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Customs Service Recovers ₦64 Billion, Slashes Port Delays, Boosts Exports in Reform Push

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May 24, 2025

in 2024, Nigeria exported over ₦340 billion worth of solid minerals and agricultural produce through formal channels—a 38% year-on-year rise

Customs Service Recovers ₦64 Billion, Slashes Port Delays, Boosts Exports in Reform Push

Over the past nine months, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has recovered more than ₦64 billion from under-assessed imports, while cracking down on major smuggling networks across key border points in Seme, Idiroko, Katsina, and Sokoto.

These achievements were made possible through coordinated efforts with the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Police, forming joint task forces that have strengthened border security.

The Service’s anti-smuggling drive has seen a technological overhaul, with data-driven intelligence, drones, and surveillance tools now playing a central role. These advancements have significantly boosted the efficiency and precision of operations.

In a bid to enhance trade facilitation and reduce costs for businesses, NCS is accelerating the rollout of the National Single Window—a centralized digital portal designed to unify and streamline the processes of more than 15 government agencies involved in cargo clearance.

The impact is already visible: clearance times at Lagos ports have dropped from 21 days to as few as 7–10 days for compliant importers.

As part of efforts to support the federal government’s economic diversification agenda, the NCS is also increasing its support for non-oil exports.

Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi disclosed that in 2024 alone, Nigeria exported over ₦340 billion worth of solid minerals and agricultural produce through formal channels—a 38% year-on-year rise.

Internally, the agency is undergoing a transformation to meet global standards. More than 1,800 Customs officers have been trained in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and risk profiling, marking a shift from manual inspections to intelligence-led operations.

“Customs is evolving into a smart, globally competitive institution. We’re no longer chasing smugglers in the bush—we’re staying ahead with data,” Adeniyi stated.

He emphasized that these reforms are in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to close revenue leakages, ease trade, and grow national income—without placing extra burden on citizens.

“The results are already speaking for themselves,” Adeniyi affirmed. Read More

Adron Homes Refutes FIJ’s Misleading Report, Sets Record Straight

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May 24, 2025

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Adron Homes & Properties Ltd. remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and upholding the highest standards of service for all our clients.

Adron Homes Refutes FIJ’s Misleading Report, Sets Record Straight

Adron Homes & Properties Ltd. has recently become aware of a serious allegation published by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) on May 22, 2025. The report claims that our company failed to refund a land payment to a client, Mr. Solomon Oludare Akinbo, after he allegedly made full payment for a plot at our Treasure Park and Garden, Phase 2, located in Shimawa, Ogun State.

We would like to express our strong disappointment that FIJ did not take the necessary steps to reach out to us for verification of these claims before making such serious allegations. The report contains significant misrepresentations that we categorically reject as malicious, defamatory, and misleading. It is imperative that we clarify the facts not only for the benefit of the public but also for our esteemed clients who trust us.

First and foremost, Adron Homes has at no point denied Mr. Akinbo his rightful plot allocation or refused his request for a refund. In fact, land was provisionally allocated to him, aligning with his initial expressed intent to construct a building on the plot. Our allocation policy, which is explicitly detailed in the Contract of Sale that Mr. Akinbo signed, stipulates that clients must formally indicate their readiness to build through a written notice before the allocation is finalized. This policy is designed to facilitate a well-planned development process and to prevent the occurrence of undeveloped or abandoned plots across our estates.

Additionally, it is crucial to point out that Mr. Akinbo voluntarily requested that Adron Homes manage the construction of his building project. Following his request, he selected a design for his building, and we prepared a detailed Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for his review. At no point were either Mr. Akinbo or his legal representative coerced into accepting this proposal, as they have inaccurately claimed. We uphold a policy of allowing all our clients the freedom to engage any registered builder or construction engineer of their choice.

The allegations that Adron Homes solicited additional payments from Mr. Akinbo are entirely unfounded. Such statements are simply untrue and reflect a blatant intent to defame our company. We encourage the public to disregard these inaccurate claims in their entirety.

Concerning the matter of the refund request, it is important to highlight that Adron Homes has a transparent refund policy explicitly outlined in the same contract signed by Mr. Akinbo. This policy requires him to submit a written refund request. Upon receipt of such a request, Adron Homes will provide a Refund Form for him to complete, sign, and return. Moreover, Mr. Akinbo is expected to return all contractual documents currently in his possession before we can proceed with the closure of his account and the issuance of his refund cheque. Regrettably, despite multiple official communications reminding him of these requirements, both he and his legal representative have not complied.

