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Ecobank Applauded Over Its Innovative Digital Technology

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Experts and industry stakeholders at the Ecobank forum have applauded the banks huge investment in innovative digital technology.

With proper engagement, transparent exchange rate and a pan African Bank such as Ecobank that has innovative digital technology, Nigeria can attract high inflow and volume of Diaspora remittances which can be compared with such countries like India, Israel, Indonesia and others, they say.

Speakers and panelists made the submission during a virtual summit on: “Financial Services & Remittance Solutions for Nigerians in Diaspora: Leveraging Ecobank’s Pan-African offering as the Nation Celebrates 60”.

The webinar which held on Sunday night was part of the Ecobank Digital Series.

Patrick Akinwuntan, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, in his opening speech noted that there was growing evidence that Diaspora remittances was impacting positively on the economies of various countries of the world.

He put the total annual remittances to Nigeria at about $20 billion which he said, contributes hugely to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

According to him, apart from constant engagement with Nigerians in the Diaspora, the bank is leveraging its digital technology through its Rapidtransfer App and Ecobank mobile App to make it easy and affordable for Nigerians abroad to remit money to their home country.

” Our dedicated Rapidtransfer, mobile remittance app is a game changer for the market. It enables Africans and indeed Nigerians wherever they are to easily and instantly send money to bank accounts, mobile wallets and cash collection in – and across – 33 African countries.

“Historically, the cost of sending cross-border remittances to Africa has been far too high at about 6%-7%. Similarly, the process to send funds has long been inefficient and burdensome, with customers typically needing to go physically to an agent sometimes late in the night or in poor weather with attendant discomfort and risks.

“The Rapidtransfer app remittance solution is a quick, easy and reliable digital solution that removes all of these issues. It is indeed a game-changer for Nigerians and all Africans with its sustainable and standout affordability.”

Ecobank Managing Director further explained that the transaction cost is affordable with the charge from zero to about 3 per cent as compared to 6 – 7 per cent elsewhere, and with instant transfer speed, adding that exchange rate is transparent and compares favourably with others. He added that Ecobank also offers Mortgages, Treasury Bills, Capital market instruments and others.

He submitted that Ecobank was privileged to work closely with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM) and will continue to pursue its mandate of helping to enhance the economic development and integration of Africa, through the 33 countries and two affiliates where the bank operates on the continent.

Participants opined that Diaspora remittances have impacted positively on most economies of the world and therefore challenged financial institutions in the country to explore ways on how they can make it easy and affordable for Nigerians in the Diaspora to send money to their loved ones in the country.

Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, who was the Keynote Speaker commended Ecobank for organizing the webinar which she said was very timely and appropriate. He acknowledged that COVID-19 has affected remittances, but a lot could still be done to encourage more inflow in spite of the pandemic.

She challenged Ecobank to lead other Nigerian banks to provide products and services that would encourage Nigerians in the Diaspora to increase their remittances home.

The bank, she said should blaze the trail in engaging with Nigerians in the Diaspora, ensuring proper documentation of remittances, as well as in providing easier and more affordable cost of remitting money to Nigeria.

She regretted that there was currently no proper documentation of remittances inflow into Nigeria from the officially estimated 17 million Nigerians in the diaspora who send money home to take care of their families’ education, health and other needs.

On the ease of doing business in Nigeria, Dabiri-Erewa said it was getting better.  She disclosed that the country’s Diaspora Policy was being put together and also working on a Diaspora Trust Fund.

“We also plan to organize a Diaspora Investment Summit very soon and the Commission is currently working with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria to set up Diaspora Mortgages for interested Nigerians.”

One of the panellists, former Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE), Dr. Bashir Obasekola, said Nigeria in the Diaspora would be encouraged to send money home through the formal channel if the rate is competitive, low charges, transparent exchange rate and the government creating the right investment environment.

He commended Ecobank for the webinar, noting that, most Nigerians abroad are now enlightened on the ease and affordable means of remitting funds home.

Mrs. Korede Demola-Adeniyi, head, Consumer Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, listed the objectives of the webinar to include providing the attendees with access to information on opening accounts online in Naira and other international currencies, information on Ecobank’s bouquet of money transfer services that make it quick and simple for those in the Diaspora to send money to family and loved ones back home in Nigeria.

“This includes the bank’s safe, secure and easy-to-use proprietary solution, Rapidtransfer and the Rapidtransfer App. Other benefits include financial advisory, investment options, financial planning and access to information on BVN Registration.”

She urged Nigerian in the Diaspora to download the Ecobank Rapidtransfer App from Google Play and App store and follow the simple instructions to activate, disclosing that the bank currently offers zero fee on transfers till October 31 this year.


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SEC Urges State Governments to Explore Investment Opportunities in Capital Market

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As part of strategies to harness the potentials inherent within the various states for wealth creation, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is to embark on investor education for state governments across the country.

