Press Release
Naira crisis: ACAMB, Bank CSOs, Operations Heads harp on benefits of cashless policy
The Association of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB), Chief Security Officers in Banks (CSOs), and Committee of Heads of Operations of Banks (CHOBs) on Sunday, February 19, 2023 held an emergency meeting over fallout of implementation of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s monetary policy that led to attacks on bank staff and facilities in some states of the federation.
There has been unrest and state of uncertainty nationwide over the CBN’s deadline on validity of the old N500 and N1000 notes as legal tender in the last couple of days. But both the Federal Government and apex bank have assured Nigerians that the challenges will ease out soon.
Reiterating his administration’s support for the CBN’s policy, President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday pleaded with Nigerians to exercise more patience to enjoy the eventual gains of cashless policy.
‘I am fully aware of the current hardship being faced as a result of some policies meant to bring overall improvement to the country. I’m appealing to you to exercise further patience as we take measures to ease these hardships. God willing, there is light at the end of the tunnel,’ the President tweeted on Sunday evening.
In a communiqué issued at end of the Tripartite meeting, which held in Lagos and convened by The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), the three Associations assured the general public that the apex bank and Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) are doing everything possible to make Naira available whilst expressing hope of return to normalcy in the shortest possible time. The banks resolved to continuously engage customers on efforts being made to lessen the current hardship being experienced.
Pending when all the challenges will be resolved, the bank heads appealed to Nigerians, particularly the traders and merchants to embrace and adopt the cashless policy by accepting fund transfers from their customers. They noted that the random glitches associated with recent transfer options will also ease out in no distant time.
To forestall further attacks, the bank heads appealed to Security Agencies to increase patrol and surveillance on bank locations especially those located in places prone to attacks.
The traditional institutions, Community Development Association Heads, Leaders in various markets across Nigeria were also enjoined to educate their subjects and members on the immediate and long term benefits of cashless policy.
Members of the public especially bank customers are also encouraged to leverage several available alternate channels provided by banks to consummate 99 percent of all their transactions and focus less on cash.
The three bodies re-emphasised that Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) neither hide nor hoard money they receive from the CBN, whilst assuring that Banks would make money received available to their customers Over the Counter (OTC) or through the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).
See action points from the communiqué below:
- A strategic and consistent information should be made available to customers and the general public to keep them abreast of operations and use of alternate payment channels as we jointly work to improve situation.
- Market women and traders at every market across Nigeria are encouraged not to reject transfer payment from their customers as doing otherwise runs counter to cashless policy.
- Security Agencies are enjoined to increase surveillance, patrol and protection for bank workers, assets, and customers from undesirable elements attacking bank facilities.
- Traditional Institutions, CDA Chairmen and market leaders are to assist in educating their subjects, residents and members at grassroots on the benefits of cashless policy while discouraging deviants and other elements within the community to maintain peace and order.
- Customers are encouraged to make a habit of effecting 99% of all their transactions through available alternate channels provided by Banks including; Internet banking, mobile banking, USSD, Digital banking Apps, Merchants PoS QR Code, etc.
- Banks are advised not to hoard the newly redesigned naira notes but rather make them available to customers.
- Customers are encouraged to hold less of cash and transact more digitally.
Rasheed Bolarinwa
President, ACAMB
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been encouraged to adopt digital tools to enhance their operations and drive sustainable growth.
This call was made during the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program 2025, held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the bank’s dedicated SME Hub in Gbagada, Lagos.
The event, which drew a large turnout of entrepreneurs and stakeholders, marked the official launch of Fidelity Bank’s initiative to equip 100 growth-ready SMEs with ERPRev-enabled POS systems and business support tools—at no cost to the beneficiaries.
Welcoming guests, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc, represented by Mr. Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, emphasized the bank’s commitment to SME development:
“At Fidelity Bank, we believe SMEs are not just the backbone of our economy—they are the architects of innovation, resilience, and inclusive growth. Through the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program (FSEP), we are providing 100 entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and support they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.”
Through the initiative, benefiting businesses will receive: a fully-installed POS desktop system, ERPRev business software, receipt printer and barcode scanner, inventory data input support, financial and bookkeeping training, branding and onboarding support, six months of post-installation monitoring; and a free Fidelity POS with instant settlement.
The three-day program features high-impact trainings, masterclasses, and networking opportunities designed to spark innovation, build partnerships, and unlock new markets.
