Banking
Cybersecurity is a Collective Responsibility—Stanbic IBTC
Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC has urged the public to see security in cyberspace as a collective responsibility. The organisation made this call during the cybersecurity webinar organised to commemorate Global Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
Annually, Global Cybersecurity Awareness Month holds every October to build resilience against cyber threats and create awareness about the dangers posed by the various cyber criminals to individuals and businesses. Themed “See Yourself in Cyber”, this year’s campaign draws attention to the importance of being responsible for one’s security in cyberspace.
A recent study by Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that cybercrime will globally cost an estimated $10.5 trillion yearly in damages by 2025. This projection necessitates individuals to take action to stay safe online, organisations to have a robust cyber workforce, and the government to make policies that safeguard internet users and their data.
During the virtual event, Confidence Staveley, Founder, Cybersecurity Foundation, listed the possible threats combating internet users and how cybercriminals take advantage of the vulnerabilities of their victims. She also noted that it is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders to ensure safety during online activities.
“To see yourself in Cyber means that every individual has a role to play in being knowledgeable about the way hackers operate. Cybercriminals are taking proactive measures to switch from hacking technologies to hacking humans with a deception tool. Therefore, customers must remember that Stanbic IBTC would never request for your account details.” She added, “Cybercriminals rely on manipulating the emotions of their victims to make irrational decisions that put them at risk. Customers must remain logical when they notice mails and SMS prompting them to release their details.”
Abumere Igboa, Chief Information Security Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, stated during the event that Stanbic IBTC constantly shares tips with customers to identify and avoid possible online scams. According to Abumere, “Online banking has gained more popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, and cybercrime has grown alongside. Online users must enable basic cyber hygiene practices such as updating their apps to the latest version and clicking links from trusted sources only.
“We also advise internet users to have good strong passwords or use a trusted password manager and enable multi-factor authentication on all sensitive accounts” he added. Abumere stated that Stanbic IBTC prioritises the safety of its customers and ensures the security of its digital platforms with innovative technology to detect, monitor and stop online threats during financial transactions.
“Staying safe and secure online is a shared responsibility that begins with you and me. We collaboratively must support and remain committed to Cybersecurity. Should you notice any suspicious activity on your online platforms, don’t delay – act promptly and reach out to our 24/7 customer support centre,” Abumere advised.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A collaboration to enable fast money transfers into Nigeria has been entered into between Flutterwave and Xoom, PayPal’s international digital money transfer service.
The partnership allows Xoom transfers to be converted by Flutterwave and settled locally in Naira, enabling quick transfers directly into recipients’ bank accounts at Access Bank, UBA, Zenith Bank, First Bank, GTBank, and additional participating banks across Nigeria.
The deal also enables Xoom’s global network with Flutterwave’s local payout infrastructure, allowing users globally to send funds directly into Nigerian bank accounts with improved speed and efficiency.
Nigeria is the leading remittance recipient in Sub-Saharan Africa, receiving over $20 billion in personal remittances in 2024. Despite this volume, receiving international payments has historically remained complex due to FX constraints and settlement delays. This collaboration helps address those challenges in a market of more than 232 million people, where the ICT sector is projected to contribute 21 per cent of GDP by 2027.
By combining Xoom’s expansive reach with Flutterwave’s local compliance and banking partnerships, the two companies are providing a more accessible financial corridor for the continent.
Xoom, a PayPal service, is a fast and secure international digital money transfer service that enables consumers to send money, pay bills, and reload phones for friends and family in approximately 160 markets globally.
As part of PayPal’s global payments ecosystem, Xoom leverages advanced fraud protection, compliance capabilities, and a trusted global network to help millions of customers move money quickly and securely across borders.
“We’re excited to have been chosen by Xoom for their Nigeria expansion. Millions of Nigerians rely on money from abroad to support everyday needs, whether it’s families receiving help from loved ones, freelancers getting paid for their work, or individuals earning income from the global economy. This helps make it easy and more reliable for people in Nigeria to receive funds and stay connected to opportunities beyond borders,” the chief executive of Flutterwave, Mr Olugbenga GB Agboola, stated.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
An initiative known as Nigeria Lightning Rounds, designed to expand funding opportunities for Nigerian startups and small businesses by connecting founders with local and international investors, has been launched by ProvidusUnity Bank, in partnership with US-based global venture firm and accelerator, gener8tor.
Scheduled to be held on July 15, 2026, Nigeria Lightning Rounds will feature carefully selected startups engaging with targeted investors who have expressed interest in supporting Nigerian innovation.
Participating founders will have the opportunity to pitch their businesses through focused 15-minute virtual sessions facilitated by gener8tor and ProvidusUnity Bank’s networks.
The program will focus on high-growth sectors including fintech, healthtech, manufacturing, sustainability, and AI, but welcomes SMEs from all industries, with intending participants urged to apply via https://www.gener8tor.com/lightning-rounds/nigeria.
“We recognise that access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Through our partnership with gener8tor, we are creating a platform that connects promising Nigerian founders with investors who can provide the support required to scale their businesses,” the Head of Business Development at ProvidusUnity Bank, Mr Ernest Elue, stated.
“The partnership reinforces ProvidusUnity Bank’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting innovation, enabling access to opportunities, and creating pathways for businesses with high-growth potential,” he added.
Also commenting, the Director of Lightning Rounds at gener8tor, Ms Elizabeth Larios, said, “gener8tor is thrilled to partner with ProvidusUnity Bank to extend the Lightning Rounds model into Nigeria.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to building equitable ecosystems and driving capital to the most promising and underrepresented entrepreneurs.”
Lightning Rounds are a signature initiative of gener8tor’s investment platform, which has facilitated thousands of investor-startup meetings globally. The format is optimised to eliminate friction, reduce bias in early-stage fundraising, and help founders secure capital from investors aligned with their mission and stage. gener8tor’s previous Lightning Rounds for Nigerian Founders in 2025 featured 18 participating Investors and led to 50 investment meetings facilitated.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The verification of the depositors of the 46 microfinance banks, whose operating licenses were revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over a week ago, has commenced.
The exercise, aimed at refunding those whose funds were trapped in the small lenders, is being conducted by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).
In a statement on Thursday, the agency said its staff members have been positioned at the offices of the affected banks across the country to attend to depositors.
It was disclosed that depositors of the defunct banks, who had their Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) linked to their accounts in the failed banks, will be paid through their alternative accounts in existing banks.
However, depositors whose BVNs were not linked to their accounts in the failed banks have been encouraged to visit the affected banks’ offices with proof of account ownership, a passport photograph, verifiable means of identification (Driver’s Licence, Permanent Voter’s Card, International Passport or National ID Card) and BVN.
NDIC also stated that depositors can alternatively file their claims online through its website: www.ndic.gov.ng, to complete the Pre-Verification Claims Form by clicking on the Search Bar, and typing Pre-Verification Claims Form; opening the Form and filling in their details. They can also do so by clicking the link: https://ndic.gov.ng/ndic-pre-verification-claims-form/ or by visiting any of the NDIC offices closest to them to file their claims.
For further enquiries, the corporation can be reached on any of the following lines: 09037273810, 09038197064, 08104220807, 09064657140.
