The vibrant city of Lagos was abuzz with aspiration and opportunity as Stanbic IBTC Bank hosted its highly anticipated 2025 Home Ownership Summit on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, under the inspiring theme, “Building Tomorrow Today: Transforming the Path to Homeownership.”

This electrifying event, held with both in-person and virtual participation, re-emphasised the Bank’s commitment to reshaping the journey to property ownership for Nigerians.

The session, a dazzling blend of innovation and empowerment, brought together a dynamic mix of financial strategists, real estate experts, existing and aspiring homeowners. Attendees were treated to a feast of insights, from navigating the intricacies of home financing to unlocking wealth-building opportunities through real estate. Stanbic IBTC Bank highlighted its tailored home loan solutions, spotlighting competitive interest rates, flexible equity contributions, digitised mortgage calculator, and personalised advisory services designed to make homeownership a reality for all.

Wole Adeniyi, Chief Executive Stanbic IBTC Bank, set the tone with a powerful address:

“Our vision is to turn dreams into addresses. The 2025 Home Ownership Breakfast Session is more than an event, it is a movement to empower Nigerians to build their futures, one home at a time. With our innovative financing options, we are breaking barriers and opening doors to lasting wealth.”

The summit was not just about numbers; it was a celebration of possibilities. Engaging panel discussions delved into emerging real estate trends, the art of wealth protection through insurance, and the power of legacy building with wills and trusts, all seamlessly integrated with the expertise of the Stanbic IBTC Group. Attendees left energised, armed with actionable strategies to transform their property ambitions into reality.

From interactive question and answer sessions to one-on-one consultations with financial experts, the event created a vibrant space for connection and learning. Virtual participants joined the excitement through a seamless online platform, ensuring that Nigerians everywhere could tap into this transformative experience.

As the Lagos session sets the stage, anticipation builds for the upcoming Abuja edition later in July this year. Stanbic IBTC Bank continues to lead the charge in making homeownership accessible, proving that the path to owning a dream home is not just a possibility, it is a promise.

L-R: The Branch Leader, Trans-Amadi 1 Port Harcourt, Bob Anyanwu Representing the Regional Bank Head Rivers and Bayelsa 1 & South Commercial, Ibisiki Eretoru; one of the beneficiaries of the Food Bank Donation, Ogechi Friday; The Clan Head, Ozuzu Etche, HRH Eze Josiah Nwagwu; the Team Lead, CSR, Fidelity Bank Plc, Victoria Abuka; and the CEO, Reach Nigeria Foundation, Benedicta Ebi; during the Fidelity Food Bank Distribution in Ihie Community, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State recently.

In a strong demonstration of its commitment to community development and poverty alleviation, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has donated food packs to over 1,500 individuals in Ihie Town, Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, through its Food Bank initiative.

Speaking at the donation event, the Regional Bank Head, Rivers/Bayelsa 1 & South Commercial, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Ibisiki Eretoru, noted that the success of the bank is essentially linked to the well-being and prosperity of the communities in which it operates.

“The Food Bank Initiative is our way of contributing to the well-being of our host communities through regular food support. Each month, with the support of our network of dedicated partners, we distribute food packs to individuals and families across the country,” Eretoru said.

He further highlighted that the Fidelity Food Bank initiative, launched in April 2023, is part of the bank’s broader corporate social responsibility drive aimed at combating hunger and improving livelihoods across Nigeria. The initiative also perfectly aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 2 which aims to achieve zero hunger.

“To date, we have distributed over 200,000 food packs through similar outreaches aimed at supporting individuals, strengthening businesses and transforming entire economies,” Eretoru added.

The food distribution in Ihie town was executed in partnership with The Reach Nigeria Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on sustainable development. Speaking at the outreach, the Foundation’s CEO, Benedicta Ibiyemie Ayarete, said that the community was selected due to its need for food support during the post-planting and pre-harvest period.

“Though Ihie is an agrarian community, we identified it as needing food support at this time. The peaceful nature of the community also makes it a viable location for Fidelity Bank to sustain and grow its presence. We are proud to be part of the meaningful impact of this outreach on the people,” she explained.

Expressing his gratitude, the paramount ruler of Ihie community, His Royal Highness, Eze Richard Amadi, commended the bank’s timely intervention, describing it as “a stitch in time” and a noteworthy effort that addresses the needs of the people.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Ihie Community Development Committee, Mr. Stephen Asoh, expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank, highlighting the positive difference the donations will make in the lives of many residents.

