OneWallet microfinance Bank is partnering Zenith bank and MTN to build a platform that will provide digital financial services to support the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) businesses in Abia State.

Dr. C Darl Uzu, Chairman of OneWallet, who disclosed this while launching the platform for traders at the Ariaria International Market, Aba, Abia State said it was meant majorly for traders and the SMEs because they are the bedrock of the Nigerian economy.

According to Dr. Uzu, “We want to expand the inclusion of small businesses in digital financial services by making it easy for them to make and receive payments on affordable digital devices, hence the UnionBell Smart phones and POS.

“We want to help SMEs to access financial support and loan easily to grow their business, and also help businesses to build the history and credibility they require for future growth and expansion.”

He said OneWallet was not created just as a payment application, but as a business support platform designed around the real needs of SMEs.

Dr. Uzu said the choice of Ariaria International Market as the pilot for the platform was intentional since the market is one of the strongest symbol of enterprise in Nigeria.

“We are not here however to teach Ariaria people how to trade because Ariaria already understands business, but we are hear to support Ariaria business energy with tools that can help businesses do more, reach more customers, organize better and prepare for bigger opportunities; we are here to help Ariaria innovate and grow.”

He thanked MTN, Zenith bank and the leadership of the traders for partnering OneWallet to provide the platform that help businesses to expand.

A representative of MTN at the launch, Dr. Ernest Chieke described OneWallet as a platform for individuals and SMEs which intend to move their businesses forward.

He expressed joy that his firm was partnering OneWallet to bring solution to SMEs’ financial problems.

Carl Akwarandu who represented Zenith bank at the event said the bank decided to partner OneWallet because it has a unique product that will make small businesses grow faster.

He promised that Zenith bank would give OneWallet all the support it needs to make it number one microfinance bank in the country.

The Director of OneWallet, Dr. David Nwosu described the microfinance bank a one stop-touch for SMEs growth.

He said at OneWallet, collateral are not needed to obtain loan, but the individual’s business history.

A member of the board of the microfinance bank, Wiedong Wang, commended Dr. Uzu for establishing OneWallet.

He expressed optimism that with the help of its partners, OneWallet will excel.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned non-interest financial institutions against governance and compliance risks capable of undermining public confidence and financial stability in the country’s growing Islamic finance sector.

Interest-free banks, often known as non-interest or Islamic banks, operate without charging or paying traditional interest (Riba).

The warning was contained in a press statement issued by the apex bank following the 2nd Annual Interactive Session between the CBN Financial Regulation Advisory Council of Experts and the Advisory Committees of Experts of Non-Interest Financial Institutions held at the CBN Auditorium in Abuja.

Speaking through Dr Rita Sike, director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department,  Philip Ikeazor, deputy governor, Financial System Stability, said the rapid expansion of the industry had increased exposure to operational and regulatory vulnerabilities.

The statement read, “The Deputy Governor, however, observed that as the industry grows in size, sophistication, and interconnectedness, it faces unique risks, particularly non-compliance risk, governance challenges, operational vulnerabilities, and emerging technological risks.

“He warned that such risks, if not properly managed, could undermine public confidence, financial stability, and the overall credibility of the non-interest finance ecosystem.”

According to the CBN, the engagement was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Shariah governance, improve regulatory clarity, and reinforce risk management standards within the non-interest financial services industry.

The apex bank noted that non-interest financial institutions continued to play an increasingly important role in Nigeria’s financial system by providing ethical and Shariah-compliant alternatives to conventional banking.

It stated that the institutions were also contributing to financial inclusion, real sector financing, micro, small, and medium enterprises development, and shared prosperity.

The CBN further explained that the establishment of FRACE and the mandatory constitution of ACEs across all non-interest financial institutions were designed to institutionalise a harmonised governance framework for the sector.

According to the statement, sustained interaction between FRACE and ACEs remained critical to ensuring that regulatory expectations were properly understood and consistently implemented across the industry.

“The objectives of today’s session include fostering the institutionalisation and effective operation of a robust Shariah governance system within Non-Interest Financial Institutions, and providing a structured platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration,” Ikeazor was quoted in the statement.

In his remarks, Prof Bashir Umar, deputy chairman of FRACE,  said the interactive session was aimed at strengthening governance within the non-interest finance sub-sector and promoting constructive engagement between regulators and industry advisory committees.

He also commended the management of the CBN for reviving the session, which was first introduced in 2014.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, Sike reaffirmed the apex bank’s commitment to building a strong and well-governed non-interest financial services industry.

She noted that the growing diversity of products and delivery channels, particularly the emergence of Islamic fintech, had increased the need for stronger regulatory oversight and continuous engagement among industry stakeholders.

“The growing diversity of products, institutions, and delivery channels, particularly with the emergence of Islamic fintech, underscores the need for continuous dialogue, sound regulatory oversight, and robust advisory input from scholars and practitioners,” she said.

The session featured technical presentations on Shariah non-compliance risks in non-interest banks and the role of Islamic fintech in driving financial inclusion.

Participants at the event included members of FRACE, chairmen and members of various ACEs, managing directors of non-interest banks, senior CBN officials, and representatives of the Bank of Industry and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Federal government is in discussions with the World Bank over a proposed $1.25 billion loan facility aimed at supporting economic reforms, job creation, and competitiveness programmes across Nigeria.

A World Bank document titled Nigeria Actions for Investment and Jobs Acceleration showed the facility has moved beyond the concept and appraisal stages and is now scheduled for a decision meeting ahead of a planned Board presentation on June 26, 2026.

If approved, the loan would become Nigeria’s second-largest World Bank financing package after the $1.5 billion Reforms for Economic Stabilisation to Enable Transformation Development Policy Financing approved in June 2024.

The document listed the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the borrower, while the Federal Ministry of Finance will serve as the implementing agency.

It explained that the project is currently at the decision-meeting stage of the World Bank’s project cycle, where final appraisal documents undergo internal review before submission to the Board of Executive Directors for approval.

At this stage, the institution confirms policy actions, financing terms, and reform commitments already agreed in principle between Nigeria and World Bank teams.

It also said the proposed facility will support government efforts to expand access to finance, digital services, and electricity, while strengthening competitiveness through reforms in taxation, trade, and agriculture.

World Bank says loan will support finance, digital access, and electricity reforms

Between June 2023 and May 2026, the World Bank approved about $9.35 billion in loans and credits for Nigeria across key sectors including power, education, healthcare, agriculture, renewable energy, social protection, and MSME financing.

Major approvals during the period include the $2.25 billion RESET and ARMOR reform financing in June 2024, $1.57 billion for HOPE and SPIN programmes in September 2024, and $1.08 billion for education and resilience projects approved in March 2025.