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Abuja, June 2, 2026 -The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) plans to bring about N2.83 trillion currently outside the banking system into formal financial system by 2028. The apex bank also plans to expand financial inclusion by binging 50 million additional Nigerians into the banking system by 2028. Olayemi Cardoso, the governor of the apex bank, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday while unveiling the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028. He said the initiative was not merely about technology or financial transactions but about creating economic opportunities, reducing poverty, and …

Lagos, June 2, 2026 – The Nigerian Commercial Paper (CP) market has changed significantly in recent years. What was once a relatively quiet corner of the Debt Capital Market has gradually become one of the preferred funding channels for corporates seeking short-term financing outside traditional bank lending. At the center of this evolution are three important forces: liquidity, investor confidence, and credit ratings. In a recent interview session, Egie Akpata – Chairman of Skymark Partners- shared insightful perspectives on how these forces are shaping the market and why the growth …

Lagos, June 2, 2026 – When people think about credit ratings, financial indicators such as revenue, profitability, liquidity, and debt repayment capacity usually come to mind first. While these factors remain important, they do not tell the full story. A company may report strong earnings today yet still face pressure on its credit profile because of operational weaknesses capable of threatening future stability. This is why Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) pay close attention not only to financial performance but also to operational risk. Although these risks may initially appear operational, …

Abuja, June 2, 2026 – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has redeployed its four deputy governors with effect from June 1, 2026. The reshuffle is was announced via a post on the apex bank’s official website on Monday. Under the current arrangement, Dr Muhammad Abdullahi, the Deputy Governor in charge of Economic Policy, has been reassigned to the Corporate Services Directorate, while Mr Philip Ikeazor will now be in charge of the Economic Policy Directorate. Ms Emem Usoro, the Deputy Governor in charge of Corporate Services, has been moved to …

Abuja, June 2, 2026 -The Federal Government has directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to stop the compulsory three-month pre-retirement leave, given to officers ahead of their retirement. Mrs. Didi Walson-Jack, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, gave the directive in a circular to ministers, permanent secretaries, service chiefs, heads of agencies and other senior public officials. The circular, titled, “Correct Interpretation of Public Service Rule 120243 on Pre-Retirement Activities,” such provision does not exist in the Public Service Rules (PSR). It said many MDAs had wrongly …

Washington, June 2, 2026 – President Donald Trump sought to downplay the potential collapse of peace talks with Iran, saying the negotiations “started to get very boring” and that he “couldn’t care less” if the talks are over. Trump made the remarks in a June 1 interview with CBNC when asked about reports from Iranian state media that Iran’s negotiators halted communications with the U.S. in response to Israel’s intensifying military campaign in Lebanon. “I don’t care if they’re over, honestly,” Trump said. “I really don’t care.” The setback in negotiations comes …

Lagos, June 2, 2026 – Fidelity Bank’s international subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited, has announced a commitment to support Nigerians – both individuals and corporations – in acquiring properties in the United Kingdom. Fidbank UK, which provides a comprehensive suite of financial services, including trade finance, personal and business banking, treasury services, commercial lending, and private banking, is set to deliver tailored financial solutions for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) seeking to invest in the UK real estate market through its FidBank Buy-to-Let product. This announcement was made at an exclusive product showcase …

Lagos, June 2, 2026 – Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, is set to launch a strategic engagement platform aimed at promoting the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises across Nigeria. Known as the Fidelity Quarterly Business Forum, the initiative is designed to bring together SME business leaders, founders, policymakers and industry experts to discuss business opportunities, economic trends, innovation and sustainable growth strategies. Speaking on the initiative, Ugochi Osinigwe, Divisional Head, Small and Medium-scale Enterprises, Fidelity Bank Plc, said the forum reflects the bank’s commitment to delivering …

Vienna, June 2, 2026 – OPEC+ oil-producing countries will likely agree a ‌further hike in their output target for July when they meet on Sunday, three sources said, though the Iran war has so far prevented several from delivering previous increases. Another quota increase would show the group is approaching business as usual ​despite the disruption caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure and the unexpected exit in ​May of the United Arab Emirates, a member of the Organization of the ⁠Petroleum Exporting Countries for almost 60 years. Seven core members …

Singapore, June 2, 2026 – Oil prices trended lower on Tuesday following the previous session’s sharp gains as ​the market remained cautious about progress in U.S.-Iran peace talks. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday talks with Iran were ongoing, while Tasnim news agency reported earlier that Tehran had suspended indirect negotiations with Washington. Brent crude futures lost 75 cents, or 0.79%, to $94.23 a barrel at 0434 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell 85 cents, or 0.92%, to $91.31 a barrel. Both benchmarks rose more than 5% ​in the previous …