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ECO Crisis: Nigeria, Other Countries Demand ECOWAS Meeting

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6 years ago

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Nigeria and six other members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Thursday demanded a crucial extraordinary meeting to discuss the controversial renaming of the CFA Franc as ECO by eight of their counterparts.

The demand was contained in a communique issued at the end of a meeting by the countries, namely Nigeria, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

On December 21, 2019, the eight French-speaking West African countries announced their decision to dump the French CFA Franc for the ECO single currency scheduled to take off this year.

ECO is the name adopted for the common currency of the ECOWAS by the Authority of the Community’s Heads of State and Government at their 55th Ordinary Session in Abuja.

The announcement was made by the Ivorien President, Alassane Ouattara, on behalf of the eight countries, namely Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo Republic.

The adoption of the common currency, expected to be issued in June 2020, is part of efforts by ECOWAS to realise its over 30 years’ aspiration to establish a single currency among its members and ensure regional economic integration in the region.

Ghana had applauded the decision of its Francophone counterparts to break from the shackles of the French colonialism to team up with their ECOWAS colleagues.

Many analysts described the French President, Emmanuel Macron’s role in the eight former colonial territories as an attempt to hijack the ECO single currency project.

But, at the end of the extra-ordinary meeting, the Ministers of Finance and the Governors of the Central Banks of the West African Monetary Zone ((WAMZ) on the ECOWAS single currency programme condemned the eight countries for taking a unilateral decision over the issue.

The meeting held at the CBN headquarters in Abuja under the chairmanship of the Minister of Finance and Economy of the Republic of Guinea, Mamadi Camara. The six countries frowned at the conduct of their counterparts.

In the communique issued at the end of the meeting, the finance ministers and Central Bank governors of the six countries said they noted the declaration by the Chairman of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) on December 21, 2019.

The representatives of the affected countries described the “unilateral renaming of the CFA Franc as ECO by 2020 as inconsistent with the decision of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS for the adoption of the ECO as the name of an independent ECOWAS single currency.”

“WAMZ Convergence Council would be recommending an extraordinary summit of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the WAMZ member states will be convened soon to discuss this matter and other related issues,” the communique read.

The English version of the communique was read by the Nigerian Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Zainab Ahmed, while the Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Guinea, Mamadi Camara, read the French version.

Other representatives present at the meeting include the Minister of finance and Economic Affairs of the Republic of Gambia, Mambury Njie; Minister of Finance of Ghana, Ofori Atta; Minister of Finance and Development Planning of Republic of Liberai, Samuel Tweah and Minister of Finance of Sierra Leone, Jacob Saffa.

Also, present were Senior Adviser, Central Bank of Gambia, Buah Saidy; Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Ernest Addison; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele.

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One-Day MD/CEO Children’s Day Initiative: Wema Bank Makes Final Call for Submission of Entries

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2 days ago

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May 19, 2026

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As the deadline of May 20, 2026, fast approaches, Wema Bank has announced the last call for submissions for children and teens interested in participating in becoming MD/CEO of Wema Bank for one day.

Launched in May 2025 as part of Wema Bank’s 80th anniversary celebration, the One-Day MD/CEO initiative was introduced by Wema Bank to commemorate Children’s Day in a uniquely unprecedented manner. Inspired by the Bank’s 80th anniversary theme “80 Years of Impact, A Future of Possibilities”, the Wema Bank One-Day MD/CEO initiative served as a bridge between past and future, giving children across Nigeria the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the MD/CEO of Wema Bank for one day—Children’s Day.

As 12-year-old Chiderije Mbah emerged winner, the Wema Bank One-Day MD/CEO initiative dominated the conversation on May 27, 2025, with children across Nigeria inspired to put in the work towards a successful future and parents commending the Bank’s consistent commitment to empowering children and helping them build the right future. This year, 2026, the Wema Bank One-Day MD/CEO initiative has returned on a larger scale.

For the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, Wema Bank will give another child or teenager [ages 0-16] a chance to step into the shoes of Managing Director/CEO of Wema Bank, for a day. The child will get to oversee board meetings, make tactical decisions, and experience firsthand the demands and responsibilities that come with the office of MD/CEO, especially for an institution like Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous national bank, most innovative and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT.

To participate, children/teens are expected to record a 60-second video detailing what their ideal role in banking would be and what they hope to achieve. This video is to be posted on any social media platform using #EvolutionOfPossibilities and tagging @wemabank on the post. The post with the highest number of likes emerges winner and the winner gets to become MD/CEO of Wema Bank on Monday, May 25, 2026, in celebration of Children’s Day.

Both parents and teens are encouraged to hurry and make their submissions now as entry closes in less than two days, specifically on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

More details on the Bank’s social media platforms @wemabank

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Cashless Payments: FirstBank, Visa Launch Naira Visa Debit Card

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3 days ago

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May 18, 2026

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First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced the launch of its Naira Visa Debit Card, in partnership with Visa to extend accessible, reliable electronic payment capabilities to a broader segment of the Nigerian population.

The card is targeted at everyday consumers who require a dependable payment instrument for routine domestic and international transactions. Accepted across POS terminals, ATMs, and online platforms through Visa’s payments network, the Naira Visa Debit Card is designed to reduce friction for customers transitioning from cash to electronic payments across retail, utilities, and digital commerce.

The launch aligns with Nigeria’s ongoing drive toward a cashless economy, a policy direction that has gained significant momentum following successive Central Bank of Nigeria directives encouraging the adoption of electronic payment channels. The card is intended to serve customers across the country’s diverse economic segments.

Speaking on the launch, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, eBusiness & Retail Products, FirstBank, said: “Everyday transactions should be simple, secure, and rewarding. The Naira Visa Debit Card is designed to make life easier for our customers, whether they are paying for groceries, settling utility bills, or shopping online. By extending reliable electronic payment access across Nigeria, we are helping more people transition confidently from cash to digital payments, supporting the nation’s cashless policy and empowering communities with greater financial inclusion.”

Commenting on the strategic importance of the partnership, Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Cluster Head, West Africa, Visa, noted: “A strong payments ecosystem is one that works for everyone. The Naira Visa Debit Card extends reliable electronic payment access to everyday Nigerian consumers, and this in addition to the cards in our portfolio continues to demonstrate what a truly comprehensive card portfolio looks like for the Nigerian market. Visa is proud to power this offering with FirstBank.”

The launch of the Naira Visa Debit Card broadens Visa card portfolio at FirstBank that already includes products spanning credit cards and High-end premium lifestyle spending cards. The addition completes its offering across customer segments, ensuring that cardholders at every income level have access to a product suited to their needs.
The Naira Visa Debit Card is available to all eligible FirstBank account holders through any of the bank’s branches nationwide.

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Wema Bank Dismisses NDIC Publication on Legacy Transactions As False, