Banking
BVN: Banks May Beg Court to Stop FG
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) operating in Nigeria may have to run to court to challenge an order granted by a court in Abuja to the Federal Government to takeover all funds in accounts without Bank Verification Number (BVN).
According to BusinessDay, this decision follows outcome of the meeting with legal advisers of banks on Tuesday and that of banks chief executives on Monday at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in Lagos.
A source familiar with the outcome of the meeting says that while the banks do not want to be confrontational about this, the issue is beyond corruption as being touted by the FG.
Recall that Justice Abubakar Malami, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of on October 17 obtained an order from Federal High Court judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, seeking to confiscate all funds in accounts without BVN to the Federal Government.
The order was obtained against 19 banks in the country with the Central Bank of Nigeria also included as a defendant in the case. The banks have been given an ultimatum of 14 days to advertise accounts without BVN in a national newspaper, during which time, the owners of such accounts are expected to show cause why the money should not be forfeited.
Stakeholders argue that there are many reasons for not having a BVN which include cases of death of an account holder where the probate process is still ongoing or many Nigerians that are outside the country.
They see no legal basis for such sweeping order, saying that if FG wants to enforce such an order, it should have been done by an Act of the National Assembly.
Johnson Chukwu, managing director/CEO, Cowry Asset Management limited told BusinessDay by phone that banks have strong basis to contest the order particularly on the aspect that FG gave a timeline for banks to advertise accounts without BVN in a national newspaper, during which time, the owners of such accounts are expected to show cause why the money should not be forfeited.
Chukwu said there is no provision of such in the Money Laundry Act, adding that the Act does not allow forfeiture of funds for reasons of not having a complete documentation.
He said if the banks are willing to challenge the order, it is good but was concerned that those who may lose their funds may be unable to challenge the order directly because they don’t have the capacity to do so or for other reasons.
The banks CEOs agreed to reach the Attorney General of the federation as well as others in the executive to explain to them the far reaching implications of the order, especially since it also affects foreign investors with funds in Nigeria.
“The economy may shrink again if the federal government goes ahead to seize the funds in the non – BVN linked accounts as the magnitude of the numbers involved is huge .The extent of shrinkage will depend on the volume and whether these accounts were active or dormant in spite of the regulation,” Bolade Agbola, Analyst and CEO of LAM Agro Consult Limited said in an emailed response to BusinessDay.
Ayodeji Ebo, managing director, Afrinvest Securities limited told BusinessDay by phone that the banks should engage with the Federal Government on the issue.
However, Ebo said it may be good for banks to get an injunction to halt the order and engage until agreement is reached.
Data obtained by BusinessDay from Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Limited (NIBSS) shows that a total of 46 million bank accounts are yet to be linked to BVN as at February 2017, the latest period for which data is available.
Total bank accounts in the banking system were 97.57 million as at February 2017 while total accounts linked with BVN stood at 51.72 million, leaving a total of 46 million accounts yet to be linked with BVN, introduced in February 2014 to ensure that all bank accounts have the biometric identification of their owners.
“Expropriating people’s money can give the wrong impression especially for an emerging market like Nigeria,” said the banking source.
“The Government can choose to restrict access to non BVN accounts if it is concerned about money laundering but not seize funds in said accounts, to avoid hurting innocent people.”
Source: BusinessDay
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The N3.97 billion commercial paper issuance of AG Mortgage Bank Plc will close on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
The sale of the debt instrument by the real estate lender commenced on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
It is under the N5 billion commercial paper issuance programme of the lending firm aimed to support its short-term working capital and funding requirements.
The company is selling the papers in two series, with Series 2 offered at a discounted rate of 19.2895 per cent for 270 days, and Series 3 at a discounted rate of 19.3651 per cent for 364 days.
The minimum subscription is N5 million, and subsequent additions of N1 million.
AG Mortgage Bank is a leading primary mortgage bank in Nigeria with over two decades of experience in providing affordable mortgage financing and housing finance solutions.
The bank has grown its asset base to over N33 billion and remains a key participant in major housing intervention programmes, including the National Housing Fund Scheme and other government-backed mortgage initiatives.
