Banking
TTB/Union Bank: A Call for Transparency By Investigators
By Azubike Ugwu
In the last three days, we have seen a storm of allegations regarding the ownership of Titan Trust Bank Limited (TTB) and Union Bank of Nigeria Plc (“Union Bank”), and this has captured public attention.
These claims, reportedly stemming from a report submitted to the President by a Special Investigator, Mr Jim Obaze, have initiated a critical discussion around transparency.
However, the lack of access to the report begs for an open dialogue to clarify the unfolding narrative.
The core accusation revolves around the former Central Bank Governor’s alleged use of intermediaries in acquiring Union Bank and doubts about whether Titan Bank met the reported purchase price. To understand the gravity of these claims, it’s imperative to grasp the financial magnitude of the investors steering these banks.
TGI Group, with assets exceeding N3.75 trillion and 2022 revenues surpassing N1.74 trillion, emerges as a financial powerhouse. To underscore this, the sale of its subsidiary “Chivita” to Coca-Cola Group companies in 2020 for more than $500 million, a figure nearly three times the alleged equity element in the Union Bank acquisition, speaks volumes about the group’s financial robustness. TGI Group’s financial resilience, underscored by concrete figures, paints a picture of stability.
Contrary to these allegations, documents availed necessary parties indicate that payment for Union Bank shares was indeed made, raising questions about the accuracy of claims suggesting non-payment and highlighting the importance of verifying such financial transactions.
Titan Trust Bank’s chairman, Mr Tunde Lemo, has strongly refuted the allegations made by the special investigator, providing details and names that can confirm the transparency and integrity of the transaction. Drawing parallels, it’s akin to questioning a transaction’s legitimacy while the receipts stand as concrete evidence.
The news of Mr Lemo being summoned by the special investigator once again has been making waves in the business community. The investigator has written a letter in reaction to the rebuttal made by Titan Trust Bank. The letter stated that Mr Lemo and TTB’s rebuttal was offensive.
The letter is filled with many allegations, and it has raised questions about the independence and bias of the investigation. Many wonder whether Mr Obaze is singling out Mr Lemo for unknown offences or if the investigation is truly unbiased and objective.
It is important to note that Mr Lemo is a respected figure in the business community, and many have lauded his efforts. He has always been known for his dedication and hard work. Therefore, the allegations made against him have come as a surprise to many.
The scrutiny extends to Luxis and Magna, the UAE-based holding companies accused of lacking a physical presence in Dubai. Yet, in the global business landscape, such corporate structures are commonplace.
TGI’s financial fortitude backing these entities accentuates their credibility, emphasising the need for context in evaluating business practices. TGI, in its statement, categorically affirmed that “the entire transaction was managed by highly reputed global financial institutions, including Rothschild and Citibank. And like most major acquisitions, the process took years to complete.
A $300 million loan was sourced from the African Export-Import Bank (Afrexim), and the rest of the capital was sourced from the proceeds of TGI’s sales of its Chi Ltd business to Coca-Cola, all to finance the acquisition of Union Bank.”
Another layer to the controversy involves a “mysterious shareholder” supposedly providing interest-free long-term loans. Examination of the financial records reveals that these loans were granted within the TGI
Group, illustrating a standard business practice.
Parallels can be drawn to global corporate scenarios, where loans within a closely-knit business ecosystem are considered normal.
The allegations surrounding Mr Cornelius Vink, the founder of TGI Group, necessitate a balanced perspective. As a distinguished Dutch national, his cooperation in providing requested documents to the investigator showcases a commitment to transparency. Analogously, it mirrors other reputable figures in international business who willingly subject themselves to scrutiny.
Turning our attention to the alleged recommendation for the government to take over Union Bank, the financial stability of Union Bank and Titan Bank, coupled with the investigator’s apparent lack of statutory powers for such recommendations, raises questions about the credibility of this assertion.
