The MD/CE of the NDIC, Mr. Thompson Oludare Sunday, has called on the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors & Valuers (NIESV) to strengthen strategic collaboration with the Corporation as the NDIC relies on NIESV members for accurate and credible valuation of assets of failed banks, which is critical for effective liquidation and payment of depositors.

The MD/CE made the call during a courtesy visit by the President/Chairman of Council of the NIESV, Dr. ESV. Victor Adekunle Alonge, and members of his executive team to the NDIC Head Office, Abuja. The NDIC Chief Executive explained that the Corporation relies on precise and credible valuation reports during the liquidation of failed banks to determine the true worth of assets, which enables their sale at the best possible value.

Mr. Sunday further noted that proceeds from the sale of these assets are applied toward the payment of depositors’ balances above the insured amount, making accuracy and professionalism in valuation essential to protecting depositor funds.

He emphasised that NIESV’s professionalism therefore contributes directly to financial stability and depositor protection by ensuring transparency, fairness, and value-for-money in the disposal of assets and the recovery process.

While calling on the leadership of the Institution to uphold the highest ethical standards and guard against insider abuse, the NDIC Chief Executive added that the Corporation is further strengthening its internal processes, including the development of a comprehensive Asset Management Policy to guide asset identification and documentation, valuation procedures, disposal strategies and transparency and accountability in recoveries.

The NDIC Chief Executive emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between both institutions, noting that the Corporation welcomes opportunities for joint training and knowledge exchange between NDIC staff and NIESV professionals, particularly in emerging valuation methodologies, asset management, and sustainable valuation practices.

President/Chairman of Council of the NIESV, Dr. ESV. Victor Adekunle Alonge reaffirmed the Institution’s commitment to professionalism and integrity.

He explained that NIESV was established by an Act of Parliament and maintains strict disciplinary procedures to sanction any member found to be unethical or unprofessional. He reaffirmed the Institution’s commitment to sustained cooperation and technical support to the NDIC, noting that the partnership remains vital to enhancing service delivery and strengthening public confidence in the banking system.

The courtesy visit underscored the shared commitment of both institutions to deepen collaboration, enhance professional standards, and strengthen the bank liquidation process in Nigeria for the overall stability of the financial system.

Stanbic IBTC Bank, a member of Standard Bank Group, has launched its Digital Lending Suite, an integrated platform that consolidates all the Bank’s retail loan offerings into one digital access point.

The platform has products such as EZ Cash, Unsecured Personal Loan (UPL) and many more consumer loan options reflecting the bank’s commitment to simplifying borrowing and strengthening financial inclusion through technology.

The Digital Lending Suite was developed in response to customers’ evolving needs for convenient, secure, and reliable credit solutions. By providing seamless access to multiple loan products via digital channels, the bank continues to demonstrate its leadership in driving financial innovation within Nigeria’s banking sector.

EZ Cash is designed to meet immediate, short-term needs, offering customers instant access to loans from ₦50,000 up to ₦10 million with a tenor of up to 24 months.  The Unsecured Personal Loan (UPL) caters to medium- to long-term financing requirements, providing larger loan amounts with repayment tenors of up to 48 months.

It is structured to accommodate salaried customers seeking to fund personal projects or lifestyle needs, with the added option to revolve the facility once a portion of the loan has been repaid.

Both products are exclusively available to salaried customers whose accounts are domiciled with Stanbic IBTC Bank; subject to credit assessments and approvals.

Commenting on the launch, Olu Delano, Executive Director, Personal & Private Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, noted that the Digital Lending Suite reinforces Stanbic IBTC Bank’s commitment to delivering customer-centric, technology-driven financial services.

By integrating our loan offerings into a single digital platform, we are improving access to credit while maintaining the speed, security, and reliability that our customers trust Stanbic IBTC Bank to provide.”

The Digital Lending Suite is available across multiple digital touchpoints, enabling customers to apply and receive funds with ease.

Applications are processed digitally via the new Stanbic IBTC Mobile App 3.0. The product is collateral-free, comes with a fixed monthly interest rate, and offers flexible repayment, including early repayment without penalty.

Ecobank Nigeria, a member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, has announced the launch of the Ecobank SME Bazaar—a two-weekend festive marketplace designed to celebrate local creativity, empower entrepreneurs, and give Lagos residents a premium shopping experience this Detty December. The Bazaar will hold on 29–30 November and 6–7 December at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Speaking ahead of the event, Omoboye Odu, Head of SMEs, Ecobank Nigeria, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting small and medium-sized businesses, describing them as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy. She explained that the Ecobank SME Bazaar was created to enhance visibility for entrepreneurs, expand market access, and support sustainable business growth.

According to her, “This isn’t just a market—it’s a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and connection. From fresh farm produce to trendy fashion, handcrafted pieces, lifestyle products, and delicious food and drinks, the Ecobank SME Bazaar promises an unforgettable experience for both shoppers and participating SMEs. Whether you’re shopping for festive gifts, hunting for unique finds, or soaking in the Detty December energy, this is the place to be.”

