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ATM Maintenance Fee Jumps By 500%

According to the exposure draft of the revised Guide to Bank Charges, bank customers may have to pay up to N600 per annum for debit card maintenance fee as against the current N100 that customers are charged annually by banks

The exposure draft was released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the weekend.

The 2013 edition of the guide had stipulated a N100 annual charge but the revised version stipulates a monthly charge of N50.

Commenting on the draft, the founder of Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON) which had called for the No Banking Day early this month, Sola Salako, said that the foundation would be making its position known to the apex bank on the charges.

In a circular issued to all banks and other financial institutions by the CBN director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Kevin Amugo, along with the draft exposure, the apex bank called for comments which should reach it on or before March 29, 2016.

The apex bank said that the review is “to ensure that the provisions of the guide accord with current realities, and also to address complaints from customers of financial services, requests for clarification on the provisions of the guide and the absence of a tariff regime for other financial institutions in Nigeria.”

 

Medical Students To Spend 11 years, NUC Reports

National Universities Commission has stated that any student intending to study medicine will henceforth spend a minimum of 10 to 11 years for the programme.

Prof. Julius Okojie, The Executive Secretary, reported this while delivering a lecture at the matriculation and inauguration of the University of Medical Science, Ondo, Ondo State.

The lecture titled, ‘Development of Medical Education: Prospects and Challenges’, Okojie, represented by the Deputy Executive Secretary of the commission, Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, said the move became imperative in order to enhance the students to mature psychologically for the profession.

Okojie said the 2015 document for the training of medical students made provision for students to spend four years studying basic sciences after which they would proceed to the medical school to spend another seven years.

He also added, “The new benchmark still retains the fundamental learning objectives that seek to achieve national development goals as well as a sustainable development goal.”

In stressing the need for adequate funding of medical training and practice, Okojie urged the university authorities to ensure the judicious use of the money earmarked for the development of the institution.

According Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, urged the university to leverage on the benefits of the medical complex around it to advance efforts in research and training.

Mimiko, who is the Visitor to school, also expressed optimism that the institution would be a leading platform for raising crops of competent individuals in the various health disciplines.

According to The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Friday Okonofua, He said that the institution would achieve its objectives, appealed to all well-meaning Nigerians to support its  ‘Friends of UNIMED Funds’ initiative, targeted at raising N1bn for the school.

 

We Will Not Lower UTME Standard – JAMB

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it will not compromise on the standard of its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME), irrespective of pressures from any quarters.

According to Dr Fabian Benjamin, the board’s Head of the Media and Information, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

It was reported that the board registered over 1.8 million candidates for the on going 2016 UTME, which will commence on Feb. 27.

According to Benjamin, he said that the conduct of the examination, which ends on March 19, had so far been successful, despite few technical hitches recorded in some centres.

He also said that, some persons, despite the board’s efforts in ensuring standard and global best practices in the conduct of its examination, are working hard to destroy it.

He also added that,“Our examinations conducted on the Computer Based Test (CBT) platform are meant to be carried out only in centres with the full complement of all indices needed for the success of the examination.

He also said that,“We are worried by plans by a faceless group, under the aegis of education consultants, to stage a protest in Lagos over some challenges encountered in the conduct of the ongoing examination.

He said,“We believe that this group of people are biased as they are owners of some of the examination centres that were lacking basic facilities for the successful conduct of our CBT,’’ he said.

According to Benjamin, the board had approved centres provided by these individuals to be used for the 2016 exercise.

He regretted that some of the centres were not conducive  as most of the computers and other backup facilities provided were faulty.

He also said that the development caused a major challenge in the conduct of the examination but for the timely intervention of the officials of the board that were on ground.

He said that the development was later discussed with the owners of the centres and they showed understanding as they also witnessed the difficulties the board went through.

Benjamin also urged Nigerian youths not to allow themselves to be used by these persons to achieve their selfish motives.

