide and year-end holiday period.
He noted that customers will continue to enjoy a wide range of services during the period, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments and airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance inquiries and account statements, as well as cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs.
According to Yalokwu, “Ecobank encourages customers to leverage these digital solutions for safe, fast, and efficient banking, especially during the festive season when convenience and reliability are essential.
“While physical branch operations may be subject to adjusted working hours in line with public holidays, customers can be assured that Ecobank’s digital platforms are designed to deliver uninterrupted service and enhanced security at all times.
“Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service, and we wish all our customers a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year.”
Yalokwu also cautioned customers to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers during the period. “Before you wrap up the year, tighten your security. December brings online sales, travel, and year-end distractions—this is exactly when scammers are most active. From fake festive deals to cloned merchant sites and suspicious messages, staying vigilant helps keep your money safe.”
He advised customers to shop only on trusted websites, never share their PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs), avoid banking on public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages, and regularly review their account activity.
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