L -R: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; the outgoing President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah; his wife, Mrs. Chinelo Oramah; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite; and Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Ms. Hannatu Musawa at a black-tie dinner hosted by Fidelity Bank to celebrate the retirement of Prof. Oramah in Lagos recently.

In recognition of his unwavering commitment to Africa’s development, Fidelity Bank Plc recently hosted a grand black-tie dinner to celebrate the retirement of Professor Benedict Okechukwu Oramah, outgoing President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), after ten years of transformative leadership.

Held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, the event was themed “Celebrating a Titan” and drew a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, captains of industry and international guests. They came together to honour a man widely regarded as one of Africa’s most influential financial leaders.

Welcoming guests to the event, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, described Prof. Oramah as “a towering figure in Africa’s economic renaissance.” She noted that his tenure at Afreximbank was defined by bold ideas, strategic foresight and a relentless pursuit of inclusive growth. “From Cairo to Kigali, Lagos to Lusaka, his influence has touched lives, empowered businesses and strengthened the very fabric of African integration,” she said. She also highlighted his role in pioneering initiatives such as the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System and his advocacy for intra-African trade and creative industries.

Among the guests in attendance were the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Ms. Hannatu Musawa; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; and Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite.

Special recognition was given to Mrs. Chinelo Oramah, whose steadfast support was acknowledged as instrumental to her husband’s success. “Her dedication to maintaining the home front has been pivotal,” said Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe, “as Prof. Oramah pursued the transformational initiatives that have distinguished his tenure.”

The evening featured tributes from several guests including Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman of Vista Group Holding, Mr. Simon Tiemtore; and Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, who described Prof. Oramah as “the most consequential African person in the last 10 years.”

In his remarks, Prof. Oramah expressed deep appreciation for the honour. “I want to thank the board and management of Fidelity Bank for this honour. It is not always that when a leader of an institution gets to the twilight of his tenure that those he works with deem it important to say we appreciate you. I really cherish this event. On behalf of my family and wife as well as the Afreximbank family, I say thank you.”

He also reflected on the longstanding relationship between Afreximbank and Fidelity Bank. “Our relationship with Fidelity Bank dates back to the 1990s and it has grown from year to year. Fidelity Bank is one of the trusted partners that we have. Fidelity Bank has helped us to achieve some of the things we have achieved here in Nigeria. When my dear sister, Nneka, took over, she did more than everyone expected. The transformation that we continue to see in Fidelity Bank is something that makes all of us proud. With all of the activities that you do that complement what we do at Afreximbank and the type of financing that supports what we do at Afreximbank, I believe that the partnership in the years ahead will grow even stronger.”

The evening was anchored by broadcast journalist Ojinika ‘Ojy’ Okpe and comedian and actor Okechukwu Anthony Onyegbule, popularly known as Okey Bakassi. The celebration reached its climax with a musical performance by Nigerian highlife singer Chinedu Okoli, professionally known as Flavour N’abania.

Union Bank of Nigeria held its first-ever Stay Recharged Health Walk, a dynamic event that affirmed the Bank’s steadfast commitment to employee well-being and sustainable workplace development.

The walk kicked off at the Stallion Plaza, Union Bank’s Head Office in Marina. It concluded at the Bank’s Sports Complex, The Stable, on Bode Thomas Street, Surulere, tracing an energising 7.5km route through Lagos’ vibrant streets.

The overwhelming participation and enthusiasm from employees from diverse departments and locations made it a celebration of physical fitness, mental health, and the power of community spirit.

Stay Recharged is a featured event drawn from a cornerstone of Union Bank’s employee value proposition: employee wellness, thoughtfully crafted to foster a culture where health, happiness, and productivity flourish.

The initiative responds directly to the urgent need for purposeful wellness programmes that nurture both physical and mental health at work. It reflects the Bank’s recognition that employee wellbeing is fundamental to sustained productivity, engagement, and organisational excellence.

Omayuli Wale-Ajayi, Chief Talent Officer, emphasised the significance of this milestone event:

“At Union Bank, well-being is not an afterthought; it is part of how we work. Our inaugural Stay Recharged Health Walk reflects our commitment to building a culture where our people are energised, supported, and thriving. When we take care of ourselves, we build stronger teams and stronger institutions.”

