…Aig-Imoukhuede says era of expansion is over as group shifts focus to shareholder value and profitability Access Holdings Plc has declared an end to its aggressive acquisition strategy, signaling a new phase focused on profitability, shareholder returns and operational efficiency as it seeks to become Africa’s next banking powerhouse. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Group Chairman, said the financial services group now aims to benchmark itself against Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest bank by assets, rather than competing solely with domestic rivals. Speaking with financial journalists after the company’s fourth Annual General Meeting in Lagos, Aig-Imoukhuede said Access has completed its scale-building phase…
Author: Elvis Eromosele
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unveiled a draft regulatory framework that would significantly restrict financial dealings between banks and their affiliated companies, in a move aimed at protecting depositors and strengthening the stability of the financial system. The proposed rules, contained in the Exposure Draft Guidelines on Ring-Fencing Operations of Closely Linked Entities, seek to prevent financial problems in one company from spreading across an entire banking group. Signed by Dr. Rita Sike, Director of Financial Policy and Regulation, the draft has been circulated to stakeholders for consultation before final approval. Under the proposed framework, banks, fintech subsidiaries,…
LeagueBook, a fast-growing sports chat and social networking platform, has unveiled a new e-commerce feature that allows users to buy, sell and discover sports merchandise directly within its online communities. The rollout, announced on June 11, marks a significant expansion of the platform’s offerings, blending social interaction with digital commerce to create a one-stop destination for sports fans. The new feature enables users to purchase jerseys, memorabilia, collectibles and other sports-related merchandise without leaving the app, transforming fan engagement into a seamless shopping experience. LeagueBook, which has gained popularity as a hub for live sports discussions, match analysis and real-time…
Leading payment technology company, Xpress Payment Solutions Limited (Xpress Payments), has announced a series of high-profile events to celebrate its 10th anniversary. The company, which commenced operations in 2016, continues to play a significant role in expanding access to digital financial services, simplifying payments for businesses and individuals, and supporting Nigeria’s transition towards a more inclusive, technology-driven economy. The week-long milestone celebration, themed Xpress @10: A Decade of Innovation, A Future of Possibilities,’ will feature a blend of intellectual discourse, corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, stakeholder engagement sessions and a gala night, underscoring the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation and community impact.…
…In Commemoration Of Democracy Day The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Friday, June 12, 2026, a public holiday in commemoration of Democracy Day. The announcement was made by Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Honourable Minister of Interior, on behalf of the Federal Government. June 12 remains a significant day in Nigeria’s history in honour of the courage, resilience, and sacrifices of Nigerians whose efforts made democratic governance possible in this country. Their legacy continues to inform the values and responsibilities of the Nigerian state. The Honourable Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the preservation of democratic ideals, including the rule…
Access Holdings Plc has appointed Abiodun Adigun as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Oxygen X Finance Company Limited, its digital lending subsidiary focused on expanding financial inclusion across Nigeria. The appointment, disclosed in a regulatory filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), has received all necessary regulatory approvals and forms part of the Group’s strategy to strengthen leadership across its subsidiaries and accelerate long-term growth. Oxygen X serves as the digital lending arm of Access Holdings Plc, providing technology-driven credit solutions designed to improve access to finance for individuals and businesses. Announcing the appointment, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede,…
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission to accelerate digital skills development, strengthen innovation ecosystems, and expand technology-driven opportunities across Nigeria’s Southwest region. The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both organisations, marking a significant step towards deepening digital inclusion and economic growth in the six Southwest states. According to a statement issued by NITDA on Thursday, the collaboration seeks to bridge the gap between national digital policies and regional implementation by creating a coordinated framework for digital transformation across…
Monnify, the payment infrastructure platform owned by TeamApt, processed N25 trillion in transactions in 2025, underscoring its growing role as a critical backbone of Nigeria’s digital payments ecosystem. The transaction volume, valued at approximately $18 billion, represents a 38 per cent increase compared to 2023 and reflects the rising dependence of businesses on reliable payment infrastructure to power operations in Africa’s largest digital economy. The milestone comes as businesses navigate foreign exchange volatility, rising operational costs, and increasing demand for seamless, real-time digital payment experiences. According to the company, more than 100,000 merchants currently use Monnify, with the platform integrated…
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo recently said President Bola Tinubu may be willing to fix Nigeria, but that no leader can fix the country without fixing the broken system. There is sense in that statement. Any Nigerian who has lived through the last fifty years knows the system is broken. We do not need a conference to confirm it. We meet it every day. We meet it when there is no electricity, when a road is awarded, commissioned, celebrated, and collapses before the next rainy season. We meet it in offices where files do not move unless somebody “helps” them. We meet…
By Frederick Mordi The 23rd edition of the men’s FIFA World Cup kicks off today across 16 cities and three countries. It is estimated that nearly six billion people will watch the quadrennial tournament that has already shattered existing World Cup records. Let’s get the ball rolling with these 26 curated facts about the 2026 FIFA World Cup to warm things up a bit: The first time, three nations (the United States, Canada and Mexico) will host the event. Mexico is the first country to host/co-host the game three times (1970, 1986, and 2026). The United States will be staging…