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Union Bank Records N18bn Profit as NPL Ratio Drops to 8.7%

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union bank nigeria

By Dipo Olowookere

On Tuesday, Union Bank of Nigeria announced its audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.

In the results, the lender grew its profit before tax by 33 percent to N18.5 billion from N13.9 billion, while the profit after tax went up by 39 percent to N18.1 billion from N13 billion.

However, the gross earnings during the year went down by 11 percent to N145 billion from N168 billion in 2017.

Union Bank has continued to position itself to continue executing key business priorities in 2019 especially with the successful execution of its debut local currency bond issue to raise N13.5 billion and the tightening up of its loan portfolio.

It was observed that the decline in the revenue in the year was as a result of the 8 percent drop in the bank’s loan book as the NPL ratio reduced to 8.7 percent from 19.8 percent.

A further analysis of the results showed that the net revenue after impairments moved up by 16 percent to N93.5 billion compared with N80.64 billion in 2017, while customer deposits rose to N857.6 billion from N802.4 billion, with the operating expenses increasing from N66.7 billion in 2017 to N75.0 billion.

Commenting on the results, the MD/CEO of Union Bank, Mr Emeka Emuwa, said, “Our priorities in 2018 were three pronged; enhancing our productivity across board; tightening up our loan portfolio (especially resolving key large exposures which drove NPLs  up  significantly  at  the  end  of  2017); and optimizing the bank’s capital and funding base.

“I am pleased to report that we made significant strides in each focus area. Notwithstanding a depressed economic environment and a challenging operating landscape, our efforts to optimise productivity delivered results.

“Union Bank’s Group Profit Before Tax (PBT) is up 33% to N18.5 billion in 2018 from N13.9 billion in 2017. As consumer confidence in the brand continues to grow, customer deposits also continue to grow, up 7.3% to N857.6 billion in 2018 from N802.4 billion in 2017.

“Our Net Revenues After Impairments are also up 16% to N93.5 billion compared with N80.6 billion in 2017 with significant contribution from growth in retail transaction volumes across our channels.

“Through an aggressive focus on recoveries and recognising fully provisioned loans on our books, we successfully reduced the bank’s NPL ratio, which is now down to 8.1% in 2018 from 20.8 percent at the end of 2017, in line with guidance provided at the start of the year.

“In 2019, we will continue to maintain focus on recoveries while prudently rebuilding our loan book and maintaining a conservative risk profile.

“On the funding side, we successfully initiated the first tranche of our oversubscribed local currency bond programme to raise N13.5 billion.

“We are encouraged by the market and investor community response to the bond issue and subsequent listing on the FMDQ platform as we continue our drive to optimize the bank’s capital and funding structure.

“In 2019, we will double-down on our productivity efforts to deliver our financial targets. We are harnessing synergies across our business segments to ensure we maximize opportunities across entire value chains, while centralising key business and operational functions for better efficiency, and prioritizing customer experience across all our touch points.

“We are also pleased to be introducing our women focused initiative, αlpHer, which will provide a portfolio of financial and non-financial services to women across customer segments in Nigeria.

“Lastly, we have commenced the Long-Term Efficiency Acceleration Programme (LEAP), a comprehensive transformation effort to embed cost discipline across the bank.

“We believe LEAP will deliver significant cost savings in 2019 and entrench a culture of efficiency across all areas of the bank.”

Also commenting, the Chief Financial Officer, Mr Joe Mbulu, said, “Gross revenues declined by 11% to N145.5 billion in 2018 from N163.8 billion in the previous year as a direct consequence of the loan book clean-up and resolution of key exposures.

“Notwithstanding significant investments to execute our strategy including expanding our agency banking footprint and aligning compensation with market for our entry to mid-level employees (which increased operating expenses by 12% from N66.7 billion in 2017 to N75.0 billion as at December 2018), we are pleased that our core business delivered a 33% growth to our topline PBT. Through LEAP, we will ensure that operating expenses in 2019 remain within the bank’s targets.

“Our Return on Tangible Equity (ROTE) improved to 9.6% from 6.2% in 2017 demonstrating long-term shareholder value enhancement.

“In addition to our successful fund raising activities during the year, we will further support future growth and creation of high quality risk assets in 2019 through a Tier II capital raise.

“This will boost our Capital Adequacy Ratio, which is currently at 16.4% and remains above the regulatory limit.”

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Banking

Shareholders Authorise Abbey Mortgage Bank to Raise Fresh Funds

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Abbey Mortgage Bank AGM

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The board of Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc has been given the approval to raise additional capital aimed at helping the company achieve its next phase, which is centred on delivering seamless and digitally driven banking experiences that eliminate the traditional barriers to premier financial services.