It is particularly disheartening that FIJ chose to publish the report without giving space for Adron Homes to present its side of the story. Despite their claim of prior outreach, the publication did not reflect our official position nor did it verify the facts before going to press. This one-sided approach contradicts the principles of ethical journalism and has resulted in the propagation of false and damaging narratives about our company and its reputation.

In light of these developments, we formally demand the immediate removal of the misleading article from all FIJ platforms. We also request a formal retraction along with a written public apology. Additionally, we seek the publication of a follow-up article that accurately presents our perspective and rectifies the misinformation that has been circulated.

Adron Homes & Properties Ltd. remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and upholding the highest standards of service for all our clients. We will continue to work diligently to protect our reputation and to serve our clients with integrity and trust.

For further media enquiries or clarification, please contact clientservice@adronhomesproperties.com or publicrelations@adronhomesproperties.com

E-Signed,

Management
ADRON Homes & Properties Ltd.

Dangote Pledges Greater Investment In Philanthropy, Attends TIME100 Impact Dinner

Lukman Omikunle

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May 23, 2025

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Dangote Pledges Greater Investment In Philanthropy, Attends TIME100 Impact Dinner

Among the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s ongoing efforts is a $100 million multi-year initiative to combat severe childhood malnutrition

By Lukman Omikunle

Dangote Pledges Greater Investment In Philanthropy, Attends TIME100 Impact Dinner

…Says ADF spends over N50bn yearly on ‘Giving Back to Africa’

Africa’s foremost humanist and Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation, Aliko Dangote, has pledged to invest greater funds in the upliftment of vulnerable populations across Nigeria and Africa, as part of his philanthropic efforts to give back to the society.

Dangote spoke on the sidelines of the TIME100 Impact Dinner held at ASPIRE at the One World Observatory in New York City, USA. The renowned entrepreneur was named among the top 100 philanthropists listed in an inaugural list released by the TIME Magazine on 22 May, alongside other global personalities such as Michael Bloomberg, football icon David Beckham, NBA star Stephen Curry, Melinda Gates and Oprah Winfrey.

The prestigious list, published by TIME Magazine on Tuesday, features Aliko Dangote, whose Foundation spends an average of $35 million a year on programmes across Africa, alongside other global figures in charitable work, such as Michael Bloomberg, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett, and Melinda Gates, all of whom are recognised as Titans.

Other prominent names on the list include David Beckham; Dolly Parton; Lisa Yang; Michael Dell and Susan Dell; Tsitsi and Strive Masiyiwa; Jack Ma; Alex Soros, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, among others.

A total of 100 influential individuals from 28 countries have been honoured for their philanthropic efforts in four categories: Titans, Leaders, Trailblazers, and Innovators, with Dangote emerging as one of the 23 Titans.

TIME highlighted Dangote’s remarkable rise to wealth, having built a fortune of $23.9 billion through ventures in cement, agriculture, and oil refining in Nigeria. However, his philanthropic efforts are equally noteworthy. In 2014, he endowed the Aliko Dangote Foundation with $1.25 billion, with the aim of giving back to the continent that played such a key role in his success. The foundation spends on average of $35 million each year on various initiatives across Nigeria and Africa.

“Investing in nutrition, health, education, and economic empowerment is our contribution to setting Africans up for success” – Dangote remarked, reflecting the foundation’s core priorities.

Among the foundation’s ongoing efforts is a $100 million multi-year initiative to combat severe childhood malnutrition.

Furthermore, an earlier vaccine programme in Nigeria, developed in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and others, contributed to the World Health Organisation’s 2020 declaration that polio had been eradicated from Africa, Nigeria being the most populous country in Africa and the last country to eradicate the disease.

Education is another area where Dangote is making a significant impact. He recently announced a $10 million donation to the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, based in Kano State. The conglomerate has provided a wealth of infrastructural support to the country’s tertiary institutions.

In 2019, the Federal Government revealed that the N1.2 billion hostel donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, was the largest donation ever made by an individual to a university in Nigeria’s history at that time.

