MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria

Anyone who has tried to get a loan to buy a house in Nigeria knows the drill: endless forms, property valuation, and eventual down payment of a minimum 25% or more on the property. Sometimes, interest rates could go as high as 30% per annum, while the typical loan limit is N50 million. Now, FirstBank is making homeownership more attractive. FirstBank, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has introduced the MREIF Home Loan. MREIF loan is a game-changer, offering a single-digit interest rate of 9.75% per annum,…

Read More

How Titan Trust Bank Allegedly Used Union Bank Assets to Secure $300 Million Acquisition Deal

What was sold to Nigerians in May 2022 as a clean and powerful takeover is now looking like something far more troubling. When Titan Trust Bank announced it had acquired Union Bank of Nigeria, a 100+ year-old institution, the story was simple: a young bank buying a legacy giant. But fresh documents are now pointing to a shocking twist that raises serious questions about how the deal was actually done. According to findings, Titan Trust Bank allegedly secured a $300 million loan from African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to fund the…

Read More

Banking the Economy That Actually Exists

There is a version of the Nigerian economy that the banking sector has always served well. It is the economy of salaried professionals, corporate treasurers, documented collateral, and monthly pay cycles. It is the economy that fits neatly into conventional credit models, standard account structures, and the risk frameworks that Nigerian banking inherited from its colonial and post independence institutional architecture. That economy is real, and serving it matters. There is another version. It is the economy of the cooperative chairwoman in Ogun whose members pool contributions weekly. The textile…

Read More

FirstBank Partners Ekiti State Government on Launch of Innovation Enterprise Support Fund

FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and the leading financial inclusion service provider, is proud to announce its partnership with the Ekiti State Government in launching the Innovation Enterprise Support Fund, a groundbreaking initiative designed to empower startups, scale tech-enabled businesses, and accelerate innovation-driven economic growth across the state. The programme provides funding, mentorship, and market access to high-potential enterprises, with a focus on strengthening Ekiti’s innovation ecosystem, creating jobs, and supporting youth, women, and underserved communities. Notably, at least 40 percent of the fund has been reserved for female-led…

Read More

IMF Warns of Tough Economic Times Ahead for Nigerians Amid Rising Inflation and Fiscal Pressures

The International Monetary Fund has issued a stark warning about Nigeria’s economic outlook, cautioning that citizens may face more difficult times as the country grapples with persistent inflation, currency instability, and fiscal challenges. In its latest assessment of Nigeria’s economy, the IMF noted that while recent reforms by the Federal Government of Nigeria—including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalisation—are steps in the right direction, they are likely to intensify short-term hardship for millions of Nigerians. The global financial institution highlighted rising food prices, high transportation costs, and weakened purchasing…

Read More

Fidelity Bank Extends “Give Her Power” Initiative to Ogun State, Empowers 100 Women with Vocational Tools

In a bold demonstration of its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc has extended its recently launched “Give Her Power” initiative to Ogun State, empowering 100 women with vocational tools designed to strengthen their economic independence and boost household income. The outreach is part of the Bank’s nationwide rollout of the initiative, which was unveiled earlier in March during the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with partner organisations to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day. The event, which held at the…

Read More

Polaris Bank celebrates 58 New Hires from its flagship PGIT, PTIP as CEO charge them to Keep Learning, Keep Evolving

Polaris Bank has graduated 58 exceptional new hires from its flagship Polaris Graduate Intensive Training (PGIT) and Polaris Tech Ignite Programme (PTIP), reinforcing its commitment to building world-class talent in Nigeria. The ceremony, attended by senior leadership and invited guests, celebrated a highly selective cohort drawn from over 10,000 applicants – placing them among the top 0.58% who successfully made the cut. The milestone underscores the bank’s rigorous standards in identifying and grooming future leaders. Addressing the graduates, Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kayode Lawal, delivered a compelling charge centered on continuous…

Read More

Fidelity Bank Takes Lead in Banking Recapitalisation Drive

As the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitaliSation exercise came to an end March 31, 2026, most banks operating in the country rose to the challenge and met the requirement ahead of time. However, Fidelity Bank’s proactive approach paid off, and it continued to demonstrate its commitment to growth and innovation. In a remarkable display of investor confidence, Fidelity Bank opened and concluded a private placement in just one day on December 31, 2025. Leading institutions, including AFREXIM Bank and its subsidiaries, invested in the bank, showcasing their faith in…

Read More

Beware: There’s a WhatsApp scam going around

Scammers are currently impersonating Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, to trick people into fake investment schemes. They’ve created a WhatsApp group called *“Value Focus Club 60”* using this number: *+234 915 708 8290*, and even used his picture to make it look real. *Important things to know*: • The Chairman is NOT on WhatsApp running any investment group • Access Holdings does NOT offer investment advice via WhatsApp • Any message claiming otherwise is 100% fake A whistleblower actually spotted this and raised the alarm, so please…

Read More

FirstBank Partners Eko Hotels & KEY Academy for ChessMasters 2026 Tournament

FirstBank, West Africa’s premier financial institution and the leading financial inclusion service provider, has announced its strategic sponsorship of the second edition of ChessMasters, Africa’s largest school chess tournament. The announcement was made at the official press conference of the tournament held on 16 March 2026 at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. ChessMasters is an annual chess tournament designed to equip the next generation with critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills. The competition targets children in primary school aged between 6 and 11 years old. Organised by Eko Hotels and…

Read More