L-R: Kola Oluyemi, Group Head, Sterling Academy; Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director, Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Pan Atlantic University (PAU); Abubakar Suleiman, MD/CEO, Sterling Bank; Dr. Nnenna Ugwu, Head, Alumni Engagement and Support Services, EDC at PAU and Akporee Idenedo, Divisional Head, Commercial Banking, Sterling Bank at the recent MoU signing to certify graduates of Sterling Bank’s Non-Oil Export Academy. 

Sterling Bank Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) of Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) to certify graduates of its Non-Oil Export Academy.

This strategic partnership underscores the Bank’s commitment to diversifying Nigeria’s economy by supporting non-oil export growth. This landmark agreement follows the recent launch of the Sterling Bank Non-Oil Export Academy, designed to position Nigerian exporters for global competitiveness.

The launch was preceded by a series of nationwide training programs in Lagos, Ondo, and Kano states, culminating in a grand finale themed “Excel in Non-Oil Export.”

The initiative aims to equip exporters with practical tools to thrive in international markets, thereby reducing Nigeria’s reliance on oil revenues.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lagos, Sterling Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, affirmed that the Bank is intentional about creating an ecosystem where non-oil  exporters are well-informed and equipped to advance national interests.

“We are not just training people to understand how to export; we want to train them to be competitive exporters of non-oil products,” Suleiman said.

“Our goal is to build a community of knowledgeable, certified, and confident exporters who can collaborate to solve challenges beyond their immediate capacity. Our North Star is to reach a point where hundreds of people have completed this programme and are ready to compete on a global scale.”

Dr. Nneka Okekearu, Director of the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), expressed enthusiasm  for the collaboration.

“Having spent the last twenty-three years deepening the competencies of entrepreneurs, we thoroughly understand what is needed and are excited to be part of this initiative,” she

noted.

Dr. Okekearu emphasised that the export market has been neglected for too long. “With the right structure, standards, and mindset in place, entrepreneurs passing through this programme will help create not only a better Nigeria but more sustainable communities,” she added, noting that she looks forward to the case studies that will emerge from the programme’s participants.

Beyond sectoral outcomes, the initiative reinforces Sterling Bank’s commitment to support the development of human capital that positively shapes and impacts the wider economy. The Academy will run four cohorts within the year, commencing in 2026.

With this partnership, Sterling Bank and the Enterprise Development Centre are laying the foundation for a new generation of globally competitive Nigerian exporters, professionals equipped not only with knowledge, but with the certification, confidence, and networks needed to scale.

As both institutions align their expertise to strengthen non-oil export capacity, this collaboration signals a bold step toward a more resilient, inclusive, and diversified economy.

The Non-Oil Export Academy therefore serves as a catalyst for national transformation, empowering businesses and communities to unlock Nigeria’s full potential on the world stage.

About Sterling Bank

Sterling Bank Limited is a full-service national commercial bank in Nigeria and a member of Sterling Financial Holdings Group. With a heritage of more than 60 years, the bank has evolved from Nigeria’s pre-eminent investment banking institution to a trusted provider of retail, commercial, and corporate banking services.

Sterling is a forward-thinking financial institution committed to transforming lives through innovative solutions, exceptional service, unwavering integrity, and a steadfast focus on its HEART strategy, which centers on Health, Education, Agriculture, Renewable Energy, and

Transportation. As pioneers in digital banking and financial inclusion, Sterling continues to lead by example, showing how purpose-driven leadership can deliver transformative outcomes for individuals, businesses, and society at large.

Guided by a culture of innovation and a passion for excellence, Sterling Bank remains dedicated to redefining the banking experience for millions of customers across Nigeria.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in exercise of its powers conferred under the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and the Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Bureaux De Change Operations in Nigeria 2024 (the Guidelines) has granted final licences to 82 Bureaux De Change (BDCs) to operate with effect from November 27, 2025.

By this notice, only Bureaux De Change listed on the Bank’s website are authorised to operate from the effective date.

“While the CBN will continue to update the list of Bureaux De Change with valid operating licences for public verification on our website (www.cbn.gov.ng), the Bank advises the general public to avoid dealing with unlicensed Foreign Exchange Operators. For the avoidance of doubt, operating a Bureau De Change business without a valid licence is a punishable offence under Section 57(1) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020.”