As a member of The Global Business Coalition for Education, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has also focused on early childhood education. Through the Mu Shuka Iri (Let’s Plant a Seed) programme, local women – affectionately known as “Aunties” – are trained in Montessori-style education to become community educators in Kano.

The foundation’s investments in education include providing vocational training and providing scholarships at the secondary and tertiary levels, in addition to offering annual fellowships through the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders programme. “We need to create the next generation of African leaders,” Dangote says, underscoring his commitment to long-term societal change.

“My mother instilled in me the ethos of giving back, which inspired my philanthropy 30 years ago. I trust my three daughters will continue this legacy, just as they will continue to grow our business and impact. I want to be known not just as Africa’s richest person but also as its biggest philanthropist.” Read More

Olumo Rock in Chains: Dapo Abiodun’s Final Act of Betrayal to Ogun’s Cultural Legacy

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May 23, 2025

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Olumo Rock in Chains: Dapo Abiodun’s Final Act of Betrayal to Ogun’s Cultural Legacy

By Wale Onifade

In an astonishing display of misgovernance, Governor Dapo Abiodun has allowed one of Nigeria’s most iconic historical landmarks, Olumo Rock, to languish behind locked gates for over a month, without any sign of renovation, restoration, or basic respect for its cultural significance.

The timing couldn’t be more tragic—or telling. As Ogun State played host to the National Sports Festival, a golden opportunity to display its rich heritage to athletes, dignitaries, and tourists from across Nigeria, Olumo Rock remained inaccessible. Dusty. Deserted. Lonely and disgraced.

The question echoing from the crevices of Abeokuta to the corners of Ijebu Ode is biting: Does Dapo Abiodun intend to paint Olumo Rock green and yellow? Is the governor trying to brand rocks with politics, or is this just the latest symptom of a government that has lost touch with its people, its past, and its priorities?

While states like Edo and Delta have turned their heritage into engines of tourism and pride, Ogun’s most prized monument has become a symbol of neglect under Abiodun’s watch. Even more galling, no official explanation has been provided. No work is ongoing. No scaffold, no workers, no tools. Just silence and iron gates where stories once echoed.

And it doesn’t end there.

History may now remember Governor Dapo Abiodun not as a builder of dreams, but as the man who shut down Olumo Rock during a national festival. The same governor who ignored the majestic Queen of Sheba’s trail through Biliki Sugbo Shrine in Ijebu Ode, opting instead to herd athletes into a stadium best described as internationally disgraced—abandoned, cracked, and littered with the remnants of once-great ambition.

Rather than seize this moment to redeem Ogun State’s crumbling tourism infrastructure, Abiodun’s administration chose instead to allocate a staggering N2 billion to feed athletes—more than enough to give Olumo Rock and other iconic centers the facelift they desperately deserve.

Meanwhile, state-owned sports facilities in Ilaro, Sagamu, and Ijebu Ode continue to rot under creeping grass and creeping doubt, as the government pours funds into questionable private ventures with murky benefits to the public.

Governor Abiodun’s tenure ends not with thunder but with a whisper of failure. He exits stage left, not as a hero of sport or culture, but as a governor whose disconnect from heritage and people earned him the ire of both. Politicians now skip his calls, offering “cogent excuses” like “busy,” “engaged,” or “in a meeting”—but their loyalty has shifted elsewhere, to the “Next Man” who promises redemption.

As the sun sets on this administration, the gods of the rock have spoken. Their verdict? Exile to irrelevance.

And unless there’s a swift, honest reckoning with this abandonment of cultural duty, Dapo Abiodun may forever be remembered as the governor who silenced Olumo Rock.

Lagos Council Poll: I Am Ready to Serve – Taiwo Oyekan Tells Lagos Island Residents

Politics

Lukman Omikunle

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May 23, 2025

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Lagos Council Poll: I Am Ready to Serve – Taiwo Oyekan Tells Lagos Island Residents

Taiwo Oyekan’s comprehensive agenda and clear commitment to service position him as a leading candidate to watch in the Lagos Island chairmanship race

By Lukman Omikunle

Lagos Council Poll: I Am Ready to Serve – Taiwo Oyekan Tells Lagos Island Residents

*Unveils Agenda for Economic Growth, Environmental Sanitation, Healthcare, and Security

Prince Taiwo Ajibade Oyekan, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairmanship Candidate for Lagos Island Local Government, has pledged unwavering commitment to public service, promising to deliver people-oriented governance focused on development, empowerment, and safety.