L – R: Divisional Head, Product Development, Osita Ede; Executive Director -Lagos and SouthWest, Ken Opara (both of Fidelity Bank Plc); Chief Executive Officer, Manmark, Adaonah Kene-Uyawune; Executive Director/Chief Operations and Information Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanley Amuchie; Deputy Director and Lagos State Manager of SMEDAN, Bunmi Kole-Dawodu; and Divisional Head, Brands and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, Meksley Nwagboh; at the Fidelity SME Empowerment Program 2025 in Lagos, recently.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Adaonah Kene-Uyawune, CEO of Manmark -Fidelity Bank’s strategic partner, noted, “This digital transformation initiative is a game changer. It replaces manual bookkeeping with a unified system that simplifies accounting, inventory, HR, and profitability tracking. These tools are not handouts—they are instruments for long-term business success.”
According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, SMEs make up 96% of all businesses in the country, employ over 80% of the workforce, and contribute nearly 50% to the national GDP. Despite their critical role in the economy, many still rely on manual processes that hinder efficiency and limit access to finance.
Fidelity Bank’s intervention is therefore both timely and strategic—providing SMEs with the digital tools and support they need to streamline operations, improve transparency, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
Polaris Bank is set to host the 2025 edition of its Annual Media Capacity Seminar on July 17, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
This year’s seminar is themed: “Empowering Journalists in the Digital Age: Storytelling, Tools & Transformation”, and will feature two distinguished facilitators: Taiwo Obe, Founder and Director of Journalism Clinic, and Abayomi Adisa, a Senior Journalist with the BBC.
Now in its 11th year, Polaris Bank’s Media Capacity Seminar has grown into a flagship media education initiative supporting journalism excellence and professional development across Nigeria. Since its inception in 2015, the program has trained over 5,500 journalists, equipping them with the contemporary knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an evolving media landscape and AI era.
The 2024 edition, held in a hybrid format, recorded over 500 participants and focused on “Integrating AI Tools in Contemporary Media Practices for Innovation and Excellence.” Participants gained insights into data journalism, fact-checking, multimedia storytelling, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the newsroom.
Building on last year’s success, the 2025 edition will explore critical aspects of modern journalism, including digital storytelling, transformative newsroom practices, and emerging tools that can help journalists remain relevant in practice and impactful in today’s information age.
Attendance at the seminar is free, but registration is mandatory. Interested participants can still register via bit.ly/PAMC2025.
Polaris Bank remains committed to promoting responsible journalism through robust, consistent and premium media education and investing in initiatives that foster a more informed and progressive society.
Press Release
Union Bank Strengthens Public-Private Partnership At Maiden International Civil Service Conference
Union Bank, one of the nation’s most respected financial institutions, reinforced its commitment to national progress as a proud partner of the inaugural International Civil Service Conference held on June 25 and 26, 2025 at the Eagle Square Arena, Abuja.
The conference, themed “Rejuvenate, Innovate & Accelerate,” convened civil servants, policymakers, and development partners to drive reforms and digital transformation in Nigeria’s public service.
Organised by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation and the Global Government Forum UK, the conference highlighted critical priorities such as strong inclusive leadership, fostering an agile and digital culture, and effective public service delivery structures that transcend organisational silos. These closely align with Union Bank’s expertise in delivering innovative digital banking solutions and supporting public sector efficiency.
In a statement to the media, Mannir Ringim, Executive Director, North and Public Sector, said: “At Union Bank, we believe in the transformative power of public-private partnerships. Our support for this landmark conference underscores our dedication to modernising Nigeria’s civil service through innovative financial solutions and digital platforms that foster transparency and efficiency.”
Union Bank’s participation reflects its leadership in public sector collaboration, and this support for the International Civil Service Conference attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and senior public sector leaders from across Africa, reinforces the Bank’s role as a key enabler of Nigeria’s development and sustainable economic growth.
Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Corruption Battle: Dangote Drags Ex-NMDPRA Boss To EFCC After ICPC Withdrawal
Rivers Crisis: Full List Of 8 Misconduct Allegations Against Governor Fubara
Panic In Ibadan As Rising Kidnap, Robbery Threats Trigger Official Red Alert
Wizkid Becomes First African Artist To Enter Spotify’s 10 Billion Streams Elite
Funke Akindele’s Behind The Scenes Becomes West Africa’s All-Time Box Office King
