General News
Ecobank, Nedbank Alliance Build True Pan-African Champion – Arnold Ekpe
Arnold Ekpe, chief executive officer of Ecobank has said that the bank’s ground breaking alliance with Nedbank of South Africa is designed to build a true pan- African brand.
Mr. Ekpe who was speaking at the Ecobank Headquarters Lome, Togo reiterated that Africans no matter where they might be will benefit from an enhanced accessibility to banking services across the combined footprint of the two institutions through a ‘one bank’ experience.
In his words “we are excited about this strategic alliance which is designed to build a true pan-African champion. It represents a win-win solution for institutions, their shareholders and particularly their customers.
Speaking further, Ekpe maintained that the alliance represents not only a commitment to Africa , but also a commitment to providing world -class service across the countries in which they operate. He said “the collaboration with Nedbank will allow Ecobank to extend its operations more effectively from middle Africa to the southern African market in a very capital-efficient manner saying further that it offers a good platform for Nedbank to grow its business in other parts of the African continent.”
In his reaction, Tom Boardman, chief executive officer of Nedbank Group, says “we are committed to becoming southern Africa’s most highly rated and respected bank and this alliance allows us to focus on this vision, while providing our clients access to the largest geographic banking footprint in Africa. In Ecobank we have a partner who shares similar values and who has extensive local knowledge of doing business across Africa. Ecobank has demonstrated an ability to expand and grow in new markets. The alliance will help us grow our business in the rest of Africa and together we will explore new investment opportunities.”
Ecobank currently operates across 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, while Nedbank is one of South Africa’s leading banks. No other banking group can currently match this alliance. Through the alliance, both groups will be positioned to deliver country specific tailored banking solutions across the African continent in the most convenient and simplified way to corporate and individual clients spanning day to day transactional banking, financing and investment banking advisory services.
In addition to enhancing accessibility to banking services across the combined footprint through a ‘one bank’ experience and exploring joint investment opportunities, other anticipated benefits from this relationship include; the leveraging of existing client and business relationships; utilizing of each banks expertise on sector specific advisory skills such as Nedbank’s expertise in the minerals resources, energy and infrastructure sectors; Retaining and attracting skilled resources; and utilizing state -of –the- art technology, electronic banking and the use of existing innovative products and solutions in the field of cash handling for the benefit of clients.
Both banking groups adopt decentralized business models where they base responsibility and decision making close to the clients in the individual businesses, which operate under a standard set of policies, processes and procedures.
This relationship will be governed by an alliance committee comprised of senior executives of both banks, structured to include specialized sub-committees for execution of the alliance initiatives. A ‘one bank’ experience across the largest geographic banking footprint makes this unique alliance a natural choice for seamless banking across the African continent.
General News
NRS Extends Saturday Tax Office Operations Nationwide Ahead of Rev360 Rollout

The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) has announced the extension of weekend tax office operations across the country as part of preparations for the rollout of the Rev360 Phase I Tax Administration System.

In a public notice issued in Abuja on May 7, the Service stated that all Emerging, Medium, Large, and Government Business Offices nationwide will now open on Saturdays from May 8 to June 27, 2026.
According to the notice, the offices will operate between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The NRS explained that the initiative is aimed at providing additional taxpayer support and improving service delivery during the implementation of the new tax administration platform for Medium and Emerging Taxpayer segments.
The Service noted that the extended Saturday operations are designed to assist taxpayers requiring guidance with the new system, facilitate seamless compliance during the June peak Companies Income Tax filing period, and improve access to tax services outside regular weekday hours.
It encouraged taxpayers to take advantage of the initiative to resolve tax-related matters, seek necessary guidance, and ensure timely compliance with their tax obligations.
“The NRS remains dedicated to delivering efficient, transparent, and taxpayer-focused services,” the statement read.
The notice was signed by Zacch Adedeji, PhD, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service. “You say Transformation, We say Rev360.”
General News
NCS, Gowon University Partner on Research, Development

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Yakubu Gowon University have moved to formalise a strategic alliance aimed at advancing national security research, border management studies, and student welfare.

Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, made this known during a visit by the University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi, to the headquarters of the agency yesterday in Abuja.
Adeniyi noted that the collaboration marks a significant step in bridging the gap between paramilitary operations and academic research. “I have a long institutional history with this university,” CGC Adeniyi remarked.
He noting that previous attempts to sign a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) were interrupted by leadership transitions and that the Service is now committed to a phased implementation of support, focusing on projects with the highest impact on the learning environment.
Adeniyi said “For us, beyond legacy, what matters most is impact. We understand the realities facing Nigerian universities, from transportation challenges to infrastructure gaps.
“Our interest is to support initiatives that will create a conducive learning environment and positively impact students.”
He also stressed the importance of the university in relation to its status of the nation’s capital u University. He pledged to support the institution in meeting the demands of its 40,000-strong student population.
Responding, Professor Fawehinmi highlighted the university’s Centre for Defence and Migration Studies as a critical hub for the partnership.
He suggested that the centre could provide the NCS with specialised research into national security and executive training for officers.
“Support in areas such as mass transit buses, ICT infrastructure, research facilities, and professional collaboration will significantly strengthen our capacity,” the Vice Chancellor noted, adding that as the only conventional public university in the Federal Capital Territory, the institution carries enormous responsibilities.
General News
CRMI Warns of Risks, Sees Gains in UAE Exit from OPEC

Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) has highlighted potential benefits for Nigeria such as increased production flexibility, expanded market share, and improved revenue prospects following the United Arab Emirates’ decision to exit the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

However, the Institute cautioned that these opportunities come with significant risks, including exposure to price volatility, reduced protection from coordinated supply management, intensified competition, and mounting fiscal pressures.
In a statement signed by Victor Olannye, registrar/chief executive officer, described the development as a major shift in global oil governance, with far-reaching implications for market stability and international energy dynamics.
Olannye noted that the move could trigger increased oil price volatility, heightened geopolitical tensions, and disruptions across global energy supply chains.
He urged corporate organisations, public institutions, financial bodies, and risk professionals to reassess their risk frameworks and strengthen resilience in response to evolving global realities.
He identified key risks to include a potential weakening of OPEC cohesion, oil price instability, geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, macroeconomic volatility, and the possibility of further exits by member states.
In line with its mandate to promote sound risk management and support national development, the Institute advised corporate organisations to implement robust risk management frameworks, adopt dynamic hedging strategies, and diversify their business portfolios.
Financial institutions and investors were also urged to reassess energy-related risks, strengthen portfolio diversification, and enhance risk disclosure practices.
CRMI further called on government and policymakers to reinforce fiscal buffers, accelerate economic diversification, and promote the transition to renewable energy.
Individual risk professionals were encouraged to upskill in geopolitical risk analysis and energy economics while developing expertise in scenario planning and predictive analytics.
The Institute emphasised the need for stakeholders to reposition proactively to navigate the evolving geo-economic landscape. It also projected possible scenarios, including fragmentation of global oil governance structures, increased reliance on market-driven pricing mechanisms, and an acceleration of global energy transition efforts.
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