Category: Banking

  • Naira appreciates steady, gains N12.34 against dollar 

    Naira appreciates steady, gains N12.34 against dollar 

    The Naira further appreciated on Thursday, trading at N1,553.11 against the dollar in the official foreign exchange market.

    Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria showed the Naira gained N12.35, representing a 0.79 per cent appreciation when compared to Wednesday’s trading at N1,565.46 per dollar.

    See Also: Afrexim’s medical centre to plug Nigeria’s $2bn healthcare loss

    The Naira has been on a steady appreciation, trading at N1,579.27 on Tuesday and N1,581.58 against the dollar on Monday.

    The Naira, which also closed the previous week bullish, opened the new week with a gain of N4.56.

    These steady gains were recorded even as the recapitalisation for Bureau De Change Operators (BDCs) began on June 3. 

  • FCMB jumps PBT 71% to N111.9bn in 2024

    FCMB jumps PBT 71% to N111.9bn in 2024

    First City Monument Bank has recorded a 71 per cent rise in earnings to post N111.9 billion in gross profit for year end, December 31, 2024.

    The Nigerian Exchange Ltd confirmed the bank’s performance record through a corporate statement.

    The growth was impacted by a 56.6 per cent decline in revaluation income and a 1.9 per cent fall in Net Interest Margin.

    The Group’s gross revenue stood at N794.4 billion for December 2023 end, marking a 53.9 per cent jump from N516.4 billion in the previous year.

    This growth was driven by a 75.2 per cent rise in interest income and an 8.7 per cent increase in non-interest income.

    Non-interest income growth was constrained by a 55.7 per cent year-on-year drop in other gains, from N89.3 billion to N39.6 billion.

    Net interest income rose by 27.6 per cent, from N176.6 billion in the prior year to N225.3 billion by December 2024.

    Yield on earning assets improved to 16.2 per cent. However, Net Interest Margin declined by 1.9 per cent due to a 122 per cent rise in funding costs.

    Operating expenses increased by 45.7 per cent, year-on-year, to N229.1 billion.

    This was driven by higher personnel costs, regulatory costs, foreign currency-linked expenses, and inflationary pressures.

    The cost-to-income ratio closed at 59.9 per cent for the period ending December 2024.

    Net impairment loss on financial assets declined by 30.7 per cent year-on-year to N41.2 billion, down from N59.5 billion.

    Consequently, the cost of risk lowered to 1.8 per cent from 3 per cent.

    The Group’s divisions recorded year-on-year growth, with consumer finance rising by 83.5 per cent and investment management by 27.9 per cent, while the banking group declined by 7.7 per cent.

    Group earnings remained diversified, with non-bank subsidiaries accounting for over 30 per cent of profits.

    Loans and advances increased by 28 per cent year-on-year from N1.84 trillion to N2.36 trillion at the end of December 2024.

    Total assets grew by 59.5 per cent year-on-year, from N4.42 trillion to N7.05 trillion at the end of December 2024.

    Customer deposits rose by 39.4 per cent year-on-year, reaching N4.30 trillion from N3.08 trillion by December 2024.

    On recapitalisation, the statement read, “In line with the CBN’s directive, the Group focused on strengthening the banking franchise and building a more resilient balance sheet in 2024.

    “We completed the first phase of our capital-raising programme, securing N144.6 billion through a public offer. This doubled issued shares from 19.8 billion in 2023 to 39.6 billion in 2024, impacting EPS.

    “Subsequent phases of FCMB Group’s capital programme are in progress to ensure First City Monument Bank Limited meets the minimum capital requirement to retain its International Banking License.

    “The capital injection has enabled First City Monument Bank Ltd. to secure its National Banking License and raise its capital adequacy ratio to 18 per cent.

    “This has created essential buffers to support asset creation in select segments.”

  • Ecobank promotes savings culture, rewards N42m to customers

    Ecobank promotes savings culture, rewards N42m to customers

    Ecobank Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to financial inclusion and savings culture by awarding N42 million to customers through its Super Rewards ‘Millionaire Geng Promo’.

    The initiative is part of bank’s strategy to reward customers’ loyalty, and deepen financial inclusion for all classes of Nigerians.

    Speaking at the grand finale of the promo on Friday in Lagos, Ms Adeola Ogunyemi, Head of Consumer Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said that the initiative was designed to reward customers for cultivating a strong savings habit.

    “It is not just about winning cash prizes; it is about financial security and long-term stability,” Ogunyemi said.

    She emphasised the transparency of the programme, highlighting that all draws were conducted under regulatory supervision and broadcast live.

    “We want our customers to trust the process. Every winner is verified, and we ensure fairness at every stage,” she added.

    Ogunyemi also noted the increasing awareness of savings amid economic challenges.

    “With the fluctuating value of the Naira, we have encouraged our customers to save consistently, whether in Naira or foreign currency.