Stanbic IBTC Bank, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings and one of Nigeria’s leading financial services institutions, has reinforced its commitment to driving sustainable economic growth through a strategic partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The initiative enhances the bank’s ability to channel long‑term funding into critical areas of the Nigerian economy, including trade, infrastructure, and small and medium‑sized enterprises (MSMEs). By strengthening its capital base, Stanbic IBTC is positioning itself to provide greater resilience and expand access to finance for businesses that drive job creation and national development.

“This agreement reflects our forward‑looking strategy to support the sectors that matter most to Nigeria’s future,” said Wole Adeniyi, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank. “Our focus is on empowering businesses, enabling sustainable growth, and ensuring that our financial system remains strong enough to meet the evolving needs of the economy.”

The partnership also underscores Stanbic IBTC’s dedication to environmental and social responsibility, ensuring that all funding is deployed in line with international best practice and the bank’s robust sustainability framework as evidenced by the Independent Project Monitoring Company’s (IPMC) ranking of Stanbic IBTC as one of the leading institutions in its latest sustainability rankings.

This recognition underscores the bank’s continuing commitment to advancing sustainable practices that benefit the environment and society.

Dr Abdul Kamara, Director General, AFDB Nigeria commented, “Working with Stanbic IBTC aligns with our mission to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation. This collaboration ensures the bank can continue to play a pivotal role in financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects in Nigeria.”

Stanbic IBTC Bank has consistently demonstrated leadership through innovation in structured finance, digital transformation, and the integration of sustainability principles into its operations.

This latest step reaffirms its role as a thought leader in shaping Nigeria’s financial landscape and highlights its commitment to building a more resilient and prosperous future for the country.

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has once again, reaffirmed its leadership as one of the continent’s most innovative and resilient financial institutions, as the bank has, for the third time in five years, been named the African Bank of the year 2025 by the Banker.com.

UBA also won the Best Bank of the Year awards in nine of its 20 African subsidiaries, bringing its total awards this year to ten as UBA Benin, UBA Chad, UBA Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), UBA Liberia, UBA Mali, UBA Mozambique, UBA Senegal, UBA Sierra Leone, and UBA Zambia, all came out tops as the best banks in their respective countries, underscoring the bank’s strength across West, Central and Southern Africa and highlighting the depth of its Pan-African franchise.

The Banker.com, a leading global finance news publication published by the Financial Times of London, organises the annual Bank of the Year Awards, and this year’s edition was held at a grand ceremony at the Peninsula, London, on Wednesday.

The Chief Executive Officer, UBA UK, Deji Adeyelure, received the awards on behalf of the bank, representing the Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, and was accompanied by the bank’s Head Business Development, Mark Ifashe, and Head, Financial Institutions, Shilpam Jha.

The Banker’s awards are widely regarded as the most respected and rigorous in the global banking industry, celebrating institutions that demonstrate outstanding performance, innovation and strategic execution.

In its remarks on UBA’s winnings, the banker.com said, “For the third time in five years, UBA Group has won the coveted Bank of the Year award for Africa. UBA Group time after time punches above its weight against its larger African rivals. The bank this year also takes home nine separate country awards (one more than it gained for its last continental win in 2024), equivalent to around a quarter of the awards for the continent, and more than any of its continent-wide rivals.”

Continuing, it said: “Perhaps even more impressive is the fact that the awards were won across a broad geographic spread, going to lenders based in the Economic Community of West African States (Benin, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and former member Mali), the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (Chad, Republic of Congo) and the Southern African Development Community (Mozambique, Zambia). Its award wins were particularly notable in the highly competitive categories for Benin and Mozambique.”

The Banker also highlighted UBA’s strong financial performance and commitment to future growth. In 2024, the Group recorded a 46.8 per cent increase in assets and a 6.1 per cent rise in pre-tax profits in local currency terms, while continuing to invest significantly in talent and technology. West Africa remains UBA’s heartland, with operating revenue and profit increasing by 87 per cent and 89 per cent respectively in H1 2025.

