Business

Emefiele hints on adjusting cash withdrawal limits — but insists policy won’t be reversed

Published

4 years ago

December 9, 2022

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Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, has said that the recently-introduced cash withdrawal policy is not intended to make life difficult for Nigerians but to strengthen the country’s economy.

Speaking with newsmen after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, Emefiele said many nations were adopting digitisation and going cashless.

Under the new policy, the CBN restricted the maximum cash withdrawal over-the-counter (OTC) by individuals and corporate organisations per week to N100,000 and N500,000, respectively.

Emefiele said he embarked on a courtesy visit to Buhari to brief him about happenings in the CBN and the economy.

The apex bank’s governor said Buhari was “very happy and said we should carry on our work, no need to fear, no need to bother about anybody.”

Emefiele also said there were no plans to reverse the new cash withdrawal policy, but added that any necessary assessments of the policy’s specifics will be carried out after performance was assessed.

“We will be reviewing from time to time how this is working because I cannot say that we are going to be rigid,” Emefiele said.

“But it is not to say that we will reverse, it is not to say that we will change the timing, but whether it is about tricking (sic) some amount to be a little bit higher or a little bit lower, and all the rest of them.

“We will do so because we are humans, we want to make sure that we are making life good for our people. We do not want to make life difficult for them.

“So, there is no need for anybody to worry, the central bank is monitoring what is happening and I can assure everyone that we are up and alive to our responsibilities and we will do what is right for Nigeria and Nigerians.

“We think, Nigeria as a big country, the biggest economy in Africa, that we need to leapfrog into the cashless economy.

“We cannot continue to allow a situation where over 85 percent of the cash that is in circulation is outside the bank. More and more countries that are embracing digitisation have gone cashless.”

Emefiele further said the policy was not targeted at specific persons or groups.

“I said it at different fora, that this is not targeted at anybody, it’s just meant for the good and development of the Nigerian economy and we can only continue to appeal to Nigerians to please see this policy the way we have presented it,” he explained.

The CBN boss also said N1 trillion of existing denominations of the currency has been received by the banking system.

“We have taken more than half a trillion and in the bank we also have close to half a trillion. But what we have done in the central bank is to move more people from different departments into currency processing so that they can process this cash as quickly as possible and from there, banks can now move what they have with them,” he said.

He added that banks have started dispensing the new cash which reached their various offices on Wednesday to their customers.

“I can only just assure you that it will go round, let us just be calm, luckily the old currency continued to be legal tender till January 31, 2023.

“So, I want to crack a joke, both the painted (new notes) and unpainted (old notes) will operate concurrently as a legal tender. But by January 31, the unpainted one will not be useful to you again, so please take it to your bank as quickly as possible.”

Related Topics:Cash withdrawal policy Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)GODWIN EMEFIELE

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Nigeria’s foreign reserves rise to $52.66 billion, highest in 17 years

Published

4 weeks ago

August 24, 2026

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Nigeria’s gross external reserves surged to $52.66 billion as of August 19, reaching their highest level in more than 17 years.

This was contained in the latest data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The reserves stood at $52.65 billion on August 19, up from $45.56 billion recorded on January 2, representing an increase of about $7.09 billion or 15.6 percent in less than eight months.

The latest position also surpasses the previous 2026 peak of about $52.04 billion recorded in July.

Data from the CBN showed that reserves crossed the $52 billion mark for the first time this year in July, reaching $52.02 billion on July 20.

The figure was the highest since January 2009, when reserves stood at about $52.01 billion.

The reserve position had declined earlier in the year, falling from $49.18 billion on April 1 to about $48.33 billion in early May.

It subsequently recovered, crossing the $50 billion mark in June and rising above $51 billion before surpassing $52 billion in July.

The governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, had earlier attributed the increase in reserves to stronger foreign exchange inflows, including receipts from crude-oil-related taxes and third-party inflows.

Cardoso also said the reserve level provided import cover for about 11 months of goods and services, significantly above the three-month international benchmark.

The increase in the external buffer has coincided with improved foreign exchange liquidity and a stronger naira.

Recent market data showed the naira appreciating to about N1,346.49 per dollar in the official market last week.

Also, in its 2026 macroeconomic outlook, the apex bank projected that Nigeria’s external reserves would rise to about $51.04 billion by the end of the year.

The latest figure is about $1.62 billion above that projection.

Business

Wema Bank wins Euromoney’s Nigeria’s best digital bank for consumers 2026 award

Published

2 months ago

July 20, 2026

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… Recognition affirms bank’s leadership in digital innovation and customer-centric banking

Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, recently added another feather to its already heavily-studded cap after it was named Nigeria’s Best Digital Bank for Consumers 2026 by Euromoney, one of the world’s most respected authorities on financial services and banking excellence.

The prestigious recognition affirms the Bank’s sustained leadership in digital innovation, customer experience and financial inclusion, reinforcing its position as one of Nigeria’s leading technology-driven financial institutions.

Presented annually, the Euromoney Awards for Excellence celebrate banks that are redefining financial services through innovation, measurable impact and outstanding customer value.

In selecting Wema Bank for the award, Euromoney recognised the Bank’s successful digital transformation journey, its continuous innovation through ALAT, Africa’s first fully digital bank, and its unwavering commitment to delivering simpler, smarter and more accessible banking experiences for customers.

