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SEC recognises cryptocurrencies, Moghalu faults CBN action

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A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Kingsley Moghalu, has faulted the recent action of the apex bank that Deposit Money Banks should desist from transacting in and with entities dealing in cryptocurrencies.

According to him, the Securities and Exchange Commission recognises cryptocurrencies as financial assets. SEC, which is supervised by the Federal Ministry of Finance, is the main regulatory institution of the Nigerian capital market.

The presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party in the 2019 elections spoke on Monday while featuring on Arise TV’s ‘The Morning Show’

He said, “There is regulatory dysfunction, there is lack of regulatory coordination. The Securities and Exchange Commission recognises cryptocurrencies as financial assets and in September last year, they said they will be issuing a regulatory framework for it. So, it does look as if the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing.”

The media had earlier reported that the apex bank said cryptocurrencies promote illegal activities and raise risks, among other reasons.

But Moghalu said there was no means of exchange devoid of risk, adding that if the CBN could manage the risks of paper currency and electronic payments and other means of exchange, it should also be able to mitigate the risks associated with digital platforms such as cryptocurrencies.

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AIICO Reports 48.8% growth in IFRS 17 revenue to ₦108.3 billion in FY 2024:

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Lagos, 8 April 2025 –
AIICO Insurance Plc (“AIICO”, or “the Group”) announced its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Key Financial Highlights

Commenting on the results, Mr. Babatunde Fajemirokun, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer said, “AIICO ended the year with a strong fourth quarter, generating insurance revenue of ₦108.2 billion during the year and exceeding the targets set in our five-year strategy. Each business line delivered solid results, reinforcing the strength of our business philosophy. As industry evolves, we remain well positioned to navigate regulatory changes that support economic growth and maintain market stability. Looking ahead, we will continue to serve our clients with excellence while driving long-term value for our shareholders.”

“For the year ended 2024, profits reached ₦15.1 billion, a 24.4% increase from N12.1 billion in the prior year. This performance reflects our disciplined financial management approach, strategic investments, and a commitment to sustainable business practices, ensuring long-term stability and resilience,” stated Mrs. Bisola Elias, CFO of AIICO Insurance.

……………
Please see the full press release to be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements available here:
Our audited financial statements can be found here:

For further information, please contact

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CBN Approves Merger of Unity and Providus Banks

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday announced the approval for a pivotal financial accommodation to support the proposed merger between Unity Bank Plc and the Providus Bank Limited.

The Apex Bank, in a statement by its acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, said the move is designed to bolster the stability of the nation’s financial system and avert potential systemic risks.

“The merger is contingent upon the financial support from the CBN. The fund will be instrumental in addressing Unity Bank’s total obligations to the Central Bank and other stakeholders,” the statement read.

“It is unequivocal to state that the CBN’s action is under the provisions of Section 42 (2) of the CBN Act, 2007. This arrangement is crucial for the financial health and operational stability of the post-merger organisation.

“It is important to emphasise that no Nigerian bank currently faces a precarious situation comparable to that of Heritage Bank, which was recently liquidated.”

The CBN said it remains committed to safeguarding depositors’ interests and ensuring the smooth functioning of the banking sector through proactive measures and strategic interventions.

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Fuel Importers Will Frustrate Dangote Refinery — Obasanjo 

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has stated that those benefiting from fuel importation will do all within their powers to frustrate the progress made by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Nigeria.

Obasanjo stated this in an interview with the Financial Times where he described the Dangote refinery as a project that should encourage both Nigerians and non-Nigerians.

“Aliko’s investment in a refinery, if it goes well, should encourage both Nigerians and non-Nigerians to invest in Nigeria.

“If those who are selling or supplying refined products for Nigeria feel that they will lose the lucrative opportunity, they will also make every effort to get him frustrated,” he stated.

The former Nigerian leader shared his opinion on the heels of recent allegations by the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, that some government and non-government officials were trying to frustrate the $20bn refinery.

It’d be recalled that Officials of the Dangote Group recently cried out that international oil companies were frustrating the refinery by refusing to sell crude or by selling to them at a premium up to $4 above the normal price.

The outcry prompted the Federal Executive Council’s directive to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited to sell crude oil to Dangote Refinery and other local refineries in the Nigerian currency – naira against United States’ dollars.

The refinery also accused the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) of deliberately granting licenses to individuals to import dirty fuel.

In its response, the regulator denied this, alleging that Dangote diesel was inferior when compared to the imported ones.

The NMDPRA’s Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed then declared that the country would not stop fuel importation to avoid a monopoly by the Dangote Group.

Dangote Refinery commenced operations at the facility located in Lagos last December with 350,000 barrels a day.

The refinery hopes to achieve its full capacity of 650,000 barrels per day by the end of the year.

It has however commenced the supply of diesel and aviation fuel to marketers in the country, while petrol supply is expected to commence in August amid regulatory resistance.

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