E-Financial
Nigeria’s Economy under Buhari…for better or worse?
by Lukman Otunuga
There was a high degree of optimism over Buhari changing Nigeria for the better by reviving economic growth and fighting corruption &insecurity. Much has happened over the past few years under the Buhari regime, with the nation going through various trials and tribulations. Confidence over the health of Nigeria’s economy was dealt a painful blow after a currency crisis threatened to cripple the nation. Inflation skyrocketed to worrying levels as the Naira tumbled and economic growth slowedfor the first time in 25 years. While it could be easy to blame the APC for Nigeria’s woes, it must be kept in mind that falling oil prices may have played a leading role.
What remains highly worrying is that the National Assembly has just recently passed a record N9.2 trillion budget for 2018. Such a development could negatively impact confidence over the nation’s political landscape, especially when considering how this budget was the most delayed in 19 years. It is worth noting that the 2017 budget followed a similarly disappointing pattern of delays which could have negatively impacted economic growth.
Speaking about economic growth, for the first time in over two decades Nigeria experienced a recession thanks to the combination of falling oil prices, political uncertainty and a sharply depreciating local currency. A strong suspicion remains that Buhari’s six-month delay to select a cabinet after being sworn in as President on 29 May 2015 weighed heavily on the nation. His refusal to allow the Central Bank of Nigeria to devalue the Naira when falling oil prices were eroding the nation’s external reserves compounded to Nigeria’s woes. When the CBN eventually de-pegged the Naira in June 2016, the local currency depreciated so badly that the economy and citizens felt the pain. The ripple effect ultimately created restrictions on international payments while crippling liquidity and repelling foreign investors.
Focusing on the macro economics, Nigeria’s unemployment rate has jumped 18.8% over the past three years, while youth unemployment rate is currently around 33.1%. Inflation rose to gravity-defying levels, from 9.8% in May 2015 to a 12-year high of 18.72% in January 2017. Although inflation has moderated, dropping to 12.5% April thanks to the CBN’s efforts to promote FX stability, the effects can still be felt on the economy. While the country displayed its resilience againstthe global arena by staging a rebound in 2017 thanks to higher oil prices, the latest GDP report for Q1 of 2018 disappointed, by sliding 0.16%. The truth is, Nigeria needs to implement more fiscal and monetary measures with a strong focus on agricultural development to boost economic growth.
Today, the nation proudly boasts foreign exchange stability and moderating inflationary pressures;this could be off the back of recovering oil prices. Painful lessons fromthe past regarding falling oil prices should act as a wake-up call for the nation to break away from oil reliance and diversify into a self-sustaining economy. The World Bank Group has expressed satisfaction over the performance of the Nigerian economy, while Fitch Ratings has affirmed Nigeria’s long-term foreign currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at B+ with a negative outlook. With the implementation of the new Economic Growth and Recovery Plan (EGRP) supporting trade and capital flows, the outlook for Nigeria remains encouraging.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has the ability to boost economic growth by cutting interest rates. With inflationary pressures slowly becoming a theme of the past and economic data improving, it becomes a matter of when, rather than if, interest rates are cut.
President Buhari will be seeking a second term in office in elections next year and it will be interesting to see if he secures another historic victory. Whatever the outcome of the election, the future remains bright for Nigeria.
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that the cost of issuing or replacing a standard debit or credit card will rise by 50 percent to about N1,500, up from about N1,000.
The new charge is contained in the Exposure Draft of the Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria, 2026, released by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The draft followed a circular issued to banks, other financial institutions and the public, dated April 21, 2026, and signed by Rita I. Sike, director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department.
Under the revised guide, issuance and replacement of regular or basic debit and credit cards will attract a N1,500 fee, while charges for premium debit, credit or hybrid cards will be negotiable.
In the 2020 guide, debit card charges were fixed at N1,000 as a one-off fee for issuance, replacement of lost or damaged cards, and renewal upon expiry, applicable across all card types.
The CBN said the review is part of its mandate to promote a safe and sound financial system, accelerate the adoption of innovative financial services, and enhance financial inclusion, particularly in micropayments and transactions.
According to the regulator, the revised guide expands the range of financial services, encourages innovation, strengthens oversight and accountability, and promotes financial inclusion through lower tariffs for micropayments. It also updates certain banking charges to support increased use of electronic channels and accommodate new industry participants since the 2020 version.
