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All Posts in "Day: December 15, 2025"

4 Innovators pitch At NIA Innovation Lab Demo-Day

 The Nigerian Association (NIA) on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, unveiled four Innovators, namely: Bunce, Mycover.ai, Riwe Technologies and SEAMFIX as finalists to pitch their improved solutions designed for the 2025 NIA Innovation Lab Demo-Day.
The start-ups showcased their solutions to insurers, investors, and industry leaders for potential adoption, partnership and investment at the Insurers House, Victoria Island in Lagos.
In his welcome address, the NIA Chairman, Mr Kunle Ahmed, said that the gathering was not only to showcase groundbreaking ideas but also to reaffirm the insurance industry’s unwavering commitment to innovation as the cornerstone of our future.
Ahmed, also Managing Director of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, represented by the NIA Deputy Chairperson and Managing Director of REX Insurance Ltd., Mrs Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, stated that though insurance has always been about trust, resilience, and protection, in today’s rapidly evolving world, these values must be delivered through new channels, technologies, and mindsets.
He noted that innovation is no longer optional; it is the lifeblood of relevance in a digital economy, encompassing Technology integration, Customer-centric solution, and Data-driven insights.
According to him, the 2025 NIA Innovation Lab was established as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and experimentation. It is a space where ideas are tested, partnerships are forged, and solutions are scaled for startups and insurers collaborating, talent development, and practical impact.
The NIA Chairman said: “Our commitment to innovation is not a slogan; it is a pledge. A pledge to invest in research and development that keeps us ahead of global trends, champion regulatory frameworks that encourage experimentation while protecting consumers.
“Build resilience in the face of climate change, cyber risks, and emerging global challenges. We envision an insurance industry that is inclusive, digital, and adaptive. One that empowers individuals, businesses, and communities to thrive in the face of uncertainty.
Commenting, Mr Ahmed Abba Metteden of the Innovation Hub, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) lauded the NIA for the feat, noting that NAICOM takes innovation very seriously, hence its collaboration with FSD Africa and UNDP to create the Insuretech guideline and soundbox.
Also, the Chairman of the 2025 NIA Innovation Lab Committee, Mr Babatunde Fajemirokun, explained that the NIA Innovation Lab was established as a collaborative platform to accelerate transformation of the insurance industry.
Fajemirokun, also Managing Director of AIICO Insurance Plc, said the Lab is designed to nurture ideas, incubate solutions, and provide a safe space for experimentation.
He expressed that the NIA conducted the 2025 Insurance Innovation Survey, which provided valuable insights into the current state of the industry and revealed encouraging progress that insurers are increasingly adopting digital channels, exploring microinsurance solutions, and leveraging data analytics to better understand customer needs.
“Yet, the survey also highlighted persistent challenges: low penetration, trust deficits, and the need for more customer-centric products. These findings remind us that while we have made strides, much work remains to be done to fully unlock the potential of insurance as a driver of financial inclusion and economic resilience.
“By bringing together insurers, regulators, technology partners, and startups, the Lab fosters co-creation and ensures that innovation is not just a buzzword, but a practical pathway to delivering affordable, accessible, and relevant insurance products to Nigerians.
“Since its inception, the Lab has hosted ideation sessions, hackathons, and capacity-building workshops. We have seen promising prototypes emerge, solutions that leverage artificial intelligence for claims processing, blockchain for policy authentication, and mobile-first platforms for reaching underserved communities.
“These initiatives demonstrate the creativity and resilience of our ecosystem, and they affirm that Nigerian insurance can indeed be reimagined to meet the demands of the digital age,” he said.
Fajemirokun urged all insurance stakeholders to engage with open minds, challenge assumptions, and support the innovators who are daring to chart new paths, adding that together, we can ensure that insurance in Nigeria evolves into a sector that is dynamic, trusted, and indispensable to our nation’s prosperity.
The NIA Director General, Mrs Bola Odukale, in her remark, said that innovation is not about technology alone, but about people. It is about building trust, expanding access, and creating solutions that matter.
Odukale noted that the NIA Innovation Lab was established as a collaborative platform to accelerate transformation of the insurance industry.
“By bringing together insurers, regulators, technology partners, and startups, the Lab fosters co-creation and ensures that innovation is not just a buzzword, but a practical pathway to delivering affordable, accessible, and relevant insurance products to Nigerians.
“Together, we will ensure that the Nigerian insurance industry remains a beacon of progress, resilience, and innovation,” the DG said.
Other dignitaries at the event included: Mrs Yetunde Illori, President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Governing Council members of the NIA, Managing Directors of NIA member companies and representative of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), among others.
Online Poster by — December 15, 2025 in News
AIICO Unveils Its New Identity, Reimagining the Future of Protection

