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All Posts in "Day: April 11, 2025"

Sterling Bank Takes Sides With Nigerians

… Eliminates Bank Transfer Fees
 In a bold move that resets the rules of engagement in the Nigerian banking sector, Sterling Bank has removed transfer fees on its digital banking platform, OneBank. This decisive move makes Sterling the first major Nigerian bank to forgo earning a cut from customer transactions on its own app.
The initiative marks a turning point in the industry and reflects the bank’s deep-rooted
commitment to building a future where banking is affordable, accessible, and in tune with the everyday needs of Nigerians.
“This is not a gimmick. This is the future. And it starts now,” said Abubakar Suleiman, Chief
Executive Officer of Sterling Bank, during a press briefing in Lagos. “For years, Nigerians have paid fees just to move their own money. We’re saying no more.”
Suleiman explained that the decision stems from years of digital transformation. The bank builtba custom callback system capable of handling over five million customers, already processing more than 180 million transactions. It also migrated entirely from a legacy European core to a homegrown platform built for scale, and deployed a private cloud environment with capacity
well beyond current and future demand.
“We’ve engineered a platform that can support 50 times our current customer base without breaking a sweat,” Suleiman added. “It’s time to pass the benefits of that transformation back to the people.”
The zero-transfer-fee policy applies exclusively to users of OneBank, Sterling’s flagship digital app. New customers who sign up before April 30 will also receive a complimentary AfriGo debit card and lifetime access to fee-free transfers.
This is more than a product update. It’s an economic statement,” Suleiman said. “We are
taking sides with the customer, with the small business owner, with every Nigerian tired of being nickel-and-dimed by the system.”
Obinna Ukachukwu, Growth Executive leading the Consumer and Business Banking
Directorate, said the policy is both a reward for loyal customers and an invitation to new ones.
“We owe this to the customers who stuck with us through our transformation journey,”
Ukachukwu said. “We are also opening the door to anyone ready to bank differently. If you join us in April, you’re family, so you get the same lifetime benefits.”
He added that Sterling’s next steps would involve layering on even more value in the months ahead, targeting both individuals and businesses with tools that improve financial wellbeing and fuel economic growth.
“We still bear a portion of the transaction costs, including fees payable to other banks. But we’re doing this because we believe it’s right. And if others in the industry follow suit, we all win,” Ukachukwu concluded.
About Sterling Bank
Sterling Bank is a forward-thinking financial institution committed to transforming lives through innovative solutions, exceptional service, unwavering integrity and a steadfast focus on it’s HEART strategy. As pioneers in digital banking and financial inclusion, Sterling continues to lead by example, proving that purpose-driven leadership can unlock transformative outcomes for individuals, businesses, and society at large.
Online Poster by — April 11, 2025 in News 0
Enugu State Electricity Commission Issues Fresh Power License