One of the beneficiaries, Mike Okere, praised Fidelity Bank for the initiative and called on other financial institutions to emulate the bank’s approach to community engagement and impact.

The Fidelity Food Bank continues to be a beacon of hope for underserved communities across Nigeria, reflecting the bank’s unwavering commitment to social responsibility and inclusive growth.

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 recognized 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.

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has called for feedbacks from financial services industry stakeholders in the country, policy makers and the general public towards the ongoing revision of the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance System.

The proposed revision launched by IADI in May 2025, is a significant step towards enhancing the resilience and relevance of deposit insurance frameworks in the face of an evolving global financial landscape. Specifically, the revision is aimed at comprehensively addressing structural changes, including digital innovation, the growing role of deposit insurers in resolution, and lessons learned from the banking turmoil in March 2023, which is the most significant systemic stress event since the 2007-09 global financial crisis.

The IADI Core Principles are used by jurisdictions, including Nigeria, as a benchmark for assessing the quality of their deposit insurance systems and for identifying gaps in their deposit insurance practices and measures to address them.

The Core Principles are also used by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in the context of the Financial Sector Assessment Programme (FSAP), to assess the effectiveness of jurisdictions’ deposit insurance system and practices.

The first set of the Core Principles was issued jointly by the IADI and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) in June 2009 while the document is subjected to periodic revision order to keep it up-to-date with evolving trends on the global financial system landscape.

As a founding and committed member of IADI, NDIC recognises the importance of the ongoing revision and hereby invites stakeholders and the general public to actively participate in the process by reviewing the document on the link https://ndic.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Draft-Revised-IADI-Core-Principles.pdf Stakeholders feedbacks should be forwarded to the Corporation on or before 30^th June 2025 via email to [email protected] in PDF format.

To deliver simpler, smarter banking solutions, Union Bank of Nigeria has partnered with the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) network, a Financial Market Infrastructure that provides hassle-free and convenient cross-border money transfers to some selected African countries.

This revolutionary payment solution for implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is designed to transform how payments are made across Africa.

With PAPSS, customers can send money instantly to Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Djibouti, Nigeria and more African countries in the future.

Using PAPPS offers numerous benefits to customers, including, but not limited to, instant payments or transfers, cheaper foreign transaction costs, no need to source FX, enhanced security, and intra-African trade opportunities.

Commenting on this partnership that goes across borders, Peter Amadi, Head of Transaction Banking at Union Bank of Nigeria, said:

“At Union Bank of Nigeria, we are committed to driving innovation and excellence in banking. Our focus is on providing seamless and efficient banking through simpler, smarter solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. We believe in fostering strong relationships and delivering exceptional value to our customers, ensuring their success in today’s dynamic financial landscape.”

Mike Ogbalu III, CEO of PAPSS, commenting on this partnership, said:

“I am very excited and proud to see Union Bank of Nigeria, a bank with over a century of banking legacy, joining the PAPSS network. This shows how PAPSS will be a game changer for the continent by enabling infrastructure to spur the growth of intra-African trade and commerce, with the active participation of regional economic communities, private sectors, and other stakeholders.”

Union Bank’s partnership with PAPSS marks a significant milestone in the Bank’s commitment to driving innovation and excellence in banking.

By providing seamless and efficient banking solutions through simpler, smarter means, the Bank aims to meet the evolving needs of its customers.

This collaboration enhances the Bank’s service offerings, fosters strong relationships, and delivers exceptional value to customers, ensuring their success in today’s dynamic financial landscape.

Global credit rating agency, Fitch Ratings, has affirmed Fidelity Bank Plc’s Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘B’ and upgraded its National Long-Term Rating to ‘A+(nga)’ from ‘A(nga)’.

The upgrade, announced on May 29, 2025, reflects the bank’s strengthened capital buffers and improved profitability, signaling continued positive momentum in its performance.

According to Fitch, the rating upgrade is underpinned by Fidelity Bank’s successful capital raise through a rights issue and public offer, as well as a notable improvement in profitability—driven by higher interest income and a stable base of low-cost current and savings deposits.

Commenting on the announcement, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, said:

“This upgrade by Fitch Ratings affirms the resilience of our business model, the strength of our risk management practices, and our unwavering focus on delivering sustainable value to stakeholders. Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, we have continued to maintain strong asset quality, solid profitability, and ample liquidity. This recognition reinforces our position as one of Nigeria’s most resilient and customer-focused financial institutions.”