AIICO Insurance Plc has officially unveiled its refreshed brand identity, marking a significant milestone in its evolution as one of Nigeria’s most trusted and established insurance institutions. The brand refresh signals renewed energy, youthfulness and innovation, while reinforcing the company’s longstanding commitment to trust, reliability and exceptional customer experience.

 

The unveiling, which took place on Friday, December 12, brings to life a revitalised visual and experiential identity designed to reflect modernity, optimism and relevance in a rapidly evolving marketplace. The refreshed brand is a representation of AIICO’s forward-thinking vision—one that connects with today’s dynamic consumers without losing touch with the values that have sustained it for over six decades.

 

AIICO serves a diverse customer base spanning multiple generations, from long-standing policyholders who have built their trust over years, to younger, digitally-savvy customers seeking flexible, accessible, and future-focused financial protection. The new identity embraces this broad spectrum, positioning AIICO as a brand that evolves with its customers while remaining rooted in its legacy of dependability and service excellence.

 

Speaking at the unveil, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AIICO Insurance Plc., described the brand refresh as both a strategic and cultural shift for the organisation.

 

“Today’s unveiling represents more than a new look; it represents a renewed mindset,” the MD said. “We have refreshed our identity to reflect the vibrancy, resilience and forward momentum of our brand. While our appearance has evolved, our promise remains unchanged: to protect, to serve, and to continually place the customer at the centre of everything we do. This refresh reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative, reliable solutions for this generation and the next.”

 

Also commenting on the unveiling, the Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO), Mr. Olusanjo Shodimu, emphasised the brand’s alignment with AIICO’s digital transformation and innovation agenda.

“The refreshed brand is a true reflection of where AIICO is headed,” Mr. Shodimu said. “It mirrors our focus on digital enablement, smarter processes and more connected experiences for our customers and partners. We are building an organisation that is agile, tech-driven and deeply responsive to changing customer expectations. This new identity is a visual and strategic signal that AIICO is ready for the future.”

 

The rebrand extends across AIICO’s digital platforms, office environments, customer touchpoints and communication materials, ensuring a consistent, modern and engaging experience for stakeholders at every point of contact.

 

With this unveiling, AIICO Insurance Plc strengthens its position as a brand that combines legacy with innovation, tradition with transformation, and trust with renewed vitality – ready, more than ever, to serve its customers, partners and communities with excellence.

 

AIICO Insurance is a leading composite insurer in Nigeria, with over six decade’s record of accomplishment in delivering quality service to its clients. Founded in 1963, AIICO provides life and general insurance, health insurance, and investment management services to create and protect wealth for individuals, families, and corporate customers.

Online Poster by — December 15, 2025 in Insurance and Pension
Polaris Bank, Evolve Charity Trust Empower 1,000 Students With School Essentials