The Stay Recharged Health Walk aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. This initiative reflects Union Bank’s commitment to fostering a workplace culture that prioritises employee wellness, supports decent and productive work, and contributes to long-term organisational sustainability.

By investing in these wellness experiences, Union Bank not only strengthens its internal community but also reinforces its reputation as an employer of choice.

Union Bank remains dedicated to developing innovative, health-focused programmes that inspire employees to adopt healthier lifestyles, supporting long-term growth for both individuals and the organisation.

Overview of Financial Performance 

As of June 30, 2025, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc showcased remarkable financial resilience and growth, despite operating within a highly competitive and regulated Nigerian financial services sector.

The company’s interim financial statements highlight a strong upward trajectory across various key metrics, emphasising the success of its strategic initiatives and operational efficiencies.

Robust Balance Sheet Growth

Stanbic IBTC reported total assets of ₦8.12 trillion, a significant increase from the ₦6.91 trillion recorded at the end of December 2024. This growth demonstrates effective asset management, as well as an uptick in customer deposits and investments.

On the liabilities side, total liabilities escalated to ₦7.17 trillion from ₦6.24 trillion, a change primarily driven by increased borrowings and the bank’s expanding operational scale.

Equity attributable to ordinary shareholders also climbed notably, reaching ₦941.73 billion, compared to ₦661.89 billion previously. This rise reflects not only the profits generated during the period but also the successful execution of a rights issue, which has fortified the company’s capital structure.

Impressive Profitability Metrics    

Analysis of the income statement reveals that Stanbic IBTC achieved gross earnings of ₦516.63 billion, representing an impressive 35.20% increase compared to the previous year’s performance. This surge reinforces the bank’s robust business model and strategic positioning in the market.

Profit before tax soared to ₦243.74 billion, marking a substantial 65.81% increase, while profit after tax rose by 49.05% to ₦173.43 billion. Basic earnings per share improved to 1,078 kobo, up from 884 kobo, indicating an overall increase in shareholder value and affirming the bank’s ongoing commitment to its investors.

Cash Flow Dynamics    

A review of cash flows highlights the company’s focus on sustainability and growth. Net cash flows from operating activities totaled ₦173.13 billion, underscoring strong operational performance. Investing activities used ₦4.38 billion, mainly for capital expenditures and investments in financial assets. Financing activities generated ₦121.58 billion, primarily from borrowings and the rights issue. Despite dividend payments amounting to ₦40.17 billion, the company effectively managed its liquidity, balancing shareholder rewards with reinvestment in growth.

Changes in Equity and Shareholder Value    

Changes in equity during the period were significant. Share capital increased from ₦6.48 billion to ₦7.95 billion, driven by a rights issue of 2.95 billion ordinary shares at a ratio of 5 for 22. The share premium also saw a corresponding increase, while retained earnings grew substantially, demonstrating the organization’s solid financial health despite the outflow for dividends.

Management Insights and Strategic Vision

Management expressed satisfaction with the organisation’s financial results, attributing the achievements to growth across all business segments. An interim dividend of 250 kobo per share was announced, further reinforcing the commitment to returning profits to shareholders.

The Group maintains its ambition to become Nigeria’s leading end-to end financial solutions provider, with a continued focus on enhancing customer experience and developing innovative products.

Navigating Risks and Challenges    

While the company’s growth indicators are positive, it recognizes ongoing risks and challenges. Operating in a highly regulated environment requires agility and adaptability to manage regulatory changes effectively.

Credit, market, and liquidity risks remain present, as does competition within the Nigerian financial services sector. However, Stanbic IBTC has demonstrated effective risk management through strategic planning and operational flexibility.

Trading Liquidity Snapshot 

As of September 5, 2025, Stanbic IBTC Holdings’ indicative share trading liquidity over the preceding 12 months stood at US$16.78 million (₦25.98 billion), averaging US$1.4 million (₦2.17 billion) per month. This level of activity underscores healthy investor interest and vibrant market participation.