One of the key drivers of the improved rating is the bank’s robust capitalisation. Fitch reports that Fidelity’s Fitch Core Capital (FCC) ratio rose to 29.9% at the end of 2024—well above the regulatory minimum. The agency also noted that further capital raising efforts are expected to position the bank to meet the ₦500 billion minimum capital requirement for internationally licensed banks before the 2025 deadline.

Fidelity Bank’s market positioning remains strong. As Nigeria’s sixth-largest bank, it commands approximately 5% of total banking sector assets. The bank’s balance sheet is reinforced by a high proportion of low-cost deposits, which accounted for 93% of total deposits as of year-end 2024—among the highest in the Nigerian banking industry.

The affirmation and upgrade by Fitch is expected to enhance investor confidence and support Fidelity’s continued efforts to scale its operations both locally and internationally.

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 the 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.

Although the Nigerian private sector remained in growth territory midway through the second quarter of the year, there were signs of a slowdown in the latest survey period as inflationary pressures remained elevated.

Rates of expansion in output and new orders eased in May, while employment dipped for the first time in six months. The headline figure derived from the survey is the Stanbic IBTC Bank Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). Readings above 50.0 signal an improvement in business conditions on the previous month, while readings below 50.0 show a deterioration.

The headline PMI registered 52.7 in May, remaining above the 50.0 no change mark for the sixth successive month and signaling a solid strengthening of business conditions over the month. That said, the latest reading was down from 54.2 in April and pointed to the least marked improvement in the health of the private sector since January.

Muyiwa Oni, Head of Equity Research West Africa at Stanbic IBTC Bank commented: “Business conditions remain in the expansionary territory for the sixth consecutive month in May amid continued improvement in customer demand which is also ensuring businesses launch new products.

However, the pace of improvement in business conditions slowed relative to April, pointing to the least marked improvement since January. While new orders have now increased in each month since November 2024, some firms implied that market conditions are softening.

Hence, the pace of improvement in new orders during May eased to the weakest level in four months. Nonetheless, rising sales and higher customer numbers supported a pronounced output growth across the wholesale & retail and manufacturing sectors.

Given the rising sales and higher customer numbers, companies increased their quantity of purchases for the sixth consecutive month while the rate of inventory accumulation quickened to a three-month high. However, input costs remain high in May, albeit slightly softer than April inflation, with the pace of price increase remaining well above the series average.

As a result, output prices remained sharp as companies passed on the rising purchase costs to customers. Where companies charged lower prices, they indicated that it was due to the need to attract customers. This partly supported the easing of the low in May. the pace of output price inflation to a two-year low in May. Nigeria’s business condition is on course to end Q2:25 on a positive momentum, albeit relatively weaker than witnessed in Q1:25. This is as currency weakness, higher raw material costs, and increased transport prices have been more pronounced than seen in Q1:25.

However, as inflation is expected to remain softer compared to the 2024 average, interest rates are likely to be lower this year, thereby helping to support the medium-term economic growth path. Therefore, we still maintain our expectation that the Nigerian economy is likely to grow by 3.5% y/y in real terms in 2025 relative to 3.4% y/y growth in 2024.”

The slowdown in overall growth was seen across both output and new orders, which each increased at the slowest rates in four months. Where expansions were recorded, panelists linked this to customer demand improvements, higher client numbers and new product launches. Output increased across all four broad sectors covered by the report, with growth sharpest in wholesale & retail and manufacturing. Inflationary pressures remained elevated in May, despite easing slightly from April. Purchase costs rose rapidly amid higher raw material prices, currency weakness and increased transportation costs. Staff costs were also up, but at the slowest pace since March 2023 as a reduction in employment acted to limit the rise in wage bills.

Workforce numbers decreased for the first time in six months as some firms reported that difficulties paying staff had led to resignations. Shortages of staff contributed to a second successive rise in backlogs of work, but respondents indicated that the main factor holding up the completion of projects were delays in payments from customers.

The latest rise in outstanding business was the sharpest since February 2023. While employment decreased, companies continued to expand their purchasing activity at a rapid pace. Respondents mentioned the need to satisfy both current and future client requirements.

In turn, stocks of purchases also rose, and at the fastest pace in three months. Competition among suppliers and prompt payments resulted in a further shortening of suppliers’ delivery times, albeit one that was the least marked in 2025 so far. Business confidence waned for the fourth consecutive month and was among the lowest on record.