At the 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the lender on Monday, investors authorised the raising of up to N100 billion through an offer by way of issuance of shares (whether by rights issue and/or public offer), global depository receipts, commercial papers, loans, convertibles or non-convertibles, medium term notes, bonds, and/or any other instruments either as a stand-alone or by way of programmes, in such tranches, series or proportions, at such coupon or interest rates, within such maturity periods, and on such terms and conditions; including through book building process or such other processes all of which shall be as determined by the directors, subject to obtaining the approvals of relevant regulatory authorities.

The directors were also allowed to raise fresh equity capital of up to N65.547 billion by way of private placement of 26,562,647,265 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each at N2.43 per share, subject to regulatory approvals.

In addition, shareholders approved the increase in the company’s issued share capital from N5,076,923,077 divided into 10,153,846,154 of 50 Kobo each to N18,358,246,709.50 by the creation of up to 26,562,647,265 ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each, such new shares to rank pari passu in all respects with the existing ordinary shares in the capital of the bank.

Addressing investors at the meeting, the chief executive of Abbey Mortgage Bank, Mr Mobolaji Adewumi, said, “Shaping the future means building a resilient institution that is as agile as it is reliable, while ensuring that every stakeholder benefits meaningfully from our growth and expansion.”

The company’s leadership also highlighted its strategic progress and strong corporate governance culture that positions the institution to deliver broader financial services and enhanced customer experiences.

The meeting also provided an opportunity to appreciate shareholders for their continued confidence, loyalty, and support, which have remained instrumental to its growth journey over the years.

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Spending Limit on GTBank Naira Card Now $20,000

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GTBank Naira Card

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The international spending limit on the GTBank Naira card has now been increased to $20,000 per quarter, a notice from the financial institution disclosed.

In an email message to customers sighted by Business Post on Tuesday, the lender said the Dollar limit is applicable to POS and online transactions carried out with the debit card.

The increase in the spending limit on the GTBank Naira card for offshore transactions comes as Nigeria continue to experience stability in the foreign exchange (FX) market.

A few years ago, Nigerians were unable to use their Naira cards to conduct financial transactions online for operations outside the country. This frustrated many consumers, who could not buy things online from other jurisdictions.

However, after some forex reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the leadership of Governor Yemi Cardoso, these restrictions were removed.

“The Dollar limit on your GTBank Naira Card is now $20,000 quarterly,” the notice read.

The increase in the spending limit to $20,000 per quarter will give GTBank Naira cardholders an opportunity to make more transactions online with ease, as before now, it was pegged at $15,000.

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FairMoney Unveils Asset Financing Solution for Mobility Entrepreneurs

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FairMoney

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A new product known as Asset Financing Solution, tailored for those in the Nigerian transportation and logistics sector, has been introduced by a technology-enabled financial institution, FairMoney Microfinance Bank.

This initiative marks a significant expansion of FairMoney’s product ecosystem, moving beyond personal and working capital loans into commercial asset financing. By helping entrepreneurs build a verifiable credit history through vehicle repayments, the company is supporting financial inclusion and participation within the formal economy.

Asset Financing Solution forms part of the lender’s broader commitment to responsible lending and structured financing for eligible operators, as it expands access to asset financing for mobility entrepreneurs across the country through an application process subject to credit assessment and eligibility requirements.

The sector continues to record sustained market activity with reported growth rates of approximately 9.87 per cent–10.1 per cent in late 2025.

As road freight and passenger transport remain the nation’s dominant modes of transit, FairMoney’s new initiative aims to improve access to structured asset financing for thousands of transporters and delivery merchants. By providing access to business-use transport assets, the product helps address limited access to structured financing for micro-SMEs and supports activities within Nigeria’s logistics and mobility sector.

Mobility entrepreneurs seeking to acquire vehicles can now access flexible repayment plans through an application process that is subject to credit assessment and eligibility requirements.

Leveraging its technology-enabled onboarding and risk assessment capabilities, applicants can move through a structured onboarding and evaluation process.

Repayment structures are specifically tailored to the daily and weekly cash-flow realities of mobility businesses, supporting operational continuity and business growth within structured repayment arrangements.

The programme is open to eligible applicants via the FairMoney Business platform and through designated partner hubs across major cities.

“Our mission has always been to increase financial inclusion and create income opportunities by supporting individuals and small business operators in growing their businesses.

“With this solution, we are focused on supporting small business operators and mobility entrepreneurs who contribute significantly to transportation and commercial activity. The solution is designed to provide structured asset financing for eligible operators,” the Managing Director of FairMoney MFB, Mr Henry Obiekea, stated.

Speaking further, he said, “The intra-state transportation sector in Nigeria is experiencing sustained demand and market activity, offering opportunities for mobility and transport operators. The Asset Financing Solution ensures that costs are spread into manageable instalments, thereby supporting small business operations and broader economic participation.”

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