The bank’s digital and innovation leadership was equally recognised. During the year under review, and launched its Advance Top-Up buy-now-pay-later feature on the *919# USSD platform, expanding financial access for customers, while the bank’s chatbot Leo continued its strong growth trajectory, with transaction volumes rising by 29 per cent year-on-year in H1 2025.

Notably, in August, Leo became the first African banking chatbot to enable cross-border payments via the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).

UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Alawuba, while reacting to the achievement, said the recognition affirms the bank’s long-term strategy and customer-first philosophy.

“This honour reflects the strength of our Pan-African network, the trust of our customers, and the dedication of our people. Winning Africa’s Bank of the Year for the third time in five years is not by chance; it is a testament to disciplined execution, innovation, and a deep understanding of the markets we serve,” Alawuba said.

“Our nine country awards across diverse regions of Africa show that UBA is not just growing, but growing with impact. We remain committed to driving financial inclusion, supporting economic development, and deploying technology that makes banking simpler, faster, and more accessible to Africans everywhere,” he added.

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group-wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

Operating in twenty African countries, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting-edge technology.

L – R: Head, Central Collections Unit, Olaide Adeyemo; Executive Director -FCT & North, Sufiyanu Garba and Regional Bank Head, Abuja 3 Regional Bank, Martin Ayodele (all of Fidelity Bank Plc) at the Comptroller-General of Customs Award Night 2025 in Abuja where Fidelity Bank Plc was recognised as the first bank to successfully process Customs Duty and the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) on the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS) recently. 

Fidelity Bank’s leadership in digital innovation and public sector collaboration has once again been spotlighted as the tier-one lender was honoured at the Comptroller-General of Customs Award Night 2025.

At the ceremony, which took place at Abuja, Fidelity Bank was presented with a prestigious award by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for being the first bank to successfully process Customs Duty and the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) on the Unified Customs Management System (UCMS).

The award, presented under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi (MFR), serves as a formal recognition of the bank’s “Distinctive Performance and Commitment to the Ideals and Vision of the Nigeria Customs Service.”

Receiving the award on behalf of the bank, the Executive Director, FCT & North, Mr. Sufiyanu Garba, stated:

“This award is a testament to our commitment to operational excellence and our resolve to support the digital transformation of Nigeria’s trade and customs ecosystem. We are proud to be at the forefront of this historic milestone and remain dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that drive Nigeria’s economic development.”

The bank’s quick adoption of the UCMS stems from its vision for a truly seamless and borderless African trade.  Earlier this year, the bank officially launched the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), following a successful onboarding and over N46 billion in early transactions.

PAPSS enables instant, local currency cross-border payments across Africa, particularly benefiting SMEs. By integrating PAPSS into its core operations, Fidelity Bank continues to dismantle trade barriers, empower businesses, and expand its impact across the continent.

This latest recognition by the Nigeria Customs Service adds to Fidelity Bank’s impressive streak of achievements in 2025, including its double win as “Best Bank for Export & Trade Finance” and “Most Innovative Bank of the Year” at the BusinessDay Bank and Other Financial Institutions’ (BAFI) Awards. These accolades underscore the bank’s commitment to empowering businesses, driving innovation, and supporting Nigeria’s economic advancement.

The Comptroller General of Customs Award further affirms Fidelity Bank’s pivotal role in modernising trade processes and aligning with the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda.

Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.

The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.

Additionally, the Bank was recognised as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Stanbic IBTC Bank continues to enhance the financial well-being of its customers through its Reward4Saving Promo.

At the seventh monthly draw, 70 savers won a total of ₦7 million, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to transforming everyday savings into meaningful rewards while fostering a strong savings culture among Nigerians.

The monthly draw took place at Stanbic IBTC’s Head Office in Victoria Island, Lagos, where 70 winners, 10 from each of the bank’s seven business zones, received ₦100,000 each.

The event was supervised by regulatory bodies, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA), ensuring complete transparency and fairness.

Since the launch of Reward4Saving Promo Season 4, a whopping 506 customers have won ₦67 million. With a total prize pool of ₦130 million, ₦63 million is still up for grabs before the promo concludes on 31 March 2026, keeping excitement high among the bank’s customers nationwide.