Polaris Bank, in partnership with Evolve Charity Trust, has successfully concluded its 2025 nationwide distribution of school essentials to 1,000 students across ten public secondary schools in five states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The initiative is part of the Bank’s sustained Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to keep more children, especially the girl child, in school.
This year’s exercise adds to a growing intervention that has supported more than 24,000 students in public schools across 49 locations since 2021.
This year’s beneficiaries received a complete learning kit consisting of a school uniform, school bag, a pair of sandals, six exercise books and pens. According to school authorities, these materials continue to improve attendance, boost confidence and support academic performance.
In delivering the programme, Polaris Bank also stimulated the local economy by sourcing uniforms from local tailors, procuring books from bookshops and purchasing sandals and bags from community traders, thereby supporting small businesses across the beneficiary states.
Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kayode Lawal, reaffirmed the Bank’s five-year promise to champion the education of Nigeria’s girl child, noting that the materials are symbols of belief in the students’ potential to become scholars, innovators and future leaders.
School administrators across the country expressed gratitude for the timely support, noting that the essentials meet real and urgent needs, ease the burden on families and positively impact academic performance. Many students come from homes where parents cannot afford these items and the gesture has restored pride among beneficiaries.
Representatives of the Bank reiterated their commitment to improving access to education, championing access to quality learning, and encouraging students to make the best use of the materials and stay committed to success.
The 2025 distribution covered the following schools: Government Girls Secondary School, Kundila, Kano; Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja; Government Junior Secondary School, Area 10, Garki, Abuja; Fortune Secondary School, Lokoja, Kogi State; National High School, Arondizuogu, Imo State; Iheme Memorial Secondary School, Iheme, Imo State; Akokwa High School, Akokwa, Imo State; Opebi Junior Grammar School, Opebi, Lagos; Gbaja Girls Junior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos; and Gbaja Girls Senior Secondary School, Surulere, Lagos.
Expressing gratitude for the timely support, Hajiya Aisha Shehu Yakasai, Principal of Government Girls Secondary School in Kundila, Kano, said the essentials “meet real and urgent needs” and have eased the burden on families. Aso, Madam Maji-Abu Omanyo Esther, Principal of Fortune Secondary School, Lokoja, described the gesture as one that “brought joy and will positively impact academic performance.”
Commending the Bank for restoring pride among beneficiaries, Mrs. Erdoo Lortyom, Vice Principal at Model Junior Secondary School, Maitama, Abuja, noted that many students come from homes where parents cannot afford these items while Mrs. Dabiri Nwabuoku Adetoun Iyabo, Principal of Gbaja Girls Junior and Senior Secondary Schools, Surulere, thanked Polaris Bank for its “consistent yearly gesture,” assuring that the materials will be put to excellent use.
Representatives of the Bank reiterated their commitment to improving access to education.
In Kano, Branch Head, Mr. Madiebo Godwin, reaffirmed the Bank’s dedication to “championing access to quality learning,” while in Lokoja, Business Development Manager, David Ojonugwa, encouraged students to “make the best use of the materials and stay committed to success.”
Speaking in Imo State, the Bank’s Business Development Manager for Urualla Branch, Mr. Peter Nnamani, urged students to aim high, noting that every career dream “begins with dedication in school.”
Project Manager of Evolve Charity Trust, Mr. Godwin Ejeh, noted that investing in a child’s education “lights a candle that brightens entire communities,” noting the ripple effect witnessed across states visited during the distribution.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 5: Gender Equality, by promoting inclusive access to education and reducing gender-based barriers that keep girls out of school.
Polaris Bank affirmed its continued commitment to partnering with credible development organisations to deliver sustainable educational impact across Nigeria.
Online Poster by — December 15, 2025 in News
Leadway Launches First Ever Lifestyle Fair To Empower And Spotlight Young Entrepreneurs

 

Amaka Obiefuna

 

 

Leadway, one of Nigeria’s top non-banking financial services and wellbeing providers, has announced Media Dash 3.0. This edition features the first-ever Leadway Lifestyle Fair, a physical engagement platform designed to give young Nigerian SMEs a more robust platform to showcase their brands, connect with target markets, and gain visibility that will help them scale their businesses.

 

The two-day event will take place from Saturday, 27th December to Sunday, 28th December at L’eola Hotel, Maryland, Lagos. It will feature brand showcases, vendor exhibitions, SME spotlights and partnerships, live music, youth engagements, and a kiddies’ corner for family activities. This creates a vibrant and engaging experience for all attendees.

 

Media Dash is one of Leadway’s frontline support initiatives, spotlighting young Nigerian entrepreneurs by freely ceding its flagship advertising assets and media slots to help businesses build awareness and scale. Past editions have empowered youth-owned enterprises by promoting their brands nationwide on digital and offline channels at no cost, helping entrepreneurs increase their reach and engagement across audiences.

