General News
Access to Finance Requisite for Economic Growth – EFInA
Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA) in its finding has submitted that given significant financial sector reforms and private sector innovations, access to finance is poised for growth in Nigeria.
The report provides a diagnostic of access to finance and identifies key issues for microfinance, branchless banking and SME finance.
Microfinance
The Microfinance Policy, Regulatory and Supervisory Framework for Nigeria developed by the CBN in 2005 initiated an important turning point in the industry with the creation of the Microfinance Bank (MFB) as an institutional vehicle for privately owned, deposit-taking microfinance institutions (MFIs). Prior to this, a few notable Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) were established that have grown to provide microfinance in a sustainable manner according to international standards of good practice. However, until recently the majority of institutions have been smaller NGOs, community banks, cooperatives, and non-bank financial institutions with uneven management capacity, low outreach to clients, and challenges to becoming profitable.
The framework is designed to unite the best of the NGO credit organizations, the privately owned community banks and the new MFI initiatives under a common legal, regulatory and supervisory regime. The microfinance framework catalyzed two driving forces in the microfinance industry at an extraordinary pace and scale. First is the immediate investment of capital by large number of Nigerian and international investors in newly created MFBs. The second force is the new regulation and supervision framework for this emerging industry. The rate of growth in the microfinance industry, measured by number of institutions, capitalization, or portfolio growth, is among the fastest of any microfinance industry globally at similar early stages of development.
As part of the microfinance policy framework, the CBN in collaboration with the bankers Committee created the Micro Credit Fund (MCR) to partner with state governments to channel credit to the micro enterprise sector. The CBN reports that the balance of funds available to the MCF at the end of 2007 was around N20 billion. Specific lending policies for the MCF were not shared with the diagnostic team. In itself, the MCF reflects an emphasis on credit that is pervasive in Nigerian policy discussions around access to finance. If large volumes of wholesale funds are made available to the MFBs, they will have less interest in providing savings services and may become dependent on wholesale borrowing to fund growth.
Branchless Banking
The main payment instruments available in Nigeria include large-value credit transfers, cheques, retail electronic debit and credit transfers, and payment card systems, among others. Electronic purses (a form of stored value cards), internet-based banking along with mobile payment services. Fir the first seven months of 2009, ATM transactions represented nearly 91 percent of the value of all electronic fund transfers in Nigeria. For the first seven months of 2008, point of sale (POS) transactions represented over 4 percent of the value of all electronic fund transfers in Nigeria. The POS penetration rate represents a ratio of less than 50 POS terminals per 1million inhabitants. The CBN is in the process of drafting mobile payment guidelines to promote branchless banking. Discussions with members of the CBN’s Banking Operations Department indicates that there is a well developed understanding of the many legal domains implicated by a comprehensive branchless banking regulatory regime. These domains include the often complicated issues presented by the use of agents, Anti-money laundering/combating financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) and consumer protection. Given that effective branchless banking requires the cooperation of parties outside the control of the CBN, such as telecommunications service providers and consumer protection agencies, it is unclear how effective the mobile payments guidelines will be in practice. In addition, even parties under CBN supervision, such as private switch operators, appear to be resistant to CBN efforts at promoting interoperatability, a primary component of expanding access to finance. However, reports indicate that draft operational rules for interoperatability through a national switch are awaiting CBN approval.
SME Finance
SME finance is constrained by lack of data, regulations and infrastructure for collateral and insufficient credit information. Policy making for the sector is severely constrained by the lack of data that would allow a better understanding of the problems and performance of ongoing initiatives. Regulations require loans to be collateralized and limit the types of acceptable collateral. At the same time the laws relating to security over movables (i.e., equipment) are antiquated, fragmented and do not offer Nigerian businesses an effective means of raising capital. The current credit information system does not address the needs of the SME sector. However, with quick approval of well designed regulations, a competitive and open credit information industry where private credit bureaus working alongside the Credit Risk Management System (CRMS) can quickly begin to cover the population.
With some exceptions, there are no real SME finance products. Banks and other authorities tend to treat SMEs as “small corporates” with no clear understanding of SME profiles. Globally, leasing is a widely-used service for SMEs, although the lack of a leasing law is constraining development of this sector in Nigeria. Finance companies have limited tools for credit risk assessment and lack of information and understanding of value chains that are important in the development of factoring services.
Recommendations
Greater transparency of financial performance and market information and strengthening capacity at all levels.
Moving quickly on promoting financial infrastructure could help Nigeria’s financial sector modernize and significantly expand access to finance through the design of new laws, regulations and guidelines to upgrade the payment system, private credit registries and collateral registries.
Harmonize all AML/CFR regulations to permit clear operation of risk-based approach.
Enhancing consumer protection by facilitating consumer access to credit reports and requiring disclosure of “disputed” status.
The establishment of a consumer protection body dedicated to protecting consumers of all financial services, not just mobile payment services, given the growing diversity and complexity of the market.
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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