Conclusion 

In summary, the interim financial results for the first half of 2025 reveal Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc’s strong financial performance, marked by substantial growth in asset management, profitability, and shareholder equity.

This encouraging trajectory suggests the company is well-positioned to uphold its commitment to excellence in financial services. Investors are encouraged to consult the full report for a detailed review of the company’s financials and to seek guidance from financial advisors before making investment decisions.

In an era where digital interactions drive everyday banking, the security of financial transactions has become paramount.

Stanbic IBTC Bank’s Mobile App 3.0 establishes a new standard for secure digital banking through a meticulously designed, multi-layered security architecture. Each customer interaction is guarded by a suite of advanced security measures, ensuring both protection and peace of mind for users navigating the digital landscape.

Comprehensive Multi-Layered Security Framework

The Stanbic IBTC Mobile App 3.0 employs a comprehensive approach to security, integrating advanced encryption, biometric and multi-factor authentication, secure coding standards, and behavioural risk profiling.

This layered defence strategy is designed to counteract evolving cyber threats, meaning every login, transaction, and exchange of information remains protected. Such a holistic framework empowers customers to confidently manage their finances, knowing that robust safeguards are in place at every step.

A Shared Commitment to Security

Stanbic IBTC’s dedication to security extends beyond technological solutions; it embodies a culture of shared responsibility. As highlighted by Abumere Igboa, Chief Information Security Officer at Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC: “Stanbic IBTC prioritises the safety of its customers and continually ensures the security of its digital platforms with innovative technology to detect, monitor and protect against online threats during financial transactions.

Staying safe and secure online is a shared responsibility that begins with you and me. We must jointly support and remain committed to a safer Cyber space. Should you notice any suspicious activity when using any of our digital and online platforms, don’t delay – act promptly and reach out to our 24/7 customer support centre.”

This philosophy fosters an environment where cutting-edge security tools are complemented by customer empowerment, creating a vigilant and resilient banking ecosystem.

Biometric and Multi-Factor Authentication

At the heart of the app’s security is its robust biometric and multi-factor authentication (MFA) system. This foundation ensures secure and seamless digital access by requiring multiple independent identity verification methods, moving beyond the limitations of traditional passwords.

The result is a significant reduction in the risk of account takeovers, strengthening overall account security. The biometric authentication feature enables customers to utilise fingerprint or facial recognition on compatible devices, combining convenience with stringent protection.

By making unauthorised access exceedingly difficult, the app upholds the premium security standards expected by its users.

Encryption and Data Security

Encryption is integral to every interaction within the app, safeguarding sensitive data both in transit and at rest.

This protection prevents unauthorised interception or tampering, ensuring that critical information—such as transaction details and personal identifiers—remains inaccessible to unauthorised parties. Together, these measures create a comprehensive “defence-in-depth” security strategy.

Customer Empowerment and Self-Service Safeguards

The app further empowers users with self-service security features, allowing them to instantly immobilise their accounts upon detecting suspicious activity.

Additionally, a USSD fallback option (9091*911#) is available for blocking accounts, enabling immediate action in cases such as device loss. This ensures that customers retain control and can act swiftly to protect their financial assets.

Redefining Premium Banking Security

Stanbic IBTC Mobile App 3.0 stands as a model for layered, intuitive, and resilient banking security. By embedding sophisticated features into a unified platform, the bank reinforces its commitment to safeguarding customer funds and cultivating lasting trust in an increasingly digital world.

To experience these enhanced security measures first-hand, download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store today, and embrace a future where financial security is at the forefront.

Ecobank Nigeria, a subsidiary of the leading pan-African banking group, has announced the launch of its upgraded mobile app, delivering a faster, smarter, and simpler banking experience for customers nationwide.

This launch marks a significant step in Ecobank’s commitment to digital innovation and financial empowerment. The newly enhanced mobile app features a modern design and improved functionalities, including advanced facial recognition, seamless bill payments, airtime top-ups, and QR code payments, all tailored to make banking more convenient for customers on the go.