 

Building on this, Media Dash 3.0 evolves beyond visibility and media slot campaigns to deliver an immersive lifestyle and community brand experience. This edition introduces the Leadway Lifestyle Fair, designed to drive even greater impact and strengthen the brand’s strategic positioning as an SME-empowering partner.

 

 

On behalf of Leadway Group, Olusakin Labeodan, the Chief Executive Officer of Leadway Pensure PFA, spoke about the initiative’s goal. He said: “Media Dash initiative aligns with our well-programmed support for Nigerian SMEs. With the newly introduced Lifestyle Fair, this offer small businesses a wider platform to physically connect with new customers and boost their visibility, all at no cost. Our entire business ecosystem is built around providing support and succour to businesses and individuals, and this affirms that commitment.”

 

At the Lifestyle Fair, participating SMEs get free exhibition space to showcase and sell products to a larger, engaged audience. Entrepreneurs interested in exhibiting can apply through Leadway Holdings’ Instagram page by Monday, 15th December 2025.
About Leadway Group

 

Leadway is a financial services group with a strong market presence and expertise in insurance, pensions, asset management, trusteeship, and investment solutions. Since 1970, Leadway has grown from a traditional insurer into a broad-based platform with interests across general and life insurance, pensions, wealth management, health insurance, and hospitality. For more than five decades, the Group has been known for reliability, integrity, innovation, and strong governance. It provides solutions that help individuals and institutions protect, grow, and transfer wealth. Today, Leadway oversees a portfolio of businesses and is considered one of Nigeria’s most trusted and resilient financial services groups.

Online Poster by — December 15, 2025 in News
Supreme Court Rules In Favour Of Fidelity Bank In Sagecom Case

 

 

Amaka Obiefuna

 

A five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Lawal Garba, on Friday ruled in favor of Fidelity Bank in its appeal against Sagecom Concepts Limited. Given previous rulings, this marks a significant victory for Fidelity Bank in a long-running legal dispute.

 

The judgment brings definitive closure to a legacy case that has attracted attention across the financial sector for more than two decades.

 

In a motion dated October 8, 2025, Fidelity Bank sought clarification from the Supreme Court, requesting a consequential order that the judgment debt be paid in Naira. The bank also asked that the interest rate be set at 19.5% per annum rather than 19.5% compounded daily. Additionally, it prayed that the exchange rate used for conversion be the rate on the date of the High Court judgment, in line with the Supreme Court’s decision in Anibaba v. Dana Airlines.

 

Fidelity Bank further requested that the judgment debt be fixed at ₦30,197,286,603.13 and that interest on this amount be payable at 19.5% per annum until full settlement.

 

In a ruling delivered by Justice Adamu Jauro, the apex court granted the bank’s first three prayers but declined the fourth and fifth. As a result, the judgment sum will be paid in Naira at an annual interest rate of 19.5%, rather than the daily compounded rate previously awarded by the High Court. The Supreme Court also affirmed that the applicable exchange rate should be that of the date of the High Court judgment, consistent with its earlier decision in Anibaba v. Dana Airlines.

 

The dispute originated from a legacy transaction involving the former FSB International Bank, which merged with Fidelity Bank in 2005. It stemmed from a 2002 credit facility extended to G. Cappa Plc and subsequent legal proceedings tied to the collateral.

 

This ruling provides finality to years of litigation and confirms a significantly lower liability than the ₦225 billion previously speculated in some quarters. It aligns with Fidelity Bank’s consistent computation and materially contradicts earlier estimates.

 

Throughout the case, Fidelity Bank’s share price remained stable, reflecting investor confidence in its strong governance framework, prudent risk management, and robust financial fundamentals. Industry experts believe the judgment reinforces the bank’s financial strength and commitment to transparent, responsible governance.

 

When approached for comment, Fidelity Bank representatives declined to speak on the matter but expressed gratitude to the Supreme Court for bringing clarity and closure to the case.

