News
Fidelity Bank Reclaims Trillion-Naira Market Cap As Stock Rises To ₦21
Leading financial institution, Fidelity Bank Plc, has reentered the trillion-naira market capitalisation club, after its share price rose by 5.3%, climbing from ₦19.95 to ₦21.00 on May 13, 2025, according to data from the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX).
This latest development also brings the total number of Nigerian companies with a trillion-naira market capitalisation to 19.
According to a report published on Techcabal website, the bank had previously dropped below the threshold on May 12, marking another fluctuation in its valuation. Earlier in the year, Fidelity Bank Plc first reached the trillion-naira milestone on April 4, 2025, joining tier-1 banks such as Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO), Access Holdings, First HoldCo, and United Bank for Africa (UBA). However, it fell below the mark on April 7 before reclaiming its position on April 23.
With 50.2 billion outstanding shares, the valuation reflects renewed investor confidence and signals Fidelity’s potential transition to tier-1 status. Analysts believe the bank is well-positioned to meet the Central Bank’s ₦500 billion ($311.9 million) minimum capital requirement through equity.
“The strong Q1 results suggest continued upward momentum in its stock,” said Nabila Mohammed, an analyst at Chapel Hill Denham. “This could boost investor confidence and help sustain its valuation.”
The stock has surged 141% in the past year, up from ₦8.70 in May 2024. Meksley Nwagboh, Head of Brand and Communications, attributed the rally to a 189% rise in 2024 after-tax profit—the highest among Nigeria’s top 10 banks.
That momentum carried into 2025, with Q1 after-tax profit soaring 190% to ₦91 billion ($56.8 million), driven by higher interest income, forex gains, and cost efficiencies.
“Lower credit losses helped boost net interest income,” said Olamide, a Lagos-based banking analyst. “Combined with solid full-year results and dividend expectations, the bank’s fundamentals are attracting investors.”
A report from Proshare noted the NGX Banking Index gained 6.96% in Q1 2025, driven by recapitalisation efforts that injected ₦2.4 trillion into the sector. Fidelity was the NGX’s third most-traded stock between February and May.
According to Mohammed, Fidelity’s high net interest margin and low-cost deposit base enhance its appeal. On February 8, it completed the first phase of its capital raise with 237% oversubscription. CEO Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe confirmed plans to conclude the next phase before H2 2025.
The bank’s Vision 2025 agenda includes expanding internationally—starting with its 2023 acquisition of Union Bank UK—and securing tier-1 status.
Afrinvest projects continued growth, with gross earnings and pre-tax profit forecasted to rise 46% and 49.4% respectively in 2025, reaching ₦1.5 trillion and ₦415.4 billion. The firm maintains a 12-month target price of ₦21.60 for the stock.
With robust earnings, a solid recapitalisation strategy, and growing investor interest, Fidelity is positioning itself as a strong contender in Nigeria’s top banking tier.
News
Oyo 2027: Adelabu Quits As Power Minister To Focus On Guber Race
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has formally resigned from his position in the Federal Government to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
In a resignation letter dated April 22, 2026, and addressed to the President, Adelabu stated that his resignation will take effect on April 30, 2026, to enable him to focus on his governorship ambition in Oyo State.
The letter, routed through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, stated that he was stepping down with “a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude.”
He wrote, “I write with a deep sense of honour and profound gratitude to formally tender my resignation as the Honourable Minister of Power of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This resignation is to take effect on 30th April 2026, in order to allow sufficient time for a smooth and orderly handover of responsibilities.”
Adelabu thanked the President for the opportunity to serve, describing his appointment as a privilege.
He said, “Your Excellency, I remain sincerely grateful for the privilege and confidence you reposed in me by appointing me to serve our great nation in this capacity.
“It has been a rare honour to contribute to national development under your leadership and to play a role in advancing reforms in the power sector—one of the most critical foundations of Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic transformation.”
The former minister said his resignation was to enable him focus fully on his governorship ambition in Oyo State, citing provisions of the amended electoral law.
He added, “My decision to step down is informed by my intention to focus fully on my gubernatorial ambition in Oyo State. This aspiration, which dates back to 2016 during my service as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, ultimately led to my voluntary resignation from the Central Bank in 2018 in order to pursue the same goal.”
“In line with the provisions of the Amended Electoral Act 2026, which preclude political office holders from contesting elections, I consider it both appropriate and necessary to resign at this time.”
Adelabu’s exit marks a major political development ahead of the next electoral cycle, particularly in Oyo State, where he is expected to contest the governorship election.
News
Wale Edun, Musa Dangiwa Resigned Voluntarily, Not Sacked – Presidency
The Presidency has clarified that Wale Edun (former Finance Minister) and Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (former Housing Minister) voluntarily resigned from their positions and were not sacked by President Tinubu.
In a statement released this evening April 22, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said that contrary to public opinions, Wale Edun resigned on health grounds while Dangiwa also tendered his resignation and thanked the President for the opportunity given him to serve in the Federal Executive Council.
Onanuga stated that Edun, who clocked 70 on Monday and has battled recent ill health, fittingly submitted his resignation letter on his birthday, thanking the President for the opportunity to serve Nigeria.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Under your leadership, Nigeria has emerged stronger, more resilient and more internationally respected. I wish you and the administration every success in the future” he wrote
Onanuga stated that on Tuesday, before the Office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federation announced his departure from the Cabinet, Edun paid a valedictory visit to the President at the Villa and held an hour-long discussion with the president and then left to focus on his private businesses.
The presidential aide stated that President Tinubu has expressed deep appreciation to Edun and Dangiwa for their dedicated service and significant contributions to the administration’s economic reform programme and wished them continued success in their future endeavours.
‘’In the same vein, the President has urged the new Minister of Finance, Taiwo Oyedele, to consolidate ongoing reforms and advance the administration’s fiscal and economic objectives with renewed focus, discipline, and innovation.
President Tinubu will shortly send the ministerial nominee for housing, Muttaqha Rabe Darma, also from Katsina, like Dangiwa, to the Senate for confirmation” the statement concluded
News
Unity Bank, Experts Advocate Green Investment, Climate Innovation To Drive Economic Resilience
Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, alongside leading climate innovation experts, has called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.
The call was made during a thought-provoking webinar hosted by the Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”. Climate experts and stakeholders convened to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.
In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.
He said: “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”
The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.
Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.
“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”
Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.
“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”
The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.
By hosting the webinar, Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.
The initiative underscores the Bank’s broader strategic focus on environmental sustainability as well as its commitment to financial inclusion.
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