In his comment Bolaji Lawal, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria said “These new features make smart banking effortless for our customers using their smartphones. The new mobile app leverages digital technology to offer real convenience, security, and flexibility, enabling individuals to manage their finances with ease.”

Also speaking, Kola Adeleke, Executive Director, Commercial and Consumer Banking, Ecobank Nigeria explained that “the upgraded app comes with account opening, cardless onboarding; end to end card management for card request, activation, PIN change, block and unblock account; end to end profile management; dormant account reactivation and live monitoring of foreign exchange rates”

He added: “This app is not just a digital tool; it represents how we want to engage with our customers. Our goal is to make banking faster, smarter, and simpler for our customers.”

The upgraded Ecobank Mobile App is now available for download on both the App Store and Google Play Store. With this launch, Ecobank reinforces its leadership in digital banking innovation across Africa, building on its legacy as a connected, accessible, and forward-thinking bank.

About Ecobank Nigeria

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

With over 220 branches, and over 50,000 agency banking locations, and robust digital platforms, Ecobank provides affordable, accessible, and instant banking services.

It is strategically positioned to support Pan-African trade, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative.

In September 2025, businesses in Nigeria sustained a positive trajectory, with the Current Business Performance remaining in the expansion region since December 2024.

The NESG–Stanbic IBTC Business Confidence Monitor (BCM) reported a marginal rise to 107.9 points, up from 107.3 in August 2025. This improvement reflects a combination of sectoral dynamics, notably a rebound in Agriculture, supported by the harvest season, and steady activity in the Services sector.
A sectoral review confirmed that all five broader economic activities stayed in the expansion zone. Agriculture posted the strongest recovery, rising sharply to 107.3 from a contractionary
95.6 in August, while Non-manufacturing (114.5), Trade (107.6), and Manufacturing (102.5) all expanded, albeit at a slower pace compared to August.
Key BCM sub-indices, such as investment, exports, access to credit, and prices, registered marginal gains relative to August 2025, pointing to improving sentiment in capital formation and external trade. Importantly, recent improvements in cost of doing business and input prices suggest a gradual moderation of inflationary pressures on firms. However, this positive trend remains fragile, as financing constraints, erratic electricity supply, high commercial property costs, unclear policy signals, and persistent insecurity continue to undermine business confidence and investment appetite.

Comment from Stanbic IBTC

The current business performance of Nigerian businesses improved slightly in September relative to August, buoyed by both the Agriculture sector and Services, both of which neutralised the modest activity softening in Manufacturing, Non-manufacturing, and Trade sectors.

A breakdown of the components of the current business performance shows an improvement in the general business situation, a higher level of demand, improved employment conditions and greater access to credit relative to the prior month.

Besides, the cost of doing business has declined for the third consecutive month, while the price index has remained below the 100 index points psychological threshold since November 2024, implying underlying price pressures as moderating.

This is not surprising as fuel cost and exchange rate pressures, which negatively impacted prices in 2024, have seen limited price movements so far in 2025. Notably, the exchange rate appreciated by 5.5% year-to-date (as of 2nd October) relative to 40.9% depreciation in 2024 and fuel cost declined by 13.8% in 7m:25 relative to 77.0% price increase in 2024.
We estimate that the oil and non-oil sectors may have grown by 14.3% y/y and 4.4% y/y, respectively, translating into overall GDP growth of 4.5% y/y in Q3:25. We now lift our 2025 growth forecast to 4.0% y/y, from 3.5% y/y, after fully accounting for the impact of GDP rebasing, and after surprisingly good Q2:25 GDP growth.

Going into 2026, the non-oil sector’s growth should remain strong amid a likely reduction in interest rates and low inflation, both of which should support aggregate demand and private investment. Further, a likely less exchange rate volatility in 2025 and 2026 based on our current estimates should support growth across trade, manufacturing, real estate, and construction. Aside from that, the forward-linkage impact of Dangote Refinery should benefit manufacturing growth in the medium term.

The IMF expects the Dangote Refinery to increase non-oil GDP growth by c.1.5% in 2026. Oil refining has already grown for a third consecutive quarter, to 15.78% y/y in Q2:25, from 11.51% y/y in Q1:25, although its contribution to the manufacturing sector remains insignificant, at 0.1%.”