Online Poster by — December 15, 2025 in News
Union  Bank Honoured As Best In Workplace Practice At Prestigious Seras Awards

L-R: Head, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Union Bank, Olufisayo Adelekun; Chairman, Wonder Energy, Engr. Toju Koso; Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Union Bank, Olufunmilola Aluko, Team Lead, External Communication, Union Bank, Favour Ayeni; Executive Asst, Corporate Communication and Marketing, Union Bank, Boluwatife Lawal; Products and Partnerships Specialist, Union Bank, Oghenemaro Ebrorhie; Team Lead, Digital Marketing, Union Bank, Abisola Oluyede; and Customer Service Partner, Union Bank, Eduvie Ejakpomewhe during the Award presentation to Union Bank for Best Company in Workplace Practice at the 2025 SERAS Awards held at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lagos recently.
Amaka Obiefuna
 Union Bank of Nigeria has secured another prestigious accolade, being named Best Company in Workplace Practice at the Sustainability, Enterprise and Responsibility Awards. The ceremony took place on Saturday 29 November 2025 at the Grand Ballroom, Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
This significant achievement follows a comprehensive assessment by SERAS multinational independent judges who rigorously evaluated applicants’ Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainability initiatives.
Union Bank received nominations across four categories: SERAS Education Intervention of the Year, Best Company in Workplace Practice, Best in Gender Equity and Women Empowerment, and Best Company in Reporting and Transparency. The Bank also achieved first runner up positions in both the Gender Equity and Women Empowerment and Educational Intervention categories, highlighting the strength of its commitment to these critical areas.
The Bank’s award-winning workplace practices reflect its holistic people-first philosophy that transcends conventional human resources functions. Union Bank has created an inclusive, rewarding and high performing work environment that establishes new benchmarks for Nigeria’s financial sector.
Key initiatives that distinguished Union Bank include the introduction of five months fully paid maternity leave exceeding statutory requirements, and the establishment of an onsite crèche at its head office to support work life balance and improve female retention. The Bank also recorded its highest promotion rate in ten years with 24 per cent of employees advancing across departments, demonstrating a robust meritocratic culture. A significant 40 per cent salary increase further enhanced employee financial wellbeing, reduced economic pressures and boosted productivity.
Judges recognised Union Bank’s initiatives for generating substantial social value, particularly in advancing gender equality through comprehensive maternity benefits aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 5. Enhanced wellness programmes featuring mental health support and flexible working arrangements fostered a more inclusive workplace, improving overall staff wellbeing. The Bank’s prioritisation of employee and family needs created positive ripple effects throughout the broader community.
Commenting on the award, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank, stated:
“Our workplace initiatives are firmly anchored in our triple pillar model of Citizenship, Sustainability and Innovation, which underpins our commitment to responsible financial, environmental and socio-economic development. This framework empowers us to champion best practices across the sector. The measurable outcomes, including enhanced employee satisfaction, increased productivity and significant progress in gender inclusion, demonstrate the strength and adaptability of our approach. We are confident these efforts will continue driving positive social transformation across Nigeria. Union Bank is deeply honoured by this recognition from SERAS and all sustainability stakeholders, and we remain dedicated to advancing these vital initiatives.”
Now in its nineteenth year, SERAS has consistently established the benchmark for corporate social responsibility and sustainability excellence. This year’s edition, themed “Sustainability 2.0: Innovating for Impact and Inclusive Growth”, celebrated corporate entities and leaders who pushed creative, technological and strategic boundaries to deliver measurable community and industry impact.
Union Bank’s workplace initiatives provide a robust model worthy of replication both within and beyond the financial sector, setting a new standard for responsible corporate citizenship in Nigeria.
Online Poster by — December 15, 2025 in News
Ayodele Urge Nigerians Not To Panic, With New Tax Reform Deductions From Customers Account Is False

Mr Taiwo Ayodele (m), speaking during the worrkshop

By Fidelia Okafor 

Nigerians panic as the new tax law is about to kick-off January 2026, claiming that lots of deductions of money will be done by the banks directly from customers account by early next year.

The Chairman, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, Taiwo Oyedele Thursday dispelled the rumours of possible deductions of money directly from customers’  bank accounts.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on June 26, 2025, signed four landmark  tax reforms bill into law, providing a transition period for individuals, as well as businesses to prepare for the comprehensive changes.

Oyedele disclosed this during a one-day media workshop, designed to provide insights to support accurate and impactful reporting, reassured Nigerians not to panic or entertain any fear over the new tax regime, stating that claims of such possible deductions are not true but false, capable of destabilising the nation’s economy.