Benjamin also advised candidates with genuine complaints not to hesitate to visit to the board’s offices nationwide for prompt attention.

FG Orders Power Companies To Provide Pre-paid Meters

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has ordered the electricity distribution companies to provide pre-paid meters for their customers without further delay. He said this at the third monthly meeting with the power sector operators at the Ugwuaji Transmission Station, Enugu, on Monday.

He said the companies must discharge their responsibilities of meeting the demands of the customers by supplying them with pre-paid meters so as to avoid estimated billings.

The minister stated that the meeting discussed the issue of availability of gas, volatility of the foreign exchange market, financial capability of the distribution companies and difficulties in the pricing of gas in dollars instead of the local currency, among others.

Fashola further noted that it is not the responsibility of the government to explain to Nigerians why certain firms are not meeting up with their obligations, having sold the various companies to private investors.

“If you are not getting power from the transmission company, you must tell your customers so. The issue of review of tariff was arrived at after consultation. You (Discos) did the consultation. Why don’t you step out and explain the issue to your customers? All of us must explain to our different customers where we operate,” he said.

Lagos-Ibadan Expressway: Investors Eye Pension Funds

It has been indicated that investors in the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway have joined the league of organisations putting pressure on the pension regulator and operators to give them a share of the rising pension funds to finance capital intensive projects.

Also, negotiations between the investors and the pension operators have been put on hold due to a recent court injunction against the project, which led to the contractors handling the reconstruction of the road, Messrs Julius Berger Plc and Reynolds Construction Company Plc, to pull out of the site.

The total assets under the Contributory Pension Scheme currently stand at N5.3tn, according to the National Pension Commission.

Mr. Eguarehide Longe, The Chairman, Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria, said if the money was used for projects that had no or little chances of returns, or disappeared, there would be a problem. This is because the main objective of the funds is to manage it well so that when workers retire, they will be able to earn their pensions.

According to Longe, he said,“The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project was brought to the industry and we had discussion on what our intentions were and all of a sudden, there was a court judgment. If we had invested in the project with the investors that we thought were  the owners of the concession, we would have been in trouble”.

Longe also reported that the pension operators had a meeting with the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, and investment experts, where they defined what could be done with the funds in their custody.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, had earlier approached the Pension Funds Administrators to convince them to invest part of the growing funds in infrastructure.

He had stated that Nigerians who contributed to the CPS must live in good houses, have good roads and health care, among others.

The PFAs told the minister that the government must meet the criteria listed in the investment guidelines for it to have access to the funds because the money was not for the public.

The Director-General, PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, said all investment of pension funds must follow laid down guidelines.

She said, “The pension funds are not idle but we don’t just give out money arbitrarily. The PFAs are the investors of the funds and PenCom regulates the investment”.

She also reported that, operators told the minster that the government must meet the requirements before they could allow it to invest part of the funds in infrastructure.

EFCC Urges Court To Dismiss Rickey Tarfa’s Application

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday appeal to the Lagos State High Court in Igbosere to dismiss an application filed by a Lagos lawyer, Rickey Tarfa (SAN), challenging the jurisdiction of the court to try him over allegation of obstructing the course of justice.

Tarfa was arraigned before Justice Aishat Opesanwo on a 2-count charge of unlawful obstruction of an EFCC investigation and perversion of the course of justice.

Also, The commission had alleged that Tarfa on February 5, 2016, hid two suspects, Nazaire Sorou Gnanhoue and Modeste Finagnon, both Beninoise in his car, thereby shielding them from being arrested.

The anti-agency caught two suspects were reported to have  fraudulently converted some sophisticated manufacturing equipment belonging to Rana Prestige Nigeria Limited to personal use.

The foreigners are also being investigated by the commission for alleged multi-milion naira tax evasion.

But after his arraignment Tarfa had filed an application, seeking to quash the charge against him.

He argued that the charge did not contain economic and financial crimes and it is therefore not within the power of the EFCC to prosecute.