Supported by a diversified product offering, strong institutional credibility, and an experienced management team, AG Mortgage Bank continues to deliver solid financial performance.
For FY 2025, interest income increased by 28.1 per cent to N3.65 billion, while profit after tax rose by 130.0 per cent to N1.05 billion, reflecting strong earnings growth, operational efficiency, and prudent risk management.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, has reaffirmed the organisation’s long-term commitment to shareholders, expressing confidence in the company’s strategic positioning, which he said is underpinned by disciplined execution, a diversified business model, a strengthened capital base, and a clear focus on sustainable value creation.
Speaking at the 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the firm on Wednesday, he explained that the temporary suspension of dividend distributions was a consequence of regulatory compliance requirements rather than any deterioration in the group’s financial performance.
Mr Aig-Imoukhuede reaffirmed that the financial institution’s earnings capacity remains strong and that the board’s position reflects adherence to supervisory expectations and prudent capital management principles.
He assured shareholders of the board’s commitment to resuming dividend payments as soon as the relevant regulatory conditions are satisfied, noting that, “Our approach is clear: capital retained today must translate into greater value tomorrow and sustainable returns for our shareholders.”
The Chairman reiterated the strategic imperative underpinning the company’s next phase of growth, saying, “Our strategy, From Scale to Value, reflects the natural evolution of our journey. Scale created opportunity; value creation is how we fully realise it.”
He noted that while the organisation continues to generate strong returns, ensuring that earnings per share consistently exceed the cost of capital remains central to unlocking sustainable shareholder value.
The retired banker also acknowledged the significant unrealised value embedded within the firm’s international subsidiaries and reiterated management’s focus on improving market recognition of that intrinsic value over time.
Commenting on the financial performance of the group in 2025, he said Access Holdings accelerated provisions on legacy and regulatory forbearance credit exposures, resulting in elevated impairment charges.
He explained that the group consciously prioritised balance sheet strength and long-term resilience over short-term earnings optimisation.
“Periods of economic uncertainty often reveal more about an institution than periods of uninterrupted growth. Our focus remains on building a business that is not only growing, but improving in the quality, resilience, and sustainability of its earnings,” he stated.
Last year, the financial services organisation delivered pre-tax profit of N1.007 trillion, underscoring the strength of its diversified platform and expanding earnings base across key markets. Total assets increased to N51.56 trillion, while customer deposits grew strongly, reflecting sustained franchise momentum and deepening customer trust.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A new report highlighting the transformation from a newly established fintech venture into one of Nigeria’s leading payment infrastructure providers has been launched by HabariPay Limited.
The report, known as the HabariPay Impact Report 2025, provides stakeholders with a comprehensive evolution, innovation journey, business performance, and impact of the fintech subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc on the digital payments landscape.
The company’s contributions to enabling digital commerce, supporting businesses, strengthening payment infrastructure, and expanding financial access through technology-driven solutions were also captured in the piece.
The HabariPay Impact Report 2025 also highlights the organisation’s strong financial and operational performance, the growth of the Squad platform, and the development of infrastructure that powers payment acceptance, switching, transfers, merchant services, and value-added solutions.
The publication further explores the role of innovation, talent development, and ecosystem partnerships in driving the company’s success.
It showcases HabariPay’s investments in innovation through initiatives such as the Take on Squad Hackathon and the Squad Hackademy, both of which are helping to develop future technology talent and accelerate the creation of practical solutions to real-world challenges.
“As a technology-driven company, we believe that impact extends beyond financial performance. It is reflected in the businesses we enable, the merchants we support, the infrastructure we build, and the opportunities we create for the next generation of innovators.
“The HabariPay Impact Report 2025 captures this journey and demonstrates our commitment to creating sustainable value for customers, partners, and the broader economy,” the Managing Director of HabariPay, Ms Eduofon Japhet, said.
“The HabariPay Impact Report 2025 represents more than a reflection on our achievements; it is a testament to the deliberate investments we have made in building sustainable payment infrastructure, empowering businesses, fostering innovation, and creating long-term value for our stakeholders.
“As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding our capabilities, deepening our impact, and shaping the future of digital payments through technology-driven solutions that are secure, scalable, and inclusive,” she added.
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