Enugu State Electricity Commission issues fresh 5MW Power license, says more under wayLarryBravo Nwaiwu
In yet another milestone in its regulatory efforts to boost electricity supply in the state, the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, EERC, has issued a 5MW power generation license to Tempo Power Solutions Ltd to set up a gas-fired plant.
This brings to a total of 15MW, the worth of power generation licenses issued by EERC since the successful completion of the transfer of regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, to the agency on October 22, 2024, a feat it was the first state to achieve.
Speaking during the issuance of the license at the EERC office in Enugu, Thursday, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Chijioke Okonkwo, said the milestone reflected the growing confidence that private sector players and investors reposed in the Enugu State electricity sector and in the enabling environment created for electricity business to thrive.
“Tempo Power swiftly took advantage of this opportunity offered by the conducive investment climate in Enugu State, engaged an off-taker and successfully completed the application process for the generation license.
“Their project is a model of proactive engagement and strategic partnership, and the successful deployment of this 5MW power plant is a collective win for all of us. We are confident that as the market grows, Tempo Power will continue to scale up its capacity.
“We acknowledge that this transformation was initiated by the visionary leadership of Governor Peter Mbah through the articulation of the Enugu State Electricity Policy 2023 and the enactment of the Enugu State Electricity Law also in 2023.
“Since we successfully completed the transfer of regulatory oversight from the national regulator (NERC) to EERC on 22nd October 2024, we have issued interim licenses, including an interim distribution license to Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited and a 10MW generation license to Fedikore Limited.
We have successfully resolved over 60 customer complaint issues and we are equally reviewing four license applications covering generation, electricity distribution and electricity retail,” he stated.
While recognising the arduous work ahead, the EERC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders – electricity providers, policymakers, financiers, and communities – to deliver reliable, accessible, and sustainable power across the State.
He, therefore, advised other would-be investors to emulate Tempo Power by taking advantage of the abundant energy sources in the state and increasingly business-friendly environment being created by the Mbah Administration.
“Enugu State is open for energy business. We invite investors and developers to harness the wealth of natural energy resources in the State. The enabling environment fostered by the Government has made investment decisions easier and more attractive.
“Enugu State has witnessed transformative improvements that support the electricity sector development, including major upgrades in access roads and infrastructure, enhanced security of lives and property, targeted socio-economic initiatives, among others. These developments form the bedrock for electricity investment and most will serve as anchor loads to extend electricity to our underserved and unserved communities across the State.
“Today, we celebrate with Tempo Power Solutions. And soon, we will also celebrate with other licensees whose applications are undergoing review – across generation, distribution, and retailing of electricity,” Okonkwo concluded.
In his remark, the Exective Director of Tempo Power, Mr Collins Kalabare, commended Mbah for setting the pace in what states could do to solve Nigeria’s energy problem, and the EERC for running a professional and transparent system where investors do not need to know anybody to get things done fast.
“I must appreciate the EERC for the professional, business-minded and openness of their processes and operations. The process is seamless and you do not need to know anybody.
“EERC is indeed working according to the vision and speed of Gov Peter Mbah, who we have learnt is in a hurry to develop and make Enugu State*s economy grow and uplift the general status of residents and businesses.
“As a reputable and responsible company, we will be offering uninterrupted electricity supply, cost reflective tariff and electricity supply meant to add value to commercial and residential concerns as well as grow businesses and general economy of the state,” Kalabari said.
Online Poster by — April 11, 2025 in News 0
Anambra’s ‘Solution Lens’: Bridging the Gap Between Government and the Governed

In a bold move to further deepen transparency and accountability in governance, the Anambra State Government has launched Open Government Partnership (OGP) Action Plan 2, with the unveiling of a tech-driven platform named ‘Solution Lens’. Designed as a citizen-interface tool, the Solution Lens is a response to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s open government promise; a pledge rooted in the need for a people-centric administration that is accessible, responsive, and participatory.
Unveiled in Awka on April 8, and co-hosted by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning alongside the Anambra State ICT Agency, the event marked a significant step in narrowing the communication gap between government and citizens.
According to the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, the new platform signifies “a new era in Anambra where openness in governance is key.” She emphasized that one of the Governor’s core campaign commitments was to create transparent governance systems where “everybody would be carried along.”
At its core, the Solution Lens is a real-time digital interface designed to provide information about government projects, policies, and development sites. Citizens can now search by ministry or sector, and access verified data on infrastructural developments, budget allocations, and completed or ongoing initiatives.
Mr. Castro Ideke of the ICT Agency noted during a demonstration that the platform enables residents to directly engage government agencies by searching key terms or ministries, from health and education to lands and transportation, and retrieve necessary updates without bureaucratic bottlenecks. “This is how the people can shape governance to their taste,” he said.
In a state like Anambra, where Governor Soludo’s administration has in just three years initiated and completed dozens of roads, school rehabilitations, market infrastructure, digital reforms, and healthcare upgrades, the need for structured citizen feedback and information flow is more critical than ever. The Solution Lens offers a modernized portal to project these achievements transparently.
For instance, the successful construction of over 450 kilometres of roads and another 300 kilometres ongoing, are often unnoticed in remote parts of the state due to lack of awareness. The Solution Lens now offers a space where such projects are properly documented, with geo-tagged locations, timelines, and status updates.
Similarly, the rollout of Soludo’s Education Transformation Agenda, including the digital teacher recruitment process and massive school rehabilitation in public primary and secondary schools, can be tracked by users in real-time, ensuring community ownership of these reforms.
The Solution Lens essentially promotes a two-way communication system. It does not only inform citizens but also allows them to report anomalies, raise questions, or make suggestions. This kind of feedback loop is rare in conventional government settings where policies are top-down and often lack feedbacks.
Involving stakeholders like Town Union representatives, Civil Liberty Organizations, and community leaders at the OGP launch was a clear indication that grassroots ownership is a major target of the initiative. These groups can help relay digital feedback for less tech-savvy citizens.
While the platform presents immense promise, accessibility remains a challenge. The average Anambra resident, especially in rural communities, might not own a smartphone, nor have the digital literacy to navigate such platforms.
According to a 2023 NBS survey, over 58% of rural households in South East Nigeria lack access to smartphones or mobile internet, and a significant portion of the population remains semi-literate. This digital divide could stifle the effectiveness of the Solution Lens if alternative, non-digital access points are not created.
The State Government should therefore consider deploying community ICT kiosks, partnering with religious institutions, local government councils, and youth groups to democratize access to the platform. Additionally, periodic town hall sensitizations using local languages will be critical to ensuring no one is left behind.
As Anambra charts a new course toward e-governance, the Solution Lens can become a beacon of participatory governance, if well implemented. For a government that has shown significant delivery of people-oriented projects, the tool is both a showcase and accountability portal.
However, true success will depend not just on innovation, but on inclusive outreach, continuous feedback, and the political will to act on the voice of the people. The Soludo administration, already known for its bold reforms, has an opportunity to make Anambra a model for open governance in Nigeria not just in idea, but in impact.
Online Poster by — April 11, 2025 in News 0
MAN President Applauds BAT’s Role In Nigeria’s Manufacturing Growth, Sustainability