It is a sobering reality that one South African bank, Standard Bank Group, has a market capitalisation of roughly ZAR 384.34 billion (about $21-22 billion), while the entire Nigerian banking sector combined cannot match it.

For a nation of more than 200 million people, with an economy that should be the beating heart of Africa, the fact that a single Johannesburg-based bank can outweigh the collective worth of Nigeria’s 33 licensed banks is more than embarrassing; it is scandalous.

This disparity is not just about prestige. It is about the fundamental ability of Nigeria’s banking system to mobilise capital, finance development, and command investor trust. The comparison with South Africa, a country with less than one-third of Nigeria’s population and a smaller GDP in nominal terms, lays bare the structural weaknesses that have crippled Nigerian banks for decades.

As of May 2025, Nigerian banks listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) had a combined market capitalisation of about N10.5 trillion. In dollar terms, depending on the exchange rate benchmark, this amounts to less than $8 billion. That is the total value investors are willing to place on the entire Nigerian banking system. By contrast, South Africa’s top six banks together are valued at more than $70 billion. Individually, Standard Bank alone commands a market cap of around $21.8 billion, while FirstRand hovers at about $20.5 billion. Absa, Nedbank, and Investec all sit comfortably in the multi-billion-dollar bracket. In Nigeria, the biggest player, GTCO, is valued at less than $2 billion, barely a fraction of its South African peers.

Access Holdings, despite boasting assets above N32 trillion ($71 billion), trades at a market cap of just about $710 million. The disconnect between asset size and market value speaks volumes about investor distrust, weak governance, and systemic fragility.

The paradox of Nigeria’s banking industry is that on paper it appears profitable, yet in reality it is fragile. In 2024, the top five lenders declared after-tax profits that surged more than 270 percent year-on-year. But by the first quarter of 2025, that growth had evaporated, slowing to a meager 0.74 percent. The supposed windfall profits were largely a mirage created by the naira’s freefall, which inflated the value of foreign currency holdings on paper.

These were not profits born of efficiency, innovation, or stronger lending; they were accounting artifacts. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), seeing the danger, stepped in to block banks from paying out these revaluation gains as dividends, insisting they be held as buffers against future shocks. That intervention exposed the hollowness of the profit’s narrative.

The recapitalisation push is the clearest sign yet of the sector’s fragility. With six months to the March 31, 2026, deadline, the CBN has confirmed that fourteen banks have so far scaled the recapitalisation hurdle. The governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed this on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, during the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja. That leaves nearly 19 banks still scrambling to raise funds in a market already skeptical of their true value.

If Nigeria’s banks were genuinely as profitable and resilient as they claimed, they would not be racing to the capital markets, scrambling for fresh equity to meet the CBN’s new recapitalisation thresholds: N500 billion for international banks, N200 billion for national banks, and N50 billion for regional players. The contradiction is stark, record profits on one hand, desperate fundraising on the other.

The currency crisis further underscores the fragility of Nigeria’s financial system. According to the Forbes currency calculator report for September 2025, the naira has been ranked as the ninth weakest currency in Africa, trading at about N1,487 to the dollar.

The ranking, based on real-time foreign exchange market data, captures how demand and supply, investor sentiment, and broader economic conditions have battered Nigeria’s exchange rate. On the continent, only currencies like the São Tomé & Príncipe Dobra, Sierra Leonean Leone, Guinean Franc, and a handful of others fare worse. By contrast, the Tunisian Dinar, Libyan Dinar, Moroccan Dirham, Ghanaian Cedi, and Botswanan Pula sit at the top as Africa’s strongest currencies.

For Nigeria, the supposed giant of Africa, such a lowly placement is telling. It is not just a technical matter of exchange rates; it is a reflection of waning investor confidence, policy inconsistency, and the erosion of the naira’s credibility. And this credibility gap feeds directly into why Nigerian banks are so poorly valued compared to their peers.

