E-Financial
CBN Commits over N1.3 trillion to Boost Economy

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has committed over N1.3 trillion to various intervention programmes, in order to boost the economy, in the last one and half years following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Osita Nwanisobi, the Director of Corporate Communications of the bank, disclosed this, yesterday, at the 16th International Trade Fair organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).
The Bank’s critical objective was to restore stability in the economy by providing assistance to individuals, SMEs and large corporates that had been severely impacted by the pandemic, as well as by the lockdown measures during the period. Some of the measures taken by the Bank include, amongst others:
He said that the N343.21 billion has so far been released to 726,198 beneficiaries, comprising 602,730 households and 123,468 Small and Medium Enterprises through the Targeted Credit Facility (TCF).
The CBN spokesman said that another N134.57 billion was given to 38,140 beneficiaries under the Agribusiness/Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS).
Similarly, he disclosed that over N756 billion to 3.7 million farmers cultivating over 4.6 million hectares of farmland under the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP).
According to him, N98.41 billion was disbursed in loans to support 103 healthcare projects, of which 26 were pharmaceutical companies and 77 healthcare institutions.
Mr. Nwanisobi who spoke on the theme: “Exploring the Opportunities of Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Said that Nigeria and other African countries that were signatories to the Agreement were expected to benefit from the elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers (lowering trade costs and simplifying customs procedures) among member nations.
He added, “AfCFTA also provides Nigeria and other member countries with access to a large market, as movement of capital, people, goods and services would become easier within the free trade area.
“Similarly, it will facilitate increase in trade volumes, competitive prices and technological transfers among member countries; and serve as potential to boost intra-African trade, lift over one hundred (100) million Africans out of poverty while increasing wages including those of women and the unskilled workers if implemented successfully.’
The director expressed optimism that AfCFTA would increase inflow of foreign investments which would strengthen the foreign exchange market.
“At the Central Bank, we continue to take active steps and make policies to encourage growth and sound financial system, which would foster economic development, restore confidence in the economy and effectually conserve the reserves,” he added.
Mr.Nwanisobi urged Nigerians to focus on the production of items in which the nation comparative advantage “and also buy Nigerian products to grow Nigeria as a nation that is totally self-sufficient in producing what we consume and creating jobs for our youth will ultimately drive sustainable growth that will make life better for all our citizens.”
The apex bank spokesman assured that the institution, under the leadership of the Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, would “not rest on its oars until Nigeria gets to its destination of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.”
In his address, the President, ACCI, Dr Al-Mujtaba Abubakar, who was represented by the 2nd Deputy President, ACCI, Prof Adesoji Adesugba, commended the CBN its Programmes and policies toward boosting the economy.
He acknowledged the impact by the CBN programmes on keeping economic activities going despite the ravaging Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
According to him, “We understand the dimension and the depth of issues involved in being a Central banker in times of national economic emergency.
“Having said that, I want to state that only during the Nigerian civil war has any Central banker faces current level of economic complexity occasioned by multiple factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Central Bank.
“The global pandemic (COVID-19), added to local economic peculiarities, present enormous threats and opportunities to the apex bank. When insecurity is added, the ecosystem defies the best of innovations and out of box thinking.
“We want to note, however that despite the perplexing operating space, the Nigerian Central Bank leadership has transformed threats to opportunities.
Under my brother and colleague, the Central Bank Governor, Chief Emefiele, the apex bank has come to the rescue of the nation by embracing developmental financing tools to contain a recession that was dovetailing into depression.
“The many interventions of the CBN significantly restored GDP growth and created the resurgence of the non -oil sector as a critical segment of GDP.”
E-Financial
MoneyMaster Enhances App, Rewards Users with Data and Airtime Bonuses

MoneyMaster Payment Service Bank has introduced a refreshed mobile banking experience designed to make purchasing airtime and data more convenient and straightforward for customers.

As part of the rollout, customers will enjoy added value on their transactions. Airtime purchases on the Glo network come with a 100 percent bonus, while data purchases attract a 10 percent bonus, giving users amazing rewards on each purchase.
With this revamp, the app is now much easier to use, especially for airtime purchases. From selecting accounts to choosing amounts, the process is more seamless, with clearer options and fewer steps. Data plans are now neatly organized into categories such as daily, weekly, and monthly, making it easier for users to find what they need without endless scrolling.
Beyond the improved layout, customers now have more flexibility in how they recharge. Lower airtime denominations have been introduced, giving users the freedom to choose amounts that better suit their needs, while navigation has been adjusted to be quicker and more intuitive.
Speaking on the update, the bank’s Head of Business, Tajudeen Omokhide, explained that the goal is to make payments as simple and seamless as possible. According to him, customers expect speed, clarity, and affordability, and these improvements are part of the bank’s ongoing effort to meet those expectations. He also encouraged both existing and new users to get the latest version of the app.
These updates are a testament to MoneyMaster’s broader mission of developing practical, relevant products for everyday life. Promoted by Globacom and licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, the bank offers mobile wallets, savings accounts, individual current accounts, and business banking services.
MoneyMaster continues to position itself as a flexible, customer-centric platform, enabling over 4,000 individual and business billers to manage payments, access financial services, and stay connected with ease.
E-Financial
CBN Directs IMTOs to Open Naira Settlement Accounts

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) operating in the country to open and maintain naira settlement accounts with authorised dealer banks, as part of efforts to tighten oversight of diaspora remittances and improve transparency in the foreign exchange market.