It’s akin to questioning the legitimacy of a referee’s call beyond the established rules of the game. Mr Obaze lacks the necessary statutory powers to make such calls and appears once again to be arrogating powers to himself that are not legal. Perhaps we should remember and question his many ‘allegations’ against corporate entities and individuals that were just him bloviating.
Amidst this uncertainty, the call for transparency echoes louder. TGI Group’s financial resilience, fortified by concrete evidence, underscores the importance of a candid dialogue to address the swirling allegations surrounding the Union Bank/Titan Trust Bank transaction. The figures presented and the parallels drawn serve as signposts guiding the need for clarity in this complex financial tapestry.
The business community eagerly awaits the outcome of this investigation and hopes the truth will come out. Until then, these questions must be answered.
- Why did the Special Investigator go to the media instead of taking the usual investigative or legal route?
- Is this an attempt to create negative publicity for the Banks, TGI and personalities involved without presenting any evidence?
- If the Special Investigator believes that Mr Godwin Emefiele owns the bank as he has alleged, why hasn’t he provided any evidence after such a lengthy investigation?
- Why is he specifically targeting and harassing legitimate business owners and professionals?
- Is the Special Investigator suggesting that the government is willing to face significant consequences by seizing private investments, especially when the nation is actively trying to attract foreign investments?
It is prudent for Mr Obaze to remember that rather than this media trial that he has embarked on, “affirmanti non neganti incumbit probation” – the burden of proof lies on him, who asserts.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Fidelity Bank Plc now has a new chairman and she is Mrs Amaka Onwughalu, with her appointment taking effect from Thursday, January 1, 2026.
The lender confirmed this in a statement to announce the retirement of Mr Mustafa Chike-Obi from the position effective Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
In the statement, the bank disclosed that the board transitions were in alignment with its policy, with the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited and other stakeholders notified.
Under Mr Chike-Obi’s leadership, Fidelity Bank repaid its Eurobond, completed the first tranche of its public offer and rights issue that were oversubscribed by 237 per cent and 137.73 per cent, respectively.
The financial institution under his watch expanded internationally to the United Kingdom, and received improved ratings from various agencies amongst a long list of achievements.
His tenure also saw the bank strengthen its capital position, record steady growth in customer deposits and total assets, deepen its digital banking capabilities, and enhance its corporate and investment banking proposition.
The company equally made notable progress in governance, risk management, and operational efficiency, all of which contributed to strengthened market confidence and its sustained upward performance trajectory.
“It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman of Fidelity Bank. The dedication of our board, management, and staff has enabled us to reach significant milestones. I am confident that the bank will continue to thrive and deliver value to all stakeholders,” Mr Chike-Obi reflected of his tenure
Mrs Amaka Onwughalu’s appointment marks a new chapter for Fidelity Bank. She joined the board in December 2020 and has chaired key committees.
With over 30 years of banking experience, including executive roles at Mainstreet Bank Limited and Skye Bank Plc. She holds degrees in Economics, Corporate Governance, and Business Administration, and has attended executive programmes at global institutions.
Mrs Onwughalu is a Fellow of several professional bodies and has received awards for accountability and financial management.
“I am honoured to lead the Board of Fidelity Bank at this exciting time. Our recent achievements have set a strong foundation for continued growth. I look forward to working with my colleagues to drive our strategy and deliver sustainable value,” commented Mrs Onwughalu.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigerians will start paying a N50 stamp duty on all bank related electronic transfers of N10,000 and above from January 1, 2026, following the implementation of the Tax Act.
The stamp duty or electronic money transfer levy (EMTL) is a single, one-off charge of N50 on electronic receipt or transfer of money deposited in any commercial money bank or financial institution on any type of account on sums of N10,000 and above.
Before the new policy, electronic transfers of N10,000 and above attracted a N50 EMTL, but the charge was typically deducted from the receiver’s account.
This was disclosed in notices sent by a series of Nigerian banks to their customers ahead of the policy’s implementation seen by Business Post.