The lawyer is also challenging the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit.

In a counter-affidavit, the EFCC argued that reports submitted by its officers indicated that the lawyer impeded them from effecting the arrest of the two Beninoise.

The commission claimed that the suspects were arrested within the court’s premises after the vehicle in which they were hiding ran out of fuel.

The EFCC added further that contrary to Tarfa’s claims, his clients were arrested at the car park within the court’s premises and not inside the court room.

Consequently, the presiding judge, Justice Aishat Opesanwo adjourned the matter till March 21, for further hearing of the application.

Students Protest Against No Tuition, No Exams Policy

The Students of  College of Education, Ipetu Ijesa Campus of the Osun State University protested the new policy of no tuition no examination which was introduced on Monday.

It was reported that the students started their first semester examination and the new policy prevented many of them from writing the examination.

It was also reported, that some of the students were prevented from writing some courses on Monday but the students rejected the policy on Tuesday  and interruted the examination.

One of the student reported that some other angry students locked the main gate of the university and prevented lecturers from going out after the protest  had started.

Some of the students reported that they could not pay because the state government was owing their parents salaries. They said the schools used to allow them to write exams and after that, students would pay but it was surprising  that  the policy was now changed when the state government had stopped paying salaries.

FG To Inaugurate Science and Technology Development Bank – Onu

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has revealed that the Federal Government is in the process of establishing a science and technology development bank.

The minister said the bank would help the informal sector close technological gaps and give financial assistance for research and innovations activities across the country.

Onu said the ministry had began the process of establishing the bank with a view to implementing a venture capital component, which would help catalyse the process of technological development in the country.

However, he called on the association to brace itself for the challenge of population growth in the country by improving on the quality of time spent by the public at workshops and make honesty and reliability their watchwords.

He reiterated the pivotal role the informal sector offers in creating employments and job opportunities for teeming youths in Nigeria.

 

EFCC Summons Oronsaye Over N190m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has summoned a former Head of Service, Mr. Stephen Oronsaye, a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, on two counts of fraud.

Oronsaye was accused of abusing his position as Chairman of the Presidential Committee on the Financial Action Task Force in 2013 by fraudulently obtaining N190m, being part of the N240m grant which the committee received from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The charges read, “Stephen Oronsaye a.k.a. Mr. Steve Oronsaye on or about 12th June, 2013 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the  Federal Capital Territory whilst being the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Financial Action Task Force and in such capacity entrusted with certain property to wit: the sum of N90,000,000.00 ( Ninety Million Naira) committed Breach of Trust in respect of the said sum by converting it to your personal use through the investment of the said sum of N90,000,000.00 in Access Bank Plc’s Bankers Acceptance for a tenor of 90 days at 9.0% interest rate in violation of the extant financial regulations.

“Stephen Oronsaye a.k.a. Mr. Steve Oronsaye on or about 30th December, 2014 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the  Federal Capital Territory whilst being the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Financial Action Task Force and in such capacity entrusted with certain property to wit: the sum of N100,000,000.00 ( One Hundred Million Naira) committed Breach of Trust in respect of the said sum by converting it to your personal use through the investment of the said sum of N90,000,000.00 in Access Bank Plc’s Bankers  Acceptance for a tenor of 90 days at 12.0% interest rate each  in violation of the extant financial regulations.

Buhari Bags Equatorial Guinea Highest National Honour

President Muhammadu Buhari has been conferred with the highest national honour of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. He was recognised for his personal integrity, exemplary leadership style and courage to fight terrorism in order to ensure peace and safety in Africa.

He said the recognition was for the people of Nigeria who had worked tirelessly to sustain peace in the country and across other neighbouring countries in Africa.

“On behalf of my country, Nigeria, and the people, I will like to express profound gratitude for the honour given to me and my people. The reality of the situation now is that there had never been a time in history for greater neighbourliness, for security and economic stability than now,” he said.

