Business
Made-In-Nigeria festival: GTBank’s CEO, Segun Agbaje for entrepreneurs’ roundtable
One of Nigeria’s foremost banking entrepreneurs and Chief Executive Officer, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) PLC, Segun Agbaje, is billed to lead a roundtable for entrepreneurs at the forthcoming Made-In-Nigeria (MaIN) Festival – holding between September 23rd – October 1st, at Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos.
With 14 engaging business and trade related events lined up, MaIN Festival promises to be invigorating. They include: The MaIN Expo, MaIN Idea, MaIN Agenda, MaIN Summit and The Supremacy.
Open to all Nigerian brands and businesses providing products and services for the Nigerian market, Made-in-Nigeria (MaIN) Expo, is designed to create opportunities and foster networking. Over 600 exhibitors comprising global brands and Nigeria’s biggest brands and businesses make up the exposition.
MaIN Expo covers over 22 sectors including key thematic areas. They include: food and beverage, auto, healthcare, fashion and beauty, telecommunications, furniture, banking and finance.
The Made-In-Nigeria (MaIN) idea –is a private sector-driven initiative that seeks to create a platform for the maximum expression of the true Nigerian spirit of creativity, enterprise and resilience among others.
An interactive session designed to engage entrepreneurs, the session will highlight the role of small businesses in transforming the Nigerian economy. The session would also address pertinent issues including funding for SME’s, innovation and emerging opportunities for entrepreneurs in Nigeria.
Agbaje is also expected to underscore the impact of Made-In-Nigeria innovation as the panacea to reducing unemployment and creating wealth for Nigerians.
With over three decades of experience in the banking and finance sector, Agbaje joined GTBank – one of Africa’s foremost banks – based in Lagos, Nigeria, as a pioneer staff in 1991. He served in different capacities – across different groups in the bank.
On account of his exemplary style and work ethic, Agbaje rose through the ranks. In 2000, he was appointed as an Executive Director and later appointed as Deputy Managing Director in 2002. By 2011, he was appointed as the bank’s Chief Executive Officer.
With the theme: “Innovate. Connect. Power The Future” MaIN Festival seeks to enhance innovation and productivity while improving domestic and foreign investments. Entrepreneurs, especially small scale businesses would be empowered to reach new markets and potential investors during the festival, while international Trade Missions would also explore opportunities that are available in Africa’s largest economy.
MaIN Festival – which runs from September 23-October 1st, 2016, comprises a 3-day Summit, an exhibition, a technology exposition and a daily showcase of Nigeria’s finest foods and flavours, movies, fashion, music and art. Over 5,000 Nigerians have already signed up to be part of this year’s festival.
The grand finale of the festival is a special celebration of Nigeria’s independence comprising a phenomenal showcase of music artistry that would also take place at Eko Atlantic City.
MaIN Festival is being organized by the MaIN Group in partnership with Business Day Newspapers as well as other private sector organisations. Board of Advisors of the initiative include: Prince Adesegun Oniru, Mr. Aliko Dangote, Dr. (Mrs.) Stella Okoli, Mr. Ronald Chagoury, Mr. Jim Ovia and Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
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