By Adedapo Adesanya

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has clarified that the recent moves regarding regulatory forbearance is limited to limited banks.

A few days ago, the CBN issued a directive to banks in the country, particularly those in possible distress, prohibiting them from paying dividends to shareholders and issuing bonuses to directors.

This development led to the banking index recording losses over the last two days at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.

In a statement on Wednesday, the central bank affirmed the strength of the Nigerian banking sector, noting that it issued routine transitional guidance for select institutions.

In the new circular, the apex bank clarified that it introduced time-bound measures for a small number of banks still completing their transition from the temporary regulatory support provided, mostly in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This step is part of the CBN’s broader, sequenced strategy to implement the recapitalisation programme announced in 2023. The programme, designed to align with Nigeria’s long-term growth ambitions, has already led to significant capital inflows and balance sheet strengthening across the sector,” said the statement signed by Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, the acting Director of Corporate Communications at CBN.

The CBN also noted that most banks have either completed or are on track to meet the new capital requirements well before the final implementation deadline of March 31, 2026.

“The measures announced apply only to a limited number of banks. These include temporary restrictions on capital distributions, such as dividends and bonuses, to support retention of internally generated funds and bolster capital adequacy. All affected banks have been formally notified and remain under close supervisory engagement,” it added.

The apex bank said to support a smooth transition, it has allowed limited, time-bound flexibility within the capital framework, consistent with international regulatory norms, adding that Nigeria generally maintains Risk-Based Capital requirements that are significantly more stringent than the global Basel III minimums.

“These adjustments reflect a well-established supervisory process consistent with global norms. Regulators in the U.S., Europe, and other major markets have implemented similar transitional measures as part of post-crisis reform efforts.”

“Nigeria’s banking sector remains fundamentally strong. These measures are neither unusual nor cause for concern; they are a continuation of the orderly and deliberate implementation of reforms already underway.

“The CBN will continue to take all necessary actions to safeguard the sector’s stability and ensure a robust, resilient financial ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth,” parts of the statement affirmed.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The chief executive of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, has dismissed reports that she paid a bribe of N5 billion to secure her release from the police.

On Monday, a phone conversation between Mrs Onyeali-Ikpe and a customer of the bank, Mr Ogo Whoba, was leaked to the internet.

It was alleged that she paid N5 billion to the police to escape being detained during an investigation into a matter involving the account of a customer, Woobs Resources Limited.

One Mr James Onyemenam had asked the police to probe Mr Whoba over the management of Woobs Resources’ account.

As part of its probe, the police invited Mrs Onyeali-Ikpe for questioning and she was asked to pay a bail bond of N5 billion, according to a statement issued by Fidelity Bank on Monday after the leaked phone conversation.

The financial institution disclosed that its CEO was asked to sign the bail bond on her recognizance, emphasising that it was never a bribe.

The lender described the reports as false and mischievous, saying it was meant to mislead the public into believing a bribe was paid.

“The police invited the MD during their investigation into a complaint made by James Onyemenam against Mr Ogo Whoba over the management of Woobs Resources’ account. After taking her statement, the police asked the MD to sign a N5 billion bail bond on her recognizance.

“It is this bond — not a bribe — that was referenced in a phone conversation with Mr Ogo Whoba, which was secretly and unlawfully recorded.

“At no time did the MD pay N5 billion to the Police to avoid detention; signing the bond was simply a standard part of her release conditions,” the statement from Fidelity Bank stated.

It also explained that the same false claim had previously been raised in a petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Kayode Egbetokun, by Mr Victor Ukutt on behalf of Mr Whoba.

According to the financial institution, the police chief investigated the matter thoroughly and dismissed it as baseless.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

All is now set for the 2025 edition of Bloom Weekend, a dynamic, immersive, and transformational event designed to empower women to break barriers, build legacies, and scale new heights.

The programme is organised by Stanbic IBTC Bank, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and this edition will give women across Nigeria to experience a celebration like no other,

Scheduled to take place from Friday, June 20 to Saturday, June 21, 2025, registration for Bloom Weekend has commenced via this link. It is open to all women, including established and emerging entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, innovators in tech, young professionals, and all women ready to invest in their future.

This year’s theme is Bloom Into More and it sets the stage for what promises to be a weekend packed with innovative ideas, vibrant networking, and real-world opportunities.

Rooted in the spirit of the Stanbic IBTC Blue Blossom Community, Bloom Weekend is more than a gathering; it’s a movement dedicated to accelerating women’s leadership, financial independence, and entrepreneurial success.

Attendees would immerse themselves in a line-up of high-impact sessions, where Nigeria’s trailblazing female executives, business moguls, and entrepreneurs will share their journeys and lessons learnt.

The programme will commence with an SME Entrepreneurship Summit anchored by the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan Atlantic University.

The training is set to equip participants with practical strategies on how to structure and grow their businesses.

Featuring a robust curriculum curated by the Enterprise Data Centre, participants would be awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the session. For many, this would be the opportunity that would help transform their passions into profitable, sustainable enterprises.

Another highlight of the weekend is the Ladies At The Table Empowerment Series (LATTES) panel, an engaging live event featuring inspiring women leaders.

The keynote address will be delivered by Patience Torlowei, founder of Torlowei. Confirmed panellists include Eunice Showunmi, Aderinsola Adeyemi, Olayide Odediran, Hawa Magaji, and Oler Oladele, each poised to share their expertise and insights on the theme.

The Bloom Hub will feature a lively marketplace of women-led businesses, offering attendees a chance to discover and support innovative brands. Simultaneously, there would be masterclasses hosted by CEO of Arami Essentials, Ore Lawani and Founder, DictionwithDerin Aderinsola Adeyemi, while Stanbic IBTC’s advisory teams would be available onsite, providing personalised financial consultations to guide attendees on how to achieve their financial dreams.

In addition to the main sessions, participants would enjoy vibrant experiential activations and get the opportunity to sign up to the Blue Blossom online community of female business owners. From wellness activities like yoga and massages to games and a vibrant kiddies corner, the 2025 Bloom Weekend is guaranteed to be a wholesome 360-degree experience for all who would be in attendance.

The Head of Enterprise Business at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Ms Olajumoke Bello, said, “Our vision for Bloom Weekend 2025 goes beyond inspiration.

“We are committed to action, real mentorship, real funding opportunities and real partnerships. We are building a community where every woman can find the tools, connections, and confidence to achieve more.”