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Access Bank Promotes Cleaner Energy Solutions With Switch to Solar Campaign

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Switch to Solar by Access

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A Switch to Solar by Access campaign designed to promote cleaner energy solutions within communities has been introduced by Access Bank Plc.

The scheme aims to offer affordable financing opportunities to businesses and customers to adopt a cleaner and more reliable source of electricity through solar photovoltaic (PV) and batteries.

At the unveiling in Lagos, the lender stated that the campaign was part of its commitment to the Economic, Social and Governance (ESG) seventh goal of the United Nations (UN) and to also provide a viable alternative source of power supply to customers.

“We needed to assist them to provide alternative ways to power their operations. We all know the cost of the tariff of electricity,” the Regional Sales Director of Access Bank, Mr Bolarinwa Animashaun, said.

Business Post gathered that the product can easily be acquired without pressure on customers and payment can be made for 48 months.

The Switch to Solar by Access campaign will enable businesses to access up to N50 million and individuals N10 million for the financing of Solar Photovoltaic (PV), batteries and inverters along with installation, with a competitive interest rate, flexible repayment period of up to 48 months and as low as 10 per cent equity contribution on invoice value.

“In alignment with our commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development, Access Bank Retail banking aims to promote cleaner energy solutions within our communities.

“Recognizing the critical role that renewable energy plays in reducing carbon footprints and fostering environmental sustainability, we are launching a targeted initiative to facilitate the acquisition of solar power products through flexible financing options with the Switch to solar product.

“We launched the initiative, which ensures that each household can have solar energy, first of all, to reduce costs for them, provide clearer energy and the product will be financed by the bank,” the Group Head of Consumer Banking at Access Bank, Ms Njideka Esomeju, said.

She stated that in ensuring this the bank is in collaboration with credited vendors across the country selling solar products.

“We are collaborating with them to ensure that these are gotten at a good rate. We aim to ensure that all households, commercial businesses and industrial factories are powered by solar,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, the Group Head of W Initiative at Access Bank, Ms Abiodun Olubitan, said that the bank was considering women and women-led businesses in accessing the product at a discounted interest rate to enable them to run their businesses on any scale that they want because they account for about 60 per cent of the country’s over 200 million population.

“We are trying to ensure that this product is also positioned to women’s reach.

“The beauty of it is that we are not just ensuring that we have a clean environment, this is also our way of empowering women,” she stated.

The Unit Head of Consumer Lending at Access Bank, Ms Thelma Luke Nwoye, in her contribution to the objective of the campaign, said, “We want to take this awareness in collaboration with our partners to the doorstep of every community around us, one individual at a time and one cluster at a time.

“We also plan to educate people about the benefit of solar energy and its impact on environmental sustainability.”

She explained that the Bank will finance the entire solar products, right from panels, inverters, batteries and installation, adding that this campaign is very important because it speaks to sustainability, social impact and providing finance for individuals or customers where they can purchase and pay over a period of 12 months to 48 months.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

Banking

Toxic Bank Assets: AMCON Repays CBN N3.6trn, Still Owes N3trn

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AMCON headquarters

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

About N3.6 trillion has been repaid to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) since its inception in 2010.

This information was revealed by the chief executive of AMCON, Mr Gbenga Alade, during a media parley to update the press on the activities of the agency.

Mr Alade said at the moment, the organisation still owes the central bank about N3 trillion for toxic assets of banks in the country.

He praised the organisation for its asset recovery drive, stressing that when compared with others across the world, Nigeria has done well.

“It is important to stress that the corporation has done tremendously well, especially when compared to other notable government-owned Asset Management Corporations around the world.

“Based on the balance at purchase, AMCON outperformed other Asset Management Corporations all over the world by achieving over 87 per cent in recoveries despite the unique challenges associated with debt recovery in Nigeria.

“The Malaysian Danaharta, which is adjudged one of the best performing Asset Management Corporation’s, only achieved 58 per cent. The Chinese Asset Management Corporation, despite its stricter laws, achieved just 33 per cent.

“Only the Korean Asset Management Corporation (KAMCO), South Korea, has achieved more recoveries than AMCON, with about 100 per cent. This was due to their brute force with which they chased the obligors.