    “This has led to a steady rise in deposits across the banking sector,” she said.

    Ogunyemi advised Nigerians, especially the bank’s customers to ensure financial discipline.

    “Many people don’t realise the importance of saving until they face emergencies. No matter how much you earn, it will never be enough if you don’t discipline yourself.

    “This initiative is about showing our customers that every amount saved adds up over time,” she said.

    Ogunyemi spoke further on the broader economic impact of savings, noting that it fuels long-term investments.

    “A country’s economic growth is influenced by how much its citizens save. Over the last six months, we have seen tremendous growth in savings, with customers becoming more conscious of the need to save.

    “Month after month, deposits have increased, which is very encouraging,” she added.

    About the credibility of the Millionaire Geng Promo, Ogunyemi reassured customers of the programme’s transparency.

    “At first, many people didn’t believe in this initiative. But we have ensured transparency by involving regulators for quality assurance, airing every draw live, and bringing past winners to share their stories,” she explained.

    She further emphasised that savings, beyond just winning rewards, provide financial security.

    “The most important thing is that everyone who saved has already won, not just in the promo but in their financial journey. Whether it’s N1,000 or N50,000, it all adds up,” she noted.

    Ogunyemi also addressed the evolving savings culture in Nigeria, particularly amid economic challenges.

    “With the impact of foreign currency devaluation, we’ve advised customers to save in both Naira and foreign currencies.

    “Across the banking industry and within Ecobank, savings deposits have consistently grown.

    “We have been actively educating customers through awareness programmes, newsletters, and campaigns like Super Savers and Millionaire Geng,” she said.

    She reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting customers on their financial journey.

    “The impact of this initiative has been significant. We have seen an increase in deposits, and more customers are realising the benefits of financial discipline.

    Also, Mr Victor Yalokwu, Head of Consumer Segments and Products of the bank, emphasised the importance of consistent saving habits, highlighting how it played a crucial role in determining winners.

    “First and foremost, I would like to congratulate all our winners.

    “It is important to note that what gave them the opportunity to win was their commitment to saving.

    “We set clear criteria: customers needed to save for at least 30 days to qualify for the monthly draw, 90 days for the quarterly draw, and six months for the grand finale.

    “The individuals who won two million Naira each did so because they saved consistently for six months,” Yalokwu noted.

    He further encouraged customers to develop a culture of disciplined savings, noting that beyond the rewards, financial security and stability were key benefits of the habit.

    “I advise our winners to spend wisely and continue saving. The goal is to build financial resilience while enjoying the benefits of the promo,” he added.

    Under the reward initiative, the bank customers won a total of N42 million at the end of the grand finale.

    A total of 520 customers won N50,000 monthly for six months while 16 won N500,000, quarterly, in September and December.

    Similarly,  four customers; Akpofabe Akeman, Odo Chinedu, Saibu Sakiru and Eyo Ekpenyong won two million Naira each from FCT & North, Lagos, Mid-West/ South-West and South-South/ South-East, respectively. 

  • $225.8m Debt: court orders arrest of crude oil cargo linked to Obaigbena

    $225.8m Debt: court orders arrest of crude oil cargo linked to Obaigbena

    A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has ordered the detention of crude oil cargo on the FPSO vessel Tamara Tokoni, owned by General Hydrocarbons Limited, a company linked to Nduka Obaigbena, chairman of THISDAY and ARISE Media Group. 

    The legal case involves a debt recovery dispute between General Hydrocarbons and First Bank, led by businessman Femi Otedola.  

    (L-R): Obaigbena, Otedola

    The court, presided over by Justice E.A. Obile, issued the ruling on January 9, directing the Nigerian Navy and other agencies, including the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to ensure the detention of the vessel and its cargo.

     The order will remain in effect until General Hydrocarbons provides a guarantee of $19.7 million, along with interest and legal costs, from a first-class Nigerian bank.  

    First Bank alleged that General Hydrocarbons owes $225.8 million due to missed repayment deadlines on credit facilities extended to the company. 

    The financial institution also claimed that Obaigbena and his family members, who hold key positions in the company, used the loans to amass significant debt without fulfilling repayment obligations.  

    In a prior development, the Federal High Court in Lagos froze the accounts and assets of Obaigbena, his company, and family members involved in General Hydrocarbons. The bank justified this move as necessary to recover outstanding debts.  

    General Hydrocarbons, through its legal representatives, has criticized the court orders as an abuse of the judicial process.

     The company alleged that First Bank violated an earlier court ruling permitting it to access funding for oil and mining lease operations.

     According to the company, the bank failed to disburse funds on time, disrupting oil exploration activities under their loan agreement.  

    The dispute has raised concerns about the management of financial agreements in the oil and gas sector. 

    The case has been adjourned to February 9, 2025, for further proceedings, leaving the fate of the detained crude oil cargo uncertain.