General News
NOVA Merchant Bank Grows Earnings by 25.7 Per Cent YoY, Reflecting Growth in Market Share
NOVA Merchant Bank Limited has announced its Audited Full Year 2021 financial results, showing an impressive 25.7% year-on-year growth in gross earnings to N17.03b (2020: N13.55b), as loans and advances to customers grew by 76.9% year-on-year to N88.38b (2020: N49.97b), a reflection of its growth trajectory since inception.
Mr. Phillips Oduoza, chairman, Nova Merchant Bank
Reflecting its strong capital adequacy ratio and stable funding, the Bank deepened its penetration, the growing market share of its risk assets and broader balance sheet.
With capital adequacy ratio of 29.1% ahead of 10% regulatory requirement for merchant banks, NOVA has strong headroom to sustain the impressive growth trajectory.
The Bank recorded growth across most indices with deposits rising by 30.4% to N116.91b (2020: N89.63b) for the year ended December 31, 2021, while profit after tax rose to N1.61b.
In keeping to its commitment of supporting clients’ growth strategy, Nova Merchant Bank Limited continues to leverage innovative offerings and structures in financing new businesses and expansion projects across various sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Addressing shareholders during its Annual General Meeting (AGM), Mr. Phillips Oduoza, chairman, Board of Directors, said; “We are excited at the consistent growth of the Bank, as reflected in the strong double-digit rise in deposits, loans and overall balance sheet. It is our mission to continue to create superior value for all stakeholders across the markets that we serve, as we seek to drive the next wave of revolution in financial services through product innovation and service excellence.
Commenting on the performance of the Bank, Mr. Nath Ude, chief executive officer, noted; “Our client-centric philosophy and innovative offerings are unique value propositions for clients. Across the different segments of the market, we are gaining market share, and deepening brand penetration. We are committed to supporting clients through various economic cycles, as we deploy creative solutions towards fulfilling our clients’ growth objectives.
Continuing, Ude said, “We would continue to partner credible businesses, as we create bespoke financing solutions that empower our clients to fulfill their quest to positively disrupt markets. Notwithstanding the global and domestic macroeconomic uncertainties, we are more than ever optimistic about the future of our business, and are thankful to our fast-growing clientele, whose loyalty remains a cardinal strength for us at NOVA.
He explained that given the bank’s strong governance practice, robust risk management architecture and balance sheet capacity, Nova is primed to sustain its impressive growth in assets and earnings whilst also creating new opportunities for inclusive growth and development of the Nigerian economy.
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has detained Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of defunct Skye Bank Plc, for alleged fraud involving N36.5 billion and $30 million.
Tunde Ayeni, former chairman of defunct Skye Bank Plc,
This follows the probe of alleged diversion of N36.5 billion and $30 million secured as loans from Polaris Bank Plc through companies linked to Ayeni.
He was arrested by EFCC operatives in Abuja on April 23, 2026, and is still been held in custody as at the time of filling the report.
Dele Oyewale, spokesperson, EFCC, confirmed the arrest on Friday but declined to provide further details.
Ayeni is under investigation for diverting funds obtained for marine security, electricity distribution, and real estate projects into other unknown projects.
Investigators allege the loans were instead channelled into telecom investments tied to NITEL/MTEL assets via a NATCOM account.
About 12 firms believed to be connected to Ayeni are also under investigation for their role in securing the loans.
The EFCC is expected to file charges once the investigation is concluded.
Summit Household Solutions Limited has opened its ultra-modern manufacturing facility in Ota, Ogun State, as part of its efforts to scale production of home and personal care products in Nigeria.
The plant, which started operations in April 2025, produces items such as dishwashing liquids, handwash, sanitisers and multipurpose liquid soaps, with an annual capacity estimated at 7,000 tonnes.
Commissioning the facility on behalf of Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Investment, Mr Kehinde Akintomide, said the investment reflects growing confidence in Ogun State’s business environment.
He noted that the state hosts over 6,000 manufacturing firms and described the development as consistent with ongoing efforts to promote industrialisation, attract investment and reduce reliance on imports under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope initiative.
Akintomide disclosed that the factory has already employed more than 50 Nigerians, with projections to exceed 250 jobs as operations expand.
In his remarks, the General Manager of the company, Mr Sadiq Ali, said the facility represents a major step in Summit’s growth plans, adding that its flagship brand, 2Sure, currently leads production at the plant.
He also revealed that the company is preparing to introduce new home and personal care products later this year.
Summit Household Solutions manufactures the 2Sure brand and has expanded into the personal care segment with Lewar, a premium beauty soap line positioned for quality and affordability.
Among dignitaries present were the Onikotun of Otun, Ota, Oba Abdulakeem Odunaro, representing the Olota of Ota, Prof. Adeyemi Abdulkabir Obalanlege; the Agba Akin of Ota, Chief Dada Olusola; Director of Investment, Ms Yemisi Folarin; Director of Industrial Promotion, Mr Femi Adeboye; former Managing Director of 7Up Bottling Company, Mr Ziad Maalouf; and the Chief Executive Officer of OmniRetail, Mr Deepanker Rustagi.
Speaking at the event, Maalouf, who conceived the 2Sure brand during his time at 7Up Bottling Company, expressed satisfaction with its growth and commended Summit Solutions Limited for advancing the brand.
The special guests were conducted around the facility, and the programme was concluded with a luncheon.
The administration of Donald Trump has frozen $344 million in cryptocurrency allegedly linked to Iran, marking a sharp escalation in financial pressure on Tehran.
The move comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts and a fragile ceasefire in the region.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that authorities are sanctioning multiple crypto wallets tied to Iran. “We will follow the money that Tehran is desperately attempting to move outside of the country and target all financial lifelines tied to the regime,” he said.
Tether, which facilitated the transactions, said it worked with U.S. authorities to freeze the funds across two wallet addresses after receiving intelligence linked to unlawful activity.
A U.S. official said blockchain analysis revealed “material links” to the Iranian regime, including transactions routed through intermediary addresses connected to wallets associated with the Central Bank of Iran.
Responding to the development, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said the company does not tolerate illicit use of its stablecoin. “USD₮ is not a safe haven for illegal activity. When there is credible linkage to sanctioned entities or criminal networks, we act immediately,” he stated.
The crackdown underscores the growing reliance of sanctioned states on digital assets to bypass traditional banking restrictions. Data from Chainalysis shows Iran’s cryptocurrency holdings reached $7.8 billion in 2025, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reportedly controlling about half.
Analysts say while the freeze is significant, Iran has historically adapted to sanctions. Daniel Tannebaum of the Atlantic Council noted that targeting third-party actors enabling such transactions may be key to increasing pressure.
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