In an email sent to customers on Tuesday, the United Bank for Africa (UBA) said the N50 EMTL on transfers would now be referred to as stamp duty across all financial institutions.
“Please note the following: Stamp Duty applies to transactions of N10,000 and above (or the equivalent in other currencies),” the email reads. Salary payments and Intra-bank self-transfers are exempt from stamp duty. “The Sender now bears the Stamp Duty charge. Previously, this charge was deducted from the Beneficiary/ Receiver.”
Also Access Bank customers received the same notice.
Banks clarified that this charge is separate from regular bank transfer fees and will be clearly disclosed to customers at the point of transaction.
The notice also stated that transfers below N10,000 are exempt from the stamp duty.
In addition, salary payments and intra-bank transfers—transactions between accounts within the same bank—will not attract the N50 charge.
This replaces the previous percentage-based charges, which often created uncertainty around the total cost of documentation.
Banks say the adjustment is aimed at simplifying compliance and making stamp duty charges easier for individuals and businesses to understand upfront.
President Bola Tinubu on Sunday insisted that the implementation of the new tax laws will commence on January 1 as planned, despite criticisms from opposition and pressure groups.
In a statement, President Tinubu said the tax laws are not designed to raise taxes, but rather to support a structural reset, drive harmonisation, and protect dignity while strengthening the social contract.
“The new tax laws, including those that took effect on June 26, 2025, and the remaining acts scheduled to commence on January 1, 2026, will continue as planned,” the president said on Tuesday.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has warned that the federal government’s 50 per cent cost-to-income ratio policy was limiting its ability to build a strong financial buffer to protect depositors.
The chief executive of the agency, Mr Thompson Sunday, in a statement by the Head of the Communication and Public Affairs Department, Mrs Hawwau Gambo, on Tuesday, said the NDIC complies with the policy but lamented that “the deductions affect NDIC’s ability to build a strong Deposit Insurance Fund, which is needed to respond effectively to bank failures.”
Mr Sunday restated the corporation’s adherence to fiscal and financial regulations, including the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Mr Armstrong Takang, in Abuja.
According to the statement, Mr Sunday stressed that the NDIC “complies fully with statutory remittance obligations, including the payment of 20 per cent of gross earnings or 80 per cent of net surplus to the Federal Government, as applicable,” adding that the corporation also submits its financial statements ahead of statutory deadlines.
The NDIC boss said this commitment to transparency aligns with its role as a key financial safety-net agency responsible for protecting depositors and supporting confidence in the banking system.
However, he cautioned that while the corporation also complies with the Federal Government’s 50 per cent cost-to-income ratio policy, “the policy poses operational constraints.”
He explained that maintaining a robust Deposit Insurance Fund is critical to the NDIC’s ability to respond promptly and effectively to bank failures without depending on government support.
He added that international standards under the Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance, issued by the International Association of Deposit Insurers, require deposit insurers to maintain adequate funds for this purpose.
To strengthen its capacity, Sunday said the NDIC is seeking an exemption from the policy.
He described MOFI as a critical stakeholder, noting that the Federal Government, through the agency, holds a 40 per cent equity stake in the NDIC.
According to him, continued collaboration is essential to ensure the NDIC meets its obligations to the government while safeguarding depositors’ funds.
In his remarks, Mr Takang commended the NDIC’s spirit of collaboration and its compliance with fiscal regulations.
He assured that MOFI would continue to engage the Federal Ministry of Finance on the NDIC’s behalf, adding that a strong NDIC is vital to maintaining confidence in the financial system.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation, transparency and accountability.
The federal government’s 50 per cent cost-to-income ratio policy was introduced through a circular dated December 28, 2023, signed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun.
The circular directed federal agencies and parastatals to remit 50 per cent of their internally generated revenue to the Treasury Single Account as part of broader presidential fiscal directives.
The directive, to be implemented by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation in early January 2024, builds on existing rules for IGR remittances under the Fiscal Responsibility Act and related circulars, with the aim of improving revenue mobilisation and fiscal discipline across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
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