This is not the first time Nigerian banks have faced such a reckoning. In 2004-2005, then CBN Governor Charles Soludo spearheaded a bold consolidation exercise that shook the industry to its foundations. At the time, Nigeria had eighty-nine banks, most of them under-capitalised, fragile, and unable to finance large-scale projects. Soludo raised the minimum capital base from N2 billion to N25 billion, forcing mergers and acquisitions that reduced the number of banks to 25 by 2005.

The exercise created bigger, more competitive players like Zenith, GTBank, Access, and UBA, which for a time stood tall on the continental stage. Nigerian banks expanded across Africa, rode the wave of oil-driven economic growth, and built reputations as ambitious challengers to South African dominance.

But the momentum did not last. The global financial crisis of 2008, compounded by oil price volatility and weak regulatory oversight, exposed vulnerabilities. Many banks were overexposed to the stock market and the oil sector.

By 2009, a new CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, had to intervene with another round of reforms, including emergency bailouts, leadership changes, and tighter risk management rules. While those measures stabilised the sector, they also clipped its wings, pushing banks towards conservatism rather than innovation.

Over the next decade, as South African banks deepened their continental footprint and attracted global investors, Nigerian banks retreated into a survival mode, relying more on government securities, forex arbitrage, and fee-based income than on transformative lending.

Today, the consequences are clear. Investors are not rewarding Nigerian banks with higher valuations because they see deeper issues: weak governance, currency instability, short-termism, and a preference for rent-seeking over risk-taking.

Access Bank, with assets of over $71 billion, is valued by the market at less than $1 billion, which is an absurd disparity that reflects not just naira devaluation but also a crisis of confidence. Meanwhile, Standard Bank and FirstRand are rewarded with valuations in the tens of billions because they have built reputations for governance, stability, and consistent growth, even in a difficult South African economy.

The implications of this disparity go far beyond balance sheets. Banking is the lifeblood of any economy. Without robust, well-capitalised banks, Nigeria cannot fund the infrastructure, industrialisation and job creation it desperately needs.

Instead of driving development, banks have become rent-seekers, charging high fees, exploiting exchange rate gaps, and surviving on government bond yields. This is not banking for growth; it is banking for survival. The danger is that Nigeria’s banking sector could become increasingly irrelevant on the continental stage. Already, pan-African conversations about finance, trade, and fintech leadership are dominated by South African, Kenyan, and Moroccan institutions. If Nigerian banks cannot scale up, innovate, and command investor trust, the country risks losing its voice in shaping Africa’s financial future.

Fixing Nigeria’s banking woes will require bold reforms, not half measures. Deep recapitalisation is essential, not just to meet regulatory minimums but to build genuine resilience. Governance must be overhauled to eliminate opacity, insider abuses, and regulatory capture.

Banks must be compelled to shift their focus from government securities and currency speculation to financing manufacturing, SMEs, and infrastructure, which are the engines of real growth. Macroeconomic stability, especially currency and inflation control, is indispensable to restoring confidence.

And if that means forcing consolidation once again, so be it. Nigeria does not need 33 weak banks; it needs fewer, stronger institutions that can compete with global peers.

Nigeria prides itself as the giant of Africa. But in banking, it is dwarfed by a smaller neighbour. That a single South African bank is worth more than the entire Nigerian banking system should serve as a blaring siren.

It is a sign that the foundations of Nigeria’s financial architecture are weak, and without urgent reform, the gap will only widen. The lesson is clear: size of population or GDP counts for little if banks cannot mobilise and protect capital. Until Nigeria’s lenders transform from fragile, short-term operators into robust, trusted financial powerhouses, the humiliation will persist with one South African bank towering over an entire Nigerian industry.

L-R: Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju, Deputy CE, Stanbic IBTC Bank; Dr. Mrs. Fidelia Ighrakpata, Representative from the First Lady’s office; Hon. Andrew Agogbo, Vice Chairman Uvwie Local Government at the handover ceremony of Alegbo Primary School Delta forming part of the Stanbic IBTC’s Adopt-A-School initiative.

Stanbic IBTC Holdings has renovated Alegbo Primary School in Delta State, as part of its Adopt-A-School initiative, marking another milestone in the financial institution’s steadfast commitment to educational excellence across Nigeria.

