Current Nigeria News

General

Sterling Bank Becomes First Nigerian Bank to Eliminate Local Transfer Fees in Bold Customer-Centric Move
Under the new policy, all Sterling Bank customers can conduct free local transfers through the bank’s mobile app, offering significant savings for individuals and small business owners who rely heavily on digital payments for daily transactions. In a groundbreaking shift for Nigeria’s financial sector, Sterling Bank has officially eliminated all transfer fees on local online transactions, becoming the first major bank in the country to implement a zero-transfer-fee policy.
Under the new policy, all Sterling Bank customers can conduct free local transfers through the bank’s mobile app, offering significant savings for individuals and small business owners who rely heavily on digital payments for daily transactions. In a groundbreaking shift for Nigeria’s financial sector, Sterling Bank has officially eliminated all transfer fees on local online transactions, becoming the first major bank in the country to implement a zero-transfer-fee policy.
President Tinubu Embarks on Two-Week Working Visit to Paris to Review Reforms, Strategize Development Goals
According to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the retreat will serve as a platform for the president to assess midterm performance, review the impact of key policy initiatives, and refine strategies for accelerating economic growth and national development. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to depart Nigeria today, Wednesday, April 2, for a two-week working visit to Paris, France, aimed at evaluating his administration’s ongoing reforms and shaping strategic development priorities for the year ahead.
According to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the retreat will serve as a platform for the president to assess midterm performance, review the impact of key policy initiatives, and refine strategies for accelerating economic growth and national development. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to depart Nigeria today, Wednesday, April 2, for a two-week working visit to Paris, France, aimed at evaluating his administration’s ongoing reforms and shaping strategic development priorities for the year ahead.
Tinubu Dissolves NNPCL Board, Appoints 11-Member Team with Ojulari as CEO, Kida as Chairman
According to a statement released early Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the newly constituted 11-member board includes Engineer Bashir Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and Ahmadu Kida as Non-Executive Chairman. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) board, dissolving all members appointed in November 2023, except for Pius Akinyelure and Mele Kyari, in a move aimed at strengthening the leadership of the national oil company.
According to a statement released early Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the newly constituted 11-member board includes Engineer Bashir Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) and Ahmadu Kida as Non-Executive Chairman. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a major restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) board, dissolving all members appointed in November 2023, except for Pius Akinyelure and Mele Kyari, in a move aimed at strengthening the leadership of the national oil company.

Economy

Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso Impose 0.5% Import Duty on ECOWAS Goods, Deepening Rift with Regional Bloc
The decision, announced on Thursday, comes amid a growing economic and political rift between the AES bloc and ECOWAS following the 2023 military coups in each of the three countries, which led to widespread condemnation and sanctions from the regional body. Tensions between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) escalated further as the three junta-led nations announced a 0.5% import duty on all goods originating from ECOWAS member states. Humanitarian aid was the only category exempted from the new tariff.
The decision, announced on Thursday, comes amid a growing economic and political rift between the AES bloc and ECOWAS following the 2023 military coups in each of the three countries, which led to widespread condemnation and sanctions from the regional body. Tensions between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) escalated further as the three junta-led nations announced a 0.5% import duty on all goods originating from ECOWAS member states. Humanitarian aid was the only category exempted from the new tariff.
Top Nigerian Banks Report Record ₦3.41 Trillion Profit After Tax in 2024, Up 62% Despite Economic Strain
Despite recurring complaints from customers about service quality and digital transaction failures, all banks recorded significant growth in gross earnings and earnings per share (EPS), attributing profits to a mix of equity holder returns, non-controlling interests, and expanded financial services. Six of Nigeria’s leading banks have posted a combined ₦3.41 trillion profit after tax (PAT) for the financial year ended 2024—marking a 62.38% increase from the ₦2.1 trillion recorded in 2023, despite widespread customer dissatisfaction, service complaints, and a tough economic climate.
Despite recurring complaints from customers about service quality and digital transaction failures, all banks recorded significant growth in gross earnings and earnings per share (EPS), attributing profits to a mix of equity holder returns, non-controlling interests, and expanded financial services. Six of Nigeria’s leading banks have posted a combined ₦3.41 trillion profit after tax (PAT) for the financial year ended 2024—marking a 62.38% increase from the ₦2.1 trillion recorded in 2023, despite widespread customer dissatisfaction, service complaints, and a tough economic climate.
World Bank to Approve $632 Million in New Loans for Nigeria Amid Rising Debt Concerns
These initiatives, currently in the final approval phase, are expected to enhance public sector delivery in health and education—two areas heavily impacted by underfunding and systemic inefficiencies. The World Bank is set to approve $632 million in fresh loans for Nigeria today, Monday. The move aims to bolster critical sectors such as nutrition and basic education, even as Nigeria’s growing external debt profile raises red flags among economic analysts.
These initiatives, currently in the final approval phase, are expected to enhance public sector delivery in health and education—two areas heavily impacted by underfunding and systemic inefficiencies. The World Bank is set to approve $632 million in fresh loans for Nigeria today, Monday. The move aims to bolster critical sectors such as nutrition and basic education, even as Nigeria’s growing external debt profile raises red flags among economic analysts.

Entertainment

Tiger Woods Confirms Relationship with Vanessa Trump, Shares “Love Is in the Air” Post
Vanessa Trump was previously married to Donald Trump Jr., and her appearance with Woods has already sparked conversation across social and political circles. Golf legend Tiger Woods has officially confirmed his relationship with Vanessa Trump, the former daughter-in-law of ex-President Donald Trump, in a heartfelt social media post captioned, “Love is in the air.”
Vanessa Trump was previously married to Donald Trump Jr., and her appearance with Woods has already sparked conversation across social and political circles. Golf legend Tiger Woods has officially confirmed his relationship with Vanessa Trump, the former daughter-in-law of ex-President Donald Trump, in a heartfelt social media post captioned, “Love is in the air.”
Nigerian Travel Creator Alma Asinobi Faces Visa Setback in Bid to Break Fastest 7-Continent Travel Record
Asinobi, who launched her ambitious journey under the campaign name #AlmaChasingContinents, revealed on Sunday that she was denied entry into Australia, her final destination, due to visa-related issues.
Asinobi, who launched her ambitious journey under the campaign name #AlmaChasingContinents, revealed on Sunday that she was denied entry into Australia, her final destination, due to visa-related issues.
Naira Marley Denies Threatening Mohbad, Tells Coroner Disputes Delayed Album Releases
Speaking virtually during the proceedings, Marley stated that Mohbad was signed to his label, Marlian Records, under a contract to produce four albums, but none were completed before the artist left the label due to frequent disagreements with his manager, Opere Babatunde.
Speaking virtually during the proceedings, Marley stated that Mohbad was signed to his label, Marlian Records, under a contract to produce four albums, but none were completed before the artist left the label due to frequent disagreements with his manager, Opere Babatunde.
World News

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