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CBN Plans To Raise Fines On Erring Banks

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The Central Bank of Nigeria is preparing to impose stricter fines on banks that fail to comply with regulatory standards.

This move, according to the Deputy Director of CBN’s Consumer Protection Department, Jamiu Rabiu, is in response to banks’ lacklustre compliance with consumer protection standards.

Speaking on Monday at a high-level policy roundtable on financial inclusion for Persons with Disabilities, organised by the Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation, Rabiu highlighted the ineffectiveness of the current N2 to N3 fines in deterring recurring issues in the banking sector.

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His remarks were in response to concerns raised by Persons with Disabilities who criticised the CBN for insufficient efforts to promote inclusivity in the financial sector.

They argued that the current penalties are not strong enough to deter banks from repeatedly violating their rights.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: CBN Raises Interest Rate

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Rabiu said efforts were ongoing to increase the fine imposed on erring banks.

He said, “We’ve made several efforts, even reaching out to the Bankers’ Committee, because they work closely with the banks to address issues at the level of senior government. They’ve created groups aimed at preventing fraud.

“We’ve held discussions and gone over everything, but when things go back to the status quo, the same issues arise. I believe we need to strengthen our regulations and even increase the fines imposed.

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“For instance, Madam mentioned that when we imposed fines of around N2m to N3m, it wasn’t yielding significant results. Whenever there’s an issue, the banks don’t always act.

READ ALSO: CBN Introduces Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching To Curb Speculation

“Recently, our Deputy Governor questioned why we were imposing only 2 million in fines. We are now considering increasing these fines. If payments are not made within a specified period, there will be an additional 2 million charge per day.”

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He added, “Or if payment takes 6 months, we would calculate the total days to determine the accumulated fine. I believe increasing these fines is essential. This is a work in progress.”

He noted that the CBN would have to get the buy-in of the banking authorities to increase the fines to ensure better compliance from banks.

Rabiu said, “We need to coordinate with the banking authorities so that the Deputy Governor can approve higher fine amounts, not just 5 or 10 million. We are aiming to raise it to around 100 million, which we believe would drive better compliance from the banks.”

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READ ALSO: Naira: CBN Announces Fresh FX Code, Demands Compliance From Banks, BDCs, Others

The Executive Director of CADEF, Professor Chiso Ndukwe-Okafor, stressed the importance of these changes, particularly for PWDs, who often struggle to access digital financial services due to inadequate infrastructure.

She said, “The meeting with stakeholders was organised because of the challenges PWDs encounter accessing digital financial services. We realise that their needs are not being met. by the financial institutions whether online or offline.

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“We are collaborating with CBN, FCCPC and a technical committee that would come up with a person with Disabilities bill of rights so that enforcement and sanction can be given. “

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Why We Sited Our Multi-Billion Naira Automobile Firm Branch in Benin – Skyewise Group CEO

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Dr. Elvis Abuyere, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Skyewise Group, an automobile firm, has explained the reason for establishing a branch of the company in Benin City, the Edo State capital, describing the ancient city as “a growing economy full of enormous potential for vibrant youth.”

He added that the company considers Edo State one of the most interesting states, noting that the decision aligns with its long-term vision.

Abuyere, who spoke in Benin on Monday while taking journalists on a tour of the new automobile facility, said:
We started very small — from Abuja to Lagos and now Benin. It is a joy and privilege for us to have completed this amazing regional office with Skyewise Group.”

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READ ALSO:BREAKING: Wike Picks Alabo George For Rivers Governorship

According to him, beyond the automobile business, Skyewise Group is in Benin to invest in real estate, logistics, youth empowerment, and credit management. “Aand also to lend our support to what the Edo State Government is doing, knowing the fact that there is an agenda,” he added.

The young CEO urged youths in Nigeria, particularly those in Edo State, to embrace entrepreneurship, stressing that “we believe it is the future of Africa,” especially Nigeria.

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He said Nigeria stands as the giant of Africa and that its youth must take bold steps in the entrepreneurship landscape.

According to Abuyere, to ensure Edo youths actualise their entrepreneurial potential, the company has prepared soft loans to help them start businesses, adding that Skyewise Group is not limited to automobile operations.

READ ALSO:Senatorial Seat: Ogbakha-Edo Warns Against Imposition Of Candidates In Edo South

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He said: “More importantly to us is youth empowerment. We want our youth to be empowered, and this is where the Skyewise Foundation comes in.

“We believe the future of Africa is entrepreneurship, and that future lies in the hands of the young people of Nigeria. We want to empower them to stand the test of time, build something meaningful, and reduce unemployment and insecurity in our land.

“I believe we need to begin taking bold steps by refining the mindset of our young people. We need to give them a sense of belonging and direction.

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“We have been addressing the liquidity gap in society by providing microloans to support businesses in our environment and in Benin City.”

When asked why he chose Benin City for the multi-billion naira automobile firm, Abuyere noted: “I think this is the first automobile showroom in Edo State where you can see a car lifted from the ground floor to the first floor and beyond.”

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JUST IN: Nigerian Filling Stations Reduce Fuel Price After Hike

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Nigerian filling stations reduced their Premium Motor Spirit price on Saturday, barely 24 hours after the hike.

Checks by DAILY POST showed that Ranoil, Empire Energy, and other filling stations in Abuja adjusted their petrol pumps to N1,365 and N1,375 per litre respectively, down from N1,440 per litre on Friday.

This means that petroleum marketers dropped their fuel price by N65 and N75 per litre. DAILY POST reports that the move was to attract patronage from customers.

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READ ALSO:Pipeline Surveillance Contracts Decentralisation May Fuel Chaos In N’Delta, Itsekiri Youths Warn

Recall that three days ago, Nigerian filling stations had raised their petrol pump price to between N1,365 and N1,440 nationwide after Dangote Refinery and depot owners increased ex-depot prices to around N1,275 and N1,290 per litre.

According to DAILY POST, while the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and MRS Bovas filling stations raised their petrol price to around N1,365 per litre, others adjusted theirs above N1,440 per litre.

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READ ALSO:Drivers Protest Fuel Increase, Raise Fares in Benin

However, with the latest fuel price reduction by Ranoil and Empire Energy, the majority of filling station outlets now dispense petrol between N1,365 and N1,375 per litre.

This development comes as the ripple effect of crude oil prices continues to impact Nigeria’s domestic fuel price.

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Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude rose to $114 and $105 per barrel before dropping to $108 and $101 after the filing of this report.

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Dangote Refinery Hikes Petrol Price

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Dangote Refinery has increased the ex-depot price of petrol by N75.

The refinery announced the increase on Wednesday, hiking the the price from N1,200 to N1,275 per litre.
In the same way, coastal prices have gone up to N1,215 per litre.

READ ALSO:Dangote Sugar Announces South New CEO

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This adjustment amid Brent crude trading at $114.80 per barrel marks a 3.15% increase.

DAILY POST reports that Brent crude has increased to $115 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate rose to $103 per barrel on Wednesday.

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