Dr. Emomotimi Agama, the Director General of SEC, disclosed this during a meeting with a team from the World Bank Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC)  in Abuja.

He stated that the Commission would approach the state governments to help them understand the many opportunities in the capital market, and strive to enhance their understanding of financial markets, investment strategies, and regulatory frameworks.

According to him, “Imagine setting up factories that will produce goods that can be exported and earning foreign exchange. A lot of Nigerians would be employed and that would lead to wealth creation and economic development.

“That is why the Commission will continue to emphasize education, because if they do not know, there is little they can do until they know. Sometimes it is not because they don’t want to do it, it is just because they don’t know and it is our responsibility to give this vital knowledge for wealth creation.There are some states in the country that are so rich but nothing is happening there. All of their wealth is in the ground.”

He added that the strategic approach will commence soon with the Executive Council of a state in northern Nigeria, to speak to them about the opportunities in the capital market.

“We will create guides, reports, and policy briefs that explain capital market opportunities for state governments, we will translate complex financial concepts into simple, actionable insights and we will use case studies from Nigerian states that have successfully raised capital through bonds or attracted investments in the capital market.

“We believe strongly that if we go out and speak to these people, get them into understanding exactly the benefits and how it is important, get them to manage their own assets meaningfully well, and harness them for greater economic growth for the states, things will begin to change, it is our responsibility to change the narratives and we will keep at it,” he said.

Speaking earlier, Mr. Tom Ceusters, Director, Treasury Market Operation IFC, said the delegation of the World Bank Group and IFC were on a  two weeks mission to Nigeria to have deep conversations with regulators and organisations in the financial sector with a view to coming up with plans to help their endeavours.


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Meta to Begin Layoffs Across All Operations from Today

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Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is set to implement company-wide layoffs starting Monday, February 10, 2025.

Meta to Begin Layoffs Across All Operations from Today

Notifications will begin at 5 a.m. local time in most countries, including the United States.

However, due to local regulations, employees in Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands will be exempt from these cuts.

Staff in over a dozen countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa will receive their notifications between February 11 and February 18.

The layoffs are expected to affect approximately 5% of Meta’s workforce.

They will target the company’s lowest performers in what is termed “performance terminations.”

This move is part of Meta’s broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on key areas of growth.

Concurrently, Meta is expediting the hiring of machine learning engineers and other essential engineering roles.

The hiring process is scheduled to take place between February 11 and March 13, aligning with Meta’s strategic priorities for 2025.

Unlike previous company-wide layoffs, Meta plans to keep its offices open on Monday and will not issue any additional updates regarding the decisions.

The company has declined to comment further on the internal memos detailing these plans


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NEMSA, NAICOM Sign Agreement to Boost Electrical Safety, Insurance

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The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Insurance Commission to enhance electrical safety compliance in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, as well as ensure adherence to insurance policy requirements for these structures.

A statement issued by Ama Umoren, NEMSA’s Head of Communications and Protocol Unit, on Sunday in Abuja, stated that the MoU establishes a collaborative framework between NEMSA and NAICOM to ensure that as a pre-condition, all electrical installations in residential, commercial, industrial premises, hazardous locations, industries and factories are duly certified by NEMSA before the Insurance Policy is processed by all Insurance Companies.

It stated further that the partnership between NEMSA and NAICOM aligned with the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the reliability and safety of Nigeria’s electricity sector.

The NEMSA’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Aliyu Tukur Tahir, while speaking during the signing ceremony, emphasised the importance of this collaboration in mitigating risks associated with electrical accidents and infrastructure failures.

“This partnership with NAICOM is a significant step towards ensuring that all electricity consumers, operators, and investors adhere to the highest safety and risk management standards.

”By integrating insurance compliance into electrical safety enforcement, we are safeguarding lives, investments, and the overall integrity of the power sector,” he stated.

Tukur, who is also the Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, said going forward, ‘’It will also be a requirement by NEMSA that all Facility Applicants of its statutory inspection, testing and certification, should ensure that their Facilities are insured with Insurance Companies, for safety and mitigation of risk.”

On his part, the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of NAICOM, Mr Olusegun Omosehin, reiterated NAICOM’s commitment to ensuring that all power sector players embrace insurance as a critical risk management tool.

“Insurance plays a crucial role in cushioning the effects of electrical hazards and infrastructure-related incidents. Through this MoU, we will work closely with NEMSA to enforce compliance with relevant insurance policies, ensuring that the power sector operates with adequate risk mitigation mechanisms in place,” he said.

The collaboration will involve joint awareness campaigns, regulatory enforcement, and information-sharing initiatives to promote electrical safety and insurance adoption across the power sector.

This strategic partnership marks a milestone in the drive to enhance safety, reliability, and sustainability within Nigeria’s electricity industry and the country at large.


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