Business

Union Bank Releases Second Citizenship, Sustainability and Innovation Report

Published

8 years ago

June 12, 2018

Lagos, Nigeria – Union Bank has announced the release of its second Citizenship,

Sustainability and Innovation (CSI) report – an annual compendium which highlights the bank’s strategic approach, initiatives and impact made in the areas of Citizenship, Sustainability and Innovation within the last year.

The report touches on the impact Union Bank made within its host communities in 2017 and

its commitment to its customers and other stakeholders. It also emphasizes the bank’s vision

to inspire a future where private sector participants are committed drivers of the nation’s sustainable development.

In its dedication to local communities, Union Bank has invested heavily in providing Nigerians access to inclusive financial services and championing financial literacy for future generations in schools across the country. In 2017, the bank went a step further, expanding the reach and impact of this initiative and increasing the number of students impacted from 3,000 in 2016 to

6,000 in 2017.

The Bank also launched ‘Project North’, an initiative to tackle financial exclusion in the North,

including areas where economic activities are gradually recovering following the insurgency

which affected the socio-economic stability in those areas. In 2017 alone, as part of efforts to

drive financial inclusion of all Nigerians, Union Bank opened over 600,000 new accounts under

this scheme.

Speaking concerning the release of the 2017 CSI report, Chief Executive Officer, Union Bank, Emeka Emuwa said:

“This annual reports gives credence to our positioning as a Bank truly committed to the communities in which we operate. Our Corporate Social Investment is central to

our core business and commitment to the triple bottom line of responsible financial,

environmental and socio-economic development.

We are committed to the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact regarding

the adoption of sustainable and socially responsible policies in human rights, labour,

the environment, anti-corruption, and of course, reporting on their implementation.”

In 2017, as the Bank celebrated a century of providing trusted banking services, a critical

aspect of its citizenship efforts was leading the charge for sustainable development in Nigeria

into the next century. This it did by making a call to action for ‘The Next100 Fund’ initiative, as

a means to galvanise private sector participation in accelerating Nigeria’s economic development, leveraging the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) framework.

Successfully embedding sustainability practices into its banking processes, Union Bank has continued to develop simpler and smarter products and services that are relevant to Nigerians.

Last year, the bank launched its first ever recycling competition ‘Recyclemania’ to raise

awareness about, and encourage the act of recycling among employees of the Bank.

The bank has also created an inclusive and empowering environment for its employees

through various initiatives. One of such initiatives is its Women Empowerment hub, WeHub,

which continues to motivate, connect and provide support to Union Bank female employees.

Last year, Union Bank also intensified efforts to embed an innovative culture in Nigerian youths by promoting and rewarding innovation and creativity. The Centenary Innovation Challenge

was organised to find and support great ideas that address the SDGs in entrepreneurial ways

which enable economic and societal growth and build an inclusive society for young Nigerians.

The release of the second edition of its CSI report underscores Union Bank’s commitment to

maintaining its leading position as a sustainability champion and a socially driven and

responsible corporate organisation.

To see the report, please click HERE.

About Union Bank Plc.

Established in 1917 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1971, Union Bank of Nigeria

Plc. is a household name and one of Nigeria’s long-standing and most respected financial institutions. The Bank is a trusted and recognizable brand, with an extensive network of over 300 branches across Nigeria.

In late 2012, a new Board of Directors and Executive Management team were appointed to Union Bank and in 2014 the Bank began executing a transformation programme to re-establish it as a highly respected provider of quality financial services.

The Bank currently offers a variety of banking services to both individual and corporate clients including current, savings and deposit account services, funds transfer, foreign currency domiciliation, loans, overdrafts, equipment leasing and trade finance. The Bank also offers its

customers convenient electronic banking channels and products including Online Banking,

Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, ATMs and POS Systems.

More information can be found at: www.unionbankng.com

Media Enquiries: Email [email protected]

Business

Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend

Published

1 hour ago

February 19, 2026

Sahara Weekly

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.

The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.

The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.

Bank

Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar

Published

2 days ago

February 18, 2026

Sahara Weekly

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.

Business

GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%

Published

2 days ago

February 17, 2026

Sahara Weekly

GTCO increases GTBank’s Paid-Up Capital to ₦504 Billion

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