Business
Union Bank of Nigeria Plc Group Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended December 31, 2022
Published
2 years agoon

Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
Group Audited Financial Statements for the Year Ended December 31, 2022
Strong revenue growth driven by core business deepening
Union Bank has announced the release of its audited financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2022, which reflects strong financial performance despite macroeconomic headwinds.
Union Bank maintained consistent success due to the disciplined execution of its go-to-market strategy focused on deepening its core business while exploring new areas of opportunity to acquire, engage, and retain customers.
Bank Financial Highlights:
● Gross Earnings: up 19% to ₦208.2 billion (₦175.0 billion in 2021), driven by strong
growth in Net Interest Income.
● Net Interest Income: up 33% to ₦59.1 billion (₦44.3 billion in 2021) driven by growth in earning assets.
● Net Operating Income after impairments: up 10% to ₦110 billion (₦99.7 billion in 2021).
● Profit before Tax: up by 47% to ₦30.2 billion (₦20.5 billion in 2021).
● Operating Expenses: marginally grew by 0.4% to ₦79.4 billion (₦79.2 billion in 2021), reflecting tight cost control despite inflationary pressures.
● Gross Loans: up 11% at ₦1.0 trillion (₦899.1 billion in December 2021) as we expand our lending to vital economic sectors of opportunity.
● Customer Deposits: up 9% at ₦1.48 trillion (₦1.36 trillion in December 2021) as we expand our product base and digital channels.
Key Operational Highlights:
Retail & Digital
Digital
• Channels & Platforms: Union Bank in 2022 invested in strengthening its technology architecture to drive key processes and serve more customers through digital and agent channels. Consequently, active users on UnionMobile increased by 15.7% to 3.8 million users, and active UnionDirect Agents grew by 62.7% to 51,737. This led to an increase in transaction value and volume on UnionMobile by 121% and 20.4%, respectively.
In 2022, we launched a chatbot that enabled real-time interactions with customers. The chatbot has resolved 1.3 million customer complaints, demonstrating its effectiveness in streamlining the complaints resolution process. In addition, we have made several other investments to enhance our customers’ experience. As a result, we have seen significant improvements in the efficiency and efficacy of our customer complaints resolution.
• Digital Propositions: Our priority has been to venture into unexplored avenues within the digital space to generate fresh revenue streams for the Bank. As part of this strategy, we have broadened the usage of our personal finance and lifestyle investment application, M36, which was first introduced in 2021. M36 empowers customers to grow, manage and invest their wealth in high-yield instruments through the self-service platform.
Retail Offerings
The Bank grew its retail deposits by 14% to N675.8 billion from N594.9 billion in 2021. Some of the initiatives which contributed to this growth include:
• Save & Win Palli Promo 2: We rolled out the campaign’s second edition and rewarded over 611 customers with a combined sum of ₦55.5 million. The promo aims to generate low-cost deposits.
• Target Savings Campaign: In time for the World Cup, we rewarded 596 customers with ₦26 million in our flagship target savings campaign and closed out our five-year Target Savings Product (TSP) – UnionKorrect Qatar. Ten customers were rewarded with cash prices of ₦5 million, and 375 customers with sports jerseys.
• Workplace Banking: We re-launched Workplace Banking, our exclusive proposition designed to offer employees convenience while providing support to achieve their goals and aspirations.
Citizenship, Sustainability, and Innovation
• In 2022, we prioritised inclusion and sustainability while focusing on business growth. In doing so, we impacted our employees, customers, and the communities we serve while contributing towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
― UnionCares: As a yearly tradition, we extend our assistance to the community by providing food boxes to those in need. In 2022, our staff
contributed to this cause by distributing over 1,700 food packages to families all over Nigeria. Furthermore, we extended our support to 15 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), such as the Chess in Slums Foundation and the Special Olympics Nigeria, by providing donations to supplement their commendable efforts.
―Quality Education:We partnered with impactful organisations, including Give Girls a Chance and Child Lifeline, to provide full scholarships to twenty
girls and ten boys in Abuja and Lagos. As part of our Financial Literacy Day and World Savings Day activities, we engaged with more than 4000 students and their teachers.
― Youth Empowerment and Development: In July 2022, we successfully graduated 52 new ‘Techies’ from our first-ever Tech Job Boot camp. This recruitment and training program has significantly contributed to accelerating our go-to-market strategy and further consolidating our position as a formidable player in the financial sector.