Speaking during a recent meeting with key stakeholders following his victory in the party’s primary election, Oyekan expressed gratitude for the support he has received and declared his readiness to serve the people of Lagos Island with integrity and vision.

“I am here to serve with sincerity, purpose, and a heart committed to the progress of every household in our beloved community,” he said. “Public service is not a privilege—it is a duty to uplift lives and deliver meaningful results. My leadership will prioritize local infrastructure, youth empowerment, community safety, and economic development.”

Economic Empowerment at the Forefront

Highlighting his plans for economic revitalization, Oyekan outlined a robust strategy to boost local enterprise. He promised targeted grants for small and medium-scale business owners, as well as empowerment programs for artisans and traders across Isale-Eko, Olowogbowo, and Oko Faji.

“Our economic upliftment won’t be a mere campaign promise—it will be a mission in motion,” he said. “We’ll implement a results-driven administration that energizes our traders, empowers artisans, supports SMEs, and equips job seekers with sustainable income opportunities. Every market woman, entrepreneur, and artisan will have a stake in our shared prosperity.”

Security as a Cornerstone

Oyekan emphasized security as a top priority, stating his intention to foster a secure environment for residents and businesses. “From day one, we will treat security as a core responsibility. We will work hand-in-hand with local vigilance groups and security agencies to protect lives and property,” he said.

He assured residents that “the safety of every resident, business owner, visitor, and child in Lagos Island is non-negotiable.”

Cleaner, Healthier Communities

On environmental issues, the APC candidate unveiled a comprehensive plan to improve sanitation and public health across the local government. His proposals include the construction and rehabilitation of Trunk C roads, regular environmental sanitation, improved waste evacuation, and routine fumigation of markets, schools, and public spaces.

“Our administration will prioritize cleanliness and health as essentials for sustainable development,” he affirmed. “We will provide sanitation workers with the tools they need to maintain clean drainage systems and ensure our communities are habitable and disease-free.”

Proven Commitment to Education and Youth Empowerment

A long-time advocate for educational advancement and youth development, Oyekan’s track record reflects his grassroots impact. His support for student initiatives, school development, and youth programs has made a lasting difference in Lagos Island.

“By investing in education, we are securing the future of Lagos Island,” he said. “Our community’s strength lies in the potential of its people, especially the youth. We will continue to empower the next generation with opportunities that build character, competence, and confidence.”

As the local council polls approach, Taiwo Oyekan’s comprehensive agenda and clear commitment to service position him as a leading candidate to watch in the Lagos Island chairmanship race. Read More

Crisis Rocks SDP Over NWC Appointments Amid El-Rufai’s Entry

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May 23, 2025

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Agunloye accused Mallam Nasir El-Rufai of attempting to sabotage the appointment process of the party’s NWC due to his interests

Crisis Rocks SDP Over NWC Appointments Amid El-Rufai’s Entry

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), once hailed as Nigeria’s most stable opposition party, is now embroiled in internal conflict following the controversial appointment of three new members to its National Working Committee (NWC).

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, had last week announced that Senator Ugochukwu Uba, Alhaji Shehu Musa, and Bello Ado Hussaini were appointed as Deputy National Chairman (South), Deputy National Chairman (North), and National Financial Secretary, respectively.

According to Aiyenigba, the appointments were made in accordance with Article 12.5 of the SDP’s amended 2022 constitution and were approved during an NWC meeting chaired by the party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam.

The announcement, seen by political observers as a strategic move to consolidate the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, has instead triggered a wave of controversy, exposing deep fractures within the party’s leadership.

Just days later, Gabam—who was said to have presided over the meeting—issued a public denial. Speaking through the party’s Deputy National Secretary, Muhammad Biu, the chairman dismissed the appointments as “false, unauthorized, and not reflective of any official NWC decision.” He further asserted that no constitutional meeting to fill the vacant positions had been held.

Gabam’s rebuttal has been sharply contested by the party’s National Secretary, Olu Agunloye, who insisted that the appointments were legitimate. In a counterstatement, Agunloye revealed that 11 out of the 12 NWC members attended the May 15 meeting, and eight voted in favor of the appointments.

He accused Gabam, along with two dissenting NWC members and newly defected former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, of attempting to sabotage the process due to their personal interests.

