The Naira recorded significant appreciation against the United States dollar on Monday at the official foreign exchange market to begin the week ahead of Yuletide on a good note.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s data showed that the Naira strengthened to N1,456.56 per dollar on Monday, up from N1,464.49 traded on Friday last week, 19th December 2025.

This means that the Naira gained N7.93 against the dollar when compared with the N1,464.49 was exchanged as of Friday, December 19, 2025. DAILY POST reports that Monday’s gain at the official FX market is the first since December 15th.

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Meanwhile, at the black market, the Naira remained stable at N1500 per dollar on Monday, according to multiple Bureau De Change operators in Wuse Zone 4, Abuja.

The development comes as the country’s external reserves stood at $44.66 billion as of last week Friday.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the operating licences of Aso Savings and Loans Plc and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc, citing persistent regulatory infractions and deepening financial distress in the two primary mortgage banks.

The revocation, which took effect on December 15, 2025, was carried out under Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and Section 7.3 of the Revised Guidelines for Mortgage Banks in Nigeria, the CBN said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

According to the apex bank, the affected institutions failed to meet minimum paid-up share capital requirements, had insufficient assets to cover their liabilities, recorded capital adequacy ratios below prudential thresholds, and consistently breached regulatory directives.

“The CBN remains committed to its core mandate of ensuring financial system stability,” a statement, signed by the apex bank’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali said.

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Following the licence revocation, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) was appointed liquidator of the defunct banks in line with the law.

The Corporation said it has commenced the liquidation process and begun verification and payment of insured deposits to customers.

Under the deposit insurance framework, depositors are entitled to receive up to two million naira per depositor, with payments made through BVN-linked alternate bank accounts.

Depositors with balances above the insured limit will receive the initial two million naira while the remaining sums will be paid as liquidation dividends after the realisation of the banks’ assets and recovery of outstanding loans.

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The NDIC said depositors may submit claims either online or physically at designated branches of the closed banks, while creditors will be paid after all depositors have been fully settled, in accordance with statutory provisions.

The two mortgage banks have faced prolonged operational challenges, including depositor complaints, governance concerns, and delisting from the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) in 2024 for failure to submit audited financial statements for more than six years.

The CBN assured the public that the action was taken to strengthen the mortgage banking sub-sector and protect depositors, adding that banks whose licences have not been revoked remain safe and sound.

This means the two financial institutions can no longer operate as licensed financial institutions.

First Bank Nigeria Plc on Tuesday launched its Digital Xperience Centre (DXC) at the University of Benin Branch, Benin City.

In his remarks at the launching, Chief Executive Officer, First Bank Plc, Olusegun Alebiosu, described the digital xperience centre as “an exceptional feat in our shared commitment toward innovation,” adding that
“this is our 9th Centre, and it operates round-the-clock.”

Alebiosu, while stating that the “FirstBank’s DXC is more than a banking facility,” added that “it is a step toward redefining how banking connects with education, technology, and the whole community.”

He said: “In partnership with the University, we’ve created a hub where students, faculty and community members can access FirstBank’s digital world.

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“Our DXCs are more than just banking hubs – they are gateways to a smarter, faster, and more personalised financial journey. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, customers have access to state-of-the-art self-service terminals designed to simplify transactions while ensuring top-tier security and efficiency.

“Whether you need to deposit cash, request for debit card, or update your account details, the DXC’s provides an elevated banking experience with speed and ease, designed to put you in control.

“Our DXCs operate round-the-clock, including weekends, providing the convenience you need to bank anytime in just a few minutes.

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“The DXC embodies our commitment to Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) principles as it promotes financial inclusion, fosters digital literacy, and uses sustainable technology to empower underserved communities.”

The CEO, while thanking the leadership of UNIBEN for “partnering with us to bring this vision to life, aligning academic excellence with cutting-edge technology,” urged the public to “embrace this DXC as a catalyst for learning, innovation, and development.”

In his remarks at the launching, the Vice-Chancellor, UNIBEN, Prof. Edoba Omoregie said: “We are very happy that First Bank is doing this in our institution,” describing UNIBEN as a “first generation university.”

Earlier, while playing host to the First Bank CEO and his team in his office, Prof. Edoba had sought support from the company in the revamp of the university Information Technology Centre (ICT).