Finance

Scarcity of Naira Worsens at Nigerian Banks as Customers Shun Cash Deposits

Published

1 year ago

February 2, 2023

Since the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the extension of deadline for return of the old naira notes, checks by Investors King has revealed that most Nigerians have refused to deposit money in the banks.

This development was said to have been triggered by the low circulation of the resigned N1000, N500 and N200 naira notes and inability of the nation’s commercial banks to load their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) with the new notes.

Investors King had reported that CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele had directed commercial banks to ensure they load there ATMs with the new notes.

However, banks have not lived up to expectations even as reports of naira racketeering rock the financial institutions.

Most ATMs have been witnessing crowds as customers fight their way out on long queues to withdraw cash.

At various banking halls across the country, activities of financial transactions have decelerated drastically as customers complain of lack of cash.

While most banking halls were desolated as a result of paucity of funds in bank vaults, the few banks that were said to be preparing to load their ATMs were beseiged by frustrated customers, mostly operators of Pont of Sales (PoS).

Customers who visited bank counters to withdraw cash said they were given lower denominations such as N5, N10 and N20.

A bank official disclosed that the CBN had restricted commercial banks from to paying denominations lower than N200 notes owing to scarcity of new notes and to also discourage the spending of the larger denominations.

Confirming lack of cash to pay customers, the Chairman of the National Association of Microfinance Banks, Osun State chapter, Tunde Lawal, said the situation has led to the collapse in operations of many of the banks.

There was confusion at a microfinance bank in Osogbo early Thursday when some aggrieved customers threatened protest as bank officials flee. They had claimed that the bank was not attending to them.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have started monitoring the cash disbursement exercise in Bauchi State as the agency noted that the operation would spread across the country.

The joint taskforce comprising operatives of the ICPC and its sister anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and some officials of the apex bank was said to have been necessitated following reports of hawking of the new notes by black marketers.

The Lagos and Ondo States Chambers of Commerce, Industry have said the implementation of the new naira policy introduced by the CBN was designed to run micro small and medium enterprises and the common man out of business.

The spokesperson for the agency, Adeboro Onibalusi said the new policy has caused hardship for Nigerian Masses especially micro small and medium enterprises operators.

In a statement signed by the chambers’ Director-General, Chinyere Almona, the Lagos chapter noted that the CBN’s inability to properly plan and implement the phasing out of old naira notes has caused serious strain on many businesses.

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Banking Sector

UBA, Access Holdings, and FBN Holdings Lead Nigerian Banks in Electronic Banking Revenue

Published

16 hours ago

April 24, 2024

Samed Olukoya

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Access Holdings Plc, and FBN Holdings Plc have emerged as frontrunners in electronic banking revenue among the country’s top financial institutions.

Data revealed that these banks led the pack in income from electronic banking services throughout the 2023 fiscal year.

UBA reported the highest electronic banking income of N125.5 billion in 2023, up from N78.9 billion recorded in the previous year.

Similarly, Access Holdings grew electronic banking revenue from N59.6 billion in the previous year to N101.6 billion in the year under review.

FBN Holdings also experienced an increase in electronic banking revenue from N55 billion in 2022 to N66 billion.

The rise in electronic banking revenue underscores the pivotal role played by these banks in facilitating digital financial transactions across Nigeria.

As the nation embraces digitalization and transitions towards cashless transactions, these banks have capitalized on the growing demand for electronic banking services.

Tesleemah Lateef, a bank analyst at Cordros Securities Limited, attributed the increase in electronic banking income to the surge in online transactions driven by the cashless policy implemented in the first quarter of 2023.

The policy incentivized individuals and businesses to conduct more transactions through digital channels, resulting in a substantial uptick in electronic banking revenue.

Furthermore, the combined revenue from electronic banking among the top 10 Nigerian banks surged to N427 billion from N309 billion, reflecting the industry’s robust growth trajectory in digital financial services.

The impressive performance of UBA, Access Holdings, and FBN Holdings underscores their strategic focus on leveraging technology to enhance customer experience and drive financial inclusion.

