Banking
CBN to Regulate Use of Short Codes for Transactions by Banks, Others

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
As part of efforts to curb fraud through the use of short codes in the financial system in the country, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released draft of regulatory framework for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD).
In a statement issued by the Director of Banking & Payments System Department, Mr ‘Dipo Fatokun, the apex bank said it was coming up with the framework in furtherance of its mandate for the development of the electronic payments system in Nigeria.
The CBN said it would welcome inputs from stakeholders in the industry on or before Thursday, September 21, 2017.
The central bank noted that, “The mobile phone has become a veritable tool for enhancing financial inclusion with the advent of mobile payments, m-commerce, m-banking and other implementation for financial transactions based on mobile telephony.”
It also said, “The providers of mobile-based financial services have options of adopting varying technologies for enabling access and transmitting data including Short Messaging Service (SMS), Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD), Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), stand-alone mobile application clients, and SIM Tool Kit (STK).”
The apex bank disclosed that recently, providers of mobile telephony-based financial transactions are increasingly adopting the USSD technology while the range of services supported by their mobile transaction services using the USSD channel is broadening rapidly.
Among financial services provided through the channel include account opening, balance and other enquiries, money transfers, airtime vending, bill payment, internet/mobile banking detail retrieval and one-time password.
The USSD technology is a protocol used by the GSM network to communicate with a service provider’s platform. It is a session based, real time messaging communication technology which is accessed through a string which starts normally with asterisk (*) and ends with a hash (#).
It is implemented as interactive menu driven service or command service. It has a shorter turnaround time than SMS, and unlike SMS, it does not operate by store and forward which indicates that data are neither stored on the mobile phone or on the application. USSD technology Is considered cost effective, more user-friendly, faster in concluding transactions, and handset agnostic.
According to the apex bank, “This framework seeks to establish the rules and risk mitigation considerations when implementing USSD for financial services offering in Nigeria.”
As regard dispute resolution, the CBN said in the framework that financial institutions “shall be responsible for setting up dispute resolution mechanism to facilitate resolution of customers’ complaints.”
It further said they shall treat and resolve any customer related issues within 48 hours, warning that “non-compliance shall be subject to penalty, as may be prescribed by the CBN, from time to time.
“The CBN shall impose appropriate sanctions for any contravention on any financial institutions that fails to comply with this framework,” the bank said.
According to the framework, those eligible to use the USSD for financial services in the country are mobile money operators, who are eligible for issuance from the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) after meeting the necessary requirements of the NCC for the issuance; and others who would need a letter of comfort from the CBN before being considered for issuance of the short codes by the NCC.
Banking
Fidelity Bank Rewards More Customers in GAIM 6 Monthly Draws

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Twenty new millionaires have emerged in the seventh and eighth monthly draws of the Get Alert in Millions (GAIM) Season 6 Savings Promo of Fidelity Bank Plc.
The campaign was tailored by the financial institution to reaffirm its dedication to financial empowerment and a savings-oriented culture.
At the draw held at its headquarters in Lagos, Fidelity Bank also rewarded 29 winners from the campaign’s fourth, fifth, and sixth monthly draws.
Among the beneficiaries who received their N1 million prizes at the ceremony were Stephanie Onome Gere, Itua Michael Ehinomen, Maduabuchi Kalu Anya, and Chioma Grace Nnodim, who expressed her appreciation to Fidelity Bank saying, “This is a life-changing moment for me. I had heard of others winning, but I never imagined I would become a millionaire just by saving consistently. I encourage all Nigerians to open a Fidelity Bank account and start saving – you never know when your alert will come.”
For the latest draws, 10 winners each from the seventh and eighth draws emerged from various geo-political zones across Nigeria, demonstrating the widespread reach and impact of the campaign.
The draws were conducted electronically and supervised by representatives from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other relevant regulatory bodies to ensure transparency and fairness.
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe that financial well-being begins with cultivating smart saving habits. This belief inspired the GAIM 6 promo — a strategic initiative aimed at encouraging and rewarding a culture of consistent savings among our customers,” the Promo Chairperson and Executive Director for Lagos and South West at Fidelity Bank, Mr Ken Opara, represented by the lender’s Regional Bank Head for Lagos Central, Ms Chioma Nwankwo, stated.
“For us, it is not just about winning but helping our customers to build a secure financial future. To ensure this, these winners also receive financial advisory to help them grow and manage their wealth effectively,” he added.
Now in its final month and ahead of the grand finale, GAIM 6 has disbursed about N85.4 million to 2,561 customers through various draws, including N60 million to 60 monthly winners, N7million to 700 student Flex account holders, and N4.5 million to nine NYSC members.
Special day rewards included N1 million each on Women’s Day and Workers’ Day, N10 million on Children’s Day, and N7.7 million shared among 1,550 weekly consolation winners.
Through GAIM 6, Fidelity Bank continues to promote financial empowerment, reward loyalty, and foster a savings culture among Nigerians, staying true to its mission to help individuals grow, inspire businesses to thrive, and empower economies to prosper.
Banking
CBN Reiterates Naira Protection, Preservation to Traders, Entrepreneurs, Students