The apex bank said the draft has been exposed to the public for comments and input on the proposed fees, with submissions expected via [email protected] on or before May 08, 2026.
The guide provides a framework for the application of charges, including fees and rates, on products and services offered by financial institutions in Nigeria. It applies to all institutions licensed or regulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria.
The charges, according to the regulator, were developed following extensive consultations with stakeholders and are aimed at enhancing flexibility, standardisation, transparency and competition in the financial system.
It added that where charges are designated as negotiable, financial institutions must inform customers of their right to negotiate at the start of transactions and reach mutual agreement on applicable fees through verifiable means.
Where limits are specified, charges must not exceed the prescribed maximum or fall below the minimum.
The apex bank noted that the guide is not exhaustive and that financial institutions must seek prior approval before introducing new products, services or charges not covered.
The framework applies to a wide range of institutions, including commercial banks, merchant banks, payment service banks, non-interest banks, microfinance banks, finance companies, primary mortgage banks, development finance institutions, credit guarantee companies, mobile money operators, and other institutions designated by the regulator.
In line with existing consumer protection regulations, the apex bank said non-credit charges can only be applied to the extent of the available account balance, with any outstanding fees deferred until the account is funded. Such deferred charges will not attract interest.
The guide is to be read alongside the relevant guidance notes and glossary provisions and will supersede the 2020 version when it takes effect on May 1, 2026.
ProvidusBank Plc has commissioned a new branch in Ado-Ekiti, advancing its expansion strategy across Nigeria’s high-growth markets while leveraging its compliance with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation directive since January 2025.
ProvidusBank
The move aims to enhance financial inclusion, support local enterprises, and deliver banking services closer to communities and businesses.
At the event, Executive Director/Chief Financial Officer, Deoye Ojuroye, described the rollout as part of a 12-month plan to bolster the bank’s nationwide presence.
“Our approach is deliberate—we are growing in the right places, supporting real economic activity, and building a bank that is both resilient and responsive to customer needs,” Ojuroye said.
He emphasised the bank’s robust capital and risk management, stating: “We are well capitalised within our regulatory category, giving us confidence to expand responsibly while aiding businesses and communities.”
ProvidusBank plans further branches in strategic locations over the next year, underscoring its focus on scalability, accessibility, and sustainable growth as a trusted partner for individuals and enterprises.
E-Financial
Fidelity Bank Bolsters SME Growth with April Masterclass Series on Pricing, Digital Tools, Global Trade
Fidelity Bank Plc has launched a series of high-impact masterclasses in April 2026 to empower Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with practical skills for pricing, digital expansion, and international growth.
Fidelity Bank
The initiative aligns with the bank’s drive to boost SME operational efficiency and market access amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The flagship session, “Pricing That Works: How to Charge Right and Earn More,” took place on April 10 at the Fidelity SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos. It drew about 100 entrepreneurs from diverse sectors, offering insights into costing, value-based pricing, pricing psychology, and customer perception to ensure profitable, customer-friendly strategies.
Buoyed by positive feedback, the bank rolled out three more sessions. The second, “Baking Masterclass: From Kitchen to Cashflow,” ran on April 14 and 15, providing hands-on training for bakers and food businesses to enhance product quality and profitability.
Divisional Head, SME Banking, Ugochi Osinigwe, stated: “At Fidelity Bank, we believe that when SMEs succeed, the economy grows. That is why we have curated masterclasses on pricing, product improvement, online sales, and global expansion to equip entrepreneurs with immediate, actionable tools.”
She highlighted the series as part of broader SME support via the Fidelity SME Hub, including advisory services, funding, and nationwide programmes. The bank recently earned the Best Retail and SME Bank Award from Independent Newspapers.
Upcoming events include “Grow Online Sales on a Budget” today, April 24, focusing on low-cost digital strategies for visibility and sales; and “Take Your Business Global: One-on-One Trade Advisory” on April 29, covering export readiness, payments, markets, and compliance.
Fidelity Bank, ranked among Nigeria’s top lenders, serves over 10 million customers via 255 branches, digital platforms, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. It has clinched awards like the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking from BusinessDay BAFI Awards, Most Innovative Mobile Banking App from Global Business Outlook, Best Bank for SMEs from Euromoney, and Export Financing Bank of the Year from BusinessDay BAFI.
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