Speaking at the event, Chuma Nwokocha, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, emphasised the bank’s commitment to its customers and Nigerian’s savings culture: “Today, we are celebrating our loyal customers by rewarding 70 savers with ₦7 million.

This promotion demonstrates our commitment to recognising customer efforts while emphasising the importance of saving. The promo is open to both existing and new customers who are simply required to save a minimum of ₦10,000 in their Stanbic IBTC Savings Account or @ease Wallet for 30 consecutive days to qualify for the monthly draws automatically. The more our customers save, the higher their chances of winning.”

For many Nigerians, these wins represent far more than money; they are lifelines at critical moments. Valentine Ugochukwu, one of the 70 winners, runs a clothing business and lost everything in the Mandilas fire outbreak in September 2025. When his call came through announcing he had won ₦100,000, he could hardly believe it.

“I had been saving to restart my business” Valentine explains. “When I got the call, I did not believe it at first. I decided to come and confirm for myself, and it turned out to be true. This prize is giving me the chance to rebuild what I lost.”

For Valentine and countless others, the promo has become more than a banking incentive.  “I will keep saving so I can win more and hopefully win the grand prize of ₦5,000,000. Thank you, Stanbic IBTC Bank, for putting a smile on my face.”

His story reflects the real impact behind the numbers. Behind each winner is someone with hope after setbacks, and dreams that a well-timed prize can help restore.

With five more draws including the grand finale still ahead, customers have multiple opportunities to win big. To participate, save at least ₦10,000 for 30 consecutive days in a Stanbic IBTC Savings Account or @ease Wallet. Children are not left out; you can open a Chess account for children and save a minimum of ₦10,000 for 30 consecutive days.

Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, has been named Nigeria’s ‘Asset Management Company of the Year 2025’ by the Global Banking & Finance Awards.

This honour recognises the company’s continued innovation and excellence in providing investment solutions that help Nigerians build and preserve wealth.

As a market leader in the asset management industry, Stanbic IBTC manages over 45% of the industry’s Assets under Management (AuM), reflecting its strong reputation, expertise, and trust among investors. This leadership position underscores its dedication to building a financially informed and confident investor base while continuously driving industry growth and innovation.

Commenting on the recognition, Busola Jejelowo, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, expressed delight at the award, noting that it reflects the company’s active strategy to help Nigerians make informed investment decisions while appreciating their clients for the trust they have in the company.

She said “We are truly honoured to receive this recognition, which reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team. Most importantly, I want to sincerely thank our clients for their trust and unwavering commitment to our company. It is your confidence in us that motivates us to maintain the highest standards of excellence and to continually innovate in serving your investment needs.”

Busola added: “Stanbic IBTC Asset Management’s purpose will remain to empower individuals and businesses to grow their wealth sustainably. Stanbic IBTC Asset Management is committed to empowering its clients through its BluNest platform that provides a wide range of mutual funds tailored to suit various investment goals, risk appetites and age groups. We are also well positioned to empower the youths with financial knowledge through our signature Beyond Dreams initiative, which actively engages audiences across various social media platforms by sharing educational content, tips, and insights through storytelling, to foster financial literacy and responsible investing.”

The recognition adds to a growing list of accolades for Stanbic IBTC Asset Management. In recent years, the firm has been honoured by several reputable bodies, including the Global Banking & Finance Review and the International Finance Awards, for its performance, innovation, and leadership in the asset management space.

These consistent wins underline the company’s culture of excellence and its reputation for integrity, transparency, and investor-first focus.

Also reflecting on the win, Chukwuma Nwokocha, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings noted that, “Our Asset Management business continues to raise the bar for investment excellence in Nigeria. This award reinforces the Group’s long-standing commitment to helping individuals and institutions achieve sustainable wealth creation. Stanbic IBTC remains fully invested in the financial success of Nigerians.”

The Global Banking & Finance Awards, established in 2011, celebrates outstanding achievements within the financial services industry; recognising institutions that demonstrate innovation, progressive leadership, and measurable impact on their markets.

As one of Nigeria’s most experienced fund managers, Stanbic IBTC Asset Management continues to deepen financial inclusion by providing products that serve diverse investor needs from conservative savers to growth-focused professionals and corporates seeking sophisticated investment solutions.