“Despite KAMCO’s recovery records, the agency is still operational to date with slight realignments in its mandate.

“Other noted Asset Management Corporations that have transitioned into a perpetual institution of the various governments include, China Asset Management Company, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) USA, and KFW Germany.

“So, gentlemen, without sounding immodest, AMCON has done well, and we will not relent until all the outstanding debts are fully realized,” Mr Alade stated.

On the financial performance of AMCON, he said last year, the firm posted a revenue of N156.25 billion and operating expenses of N29.04 billion, while for the 2025 fiscal year should be a revenue of N215.15 billion and operating expenses of N29.06 billion.

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Banking

The Alternative Bank Opens Effurun Branch in Delta

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The Alternative Bank Effurun

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

One of the non-interest banks in Nigeria, The Alternative Bank (AltBank), has opened a new branch in Effurun, Delta State.

The new office will serve the Edo-Delta region and provide purposeful banking and real financial empowerment for individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses, a statement from the firm stated.

The lender disclosed that the Effurun branch is a bold move in its mission to reshape banking in Nigeria.

The launch was graced by key dignitaries, including the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso Abe I; the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government, Anthony O. Ofoni, represented his vice, Andrew Agagbo; and the Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on Community Development, Mr Ernest Airoboyi; amongst others.

The Divisional Head for South at The Alternative Bank, Mr Chukwuemeka Agada, emphasised the institution’s commitment to Warri and its surrounding communities.

“By establishing a presence here, we are initiating a transformation in the way banking serves the people of Delta. Our purpose-driven approach ensures that customers’ financial goals are not just met but exceeded,” he stated.

“This branch represents our pledge to empower Warri’s dynamic businesses and families, providing them with the tools to grow without compromise,” Mr Agada added.

“We understand the heartbeat of this community, and we are excited to integrate our bank into the fabric of this dynamic region,” he stated further.

On his part, the representative of the Ovie, Mr Samuel Eshenake, challenged the bank to facilitate development and employment within the Effurun community.

The Regional Head for Edo/Delta at The Alternative Bank, Mr Akanni Owolabi, embraced this challenge, pledging that the bank will work sustainably to drive local commerce.

“At The Alternative Bank, we are committed to being an active partner in the development of Effurun. We see this branch as a catalyst for creating opportunities, driving employment, and supporting the growth of local businesses.

“Our mission is to empower this community, ensuring that every step forward is one of progress, prosperity, and shared success.”

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Banking

Payattitude, PAPSSCARD to Co-brand Payment Card

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Payattitude PAPSSCARD Payment Card

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A partnership aimed to enable seamless, real-time and secure transactions for cardholders across Africa and the rest of the world has been entered into by Payattitude and PAPSSCARD, the card scheme initiative of the Pan-African Payment & Settlement System (PAPSS).

The collaboration will allow Payattitude cards issued by banks and other deposit-taking institutions to be co-branded with PAPSSCARD, Discover, Diners and Pulse for acceptance across their networks in Nigeria, Africa and worldwide.

As an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and a key financial infrastructure supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the PAPSSCARD scheme will facilitate instant cross-border payments in local currencies.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to cross-enterprise alliances and enabling inclusive, efficient, and borderless payments across Africa and the world

“With Payattitude, Nigerian cardholders and financial institutions can now enjoy the benefits of a Nigerian card that can be used worldwide,” a director at Payattitude, Dr Agada Apochi, said.

The acting chief executive of PAPSSCARD, Mr John Bosco Sebabi, said the aim is “to connect African payment ecosystems, reduce the cost and inefficiencies of cross-border payments, and strengthen African sovereignty over payments infrastructure.

“Collaborating with Payattitude, a key innovator in Nigeria’s payment space, represents a significant step towards a more unified African payment landscape.”

The chief executive of PAPSS, Mr Mike Ogbalu, said, “By bringing together PAPSSCARD’s robust cross-border payment capabilities with Payattitude’s leadership in the Nigerian digital payments, we are taking tangible steps toward building a single African market where individuals and businesses can transact easily and securely, both within and beyond Africa.”

Payattitude is the first-in-kind Nigerian Payment Scheme to pioneer multibank App and USSD Code *569#.

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