The directive was contained in a circular dated March 24, 2026, signed by Dr Musa Nakorji, director of the Trade and Exchange Department, and addressed to IMTOs, authorised dealer banks and the general public.
The circular was published on the apex bank’s website on Tuesday.
The CBN said the measure is aimed at “enhancing diaspora remittances, strengthening transparency, traceability, and effective monitoring of all transactions.”
It stated that “all IMTOs are hereby directed to open naira settlement accounts and ensure that all transactions are routed strictly through their designated settlement accounts, maintained with Authorised Dealer Banks in Nigeria.”
Under the new rule, all inflows, beneficiary payments and related settlements linked to international money transfers are to be processed solely through these accounts.
IMTOs may, however, operate multiple settlement accounts across different banks in line with their operational needs.
The circular also introduced tighter controls on how the accounts can be funded, stating that they “shall only be credited with remittance flows and proceeds of foreign exchange conversions by licensed IMTOs (or their agents)” within the Nigerian foreign exchange market.
Operators are required to clearly designate the accounts and submit the details to the CBN, with updates provided periodically where necessary.
To improve market operations, authorised dealer banks are permitted to process foreign currency transfers from IMTO settlement accounts to other banks and approved participants, including licensed Bureau De Change operators.
The apex bank further directed IMTOs to adopt market-reflective pricing by referencing the Bloomberg BMatch system. It said IMTOs “shall observe real-time market prices from the Bloomberg BMATCH and utilise this as guidance for pricing transactions with their customers and Authorised Dealers.”
According to the CBN, this approach is expected to “improve price discovery, reduce information asymmetry between IMTOs and banks, and encourage increased participation in the official FX market.”
The bank added that all operators must maintain proper transaction records for regulatory checks and comply fully with anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and counter-proliferation financing rules.
“This directive takes effect from May 1, 2026. Please note and ensure compliance,” the circular stated.
The move shows the CBN’s push to channel remittance inflows through formal banking channels, boost liquidity in the official foreign exchange market and strengthen regulatory oversight of cross-border transactions.
E-Financial
DLM Capital Group’s AAA-Rated Sovereign Bond-Backed Composite Notes (“SBCNS”) Strengthens Investor Confidence with Successful First Principal & Interest Payment

Foremost Development Investment Bank, DLM Capital Group has reinforced its position as a leader in innovative fixed income solutions with the successful payment of the first principal and interest (coupon) to investors under its Sovereign Bond-Backed Composite Notes (“SBCNs”) issuance.

This milestone, alongside the consistent delivery of quarterly performance reports, underscores the Group’s commitment to transparency, capital preservation, and investor confidence.
DLM SPV PLC’s 40.62% Hold-to-Maturity return ₦7.30 billion (Tranche A) and 19.07% ₦1.70 billion (Tranche B) Plain Vanilla Series 1 Notes, issued under its ₦30.00 billion Medium-Term Notes Programme and developed by Sonnie Babatunde Ayere, Group CEO of DLM Capital, was recently listed on the FMDQ Exchange with the Tranche A bond becoming the most valuable AAA-rated corporate bond on the market.
This represents a new class of structured debt instruments designed to meet both issuer funding needs and investor expectations. As a platform widely recognised for supporting innovative debt structures, FMDQ provides an enabling environment for instruments like DLM’s SBCNs to thrive.
At launch in July 2025, DLM SBCNs, which achieved a 9-notch upgrade from BBB- (GCR Sponsor ratings at issuance) without securitisation, entered the market with a healthy degree of skepticism, as is typical with pioneering financial instruments. However, after six months of post-issuance, DLM Funding SPV Plc has delivered on its promise by comfortably and successfully meeting its first principal and coupon obligations to its investors.
This performance milestone has significantly strengthened market confidence and validated the robustness of the structure. The notes are rated AAA by Global Credit Rating and AAA by DataPro Limited, reflecting their strong credit fundamentals and low-risk profile. Designed to prioritise capital preservation, liquidity, and above competitive market returns, the instrument stands out as one of the most compelling corporate fixed income offerings for institutional investors currently available in the market.
Investor response has been notably strong and institutional investors who are beginning to recognize the value of a well-structured de-risked, high-return and, high-quality fixed income investment backed by a credible issuer with a proven track record. The combination of timely coupon payments, high credit ratings, and ongoing transparency has positioned SBCNs as a preferred option for investors seeking stability and performance in today’s evolving financial landscape.
As investor interest continues to build towards Series 2, DLM SBCNs are not only demonstrating resilience but also setting a benchmark for innovation in Nigeria’s debt capital markets. In its role as a Development Investment Bank (“DIB”), DLM Capital Group remains committed to delivering structured solutions that align with investor needs whilst maintaining the highest standards of governance and execution.
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