Ms. Odu added that participating businesses will enjoy increased brand exposure, deeper customer engagement, and meaningful networking opportunities—making the Bazaar a strong platform for both festive-season sales and long-term business growth.

The event is powered by Ecobank in partnership with TKD Farms, Eko Marche, Leyyow, and other SME-focused organisations committed to building sustainable enterprises.

About Ecobank Nigeria
Ecobank Nigeria is a member of the Ecobank Group, the foremost pan-African banking institution with operations in 33 African countries and international offices in London, Paris, Beijing, and Dubai. With over 220 branches, 50,000+ agency locations, and robust digital platforms, Ecobank delivers accessible, affordable, and instant banking services. The bank is strategically positioned to support Pan-African trade, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Union Bank of Nigeria, one of Nigeria’s most trusted financial institutions, is excited to announce the launch of its new customer reward initiative designed to deepen engagement, drive premium account activity, and promote consistent savings behaviour among its customers.

Open to new and existing customers, the Save and Gain promo requires participants to open accounts, maintain and grow a monthly average balance of ₦50,000, complete at least five transactions monthly, and actively use digital channels such as cards, USSD, mobile, or internet banking.

Top deposit contributors will receive monthly rewards ranging from free debit cards, cash prizes of N50,000 and N100,000, respectively, within each level of participation.

A special reward of ₦30,000 cash vouchers will be awarded to top depositors and contributors for December. The grand prize of ₦5 million will be awarded to the highest average deposit contributors over the six-month campaign period.

The campaign builds on the success of the Save & Win Palli Promo, through which the bank has disbursed over ₦330 million in cash and prizes to more than 5,000 customers since 2021.

Unlike previous campaigns, Save & Gain demonstrates the bank’s focus on digital adoption and inclusion, with a performance-based reward system that prioritises transparency and consistency. Customers who reflect responsible account usage, maintain savings discipline, and embrace digital banking channels will be rewarded.

Prospective customers can download the UnionMobile app on their smartphones to open accounts or walk into any Union Bank branch.

About Union Bank

Union Bank of Nigeria, which has undergone different phases of transformation, has been a cornerstone of the Nigerian banking sector since 1917. With a commitment to delivering simple, smart, and personalised financial services, the bank continues to support individuals, SMEs, and corporations in achieving their growth aspirations. 

As part of its ongoing expansion plan, Union Bank recently acquired Titan Trust Bank, one of the newest entities in the Nigerian banking space, further boosting the bank’s branch network and customer base.

L – R: Executive Director -South, Mrs. Pamela Shodipo; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe (both of Fidelity Bank Plc); Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adebowale Olujimi; Group Executive Director, Mrs. Olugbesoye Olujimi (both of Emadeb Energy); Executive Director -Lagos and South West, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Ken Opara; and Group Executive Director, Finance/Strategy, Emadeb Energy, Mr. Tosin Adewuyi; at the First Oil presentation event by Emadeb Energy at the Fidelity Bank head office in Lagos recently.

Fidelity Bank Plc has restated its commitment to advancing Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, with a strong focus on supporting indigenous operators.

This was highlighted by the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, during a first oil presentation event for Emadeb Energy at Fidelity Place, the bank’s corporate headquarters in Lagos.

At the event, Emadeb Energy’s Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adebowale Olujimi, expressed appreciation for the bank’s role in enabling the company’s progress.

“What makes Fidelity Bank unique is its willingness to take calculated risks. Many banks prefer to work with companies only after they have achieved first oil because they want already-established customers. Fidelity Bank reviewed our proposal thoroughly, including legal, technical, financial and character assessments. We met these requirements and that is why they supported us,” Olujimi said.

Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe congratulated Emadeb Energy on its milestone and reaffirmed Fidelity Bank’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s energy sector.

“At Fidelity Bank, we are dedicated to supporting indigenous companies in developing oil and gas assets that enhance energy security and promote sustainable growth. Our interventions include financing Nigeria’s first privately built and operated onshore crude export terminal in over fifty years at the Otakikpo Marginal Field in Rivers State.

“We also led funding for the Pinnacle Oil and Gas Terminal in Lekki, Lagos, which improves petroleum product distribution and reduces costs. In addition, we part-financed the production of a 23,000-cubic-meter Liquefied Petroleum Gas carrier for Temile Development Company Limited, which supports cleaner energy use and strengthens local maritime participation,” she said.

Emadeb Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited, operator of Petroleum Prospecting License (PPL) 236, recently achieved first oil from the Ibom Field, a milestone regarded as a significant breakthrough in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

“Our next phase will be exciting. We plan to drill two additional wells and increase production to 12,000 barrels per day by the end of 2026. After that, we aim to expand our gas business and raise oil output to 30,000 barrels per day,” Olujimi added.