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FG Raises Joint Committee to Probe Rights Abuse in Money Lending

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Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have commenced rights violation investigation in the money lending industry.

FG Raises Joint Committee to Probe Rights Abuse in Money Lending

This was revealed by Babatunde Irukera, chief executive officer, FCCPC, in a document released in Abuja on Monday.

According to Irukera in the document he signed, the Joint Regulatory and Enforcement Committee will also have as members the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

He disclosed that the committee would lead efforts to address multiple potentially dubious conducts of certain money lenders, otherwise known as loan sharks.

According to him, the meeting resolved to collaborate, pursue urgent enforcement action against already known violators while investigating others, as well as criminal prosecutions where applicable.

He regretted that the act was fast becoming a dominant and abusive practice targeting some of the most vulnerable in society.

He said: “Continuing complaints about questionable repayment enforcement practices including public shaming and violations of privacy have led to significant and understandable consumer aggravation and dissatisfaction.

“Others are arbitrary, unjust, unreasonable, or exploitative interest rates and or loan balances calculations, harassment and failure of consumer feedback mechanisms, among others have caused consumer aggravation.

“Initial inquiries demonstrate that many of the purported lenders are not legally acceptably established or otherwise licensed by the appropriate authorities to engage in the services they ostensibly provide.

“A joint taskforce of analysts and enforcers was also created and immediately activated.

“The agencies recognised and welcome products and providers that bridge the lending gap for consumers who would otherwise be ineligible for conventional loans from traditional financial institutions.

“However, this must occur within legally acceptable parameters of transparency and fairness.”

Irukera said that in furtherance of resolutions from the meeting, the commission had created a dedicated email address to receive complaints and identity of businesses or individuals involved in these practices.

He said the e-mail address is: [email protected].


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E-Financial

NDIC Begins Auction of Defunct Heritage Bank’s Landed Assets

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Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced process for the sale of landed properties and chattels of failed Heritage Bank, in a bid to ensure timely declaration of liquidation dividends to uninsured depositors.

NDIC Begins Auction of Defunct Heritage Bank’s Landed Assets

The exercise is pursuant to the corporation’s statutory powers as liquidator of failed banks under section 62 (1)(d) of the NDIC Act, 2023. It also comes after the exercise for the sales of physical assets of the defunct bank at its leased locations nationwide

According to a statement that was issued by NDIC, the sale of landed assets is by competitive bidding and will take place at the 36 affected locations of the bank across the country, from Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

The statement said buyers who wish to participate in the auction are expected to follow laid down guidelines aimed at ensuring transparency, fair competition, equity and accountability to enable recovery of commensurate values from the exercise. This is vital for the payment of liquidation dividends to eligible claimants.

In order to allow the continuation of provision of financial services to the Nigerian public at the locations of the closed bank towards bolstering financial inclusion, preference shall be given to financial institutions who are willing to buy any of the properties at the highest auctioned prices along with all the physical assets at wholesale value.

However, corporate bodies and private individuals willing to compete are equally eligible to compete in the process without prejudice, as the auction shall be open and competitive to all bidders.

Furthermore, bidders will be given opportunity to inspect the properties and chattels across all locations prior to disposal.

All interested parties are to make available 10% bid security of the value of their sealed bids to be dropped in the bid box provided at the various centres of the Corporation.

Interested bidders are advised to submit their bids at any of the designated NDIC offices in Abuja, Lagos, Bauchi, Kano, Enugu and Port Harcourt.

 

 

 

 


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African Fintech Sector Grows, Enhancing Access to Finance

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A new European Investment Bank (EIB) research released yesterday shows the number of fintech companies in Africa has nearly tripled since 2020, boosting access to finance for people and businesses across the continent.

The report Finance in Africa 2024 highlights both developments in the African financial sector and constraints to the region’s economic progress.

According to the report, Africa’s fintech sector is prospering as digital finance grows at a faster rate than traditional banks.

The EIB report says the number of African companies offering new financial services increased from 450 in 2020 to 1,263 at the beginning of 2024.

“Fintech is revolutionising the way we think about finance in Africa,” says EIB vice-president Thomas Östros. “By leveraging technology, we can improve access to finance for millions and foster sustainable economic growth.”

The Finance in Africa report includes data from the ninth annual EIB Banking in Africa survey that details diverse challenges and confirms resilience of the African banking sector.

“While we see some signs of improvement, the high cost of finance remains a source of concern,” says EIB chief economist Debora Revoltella. “As we navigate the dual challenges of climate change and the digital transformation, the role of multilateral development bank lending is even more relevant in supporting sustainable growth on the continent.”


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CBN’s New Directive: Banks to Trade Foreign Currency Deposits

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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has authorized banks to trade with foreign currency deposits made under its new amnesty initiative, the “Disclosure Scheme.”

This directive, intended to boost transparency and economic resilience, was issued on November 5 and signed by CBN officials John Sonojah and Adetona Adedeji.

The “Disclosure Scheme,” launched on October 31, offers individuals and businesses a nine-month window to deposit foreign currencies with amnesty assurances, aiming to strengthen Nigeria’s financial sector.

According to CBN’s guidelines, banks—including commercial, merchant, and non-interest banks (CMNIBs)—can trade these foreign currency deposits, known as Internationally Tradable Foreign Currencies (ITFCs), unless participants choose to invest them directly.

However, banks must ensure the funds remain available to depositors upon request.

CBN outlined the role of banks in facilitating this scheme. Responsibilities include opening designated domiciliary accounts, issuing receipts within 24 hours of deposit, and maintaining confidentiality as per Nigerian data protection laws.

Additionally, banks are required to report all ITFC transactions and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks, including anti-money laundering and terrorism financing laws.

Participants in the scheme can convert foreign currency deposits to naira at the prevailing exchange rate without restrictions on withdrawals.

The scheme’s transparency measures, combined with the flexibility for participants to manage their foreign deposits, are designed to build confidence and encourage wider participation.


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