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CBN Threatens Sanction Over Cash Scarcity At ATMs

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The Central Bank of Nigeria has threatened to impose fines on erring players in the financial sector over the ongoing cash scarcity at Automated Teller Machines.

This announcement was made by the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, on Friday at the annual Bankers’ Dinner organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.

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There have been recent reports of cash shortages at banks, both at ATMs and over the counter.

Cardoso stated, “We also recognise the ongoing challenges with cash availability at ATMs, which disproportionately affect ordinary Nigerians.

READ ALSO: CBN Plans To Raise Fines On Erring Banks

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“To address this, we are conducting spot checks across deposit money banks, and we will impose penalties on underperforming institutions. Effective December 1, 2024, customers are encouraged to report any difficulties with withdrawing cash from bank branches or ATMs directly to the CBN through designated phone numbers and email addresses for their respective states.

“Guidelines will be distributed widely to raise public awareness. We will also urge full regulatory compliance by all stakeholders, including mobile money operators and POS agents, to promote digital transaction channels and improve service delivery. I repeat, financial institutions found engaging in malpractices or sabotage will face severe penalties.

“The CBN will continue to maintain a robust cash offering to meet the country’s needs, particularly during high-demand periods such as the festive season and year-end.”

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CAC Unveils AI-powered Portal For 30-minute Company Registrations

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The Corporate Affairs Commission has launched a pilot Artificial Intelligence-powered registration portal to overhaul the current Company Registration Portal.

The Registrar-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, disclosed this at the 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum meeting.

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A statement issued by the commission on Tuesday described the initiative as a game-changer aimed at significantly reducing registration timelines and enhancing the ease of doing business across the country.

According to Magaji, the new system allows for instant name reservation approvals, likening the process to opening an email account.

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It is intelligently designed to suggest available alternatives and grant real-time approvals, removing the traditional bottlenecks,” he said.

One of the portal’s standout features is its ability to facilitate business registration using only the National Identification Number of a director or proprietor.

Magaji said that once real-time NIN verification is successful, a certificate of incorporation would be generated and delivered to the applicant’s email within 30 minutes.

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He stated, “The target time for business registration is under 30 minutes to generate a certificate and deliver to the customer’s email, subject to real-time NIN verification.”

READ ALSO:CAC’s Good Women Choir Leader, Fasoyin, Speaks On Composition Of ‘Odun Nlo Sopin’ Song

While acknowledging that some delays may still arise due to external validations from the National Identity Management Commission, he revealed that a contingency plan has been built into the platform, using AI-powered photo ID matching to overcome such hitches.

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In addition, the Commission plans to introduce a two-factor authentication system with OTP verification for all transactions.

This, according to him, will ensure no changes can be made to company records without the explicit knowledge and consent of the registered directors.

Magaji further announced that a CAC mobile application would be launched in the final quarter of 2025 to allow users to track and manage transactions on the go.

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READ ALSO:JUST IN: CAC Gives Unregistered Businesses Deadline, Warns Of Jail Term

Speaking on new partnerships, he disclosed that the Commission is currently reviewing over 100 requests from local and international super agents, including the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System, aimed at deepening access and streamlining services.

Meanwhile, the Registrar-General also revealed that the Commission would commence a review of its service fees effective August 1, 2025, citing the need to maintain service quality and implement ongoing reforms.

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The statement added that goodwill messages at the forum were delivered by the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, Cordelia U. Eke; Chairman, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, Sir Sebastian Essien; and Chairman, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Elder Dogala Sakpege.

Also in attendance were Mechi Brown, Director of Industry at the Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Miema Akpa, who represented the Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Port Harcourt branch.

A CAC technical team was present during the event to attend to customer complaints and provide on-the-spot solutions to registration challenges.

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Lagos Monarch Dethrones Six Chiefs For ‘Impersonating’ Him At Labour Party Campaign

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The Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba AbdulFatai Oyegbemi, has dethroned six chiefs for attending the campaign flag-off of the Labour Party at the Apapa area of Lagos State.

The monarch stated that the chiefs had attended the political event without his consent and had violated palace protocol by impersonating him there.

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The affected chiefs are Chief Lateef Ojora (Bale Alaba Oro), Chief Saliu Biliamin (Bale Alafia Dodoro), and Chief Taiwo Hassan (Bale Oke Ira).

READ ALSO:Lagos To Divert Traffic Ahead 110-day Repair Of Ogudu/Ifako Bridge

Others are Chief Idris Ojora (Bale Abule Kere), Chief Hakeem Oseni (Bale Mosafejo Amukoko), and Chief Sule Balogun (Balogun of Abule Kere).

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The development followed a palace meeting held on Monday, where Oba Oyegbemi declared the chiefs’ actions unacceptable.

In a statement sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday, it read, “Following the outcome of this event, which unfolded without his prior knowledge, Kabiyesi Ojora summoned the Bales, Balogun, and the Ojora Councils to his ancient Palace for clarification.

READ ALSO:Lagos To Divert Traffic Ahead 110-day Repair Of Ogudu/Ifako Bridge

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In a tone marked by disappointment and authority, Kabiyesi stated that the Chiefs’ actions were in violation of their duties. He reiterated that no Chief should make decisions or act on his behalf without his explicit consent, as they all serve to represent him and uphold the traditions of the land.

“The decisive action of dethroning the six Chiefs underscores his commitment to maintaining order and coherence within his leadership structure. During this assembly, Kabiyesi also took the opportunity to commend the present Government’s ongoing development initiatives in Ojora Land, expressing his commitment to continue supporting the Administration as it fosters growth and progress for the Kingdom.”

The Lagos monarch, however, affirmed the significance of transparency and collaboration between traditional authorities and their representation in political matters, while reminding all chiefs of their responsibilities while serving under the esteemed Ojora Kingdom.

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Senator Withdraws From Legislative Duties Over Health Challenge

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The lawmaker representing the Cross River North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Agom Jarigbe, has announced a temporary withdrawal from legislative and constituency engagements due to pressing health concerns.

In a statement issued on Monday, the senator disclosed that he is currently receiving medical care and, on the advice of doctors, will be away from active duties for a short period. As a result, a widely anticipated endorsement rally scheduled to be held in the coming days has been postponed.

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The lawmaker emphasised that the decision is in the best interests of his health and the effective representation of his constituents.

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He said, “This is a necessary pause, and I am having proper medical attention. God willing, I expect to fully resume my responsibilities within the next two weeks or even sooner.”

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The senator expressed appreciation for the prayers and support of his constituents while emphasising that the decision to suspend the rally was taken in recognition of the need to be at full strength when engaging with the people of Cross River North.

No mortal is immune to health challenges. This moment reminds us of the fragile nature of life and the need for compassion,” he added.

READ ALSO:Natasha Drags Ebonyi Senator To Court Over TV interview, Demands N5bn

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Jarigbe also appealed to the public to disregard political attempts to exploit his health condition for ridicule. “Let us not lose our shared sense of humanity in the name of politics,” he urged.

The senator reassured the public of his commitment to returning soon to continue the work of development in the senatorial district. He encouraged those in need of urgent healthcare assistance to contact his constituency office in his absence.

 

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