CBN: Banking stocks surge 9.8% m/m as DMBs ramp up capital raising efforts

The Nigerian banking sector has seen a remarkable 9.8% month-on-month surge in banking stocks, driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation initiative. This effort aims to strengthen banks’ financial foundations as they prepare to meet new minimum paid-up capital requirements by March 2026. As a result, banking stocks have been a major contributor […]

AVA unveils money market fund

AVA Global Asset Managers Limited (AVA GAM) has launched its Money Market Fund, which has been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund is an open-ended offering designed to provide unit holders with a steady stream of income while taking advantage of low-risk investment opportunities. This initiative responds to the economic challenges […]

CBN Reaffirms Commitment to Empower Nigerian Youth Through Credit Policies and Capacity Building

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering Nigerian youth by enhancing credit policies and capacity-building programs. During the Youth Action Event in Abuja, CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, represented by Deputy Governor Muhammad Abdullahi, emphasized the need for policies that equip young Nigerians with financial tools to succeed in emerging sectors […]

Nigeria Launches FX Code to Transform Foreign Exchange Market with Integrity and Transparency

Nigeria has officially launched the Nigeria Foreign Exchange (FX) Code on January 28, 2025, marking a major milestone in its financial governance. This new initiative aims to overhaul the nation’s foreign exchange market by instilling principles of integrity, fairness, and transparency, with the goal of creating a more stable and equitable market. The launch, held […]

FCMB Group Lists 19.8 Billion Shares on NGX Following Oversubscribed Public Offer

FCMB Group Plc has successfully listed 19.8 billion shares on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) after a highly subscribed public offer. The offer, which was oversubscribed by 33%, reflects strong investor confidence in the company. The listing was completed on January 30 after receiving approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Securities […]

PTAD Clears N1.18bn in Pension Arrears Amid Ongoing Retiree Concerns

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) has disbursed N1.18bn in pension arrears over the past five years, benefiting thousands of retired federal workers. According to data from BudgIT’s GovSpend platform, the highest disbursement occurred in 2023, when N591.5m was paid. The payments are part of the government’s broader efforts to settle pension liabilities accumulated over […]

Mobile money: Palmpay, OPay, others process N71.5 trillion transactions in 2024 

Mobile money transactions in Nigeria have experienced remarkable growth, with the latest data from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement Systems (NIBSS) showing a significant increase in the total value processed by licensed mobile money operators. In 2024, operators such as Palmpay, OPay, and 15 others facilitated transactions worth N71.5 trillion, reflecting a 53.4% rise compared to […]

Chinese AI app DeepSeek was downloaded by millions. Deleting it might come next

DeepSeek, a generative AI app from China, has surged to become the most downloaded free app on Apple’s App Store, surpassing OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This sudden rise has raised alarm among national security experts due to the Chinese government’s data-sharing policies, which require domestic companies to share data with the Chinese Communist Party. Concerns have been […]

Implications of rebasing Nigeria’s CPI to 2024: A double-edged sword

Nigeria has rebased its Consumer Price Index (CPI) to 2024, significantly affecting how inflation is measured. This move aligns with recent economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, naira liberalization, and tax policy changes. While this update aims to provide a more current reflection of price trends, analysts warn that it may introduce risks […]

CBN Reports Record N9.39tn Bank Deposits In January Amid Surging Liquidity

In January 2025, Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria deposited a record N9.39 trillion in excess liquidity with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), a sharp increase of 627.17% from N1.29 trillion a year earlier. This surge signals a healthier financial environment, underpinned by stronger liquidity in the banking sector. DMBs, which include commercial and […]

Asia-Pacific Markets Fall as Trump Imposes Sweeping Tariffs on Key Trade Partners

Asia-Pacific markets experienced significant losses on Monday following the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 dropped by 1.79%, Japan’s Nikkei 225 fell 2.66%, and South Korea’s Kospi declined by 2.52%. These declines reflected market anxiety as investors braced for the potential economic impact […]

SEC Reaffirms Commitment to Women’s Financial Inclusion in Nigeria

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has reiterated its dedication to fostering financial inclusiveness for women in Nigeria. Speaking at the She’s Included Gender Inclusion Conference and Summit 2025, SEC’s Executive Commissioner for Corporate Services, Mrs. Samiya Usman, highlighted the Commission’s role in ensuring women, whether traders, entrepreneurs, or professionals, have equitable access to financial […]

Foreign Investors Flock to Naira Assets as Reforms Boost Market Confidence

Recent reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) have spurred increased foreign investor interest in naira assets. The implementation of transparent pricing mechanisms, higher interest rates on treasury bills, and the stabilization of the naira have made Nigerian securities highly attractive. International financial institutions are shifting focus toward Nigeria, with a senior banker advocating […]

Stock Market Gains Over N1 Trillion Amid Mixed Sentiments on Earnings and Dividends

The Nigerian stock market experienced mixed sentiments last week as corporate earnings reports for Q4’24 influenced investor decisions. While some companies posted strong earnings, sparking buying interest, others fell below expectations, leading to profit-taking activities. Despite this, market performance remained positive, with investors showing strong interest in stocks like Nestlé, Stanbic IBTC, and Nigerian Breweries. […]

PenCom: Informal Sector RSA Holders Save N967m Under Micro Pension Plan

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has disclosed that 12,241 Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holders in the informal sector have contributed N967.19 million between 2020 and the third quarter of 2024 through the Micro Pension Plan (MPP). This information was revealed in PenCom’s newly launched Pension Industry Performance Dashboard, which provides key pension statistics in an […]

Strategic CSR Investments: Maximizing Impact for Sustainable Humanitarian Development

In an era of growing economic disparities, investing in humanity through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is more than just an ethical obligation it is essential for a fairer and more compassionate society. A PricewaterhouseCoopers report warns that macroeconomic challenges like inflation and currency depreciation could push 13 million Nigerians into poverty by 2025. Businesses and […]

Naira Strengthens as Nigeria Clears $7bn Forex Backlog, Boosting Market Confidence

The Nigerian naira appreciated by 3.68% against the U.S. dollar last week, closing at ₦1,474.78/$, following the Federal Government’s clearance of a $7 billion foreign exchange backlog. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, announced that a successful forensic audit had verified and facilitated the payment of these outstanding obligations. This move is […]

Nigerian Equity Market Gains N1.1tn in One Week as ASI Hits 104,496.12

The Nigerian equity market recorded a significant gain of N1.1tn in one week, with the All-Share Index (ASI) closing at 104,496.12 and market capitalization reaching N64.709tn. The strong market performance was driven by key sectoral movements, although the insurance and industrial goods indices declined by 2.86% and 0.52%, respectively. Trading activity increased, with 3.245 billion […]