Banking
Why Banks are Reluctant to Lend to Advertising Players—Heritage Bank
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Executive Director, Heritage Bank, Mr Jude Monye, has said deposit money banks (DMBs) would have loved to lend to advertising players but some issues are making them be reluctant to do so.
Speaking at the 2021 Out-of-Home Advertising Conference and Exhibition organised by the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA), Mr Monye described these obstacles as “unstructured issues” which he said if addressed, would make the sector attractive to banks.
“I think lots of unstructured issues that we face and most of the banks that you see on digital media outside is not borne out of the need to advertise because it has not appealed to them, or engaging to their audience, but some of them just pay back for the loan that they have given,” he stated.
However, he expressed optimism that if the issues are looked into, the banks would play big in the industry through the provision of funds, which will, in turn, boost the sector.
He also disclosed that one of the ways the out-of-home advertising industry can attain massive growth was via the adoption of the public-private partnership (PPP) model to ensure its sustainability.
“If you have deposit money bank, that is the commercial bank coming in with huge portfolio, you will see massive growth in this industry and to crown it all for me, the governor said what I didn’t know of, all the things that the government is doing with the fibre optic projects which are towards the smart city that LASAA has also shown to us.
“With that alone, the PPP model, the banks are going to key into funding this so that the industry can grow,” the bank executive said at the event held in partnership with Heritage Bank.
Mr Monye commended the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his administration’s implementation of the smart city plan with the rollout of 6,000km metro fibre optics, which is the requisite infrastructure for the smart city project.
He emphasised that the move by the Lagos State government for the adoption of digital technology would lead to increased patronage and rev banks’ participation.
Mr Sanwo-Olu, while speaking at the programme through his deputy, Mr Obafemi Hamzat, stated that the state was making appreciable progress in the ongoing laying of the metropolitan optic fibre, as well as the installation of smart cameras in strategic locations across the State, affirmed that the technology would help enhance and support the growth of advertising in the Lagos.
The Governor, who spoke on the Road map for the Growth of Signage and Out-of-Home Advertisement post-COVID-19 in Lagos, said his administration would continue to leverage technology to transform the state’s economy while easing impediments for businesses to flourish.
On his part, the MD/CEO of LASAA, Mr Adedamola Docemo, said the agency would be rolling out policies and programmes that would improve sectoral investment, drive sustainable growth, encourage regular engagement and development of the State.
He stated that with Lagos being the leading state in Out-of-Home advertising investment in Nigeria, the industry has evolved and has consistently contributed its quota over time to the growth and development of Lagos state.
Banking
Toxic Bank Assets: AMCON Repays CBN N3.6trn, Still Owes N3trn
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
About N3.6 trillion has been repaid to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) since its inception in 2010.
This information was revealed by the chief executive of AMCON, Mr Gbenga Alade, during a media parley to update the press on the activities of the agency.
Mr Alade said at the moment, the organisation still owes the central bank about N3 trillion for toxic assets of banks in the country.
He praised the organisation for its asset recovery drive, stressing that when compared with others across the world, Nigeria has done well.
“It is important to stress that the corporation has done tremendously well, especially when compared to other notable government-owned Asset Management Corporations around the world.
“Based on the balance at purchase, AMCON outperformed other Asset Management Corporations all over the world by achieving over 87 per cent in recoveries despite the unique challenges associated with debt recovery in Nigeria.
“The Malaysian Danaharta, which is adjudged one of the best performing Asset Management Corporation’s, only achieved 58 per cent. The Chinese Asset Management Corporation, despite its stricter laws, achieved just 33 per cent.
“Only the Korean Asset Management Corporation (KAMCO), South Korea, has achieved more recoveries than AMCON, with about 100 per cent. This was due to their brute force with which they chased the obligors.
“Despite KAMCO’s recovery records, the agency is still operational to date with slight realignments in its mandate.
“Other noted Asset Management Corporations that have transitioned into a perpetual institution of the various governments include, China Asset Management Company, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) USA, and KFW Germany.