Union Bank has been a long-standing supporter of LEAP Africa since 2013, enabling them to empower and equip 170 young social innovators and entrepreneurs to scale their community-changing ideas sustainably over the years. Moreover, our sponsorship of the 2022 Leadership, Empowerment, Achievement, and Development (LEAD) Camp by Junior Achievement Nigeria has empowered more than 300 young girls with critical thinking skills. Through this initiative, we have impacted more than 700 girls over the past eight years.
― Employee Volunteering: Our employees have shown unwavering compassion towards communities and social causes. In 2022, over 265 of our
employees devoted nearly 1000 hours to volunteering for various bank- sponsored initiatives. These initiatives included mentoring sessions with the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (WTEC), which aims to promote women’s participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), financial literacy drives, SME workshop clinics with social innovators, and visits to orphanages to extend their support.
Commenting on the results, Mudassir Amray, MD/CEO, said:
“Despite the macroeconomic headwinds of 2022, we recorded strong performance across key financial and operational indicators. We were focused on our strategy of deepening our core business segments whilst enhancing our digital channels and service propositions to customers. On the back of this, we are increasing our customer acquisition and engagement, translating into higher revenues across our regions.
The Bank’s gross earnings grew by 19% to N208.1 billion from N175 billion in 2021. Whilst non-interest income declined marginally by 1.0%. Net interest income after impairment grew 26.1% to N55.8 billion from N44.2 billion in 2021 on the back of increasing responsible risk assets. Profit before tax closed at N30.2 billion, representing a growth of 47.1% from N20.5 billion recorded in 2021.
In 2023, we will remain focused on executing our strategic initiatives, which are centred on pursuing additional opportunities to diversify our revenue sources while strengthening our core business. We also look forward to completing the merger of Union Bank of Nigeria and Titan Trust Bank, which began in 2022. The transition has gone smoothly, and I am confident that the combination will make us more formidable and well-positioned to capitalise on market opportunities.
As we progress into 2023, I have no doubts that we will scale through all the macroeconomic pressures and sustain this growth momentum with continued support from the new core investors and board and continued trust from our customers to serve them.”
Speaking on the FY 2022 numbers, Chief Financial Officer Joe Mbulu said:
“Our financial performance is a testament to the disciplined execution of our plans for the year and resilience against all odds. While pursuing liability generation and responsible risk assets, we maintained operational efficiency, managing cost drivers and avoiding wastage.
Operating expenses increased marginally by 0.43% due to increased non-discretionary regulatory costs. Our cost-to-income ratio dropped to 72.5% from 79.4% in 2021 due to cost- control measures implemented during the year.
The Bank’s balance sheet remains strong, with total assets increasing by 8.8% to N2.79 trillion due to growing loans and advances to customers. We expanded our net loan book by 11.5% from N868.8 billion in 2021 to N968.9 billion in 2022. In addition, customer deposits increased by 8.8% to N 1.48 trillion.
While we seek to grow our risk assets, maintaining quality assets remains a key priority. As a result, our NPL ratio reduced from 4.3% to 4.0%, and the capital adequacy ratio remained within regulatory limits at 14.4%.
Financial Summary
Balance Sheet (in billions of Naira) Total Assets
Gross Loans & Advances
Customer Deposits
Shareholders’ Funds
Ratios
Coverage Ratio (incl. regulatory risk reserves)
Average Liquidity Ratio (regulatory minimum – 30%)
Non-Performing Loan Ratio Net Asset Value per share Capital Adequacy
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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

Business
Adron Homes Refutes FIJ’s Misleading Report, Sets Record Straight
Published
1 day agoon
May 24, 2025
Adron Homes Refutes FIJ’s Misleading Report, Sets Record Straight
Adron Homes & Properties Ltd. has recently become aware of a serious allegation published by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) on May 22, 2025. The report claims that our company failed to refund a land payment to a client, Mr. Solomon Oludare Akinbo, after he allegedly made full payment for a plot at our Treasure Park and Garden, Phase 2, located in Shimawa, Ogun State.
We would like to express our strong disappointment that FIJ did not take the necessary steps to reach out to us for verification of these claims before making such serious allegations. The report contains significant misrepresentations that we categorically reject as malicious, defamatory, and misleading. It is imperative that we clarify the facts not only for the benefit of the public but also for our esteemed clients who trust us.
First and foremost, Adron Homes has at no point denied Mr. Akinbo his rightful plot allocation or refused his request for a refund. In fact, land was provisionally allocated to him, aligning with his initial expressed intent to construct a building on the plot. Our allocation policy, which is explicitly detailed in the Contract of Sale that Mr. Akinbo signed, stipulates that clients must formally indicate their readiness to build through a written notice before the allocation is finalized. This policy is designed to facilitate a well-planned development process and to prevent the occurrence of undeveloped or abandoned plots across our estates.