MAN President Applauds BAT's Role In Nigeria's Manufacturing Growth, Sustainability | The RevealerThe President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Otunba Francis Meshioye alongside  the Director-General, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, on a courtesy visit applauded British American Tobacco (BAT) for its significant contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, emphasizing the company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in fostering a more resilient economy.

The visit to BAT factory in Ibadan underscores the companies critical role as a dedicated member of MAN and also highlighted the organisations ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between the government and the manufacturing sector.
Meshioye, while on the visit, commended BAT for it’s high operational standards and commitment to excellence.
“From the moment we arrived at BAT’s facility, the company’s dedication to safety, quality, and innovation was palpable. As we embarked on the comprehensive Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) induction process, it became clear that BAT places a high priority on workplace safety and employee welfare. The induction highlighted several initiatives, ranging from rigorous safety training sessions to regular health checks and the incorporation of cutting-edge technology to monitor and mitigate potential hazards. BAT’s strong commitment to these principles fosters a secure and healthy work environment, setting a benchmark for others in the industry says Meshioye.”
Echoing the prevailing sentiment, Ajayi-Kadir, the Director General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), expressed deep admiration for British American Tobacco (BAT) for its unwavering resilience and steadfast commitment to the Nigerian manufacturing sector. Despite the challenges posed by a complex and often shifting regulatory environment, BAT has demonstrated an exemplary ability to adapt and thrive. Ajayi-Kadir noted that such dedication not only fortifies the company’s position within the industry but also serves as a beacon of stability and innovation, inspiring other manufacturers to persevere. This resilience is particularly significant in today’s economic climate, where external pressures and regulatory uncertainties are at an all-time high. BAT’s ability to maintain its core values while navigating these challenges speaks volumes about its long-term vision and investment in the Nigerian economy, making it a quintessential model for sustainable manufacturing practices in the region.
“BAT stands out as a responsible and committed member of MAN, effectively addressing industry challenges. The government needs to support businesses that adhere to regulations, and BAT exemplifies this commitment. We deeply appreciate BAT’s substantial contributions to the manufacturing sector and encourage the company to continue it’s effort,” he added.
The visit coincided with BAT’s celebration of an impressive milestone: for years of zero lost-time incidents at the factory which highlights BAT’s robust safety culture and operational excellence, setting a benchmark within the industry.
The visiting delegation participated in a guided factory tour, donning protective gear to witness BAT’s advanced production processes firsthand.
Hasnain Ishtiaq, BAT’s Operations Director, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustainability and employee welfare.

“At BAT, we are dedicated to building A Better Tomorrow by prioritising employee safety, minimising our environmental impact, and embracing sustainable practices. Our mission is to continue innovating and leading the industry while upholding responsible manufacturing standards,” he stated.

Ishtiaq highlighted BAT’s legacy since its founding in 1902, noting its presence in Nigeria since 1912 and the commissioning of the Ibadan facility in 2003.

“With ₦500 billion in tax remittances (2018–2024), we have created over 350,000 jobs and strengthened Nigeria’s economy,” he said.

He emphasised that the Ibadan factory, with 16 production lines, generates up to $110 million in foreign exchange annually.

“This visit and MAN’s endorsement reaffirms BAT’s role as a strategic manufacturing partner committed to innovation, safety, and sustainability,” he concluded.

Online Poster by — April 11, 2025 in Industry 0