“So, gentlemen, without sounding immodest, AMCON has done well, and we will not relent until all the outstanding debts are fully realized,” Mr Alade stated.
On the financial performance of AMCON, he said last year, the firm posted a revenue of N156.25 billion and operating expenses of N29.04 billion, while for the 2025 fiscal year should be a revenue of N215.15 billion and operating expenses of N29.06 billion.
Banking
The Alternative Bank Opens Effurun Branch in Delta
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
One of the non-interest banks in Nigeria, The Alternative Bank (AltBank), has opened a new branch in Effurun, Delta State.
The new office will serve the Edo-Delta region and provide purposeful banking and real financial empowerment for individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses, a statement from the firm stated.
The lender disclosed that the Effurun branch is a bold move in its mission to reshape banking in Nigeria.
The launch was graced by key dignitaries, including the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso Abe I; the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government, Anthony O. Ofoni, represented his vice, Andrew Agagbo; and the Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on Community Development, Mr Ernest Airoboyi; amongst others.
The Divisional Head for South at The Alternative Bank, Mr Chukwuemeka Agada, emphasised the institution’s commitment to Warri and its surrounding communities.
“By establishing a presence here, we are initiating a transformation in the way banking serves the people of Delta. Our purpose-driven approach ensures that customers’ financial goals are not just met but exceeded,” he stated.
“This branch represents our pledge to empower Warri’s dynamic businesses and families, providing them with the tools to grow without compromise,” Mr Agada added.
“We understand the heartbeat of this community, and we are excited to integrate our bank into the fabric of this dynamic region,” he stated further.
On his part, the representative of the Ovie, Mr Samuel Eshenake, challenged the bank to facilitate development and employment within the Effurun community.
The Regional Head for Edo/Delta at The Alternative Bank, Mr Akanni Owolabi, embraced this challenge, pledging that the bank will work sustainably to drive local commerce.
“At The Alternative Bank, we are committed to being an active partner in the development of Effurun. We see this branch as a catalyst for creating opportunities, driving employment, and supporting the growth of local businesses.
“Our mission is to empower this community, ensuring that every step forward is one of progress, prosperity, and shared success.”
Banking
Payattitude, PAPSSCARD to Co-brand Payment Card
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A partnership aimed to enable seamless, real-time and secure transactions for cardholders across Africa and the rest of the world has been entered into by Payattitude and PAPSSCARD, the card scheme initiative of the Pan-African Payment & Settlement System (PAPSS).
The collaboration will allow Payattitude cards issued by banks and other deposit-taking institutions to be co-branded with PAPSSCARD, Discover, Diners and Pulse for acceptance across their networks in Nigeria, Africa and worldwide.
As an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and a key financial infrastructure supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the PAPSSCARD scheme will facilitate instant cross-border payments in local currencies.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to cross-enterprise alliances and enabling inclusive, efficient, and borderless payments across Africa and the world
“With Payattitude, Nigerian cardholders and financial institutions can now enjoy the benefits of a Nigerian card that can be used worldwide,” a director at Payattitude, Dr Agada Apochi, said.
The acting chief executive of PAPSSCARD, Mr John Bosco Sebabi, said the aim is “to connect African payment ecosystems, reduce the cost and inefficiencies of cross-border payments, and strengthen African sovereignty over payments infrastructure.
“Collaborating with Payattitude, a key innovator in Nigeria’s payment space, represents a significant step towards a more unified African payment landscape.”
The chief executive of PAPSS, Mr Mike Ogbalu, said, “By bringing together PAPSSCARD’s robust cross-border payment capabilities with Payattitude’s leadership in the Nigerian digital payments, we are taking tangible steps toward building a single African market where individuals and businesses can transact easily and securely, both within and beyond Africa.”
Payattitude is the first-in-kind Nigerian Payment Scheme to pioneer multibank App and USSD Code *569#.
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