The comprehensive renovation and expansion project represents a holistic approach to educational development, addressing critical infrastructure needs while creating an environment that enables quality learning.

The transformative initiative encompassed an extensive scope of work designed to elevate the standard of education at rural primary schools. The project included the complete renovation of a three-classroom block.

Each of the renovated classrooms received brand-new furniture designed to accommodate 40 students per class, with 20 carefully selected desks and chairs to enhance the learning experience. These upgrades will benefit more than 581 students and staff members.

Kunle Adedeji, Acting Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, emphasised the project’s commitment to enhancing education in Nigeria.

“This project represents our deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education and our commitment to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian leaders. By providing comprehensive infrastructure that addresses multiple aspects of the educational environment, we are not just building classrooms – we are building futures and empowering communities to thrive.”

Bunmi Dayo -Olagunju, Deputy Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank, highlighted that the success at Alegbo Primary School demonstrates the need for quality education through a blend of infrastructure, technology, and environmental awareness.

“Our approach to educational philanthropy goes beyond mere infrastructure provision – we believe in creating holistic learning environments that inspire excellence and foster innovation. The success of this project at Alegbo Primary School reflects our understanding that quality education requires a combination of proper infrastructure, technology integration, and environmental consciousness.”

Recognising the importance of digital literacy in contemporary education, Stanbic IBTC constructed a fully equipped computer laboratory, complete with ten modern computers and ten custom-built workstations, providing students with essential technological skills for the digital age.

Understanding the fundamental importance of proper sanitation facilities in educational settings, the bank constructed eight modern toilet facilities; four dedicated to girls and four to boys ensuring privacy, and improved hygiene standards for all students.

The initiative extended beyond traditional classroom infrastructure to include the establishment of a mini-library, creating a dedicated space for reading culture and academic research. Recognising the importance of physical education and recreation in child development, the project also featured the development of a bore hole, providing students with opportunities to clean water supply and contributing to their overall well-being.

Environmental beautification efforts formed an integral component of the project, with the planting of 50 trees and flowers across the school grounds. This initiative not only creates a more pleasant and inspiring learning atmosphere but also promotes environmental consciousness among students, teachers, and the broader community.

The Alegbo Primary School transformation marks the 10th school to benefit from Stanbic IBTC’s systematic approach to educational development across Nigeria, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to diverse geographic representation in its educational support initiatives. The organisation has consistently focused its Adopt-A-School programme on comprehensive interventions that address multiple aspects of the educational environment, from basic infrastructure to technological integration and environmental sustainability.

The project was officially inaugurated during a ceremony attended by local government officials, traditional rulers, representatives of the parent-teacher association, and community stakeholders, who witnessed the handover ceremony, highlighting the importance of partnership in driving meaningful changes in the education sector.

The Stanbic IBTC Adopt-A-School programme continues to demonstrate the bank’s leadership in corporate social responsibility, with a particular focus on educational development as a catalyst for national growth and development.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s educational policy objectives while addressing critical infrastructure gaps that have historically limited access to quality education in rural and underserved communities.

Polaris Bank, in partnership with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), has extended its nationwide tree planting campaign to three key locations: The Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos State, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State and Sardauna College Kaduna, Kaduna State.

The initiative, first launched in 2024 during the Bank’s World Environment Day commemoration, is part of Polaris Bank’s broader commitment to combating climate change, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable environmental practices across Nigeria.

The Lagos edition, which held at the iconic Lekki Conservation Centre, was attended by Executive Directors, Chris Ofikulu and Sharafadeen Muhammad, alongside partners from NCF.

Speaking at the event, Chris Ofikulu, Executive Director, Commercial and Retail expressed his appreciation to all participants at the Tree-planting exercise, noted that the initiative highlights the importance Polaris Bank attaches to environmental sustainability. He recalled leading the Bank’s first tree planting activity after its launch in 2024 at TASUED, Ogun State.

He further noted that the exercise aligns with the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, a global movement dedicated to securing a greener future for generations to come. He emphasized that Polaris Bank sees sustainability not merely as a responsibility but as a business imperative.