Additionally, it is crucial to point out that Mr. Akinbo voluntarily requested that Adron Homes manage the construction of his building project. Following his request, he selected a design for his building, and we prepared a detailed Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for his review. At no point were either Mr. Akinbo or his legal representative coerced into accepting this proposal, as they have inaccurately claimed. We uphold a policy of allowing all our clients the freedom to engage any registered builder or construction engineer of their choice.
The allegations that Adron Homes solicited additional payments from Mr. Akinbo are entirely unfounded. Such statements are simply untrue and reflect a blatant intent to defame our company. We encourage the public to disregard these inaccurate claims in their entirety.
Concerning the matter of the refund request, it is important to highlight that Adron Homes has a transparent refund policy explicitly outlined in the same contract signed by Mr. Akinbo. This policy requires him to submit a written refund request. Upon receipt of such a request, Adron Homes will provide a Refund Form for him to complete, sign, and return. Moreover, Mr. Akinbo is expected to return all contractual documents currently in his possession before we can proceed with the closure of his account and the issuance of his refund cheque. Regrettably, despite multiple official communications reminding him of these requirements, both he and his legal representative have not complied.
It is particularly disheartening that FIJ chose to publish the report without giving space for Adron Homes to present its side of the story. Despite their claim of prior outreach, the publication did not reflect our official position nor did it verify the facts before going to press. This one-sided approach contradicts the principles of ethical journalism and has resulted in the propagation of false and damaging narratives about our company and its reputation.
In light of these developments, we formally demand the immediate removal of the misleading article from all FIJ platforms. We also request a formal retraction along with a written public apology. Additionally, we seek the publication of a follow-up article that accurately presents our perspective and rectifies the misinformation that has been circulated.
Adron Homes & Properties Ltd. remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and upholding the highest standards of service for all our clients. We will continue to work diligently to protect our reputation and to serve our clients with integrity and trust.
For further media enquiries or clarification, please contact clientservice@adronhomesproperties.com or publicrelations@adronhomesproperties.com
E-Signed,
Management
ADRON Homes & Properties Ltd.
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The Izuogu Z-600: Africa’s Lost Automotive Revolution.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester
In 1997, a remarkable feat of African innovation unfolded in the heart of Imo State, Nigeria. Dr. Ezekiel Izuogu, a brilliant electrical engineer and senior lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, unveiled what would become Africa’s first indigenous automobile: the Izuogu Z-600. It was more than a car, it was a symbol of African ingenuity, resilience and ambition. Aptly described by the BBC as the “African dream machine” the Z-600 was designed with 90% of its parts sourced locally. Its estimated retail price of just $2,000 had the potential to revolutionize transportation and economic empowerment across the continent.
A Vision Beyond Engineering
Dr. Izuogu’s dream went beyond building a car. His vision was to catalyze an industrial revolution in Nigeria, particularly in Igboland. The Z-600 was equipped with a self-made 1.8L four-cylinder engine, delivering 18 miles per gallon and reaching top speeds of 140 km/h. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was selected over rear-wheel drive (RWD) to reduce production costs, demonstrating a keen understanding of localized engineering solutions. The car was a marvel not just of machinery, but of determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
According to Dr. Izuogu, “If this car gets to mass production, Nigeria and Africa will no longer be the dumping ground for foreign cars.”
Initial Government Support and the Abandonment
Recognizing the car’s potential, the late General Sani Abacha’s administration constituted a 12-member panel of engineering experts to assess the Z-600’s roadworthiness. The committee gave the car a clean bill of health, recommending only minor cosmetic refinements. At the high-profile unveiling attended by over 20 foreign diplomats, the Nigerian government, represented by General Oladipo Diya, pledged a ₦235 million grant to support mass production.
However, like many well-meaning promises in Nigerian politics, this pledge remained unfulfilled. Not a single naira was released to Dr. Izuogu. Despite having passed official assessments and earning international interest, the Z-600 project was left to languish.
Dr. Izuogu lamented, “This was an opportunity for Nigeria to rise industrially, but it was squandered.”
Economic and Technological Loss
In 2006, a tragedy that seemed almost conspiratorial struck the Izuogu Motors factory in Naze, Imo State. At about 2:00 a.m. on March 11, twelve armed men invaded the facility, making away with vital components: the design history notebook, the Z-MASS design file for mass production, engine molds, crankshafts, pistons, camshafts and flywheels. Over ten years of research and development, worth over ₦1 billion, was effectively erased overnight.
“It seems that the target of this robbery is to stop the efforts we are making to mass-produce the first ever locally made car in Africa,” Dr. Izuogu said.