Buhari remarked that the challenges faced by African countries  had a common thread, and must be collectively appraised and jointly tackled by all the African countries.

He, however, assured the people that Nigeria would always support efforts of ensuring socio-political and economic stability of its neighbours and the entire African continent.

JAMB Appeal for Calm and Understanding

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has appealed for calm and understanding following the alleged planned protest by individuals under the aegis of education consultants.

According to JAMP Public Relation officer, Dr Fabian Benjamin, advised candidates to always avail themselves of the opportunity provided by the Board through its public complaints unit to  vent  their grievances and not to allow anybody to use them to pursue any selfish interests.

Also the Board said it had approved centres provided by these individuals to be used for the 2016 exercise but, unfortunately, could not go on with them as the centres were found to be lacking in all the indices required for a successful Computer-based Test (CBT).

It explained that this was discussed with these proprietors and they showed understanding as they witnessed the difficulties the Board went through to run even a session in their centres.

The statement added, “It’s surprising that these same proprietors will turn around to organise candidates to protest over our activities.

“We are not perfect as an organisation but we are working hard to ensure that Nigerian education is better than it is. We have taken the risk to do the unthinkable so as to change the paradigm.

“We will continue to call on all Nigerians to give us the benefit of the doubt and with their collective support we will  give them one of the best CBTs globally.

The Board further announced that the worst CBT is far better than the best paper and pencil test (PPT), saying that, at the very least, the era of candidates pouring acid on staff, bolting with question papers into the bush and all manners of unthinkable embarrassing acts were gone.

Zenith Banks Appoints Ibidapo-Obe, Ukpeh Independent Directors

The board of Zenith Bank Plc has appointed Professor Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe and Mr. Gabriel Ukpeh as independent non- executive directors of the bank, subject to the approval of the Central Bank  of Nigeria (CBN). The appointment is in compliance with the code of Corporate Governance for banks in Nigeria issued by the apex bank.

Professor Ibidapo-Obe is a distinguished professor of Systems Engineering and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos. He holds a Doctorate Degree (Ph.D) in Civil Engineering with specialisation in Applied Mechanics/Systems from the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

He has served both in public sector and on the board of many of international organisations.

Besides, University of Lagos, he was also Vice Chancellor of Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebony State (FUNAI)  until February 15, 2016 when he retired.

Mr. Ukpeh is an internationally acclaimed consultant in business strategy, process reengineering and financial services and was until recently a Partner and Risk Quality Leader for Africa at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC).

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) with 35 years experience in financial audit and reporting.

Ecobank Announces that Full Year 2015 Profit will be Materially Lower Than Expected

Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), parent company of the Ecobank Group expects to report materially lower profit for the year ended 2015, driven by a number of factors:

– The macroeconomic challenges faced by most African economies, lower crude oil prices, depreciating currencies, monetary and fiscal bottlenecks, due to global developments, negatively impacted expected revenue growth. Thus, revenue growth for 2015 will be below our target guidance.

– Also, higher impairment losses on loans were recognised in the last quarter of 2015 across our loan portfolio. Key actions have been implemented to strengthen our credit risk management processes.

As a result, our revised growth targets communicated during our third quarter 2015 analysts and investor conference call for deposits and loans will not be achieved. We also expect our efficiency and asset quality metrics to be worse than targets.

Based on the aforementioned, we expect our full year 2015 profit in US dollar terms to be lower than the nine-months to 2015 reported profit.

Ecobank plans to announce its audited financial results for full year 2015 in April and follow with an analysts and investor conference call to discuss the financial results.

Ecobank remains confident in its diversified business model and the long-term prospects for growth in Africa and share equal confidence in our dedicated staff. We are positioning the company for long-term success to achieve sustainable good results.

ETI continues to enjoy the support of its major shareholders.