Oyedele, as a fiscal policy expert appointed by the federal government to overhaul the nation’s tax system, said that the committee focuses on fairness, efficiency, and economic growth by simplifying taxes, offering relief to low income earners while promoting compliance.

Speaking, he stated that the new tax reform would help businesses to reduce risks while harmonising multiple taxes.

“The tax reform will be fair to small business, guarantee economic stability and growth”, he stated while adding that it would equally boost investors confidence.

On households, he said the reform would guarantee wage rewards, import, as well as tax suspension on fuel products.

Low-income earners would also be exempted while reducing rates for middle class workers.

Also, it would create more opportunities to small businesses and start-ups.

The new tax regime would also improve credit rating, lower deficit and cost of debts, as revenue mobilisation would improve tax to Gross Domestic Product, GDP, ratio. It will help non-oil revenue to perform optimally.

It’s economic road map include; ensuring legal, institutional and readiness for the reforms.

Key actions include gazetting and publishing new acts and make them available online and in print.

The federal government would soon establish the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS); the Joint Revenue Board and the Office of the Tax Ombud, thus phasing-out the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

To achieve all these, the Committee intends to engage with key stakeholders to seek inputs for the implementation of the tax reform laws, including relevant agencies, professional bodies, and sector associations among others.

It equally intends to create more awareness and equip institutions, taxpayers, and professionals for smooth implementations of the regime.

Online Poster by — December 15, 2025 in News
Enugu Govt Approves Construction, Reconstruction Of 1,022 Urban Roads

Enugu approves construction, reconstruction of 1,022 urban roads |LarryBravo Nwaiwu
The Enugu State Government has approved the construction and reconstruction of 1,022 urban roads in line with Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s target to pave all the roads in Enugu metropolis before the end of his first term in office.
This was made known at the end of the Enugu State Executive Council meeting at the weekend.
Briefing Government House correspondents, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo; Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Osita Okoh; and Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Industry, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, said that the Executive Council also approved the Business Enabling Reform Action Plan for 2026, as well as a series of events for an unforgettable “Detty December” experience marking the forthcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Throwing more light on the 1,022 roads, Okoh said it was an effort to maximise the dry season window, ensuring that contracts were awarded early and contractors mobilised to the various sites from January 2026.
“We have done the first phase, which was over 90 roads. We have also done phase two, which also exceeded the earlier planned 141 urban roads. So, we are now in phase three. Here, we are going to award contracts that will cover all the roads that are yet to be paved in Enugu metropolis.
“These roads cut across New GRA, Old GRA, Emene Zone, Abakpa Zone, Thinkers Corner, Airport Corner, Upper Meniru in Awkunanaw, Idaw River Layout, Gariki, Maryland, Achara Layout, Uwani, One Day and Upper One Day, Trans Ekulu, Independence Layout, Independence Layout Phase II, Coal Camp Zone, Pocket Layout, as well as Ogui and Asata Zone, among other places. We want to cover the uncovered areas roads in the Enugu metropolis,” he said.
On his part, Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo explained that the Business Enabling Reform Action Plan for 2026 was aimed at enhancing the Enugu business-friendly ecosystem, having achieved a major leap from 36th position to 6th position in the national ease of doing business survey.
“Three years ago, Enugu was ranked 36th out of 37 (36 states and the FCT). But presently, it has performed well in the ease of doing business rankings. This translates to more robust engagements with the private sector and increased investment inflow into the state. So, as you enhance your environment through processes that are transparent and predictable in land administration, tax administration, permits, and business-to-government interfaces, you get more capital inflow,” he stated.
Online Poster by — December 15, 2025 in News
Regulators Tasked On Effective ISA 2025 Execution To Strengthen Capital Market

President of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Moses Igbrude, has emphasised the need for efficient and impartial implementation of the Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2025 to drive sustainable growth in the nation’s capital market.

 

 

Speaking at the 2025 yearly conference of the Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) held in Lagos, Igbrude highlighted that for ISA 2025 to achieve its full potential, regulators must not only enforce the law independently but also build the capacity to oversee all its provisions effectively.

