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FIRST BANK CELEBRATES TOP PERFORMING FIRSTMONIE AGENTS NATIONWIDE

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In recognition of the contribution of its Firstmonie Agents towards the Bank’s resolve at promoting access to financial services to all Nigerians, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced that its Agent Banking National award ceremony would hold on Friday, 25 October 2019 at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos. The event is themed “Planting Community Heroes Nationwide”.

Since its inception in 2017, the FirstBank Agent Banking scheme, popularly called Firstmonie, has recorded giant strides at promoting financial inclusion across the nook and cranny of the country. With almost 40,000 Agents in 99% of the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria, processing approximately 1million transactions daily, First Bank of Nigeria Limited is leading the effort at supporting the Federal Government’s objectives to deepen access to financial services. 

FirstBank’s Firstmonie service is providing financial/banking solutions to rural and semi-urban locations across the country, such as account opening, cash deposit, cash withdrawals, airtime purchase, bill payments, BVN enrolment and much more. Through this channel, the Bank is providing convenient services that endears trust and provides ease of access to banking products, thereby saving time and travel costs for users of our network. During the award ceremony, the bank will be recognising top performing Agents at National, Regional, and State levels.

FirstBank’s financial inclusion activities is in line with the mandate of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure the availability of affordable financial products and services to all individuals and groups of people in the country; irrespective of location, literacy levels, familiarity with technology and accessibility to modern infrastructural facilities. The Firstmonie Agent channel is amongst the Bank’s many initiatives to expand financial access in the country.

“According to Adesola Adeduntan, Chief Executive Officer, First Bank of Nigeria Limited “the unwavering efforts and remarkable contributions by our Firstmonie Agents at promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria is indeed very much appreciated. Within the past 2 years we have been able to create not only 40,000 access points, but over 150,000 indirect jobs. We remain committed to doing more, strengthening business activities, driving economic growth and development; thereby reducing poverty”

“We would not rest on our laurels because without a doubt, every individual’s contribution to national growth and development, regardless of where they are, is indeed very important to us” he concluded.

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NLC vs Telecom Tariff Hike: NSCDC Deploys Troops, Warns of National Security Threat as Labour Vows to Fight On

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NLC vs Telecom Tariff Hike: NSCDC Deploys Troops, Warns of National Security Threat as Labour Vows to Fight On

NLC vs Telecom Tariff Hike: NSCDC Deploys Troops, Warns of National Security Threat as Labour Vows to Fight On

Tensions are running high as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against its planned March 1 shutdown of telecommunications services over the recent 50% tariff hike. The NSCDC announced it has deployed operatives nationwide to protect telecom base stations and prevent any disruptions during the protest.

The NLC has vowed to press ahead with its plan to shut down the operations of major telecom providers like MTN, Airtel, and Glo unless the Nigerian Communications Commission reverses the price hike by February’s end. The union has also directed Nigerians to boycott telecom services from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily until further notice, citing a breach of public trust by the operators.

NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi, in a chat with The PUNCH on Sunday, stressed that any disruption to telecom services could expose the country to increased criminal activities and compromise national security. “The NSCDC will not allow any action that could jeopardize the nation’s security. We are on red alert, and any illegal activity during the protest will be dealt with according to the law,” Afolabi warned.

A nationwide deployment of NSCDC personnel, including undercover and intelligence officers, has been ordered to maintain round-the-clock surveillance at telecom facilities. The agency cited credible intelligence suggesting that hoodlums could hijack the protest, using it as an opportunity for vandalism and looting.

Meanwhile, the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) have criticized the NLC’s plan. PTECSSAN Secretary-General Abdullahi Okonu argued that the tariff hike is necessary due to rising operational costs, including the removal of fuel subsidies. “The NLC acted in error by not consulting our union before making decisions,” Okonu said.

ATCON President Tony Emoekpere echoed the sentiment, calling the planned shutdown “misguided.” “This is an industry-wide challenge, not just a labour issue. Resorting to such drastic actions will only harm the economy,” he explained.

However, NLC leaders remain defiant. Lagos State NLC Chairperson Funmi Sessi dismissed the NSCDC’s warnings as intimidation tactics. “No one can threaten us! This is about our commonwealth. If necessary, we will shut down electricity too. Let them do their worst,” she declared.

The NLC maintains that the tariff increase represents a betrayal of public trust, given the government’s earlier agreement to review the proposed hike before any implementation. The union also slammed the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.

As the standoff intensifies, the NSCDC is calling for dialogue to avoid any potential disruption. “Dialogue remains the best solution, and we hope organized labour will listen to reason,” Afolabi added.