“There were 12 NWC members in total, and 11 were present. Eight supported the appointments, while Gabam and two others opposed. Their failure to impose their will has led to this unnecessary disruption,” Agunloye alleged, also stating that El-Rufai “amounts to nothing in his own ward.”

To further legitimize the appointments, Agunloye has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in a letter dated May 16. The correspondence confirms the appointment of Uba, Abubakar, and Bello for a four-year term or until the next National Convention, whichever comes first.

The crisis, now public and intensifying, threatens to drag the SDP into the same turmoil that has plagued the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) since the 2023 general elections. Once regarded as a beacon of internal stability, the SDP may now be on the verge of joining the ranks of divided opposition parties.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the ability of the SDP to resolve this conflict and project a united front remains to be seen. Read More

Over 13,000 Terrorists Neutralised, 124,000 Surrendered – NSA

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May 23, 2025

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The country’s armed forces and security agencies have made remarkable progress through improved coordination, intelligence sharing, and decisive action

Over 13,000 Terrorists Neutralised, 124,000 Surrendered – NSA

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has announced that more than 13,000 terrorists have been neutralised while over 124,000 have surrendered since the beginning of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. This achievement, he said, marks a significant step forward in addressing the complex security challenges confronting the country.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Policy Summit in Abuja on Thursday, held to mark the second anniversary of the Tinubu-led government, Ribadu highlighted the strides made in national security over the past two years.

According to the NSA, the government has made substantial progress in curbing mass killings, abductions, attacks on critical infrastructure, and widespread destruction through coordinated efforts by Nigeria’s security forces.

Ribadu noted that the administration inherited five interwoven security crises: the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, armed banditry in the North West, secessionist activities by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, ESN, in the South East, unrest in the Niger Delta, and communal clashes including herder-farmer conflicts in the North Central region.

“These threats were deeply entrenched and complex,” Ribadu stated. “However, through improved coordination, intelligence sharing, and decisive action by our armed forces and security agencies, we have made remarkable progress.”

He credited the Tinubu administration’s clear political will and the strengthened synergy among security agencies for the improvements, emphasizing that national security remains a top priority for the government.

“For us to appreciate where we are today, it’s important to reflect on where we were before the coming of this administration on May 29, 2023,” Ribadu stated.

He recalled high-profile terrorist attacks in 2022, including the Abuja-Kaduna train attack, the Kuje prison break, the Owo church massacre, and the assault on an army battalion in Bwari, all of which underscored the dire security situation before Tinubu assumed office.

Citing official data, the NSA said more than 35,000 lives were lost to the Boko Haram insurgency and 12,000 to banditry before 2023, with millions displaced across conflict zones.

“Today, thanks to enhanced collaboration among our armed forces, police, and intelligence services, we have made significant progress,” Ribadu said. “Incidents such as the sit-at-home enforcement in the South East and sabotage of oil installations in the Niger Delta have largely been curtailed.”

He revealed that over 13,543 Boko Haram insurgents have been neutralised in the past two years, while more than 11,000 illegal arms were recovered and destroyed. Additionally, 124,408 fighters and their family members have surrendered to the military since Tinubu took office.

Despite the gains, Ribadu noted that military operations continue in insurgent strongholds such as the Tumbuktu Triangle and the Tumbu Islands to root out remaining threats.

Also speaking at the summit, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended President Tinubu for stabilising internal security. “There are no longer cases of terrorists taking over territories or hoisting alien flags,” he said.

Delivering a vote of confidence in the President, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, speaking on behalf of the 22 APC governors, called for Tinubu’s adoption as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 election.

“In spite of the complexity of the security challenges, progress is evident,” Uzodimma declared. Read More

UBA Ranked Nigeria’s Strongest Brand, Climbs to 13th Globally Among Banking Giants

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May 23, 2025

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UBA Ranked Nigeria’s Strongest Brand, Climbs to 13th Globally Among Banking Giants

United Bank for Africa (UBA) has been named the strongest brand in Nigeria and the 13th strongest banking brand globally, according to the 2025 edition of Brand Finance’s global banking rankings.

The prestigious recognition comes from Brand Finance, a leading independent brand valuation consultancy regulated by the Chartered Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. UBA’s rise from ninth place in 2024 to the top spot in Nigeria reflects a significant boost in public trust, service acceptance, and brand strength.