LASU Clamps Down on Indecent Dressing

The Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University, Professor Lanre Fagbohun has declared that students who dress indecently would not be allowed into the school campus. He announced this on Monday during a walk organised by the management of the institution for staff, unions leaders, students and student union executives to campaign against cultism and indecent dressing at the University.

The  walk took off with the VC leading the march in company of his wife, Mrs. Yeside Fagbohun, the deputy VC (Administration), Prof. Fidelis Njokanma, Registrar, Mr. Lewis Akinwunmi amongst others with the participants all clad in white T-shirts with a bold inscription in the front.

In his speech, the VC asked, if everyone in the gathering was ready for the paradigm shift, and the crowd yelled in the affirmative.

He stated that henceforth, students who are not properly dressed  would not be allowed into the campus by the security personnel.

He said,“We are all ambassadors of our great vision.  You don’t need cult to be successful academically or in life.  We will not compromise on decency, rules and regulations governing the University, even, the Vice Chancellor is not above the law”.

 

Six Children Confirmed Dead From Measles Outbreak In Jigawa

The outbreak of measles in Suletankarkar local government area of Jigawa state, has led to the death of six children while over 249 are are infected.

The Suletankarkar LGA, head of department for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) department, Mohammed Maisamari said, the outbreak of the two diseases  led to tragic death of children.

He stated that his local government council got the report of the outbreak of the diseases in March, 1, after the death of the children, adding that the council promptly responded by sending team of health workers to the affected villages for treatment of all children diagnosed to have contracted either of the diseases.

“Maizare is the only village amongst the villages that recorded the death of six children.”

Ondo Approves 2016 Budget Into Law

Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo on Monday signed the State’s 2016 Appropriation Bill of N123.7 billion into law with a promise to ensure full implementation. The budget comprises a recurrent estimate of N69.19 billion, representing 55.93% and a capital estimate of N54,5billion, representing 44.07% of the estimates.

He said, “it has, therefore, become rather imperative for us to seek to maximize our revenue receipts, continue to explore other sources, while at the same time minimizing non-essential expenditure.

“I assure that despite the challenges before us, this budget will be implemented towards the continued delivery of dividends of good governance to our people.

“Our usual watchwords of accountability and prudence in the management of public fund would be passionately embraced to give good value for every naira spent and to ensure judicious utilisation of all appropriated funds.

“I am optimistic that the oversight function of the legislators will further enhance the proper implementation of the budget”, Mimiko said.

 

UBA Records N60bn Profit For 2015

United Bank for Africa Plc in its full year results for the year ended December 31, 2015, released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has recorded a 10 per cent growth in gross earnings, closing at N315 billion and a 25 per cent growth in profit-after-tax to N60 billion; translating to a 20 per cent return on average equity.  Similarly, UBA grew operating income by 10 per cent to a record N205 billion in December 2015; from N186 billion in December 2014.

Following the performance, the board is proposing a final dividend of 40 kobo per share. This brings to 60 kobo the total dividend for the 2015 financial year. UBA had earlier paid an interim dividend of 20 kobo per share, following the audit of its 2015 half year results.

 The group managing director/chief executive officer, Mr Phillips Oduoza, commented: “our 2015 profit is a new high, reflecting the hardwork and discipline of our board, management and staff in creating value for all  stakeholders. We remain committed to growing in a responsible manner that aligns with our vision of building an enduring institution”.

He said the bank’s resilient business model, geographic diversification, proactive strategies, and strong governance created an edge for it through the year.

The group chief finance officer, Mr Ugo Nwaghodoh said “amidst macroeconomic volatilities, we leveraged efficiency gains in our business development and operations to grow earnings. We improved on our balance sheet management and pricing, thus ensuring a strong 19 per cent growth in interest income as well as an enhanced net interest margin of 6.3 per cent. Our improved service delivery and customised offerings helped in growing transaction banking volume, with attendant fee income. Whilst we were exposed to some external cost pressure, we managed to keep our cost growth at 5 per cent (below the average inflation rate of 9 per cent in Nigeria; our core market which represents three-quarter of our operations)”.