He added that, through this initiative, Polaris Bank reaffirms its role beyond banking services and remains firmly in line with the collective goal of planting 10,000 trees.

Also speaking at the event, Sharafadeen Muhammad, Executive Director, Operations, emphasized that protecting the environment and the planet is a shared responsibility for the benefit of all.

He described the initiative as a commendable effort and encouraged the establishment of reserves that conserve nature while creating economic value. He further reaffirmed Polaris Bank’s commitment to supporting the tree-planting initiative.

In Ogun State, the Divisional Head, Ogun/Oyo, Yetunde Okeleye emphasized that the tree-planting initiative reflects Polaris Bank’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. By planting economic trees across the country, including Ogun State, we are demonstrating that sustainability is not just a responsibility but part of our ethos as a Bank.

Our partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, underscores our resolve to restore degraded land, prevent soil erosion, and combat climate change.

Through this initiative, Polaris Bank reaffirms its role as a driver of environmental stewardship and community well-being, while contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.”

In Kaduna State, Mr. Kabir Lawal, Acting Group Head, North West, alongside the Bank’s staff from Kaduna business locations, reiterated, sustainability is not just a catchphrase but the Bank’s culture, a journey pursued with conviction.

Every decision we make is guided by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, ensuring that we address environmental issues while empowering communities and driving inclusive growth.

He further said that the exercise at Sardauna Memorial College, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, is a testament to this commitment. Beyond reducing carbon footprints, our Tree-planting initiative restores degraded areas, prevents soil erosion, improves environmental health, and raises awareness on the importance of preservation.

The NCF commended Polaris Bank’s leadership, stressing that the selected trees comprising fruit bearing and shade providing species would serve multiple benefits, including erosion control, wind breaking, shade provision, and food security.

Community representatives from FUNAAB and Sardauna College Kaduna expressed gratitude to Polaris Bank and NCF for spearheading the initiatives, describing them as timely and impactful in addressing the global climate challenge.

Polaris Bank continues to integrate sustainability into its operations, ensuring that climate action and community development remain central to its long-term growth strategy. Through collaborations like this, the Bank reaffirms its role as a catalyst for positive environmental and social impact.

Sterling Bank has once again redefined the boundaries of customer-first banking in Nigeria by scrapping Account Maintenance Fees (AMF) across all personal accounts.

Just months after abolishing transfer fees on local online transactions in April 2025, the bank has dismantled yet another long-standing industry practice, cementing its role as the nation’s leading force for transparent, fair, and customer-focused banking.

This decision cuts at the heart of a revenue model that has long cost Nigerian customers dearly. In 2024 alone, tier-1 banks raked in over ₦650 billion from account maintenance and e-banking charges.

Sterling’s move rewrites Nigeria’s banking rulebook while amplifying its bold stance: customers deserve freedom from too many deductions and the right to keep more of their hard-earned money.

Abubakar Suleiman, Managing Director of Sterling Bank, explained the principle driving this bold action: “Every fee we remove is one less barrier between our customers and true financial freedom. This was the rationale behind eliminating transfer fees in April, and it is the same principle we uphold as we eliminate account maintenance fees.”

Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive for Consumer and Business Banking at Sterling Bank, reinforced this position: “This initiative is about building lasting relationships that fuel sustainable growth.

We put transparency and customer value first, and in doing so, we are building a foundation that serves both our customers and Sterling’s future.”

As Nigeria marks another Independence Day, Sterling Bank presents this decision as a declaration of financial independence for millions of Nigerians.

By freeing customers from deductions that silently erode their balances, Sterling is empowering them to keep and grow their wealth while redefining true financial freedom.

With two unprecedented moves in quick succession, the removal of transfer fees in April and now the elimination of account maintenance charges, Sterling Bank continues to challenge the status quo and champion a new era of fairness in Nigerian banking.

About Sterling Bank

Sterling Bank 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. As pioneers in digital banking and financial inclusion, Sterling continues to lead by example, proving that purpose-driven leadership can unlock transformative outcomes for individuals, businesses and society at large.