UBA achieved an impressive Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 92.4 out of 100, earning it a coveted AAA+ rating—the highest possible accolade for brand strength. The bank’s strong performance across key metrics such as brand familiarity, consumer preference, and consideration underscores its growing influence and customer loyalty in the financial sector.

The report highlights UBA’s strategic emphasis on digital banking, innovation, and technological investment as key factors in strengthening its brand. These initiatives have not only enhanced the bank’s service delivery but also deepened engagement with its diverse customer base across Africa.

Notably, UBA outperformed other prominent African banks in areas such as price acceptance, beating out South Africa’s Capitec and Kenya’s Equity Bank on this metric.

Other Top Performers in Nigeria

Following UBA, First Bank of Nigeria secured second place, climbing from 11th position in 2024 with a BSI score of 92.1 and an AAA+ rating. Brand Finance credited First Bank’s surge to its strong reputation and continued investments in digital transformation and customer experience.

Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), which previously held the top spot, dropped to third place despite a slight improvement in its BSI score to 89.5. Access Bank made the most dramatic leap, rising from 12th in 2024 to fourth place in 2025, driven by better scores across key brand perception metrics.

Brand Finance noted that banking brands continue to dominate the Nigerian brand landscape, reflecting the sector’s growing resilience, adaptability, and critical role in powering the national economy. Read More

Fidelity Bank Increases Staff Salaries Following Strong 2024 Financial Results

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May 23, 2025

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This move is part of its strategy to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalization requirements

Fidelity Bank Increases Staff Salaries Following Strong 2024 Financial Results

Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading tier-one financial institution, has announced a fresh round of salary increases for its employees.

This latest adjustment, disclosed in May, comes on the heels of a previous raise implemented in November 2024 and reflects the bank’s commitment to rewarding staff for their exceptional performance and dedication to customer service.

The salary enhancement follows Fidelity Bank’s stellar financial performance for the full year 2024, during which it posted the highest year-on-year profitability growth in the Nigerian banking sector.

Under the leadership of Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the bank achieved a 210% increase in Profit Before Tax, reaching N385.2 billion.

In a related development, the bank is nearing completion of a private placement exercise scheduled for June 2025.

This move is part of its strategy to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalization requirements. Read More

FG Files Criminal Defamation Charges Against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

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May 22, 2025

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The charges arise from remarks made by Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of conspiring to assassinate her

FG Files Criminal Defamation Charges Against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has filed criminal charges against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, over allegedly defamatory statements made during a live television interview.

The suit was filed on May 16, 2025, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, with Akpoti-Uduaghan named as the sole defendant.

The government is accusing the senator of violating Section 391 of the Penal Code, Cap 89, Laws of the Federation, 1990, which criminalizes statements made with the knowledge or reasonable belief that such statements will harm the reputation of another person. The offence is punishable under Section 392 of the same code.

The charges stem from remarks Akpoti-Uduaghan made during a televised appearance on Politics Today on Channels Television, where she alleged that Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello conspired to assassinate her.

According to the charge sheet, Akpoti-Uduaghan said: “It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me. Let’s ask the Senate President, why in the first instance did he withdraw my security, if not to make me vulnerable to attacks? He then emphasized that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi.”

The Federal Government alleges that these statements were made with the intention to harm the reputation of both Akpabio and Bello.

In a second count, the senator is accused of repeating similar claims about Yahaya Bello during the same program, stating:

“It was part of the meeting, the discussions that Akpabio had with Yahaya Bello that night to eliminate me… He then emphasized that I should be killed, but I should be killed in Kogi.”

A third count accuses Akpoti-Uduaghan of making further damaging allegations in a private phone call on March 27, 2025, with a woman identified as Sandra C. Duru. During the call, she allegedly claimed:

“That girl that was killed… Imoren Iniubong, her organs were actually used for the wife, because the wife was really ill… when they killed the girl, and her organs were used for the wife.”

The government asserts that Akpoti-Uduaghan knew, or should have known, that such claims would severely damage the reputation of Senator Akpabio.

The case is being prosecuted by the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF), Mohammed Abubakar. Both Senate President Akpabio and former Governor Bello are listed as witnesses in the trial.

As of now, no date has been set for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s arraignment.

See the charge sheet below:

Read More