 

Diarrhea: Over 30 Children Recorded Dead In Imo

Following the fresh outbreak of diarrhea in Imo state, no fewer than 30 children have so far died. The sudden outbreak is said to be relatively common in the 637 autonomous communities in the state due to absence of potable water.

The recent development has compelled the residents to resort to the use of water from streams and uncertified boreholes for consumption.

The Nigeria Agip Oil Company Limited, the commissioner for Health, Ngozi Njoku, said that the death toll from the outbreak of the deadly disease had risen to 30 in the last few weeks, while several others affected by the scourge were receiving treatment in various hospitals in the state.

She noted that 65 suspected cases had been reported in the Ikeduru LGA, while areas like Orlu, Owerri West, Ohaji/Egbema, Owerri North as well as Ngor -Okpala had similarly recorded cases of the dreaded disease in their areas.

GTBank Posts N99bn Profit After Tax

Segun Agbaje

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc has released its financial performance for the year ended December 31, 2015. The bank ended the year with a higher profit and has recommended a final dividend of N1.52 per share.

GTBank posted gross earnings of N298.8 billion, showing an increase of 8.1 per cent compared with N276.4 billion in 2014. Net interest income grew by 12.3 per cent from N142.4 billion to N159.9 billion. As was expected, impairment charges grew by 74.8 per cent from N7.1 billion to N12.4 billion. Operation expenses were flat at N96.4 billion, compared with N94.7 billion in 2014.

Profit before tax rose marginally by 3.7 per cent to N120.7 billion from N116.4 billion, while profit after tax grew by 5.3 per cent to N99.4 billion, up from N91.4 billion.

The directors recommended a final dividend of N1.52 per share, having paid an interim dividend of 25 kobo, bringing the total dividend to N1.77 per share or N51.33 billion. A further analysis of the results indicate that despite the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the federal government, the bank’s customer deposits remained relatively stable with a marginal decline from N1.62trillion in 2014 to N1.61trillion in 2015.

The Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Mr. Segun Agbaje said: “That the bank’s financial performance in 2015 is an indication that we have earned the loyalty of our customers and an attestation of the hard work and dedication of our staff, management and Board. The group has delivered a respectable Profit Before Tax of N120.7billion despite an extremely challenging business environment in 2015. As a bank, we will continue to actively partner with our customers and grow our business in a sustainable manner that is not only driven by profit objective, but with an increased focus on empowering our customers with a view to growing Nigerian economy. Also, we remain committed to maximising shareholders’ value and delivering superior and sustainable returns whilst actively expanding our franchise in select, high growth African markets where we believe we have a competitive advantage.”

Jovago Partners With AccorHotels Across Africa

Jovago and AccorHotels announced today the signing of an innovative partnership to incorporate all AccorHotels established on the African continent on the Jovago platform – Africa’s n°1 online hotel booking website.

The partnership would firstly involve the incorporation of 30 AccorHotels hotels located in 13 countries on the Jovago platform and then, the overall hotels of the Group in Africa.

“AccorHotels is one of the largest players in the hotel industry in Africa. As Africa’s leading hotel booking platform, we are proud to incorporate AccorHotels into our platform in order to provide our African customers with high quality hotels in the key cities of the continent” said Paul Midy CEO Jovago. “This strategic partnership confirms our passion for hospitality and hotel development in Africa.”

The AccorHotels’ portfolio will become a part of Jovago’s catalog of 25,000 hotels in Africa, further enabling customers to book a room directly through the jovago.com website and benefit from a personalized, locally based customer service available  24/7 in several languages.

“The partnership with Jovago highly contributes to establish our distribution strategy in Africa, says Souleymane Khol, VP Sales Marketing Distribution & Revenue Management for Africa & Indian Ocean. AccorHotels is in a continuous  process of dynamic innovation aiming to always mix more efficiently the digital experience with our hospitality know-how “

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