Commenting on the recognition, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said: “This award is a strong validation of the deliberate investments we have made over the years to build a truly digital bank that puts customers at the centre of everything we do. Innovation for us has never been about technology for its own sake. It has always been about creating solutions that make banking easier, faster, safer and more rewarding for every customer.

“From pioneering Africa’s first fully digital bank with ALAT to continuously evolving our digital capabilities, we have remained focused on anticipating customer needs and building experiences that create real value. We are honoured by this recognition from Euromoney and inspired to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation as we shape the future of banking in Nigeria.”

A key milestone in Wema Bank’s digital transformation has been the evolution and upgraded version of ALAT, which introduced next-generation capabilities including voice banking, tap-to-pay functionality, personalised financial services and integrated investment opportunities through strategic partnerships.

Together with faster digital onboarding, AI-powered fraud monitoring, intelligent customer personalisation and an expanding agency banking network, these innovations continue to enhance customer experience while extending financial services to more Nigerians.

Euromoney also recognised Wema Bank’s ability to leverage technology to build deeper customer relationships through data-driven personalisation, enabling customers to receive tailored recommendations across savings, investments and credit products based on their financial needs and behaviour.

For over eight decades, Wema Bank has remained at the forefront of innovation in Nigeria’s financial services industry. As the pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, the Bank continues to redefine banking by combining technology, customer insight and innovation to deliver seamless, secure and inclusive financial solutions for individuals, businesses and communities.

The Euromoney recognition further reinforces Wema Bank’s commitment to building the future of banking through continuous innovation, operational excellence and customer-centric solutions that create lasting value.

Business

CBN revokes licences of 46 microfinance banks

Published

3 months ago

July 2, 2026

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the operating licences of 46 microfinance banks (MFBs).

The apex bank cited the failure of the banks to meet regulatory requirements for continued operation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Hakama Sidi-Ali, acting director of corporate communications, the apex bank said the revocation took effect from July 1, 2026, in line with Sections 12 and 13 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), 2020.

The CBN said the action was approved by Olayemi Cardoso, the apex bank governor, as part of efforts to safeguard the stability of the financial system, protect depositors and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

“According to the revocation order, the action became necessary because of one or more of the circumstances: Insufficient assets to meet liabilities, closure of operations without the CBN approval, Inactivity and cessation of financial intermediation, failure to commence operations within 12 months of licence approval, and failure to maintain minimum capital funds unimpaired by losses,” CBN said.

“The revocation of the licences is part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the stability of the financial sector, protect depositors, and ensure that licensed institutions comply with current laws and regulatory requirements,” the statement reads.

CBN added that it remains committed to promoting a safe, sound and resilient financial system and would continue to take supervisory and regulatory actions where necessary to maintain public confidence in Nigeria’s financial sector.

The affected microfinance banks are:

1. Minji-Se Churchill MFB (tier 1) in Rivers

2. Merchant MFB (tier 2) in Abia

3. Janmaa MFB (tier 1) in Kwara

4. Busu MFB (tier 2) in Niger

5. Gold MFB (tier 1) in Lagos

6. Zain MFB, formerly Dawakin Tofa MFB, a tier 2 lender in Kano

7. Bompai MFB (tier 1) in Kano

8. Ajwa MFB (tier 2) in Kano

9. Now Now Digital MFB (tier 2) in Kano

10. Crystabel Microfinance Bank (tier 1) in Bayelsa

11. Chanelle MFB (state-based) in Lagos

12. Abia SME MFB (tier 1) in Abia

13. Kamba MFB (tier 2) in Kebbi

14. Iwade MFB (tier 2) in Ogun

15. Winview MFB (tier 1) in Abuja

16. Zuru MFB (tier 2) in Kebbi

17. Minjibir MFB (tier 1) in Kano

18. Shanono MFB (tier 2) in Kano

19. Sumaila MFB (tier 2) in Kano

20. Rimin Gado MFB (tier 2) in Kano

21. Mwaghavul MFB (state-based) in Plateau

22. Sycamore MFB (tier 2) Kano

23. TOFA MFB (tier 2) in Kano

24. Safegate MFB (tier 1) in Lagos

25. Creekline MFB (tier 2) in Delta

26. Bestar MFB (tier 1) in Oyo

27. Livingspring MFB (tier 1) in Cross River

28. Apple MFB (tier 2) in Ogun

29. Stanford MFB (state-based) in Uyo

30. Frontline MFB (tier 2) in Anambra

31. Zafec MFB (tier 2) in Kaduna

32. Supreme MFB (tier 1) in Lagos

33. Bejin-Doko MFB (tier 2) in Niger

34. Kanopoly MFB (tier 1) in Kano

35. Bellbank MFB, formerly Tsanyawa (Tier 2), in Kano

36. Yeneng MFB (tier 2) in Plateau

37. Creditville MFB (tier 1) in Lagos

38. MBAG MFB (tier 1) in Lagos

39. Straight Sahara MFB (tier 1) in Benue

40. Our Pass MFB (tier 2) in Ondo

41. VERDANT MFB (tier 1) in Lagos

42. Basawa MFB (tier 2) in Kaduna

43. Casha MFB (tier 2) in Abuja

44. Esteem MFB (tier 2) in Kano

45. Enterpreneur MFB (tier 1) in Lagos

46. Avantus MFB (tier 2) in Osun

It would be recalled that the CBN increased the capital base for banks, in March 2024, giving them until March 31, 2026, to meet the requirements.

On March 6, 2026, the financial regulator disclosed that 30 banks have met the minimum capital requirement.