By investing in digital payment infrastructure and promoting digital payments among their customers, these banks have cemented their position as industry leaders in the rapidly evolving landscape of electronic banking in Nigeria.

As the Central Bank of Nigeria continues to promote digital payments and reduce the country’s dependence on cash, banks are poised to further capitalize on the opportunities presented by the digital economy.

Loans

Nigeria’s $2.25 Billion Loan Request to Receive Final Approval from World Bank in June

Published

2 days ago

April 23, 2024

Samed Olukoya

Nigeria’s $2.25 billion loan request is expected to receive final approval from the World Bank in June.

The loan, consisting of $1.5 billion in Development Policy Financing and $750 million in Programme-for-Results Financing, aims to bolster Nigeria’s developmental efforts.

Finance Minister Wale Edun hailed the loan as a “free lunch,” highlighting its favorable terms, including a 40-year term, 10 years of moratorium, and a 1% interest rate.

Edun highlighted the loan’s quasi-grant nature, providing substantial financial support to Nigeria’s economic endeavors.

While the loan request awaits formal approval in June, Edun revealed that the World Bank’s board of directors had already greenlit the credit, currently undergoing processing.

The loan signifies a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s economic resilience and strategic response to global challenges, as showcased during the recent Spring Meetings.

Nigeria’s delegation, led by Edun, underscored the nation’s commitment to addressing economic obstacles and leveraging international partnerships for sustainable development.

With the impending approval of the $2.25 billion loan, Nigeria looks poised to embark on transformative initiatives, buoyed by crucial financial backing from the World Bank.

Banking Sector

FMBN Set for Commercialization to Improve Affordable Mortgage Financing

Published

3 days ago

April 22, 2024

Samed Olukoya

In a bid to bolster housing delivery efficiency and enhance affordable mortgage financing for Nigerians, the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) is gearing up for commercialization.

This move comes as part of the Nigerian government’s efforts to address the housing deficit and ensure adequate shelter for its citizens.

The Managing Director of FMBN, Shehu Osidi, made this announcement during a courtesy visit by the Federal Housing Delivery Reforms Task Team at the bank’s headquarters in Abuja.

Led by Mr. Adedeji Adesemoye and Brig. Gen. Tunde Reis, the task team discussed strategies to revitalize the housing sector, with a focus on FMBN’s pivotal role in providing affordable mortgage financing.

Osidi explained the bank’s commitment to supporting the government’s agenda of reforming and improving the housing sector, which is vital for sustainable development and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.

He underscored FMBN’s significant journey in the history of mortgage and housing finance in Nigeria and expressed optimism about the forthcoming commercialization process.

The commercialization plan involves repositioning and recapitalization efforts, following extensive engagements with the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE).

Osidi stressed the importance of aligning the bank’s operations with its mandate of affordable mortgage financing, ensuring that it remains a reliable partner in the quest for accessible housing solutions.

As part of its strategic blueprint, FMBN has prioritized various initiatives to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.

Of note is the ICT project aimed at upgrading core banking applications that is almost complete and promised to revolutionize customers’ experience.

Also, amendments to the FMBN and NFH Acts are underway in the National Assembly, addressing key areas to facilitate the bank’s transformation.

Despite challenges, including performance issues with estate development loans, FMBN is determined to overcome obstacles and achieve its objectives.

The commercialization plan aligns with broader efforts to deepen reforms and foster a remarkable turnaround in the housing sector.

By focusing on process automation, cost efficiency, credit quality enhancement, and strategic partnerships, FMBN aims to catalyze sustainable growth and address the nation’s housing needs effectively.

Chairman of the Federal Housing Reforms Task Team, Adedeji Adesomoye, reiterated the committee’s mandate to review the operations and governance structures of key housing institutions.

With ambitious targets set by the government, including the construction of 20,000 housing units in 2024 and 50,000 units in subsequent years, the commercialization of FMBN marks a pivotal step towards realizing Nigeria’s housing aspirations.

As the commercialization process unfolds, FMBN stands poised to play a central role in facilitating access to affordable mortgage financing, thereby contributing to the realization of homeownership dreams for millions of Nigerians.