E-Financial
Customers File Class Action Suits against Access and Zenith Banks

Customers have instituted a class action lawsuit against Access and Zenith Banks, two of the leading banks in the country.

In the first case, customers of Access Bank have alleged gross negligence, breach of contract, and violation of consumer rights following a catastrophic IT meltdown in August 2024.
Zenith Bank on the other hand was accused of violating fundamental data protection laws, infringing on privacy rights, and causing emotional distress through persistent, unsolicited marketing communications.
Akinyele Oluwemimo Olaniyan. Sowole Olufunke Olukemi; Adetoun Anthonia Osunbade; Sowole Abidemi Olusola; Adegboyega Adeola Odunsi and Tokunboh Fagun; six plaintiffs representing millions of customers file the first case against Access Bank at the Federal High Court, Lagos Division.
The plaintiffs, acting on behalf of themselves and other affected customers, are demanding N420 billion in damages, citing loss of access to funds, emotional distress, and exemplary damages.
They claim that the banking disruption, which lasted over a week, paralyzed personal lives and businesses, with customers unable to make essential payments despite having sufficient funds in their accounts.
In the second ground-breaking case, Moyosola Okeremi acting on behalf of herself and an estimated 33 million customers of Zenith Bank, has instituted a lawsuit against Zenith Bank Plc at the Federal High Court, Lagos Division.

Okeremi accuses Zenith Bank of violating fundamental data protection laws, infringing on privacy rights, and causing emotional distress through persistent, unsolicited marketing communications.
The plaintiff alleges that Zenith Bank, a public liability company operating in Nigeria and internationally in countries such as the United Kingdom, Gambia, Ghana, Sierra Leone, China, and the UAE, unlawfully exploited customers’ personal data.
This data, which includes names, dates of birth, phone numbers, email addresses, signatures, and other sensitive information, was originally collected under the “Know Your Customer” (KYC) Small business credit schemes guidelines mandated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Okeremi contends that while the data was collected for legitimate banking purposes such as issuing account statements—Zenith Bank repurposed it without obtaining explicit consent from the customers.
Between July and August 2024, customers reportedly received relentless marketing communications via phone calls, text messages, and emails promoting Zenith Bank’s public share offerings.
These unsolicited communications, she argues, were not only intrusive but also violated several legal statutes, including the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019 and the National Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.
The plaintiffs claim that Zenith Bank’s actions were unfair, inconsiderate, and executed without any regard for the privacy of its customers.
In the case against Access Bank, the plaintiffs argue that Access Bank’s failure to maintain a robust IT system and implement contingency plans during service disruptions constitutes a breach of the contractual obligations owed to its customers.
They emphasized that the bank, licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and with over 36 million customers as of 2023, has a legal duty to provide uninterrupted financial services.
The plaintiffs claim that Access Bank breached several legislations such as the Central Bank of Nigeria Consumer Protection Regulations 2019, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) by failing to ensure continuous service delivery and by not having adequate backup systems in place.
They also cite the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2007 and the Consumer Protection Framework 2016, which mandate financial institutions to safeguard consumer interests and ensure service reliability.
The plaintiffs allege that the IT meltdown caused widespread hardships, harassment from creditors, inability to pay for essential services such as school fees, medical bills, utilities, and business transactions, resulting in emotional distress, embarrassment, and financial losses.
The lawsuit claims N200 billion for the inability to access funds, N200 billion for emotional distress, and an additional N20 billion in exemplary damages to deter future negligence.
These cases could set a significant precedent for Nigeria’s financial sector, particularly regarding customer rights in the digital banking era.
Credit: BusinessDay
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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