By Adedapo Adesanya
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has once again appealed to Nigerians to protect and preserve the dignity of the Naira.
This call was made on Tuesday as the apex book took its currency education campaign to Lagos residents at an event called CBN Fair held at Maryland, a mixed commercial and residential area in Lagos Mainland.
The sensitisation event themed Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development had in attendance, market men and women as well as entrepreneurs, policymakers, financial institutions, fintech innovators, banks, consumer protection agencies, students from various tertiary institutions, youth groups among others.
According to a statement, the CBN’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, said the fair was designed to interact with the public and critical stakeholders on the bank’s policies for sustainable economic growth and Nigeria’s development.
Mrs Sidi Ali said the theme was apt to address the imperative of value addition and the links that catalyse SMEs and other economic activities to attain the much-needed price stability.
She added that the apex bank, under the leadership of Mr Yemi Cardoso, is committed to stimulating productivity, financial inclusiveness and delivering on core mandate of monetary and price stability, listing the bank’s functional policies that repositioned and expanded the economy in the last 22 months to strengthen the financial system, increase foreign investments inflow and huge leap in financial inclusion rates.
“The core objective of this engagement, therefore, is to sensitise members of the public on how the Bank’s policies and innovations can enhance their lives and livelihood and contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy,” she added.
The apex bank spokesperson appealed for preservation of the dignity of the nation’s currency through prevention of various forms of abuse, including commodifying the Naira.
Banking
Stanbic IBTC Bank Wins at Cosmopolitan The Daily Business Awards

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Two prestigious awards were clinched by Stanbic IBTC Bank Limited at the Cosmopolitan The Daily Business Awards held recently.
The Cosmopolitan The Daily Business Awards is a reputable platform dedicated to recognising and celebrating the remarkable achievements of businesses globally, encompassing both public and private sectors.
The Nigerian lender received top honours as the Best Cash Management Bank and the Best Trade Finance Bank in Nigeria, underscoring its commitment to excellence in financial services.
The accolade for Best Cash Management Bank acknowledges Stanbic IBTC Bank’s proficiency in providing tailored solutions that enhance liquidity and optimise cash flow for companies of all sizes.
The award for Best Trade Finance Bank is also testament to the bank’s robust offerings that facilitate international commerce, empowering local businesses to expand their reach globally.
These esteemed awards highlight organisations that exemplify innovation, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of value creation.
Its recognition in these categories also reflects its steadfast dedication to delivering exceptional cash management and trade finance solutions that cater to the unique needs of its clients.
The bank’s innovative approach and customer-centric services have positioned it as a leader in the financial landscape, enabling businesses to navigate complexities in today’s economy with confidence.
“We are honoured to be recognised as Nigeria’s Best Cash Management Bank and Best Trade Finance Bank at the Cosmopolitan The Daily Business Awards. These awards are a reflection of our steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation in financial services.
“At Stanbic IBTC Bank, we believe in empowering our clients by providing tailored solutions that drive their success and foster economic growth in Nigeria.
“This achievement motivates us to continue setting high standards and delivering exceptional value as we navigate the evolving landscape of banking together,” the Executive Director of Corporate and Transaction Banking for Stanbic IBTC Bank, Eric Fajemisin, commented.
Also, the Head of Transaction Banking at Stanbic IBTC Bank, Jesuseun Fatoyinbo, emphasised that these accolades are not just honours; they reflect our relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to fostering economic growth in Nigeria, noting, “Together, we will continue to redefine what is possible in transaction banking.”
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