This was not just a loss to a single man, but a national economic tragedy. The theft of intellectual property on such a scale is rare and the fact that no serious investigation followed speaks volumes about the apathy toward indigenous innovation.
South African Opportunity and Another Betrayal
In 2005, a glimmer of hope emerged. The South African government, after seeing presentations of the Z-600, invited Dr. Izuogu to pitch the vehicle to a panel of top engineers. Enthralled by the innovation, South Africa offered to help set up a plant for mass production. Though flattered, Dr. Izuogu hesitated. His dream was for Nigeria to be the birthplace of an African industrial revolution not merely an exporter of talent.
Nevertheless, facing continuous neglect at home, he reluctantly began exploring the opportunity. Sadly, the robbery of 2006 dealt a final blow to this dream.
The Broader African Context
The story of the Z-600 is emblematic of a broader African malaise: the systemic failure to support indigenous innovation. According to Dr. Peter Eneh, a development economist, “Africa’s greatest tragedy is not poverty but the consistent sabotage of local ideas and talents by political inertia.”
In India, the Tata Nano was developed and rolled out in 2008, five years after Nigeria had the opportunity to lead the cheap car revolution. While the Indian government supported Tata Group with infrastructure and policy backing, Nigeria allowed politics and indifference to kill its golden goose.
As Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe, founder of the African Institution of Technology, noted, “Innovation dies not from lack of talent in Africa, but from institutional hostility.”
Lessons for Africa
The Izuogu Z-600 should be taught in engineering schools and policymaking institutions across Africa. It is a case study in potential wasted due to governance failure, insecurity and lack of strategic investment. The car could have generated thousands of jobs, stimulated related industries and positioned Nigeria as a pioneer in low-cost automobile manufacturing.
Instead, we mourn a lost opportunity. Dr. Izuogu’s death in 2020 closed the chapter on what might have been Africa’s most transformative technological breakthrough.
Lessons from a Forgotten Dream
Africa must learn from this colossal failure, innovation must be protected. Talent must be supported. Local entrepreneurs must be seen as national assets not nuisances.
Dr. Izuogu once said, “Our problem is not brains; our problem is the environment.” That statement still rings painfully true today.
The Tragedy of Unfulfilled Innovation
The Z-600 was not just a car but a movement, it was hope and proof that Africans can dream, design and deliver; but then dreams need nurturing. Ideas need investment. Hope needs a system that works.
Let the Z-600 remind us that the future is not given, it is made. And Africa, despite its challenges, still holds the power to create.
As the Nigerian-American businesswoman Ndidi Nwuneli puts it, “If Africa is to rise, it must learn to trust and invest in its own people.”
Let us never again allow another Z-600 to die.
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Business
Global Trailblazers to Be Honoured as Expatriates Business Awards 2025 Unveils Grand Celebration in Lagos
Published
3 days agoon
May 22, 2025
Global Trailblazers to Be Honoured as Expatriates Business Awards 2025 Unveils Grand Celebration in Lagos
The stage is set for the 2025 Expatriates Business Awards (EBA), a prestigious celebration of global enterprise and diversity shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. Scheduled for Sunday, July 6th, 2025, at the Grand Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, the event promises to be a night of elegance, culture, and recognition of foreign excellence driving local growth.
Speaking at the unveiling, Miss Odunola Abayomi, Director of Awards, highlighted the event’s bold vision: to honour the transformative contributions of expatriates, foreign businesses, and migrant communities in Nigeria.
“Today, we celebrate a vision that transcends borders,” she said. “This award is a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to those who have invested, innovated, and contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy.”
Now in its fifth year, the Expatriates Business Awards—originally launched in 2020 as The Ethnic Business Awards (TEBA)—has evolved into a premier platform spotlighting global entrepreneurship within Nigeria’s borders. Past editions have featured high-profile hosts like media personality Daddy Freeze and Ghanaian actress Ella Mensah, setting a benchmark for excellence and inclusivity.
This year’s ceremony will feature a vibrant mix of exhibitions, music, comedy, and cultural performances, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and celebrating shared economic progress. The selection process is already underway, combining public nominations, opinion polls, and independent research to ensure transparent, merit-based recognition.
Powered by Pun Communications Ltd. and presented under the TEBA Foundation for Humanity, the event continues to uphold values of integrity, excellence, and impact.
“Nigeria is not just a destination; it’s a global opportunity hub,” Miss Abayomi added. “We invite the media, diplomatic corps, business leaders, and the international community to join us in celebrating the global heartbeat of Nigerian enterprise.”
For sponsorships, media inquiries, or ticket information, visit: www.theethnicbusinessawards.com
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