 

According to Igbrude, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) should exercise a regulatory role with fairness and foresight, allowing market operators the freedom to execute their business activities without interference, while ensuring that compliance and governance standards are maintained at the highest level.

 

He stressed that regulators must build and sustain the capacity to effectively manage every aspect of ISA 2025, from emerging digital assets to traditional investment instruments, ensuring that the law is not only enforced in the short term but embedded into long-term strategic planning.

 

Highlighting the importance of infrastructure, Igbrude pointed out that the development of a fully integrated and synchronized ecosystem is essential to facilitate seamless market operations.
He envisioned a one-stop platform where all stakeholders, including investors, operators, and regulators, can interact efficiently from the initiation to the conclusion of every transaction.

 

Such infrastructure, he noted, would eliminate operational bottlenecks, enhance transparency, and create a cohesive environment that fosters innovation, efficiency, and trust across the market.
Igbrude also placed significant emphasis on investor protection, particularly for minority and core shareholders, noting that safeguarding their interests is fundamental to cultivating confidence and participation in the capital market.

 

He advocated for mandatory representation of minority shareholders on corporate boards, ensuring that their voices are heard in key decision-making processes.

 

This, he argued, would strengthen corporate governance, reduce the risk of exploitation, and provide a more equitable distribution of power within market institutions.
Beyond regulatory enforcement and infrastructure, Igbrude stressed that effective implementation of ISA 2025 requires education, awareness, and collaboration among all market participants.

 

He said there is need for investors to understand their rights while operators and regulators recognize their responsibilities and consistently demonstrate the competence necessary to uphold the law.

By adopting this holistic approach, Igbrude argued that Nigeria could transform its capital market into a dynamic, transparent, and inclusive system capable of supporting long-term economic growth and positioning the country as a model for financial innovation and governance in Africa and beyond.

 

Igbrude emphasized that the promise of ISA 2025 will only be realized through deliberate, coordinated action where independent regulation, strategic capacity building, comprehensive infrastructure, and meaningful investor protection converge to create a market that is efficient, fair, and future-ready.

 

This, he noted, is the pathway to ensuring that Nigeria’s capital market not only meets domestic expectations but also competes effectively on the global market.

Online Poster by — December 15, 2025 in Capital Market
FIRS Clarifies Misconceptions On  FIRS – DGFiP MoU

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has observed recent online commentary, particularly a letter credited to the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with France’s Direction Générale des Finances Publiques (DGFiP).
While we appreciate the public’s vigilance and patriotic concern, it is, however, important to provide clarity on the misconceptions arising from the event.
MoU is a standard, globally recognised cooperation framework focused solely on technical assistance and capacity building. It does not grant France access to Nigerian taxpayers’ data, digital systems, or any element of our operational infrastructure.
All existing Nigerian laws on data protection, cybersecurity, and sovereignty remain fully applicable and strictly enforced. The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), like its predecessor (FIRS), places the highest premium on national security and maintains rigorous standards for the protection of all taxpayers’ information.
Similar MoUs are signed by tax administrations around the world to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the adoption of global best practices.
The DGFiP is among the world’s most advanced tax authorities, with over a century of institutional experience and deep expertise in digital transformation, taxpayer services, governance, and public finance.
This partnership simply enables Nigeria to learn from that experience. It is advisory, non-intrusive, and entirely under Nigeria’s control.
Contrary to misconceptions, the MoU does not displace local technology providers. FIRS and the emerging Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) continue to work closely with Nigerian innovators such as NIBSS, Interswitch, PayStack, and Flutterwave.
The MoU does not include the provision of technical services; it is limited to knowledge sharing, institutional strengthening, workforce development, policy support, and best-practice guidance.
We welcome robust public engagement on tax reforms, but such conversations must reflect the actual content and purpose of the agreement.
Rather than undermining Nigeria’s sovereignty, this MoU strengthens it by helping to build a modern, capable, globally competitive tax administration one firmly in command of its systems, data, and strategic direction.
FIRS remains committed to transparency, professionalism, and partnerships that advance Nigeria’s long-term economic development.
Online Poster by — December 15, 2025 in News