With both sides digging in, the nation braces for potential unrest in the coming days.

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Zero Processing Fee; GTBank Removes POS Processing Fees to Support Businesses

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Zero Processing Fee; GTBank Removes POS Processing Fees to Support Businesses

 

Lagos, Nigeria – Wednesday, 12 February 2025 – Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd has announced the removal of processing fees on all GTBank POS terminals, reinforcing its commitment to supporting businesses with cost-effective payment solutions.

 

This initiative, which took effect Tuesday, 11 February 2025, communicates that merchants using GTBank POS terminals will no longer incur Merchant Service Charges (MSC) when receiving payments from customers.

 

With this initiative, all qualifying SME Merchants can now receive payments at zero cost, allowing them to reduce operational expenses, whilst promoting the merchant’s enterprise, and enhancing customer experience.
Speaking on the initiative, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank Nigeria, said: “At Guaranty Trust Bank, we are always looking for ways to add value to our financial ecosystem. By implementing the zero processing fees on POS transactions, we are empowering businesses to get the full value of every payment they receive, whilst also ensuring a more seamless and efficient payment experience.”
The Zero Processing Charge campaign aligns with GTBank’s ongoing efforts to empower businesses with innovative financial solutions that drive growth and efficiency.

 

For more information, merchants are encouraged to contact their Relationship Managers or reach out to the Digital Banking Support Team at [email protected].
About GTBank

 

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is a leading financial institution committed to delivering innovative banking solutions that empower businesses and individuals. With a strong focus on technology and customer satisfaction, GTBank continues to redefine the banking experience across Africa and beyond.

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Nigerian Officials Condemn Canada’s Visa Denial to Military Leaders

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Nigerian Officials Condemn Canada’s Visa Denial to Military Leaders

Nigerian Officials Condemn Canada’s Visa Denial to Military Leaders

 

The Federal Government and former diplomats have condemned Canada’s decision to deny visas to top Nigerian military officials, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and other senior officers. The controversy arose after Gen. Musa revealed that several high-ranking officials were barred from attending a Canadian event honoring war veterans, leaving some delegation members stranded.

 

National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu expressed outrage at the development during the maiden annual lecture of the National Association of the Institute for Security Studies in Abuja on Thursday. Ribadu described the visa denial as “disrespectful” and declared, “Canada can go to hell.” He applauded Musa for addressing the issue publicly and emphasized the need for Nigeria to strengthen its internal capacity.

 

“Even though it’s painful and disrespectful, we are peaceful, we are strong, and I agree with you—it is time to fix our country. This is yet another reason we must work hard to make Nigeria work,” Ribadu stated.

 

Gen. Musa called the incident a “wake-up call” for Nigeria to stand firm against being taken for granted by foreign nations. “This is a reminder that we must stand on our own, stand strong as a nation, and refuse to be taken for granted,” he urged.

An official from the Canadian High Commission, speaking anonymously, indicated that an official response would be provided on Friday.

Former Nigerian Ambassador to Cameroon, Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie, criticized the visa denial as inconceivable and proposed a reciprocal delay in processing Canadian visa applications. He also recommended summoning the Canadian High Commissioner for an explanation.

“High officials of the rank of the CDS, COAS, and Service Chiefs should normally hold diplomatic passports. Application for visas of such top officials should be routed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and forwarded with a Note Verbale,” Akinkuolie explained. “If such a denial occurs, the Nigerian mission in Canada should delay all diplomatic, official, and private applications of Canadians visiting Nigeria as a reciprocal measure.”

Ambassador Akinkuolie also emphasized the importance of limiting delegations to official personnel to avoid unnecessary complications.

Similarly, retired Ambassador to Algeria, Amb. Mohammed Mabdul, described the visa denial as “highly undiplomatic” and urged the Canadian High Commission to reconsider. “The issue of security should not be taken for granted,” Mabdul warned, stressing that diplomatic relations should not be jeopardized by such actions.

However, former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Yemi Farounbi, criticized Ribadu’s language, calling it undiplomatic.

“I don’t think the NSA handled the matter in the best possible way, and the language used cannot be considered diplomatic,” Farounbi said. He suggested that the issue should have been referred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Every sovereign nation has the right to grant or deny visas to any applicant. Considering the bilateral relationship, the matter could have been addressed through diplomatic channels. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the best agency for handling such matters, and they would have used appropriate language,” he added.

Farounbi further warned against ministries and agencies taking on roles that fall under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“There are instances where top officials visit foreign countries without informing the Nigerian Embassy in those countries. This is not how such matters should be handled,” he said.

As diplomatic tensions rise, all eyes are on Canada’s official response and any potential actions Nigeria may take to address the issue.

 

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