That said, companies remained optimistic that output will expand over the coming year, with positive sentiment linked to business expansion plans, marketing and restocking.

Tomilola Fetuga (left), Head of Brand Management and Experiential Marketing, and Omoboye Odu (right), Head of SME Banking, both of Ecobank Nigeria, presenting a cash prize to a representative of Accessories by Morgan for recording the highest volume of transactions during the ‘Oja Oge by Ecobank’ fair held in Lagos.

Ecobank Nigeria, in partnership with Qatar Airways, has recognised and rewarded outstanding exhibitors at the recently concluded ‘Oja Oge by Ecobank’ fair.

The vibrant three-day fashion, beauty, and lifestyle event held in Lagos showcased the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of local businesses, providing a platform for visibility, sales growth, and market expansion.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to top-performing vendors:

• Goodness and Mercy Hair won the top prize—a Qatar Airways Business Class ticket to any destination of choice—for achieving the highest gross sales in value.
• Clandini received an Economy Class ticket to any global destination as the second-highest seller by gross sales.
• Accessories by Morgan earned ₦750,000 for generating the highest volume of transactions during the fair.

Speaking at the award presentation, Omoboye Odu, Head of SME Banking at Ecobank Nigeria, commended the exhibitors for their innovation and product quality. She also expressed gratitude to Qatar Airways and other partners for supporting the second edition of the bank’s flagship fashion pop-up event.

“This fair exemplifies our ongoing commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs,” Odu said. “It provided vendors with a unique opportunity to showcase their offerings, attract new customers, forge valuable business connections, and explore broader markets.”

Odu further highlighted the fair’s role in fostering engagement between emerging brands and local as well as international consumers.

Award recipients expressed heartfelt appreciation to Ecobank and Qatar Airways for the recognition and encouragement. A representative from Accessories by Morgan noted the critical impact of such initiatives in scaling SME operations and boosting visibility.

Ecobank Nigeria Limited is a subsidiary of the Ecobank Group, the leading pan-African banking group with presence in 33 African countries and international offices in London, Paris, Beijing, and Dubai.

L-R: Mr. Wale Ogunride, Zonal Head, Lagos and South West, Unity Bank Plc; Ebehijie Momoh, Managing Director, AfriGo; Mr. Ebenezer Kolawole, Managing Director/CEO, Unity Bank Plc; and Mr. Ugo Obasi, Chief Operating Officer, AfriGo during AfriGo team’s visit to Unity Bank Head office recently.

Unity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing electronic payment adoption and financial inclusion by partnering with domestic card scheme provider, AfriGo, to boost card usage across its retail customer segments.

This pledge was made during a high-level strategic business engagement held at Unity Bank’s head office in Lagos on Friday, with AfriGo’s Executive Management team.

Speaking during the session, Unity Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Ebenezer Kolawole, stated: “We are committed to making the AfriGo Card a primary delivery channel for Unity Bank. As a national domestic card scheme, it deserves to be promoted both internally and externally as a local solution with significant potential to redefine Nigeria’s card payment landscape.”

Mr. Kolawole also pledged the Bank’s continued support for the adoption of AfriGo cards across its network, while urging AfriGo to intensify awareness campaigns to drive greater market acceptability.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of AfriGo, Ebehijie Momoh, commended Unity Bank for the support it has given the scheme, stating that the Bank ranks among the top five adopters of the AfriGo card and highlighted its growing impact in expanding financial inclusion and improving access to electronic payments.

He noted that AfriGo has continued to innovate with technologies that support instant payments and offline capabilities, ensuring broader access to e-payment systems across underserved markets. He added that partnerships with solutions like Tap & Go have helped boost contactless payment adoption, improving convenience for cardholders who commute for work, business, or leisure.

Momoh expressed optimism about the potential of Unity Bank’s extensive retail network to drive deeper collaboration aimed at enhancing e-banking penetration nationwide.

This collaboration underscores Unity Bank’s enduring culture of digital innovation and its commitment to financial inclusion through homegrown technology. Over the years, the Bank has introduced several digital solutions that demonstrate this commitment.

Notably, Unity Bank pioneered USSD banking, *7799#, in local languages, an initiative aimed at deepening access among underserved rural and semi-urban populations.

It also launched Unifi, a youth-focused digital banking platform designed to meet the lifestyle and financial needs of the younger demographic. Most recently, the Bank unveiled GenFi, a gamified mobile banking solution tailored for children and teenagers to cultivate smart money habits from an early age.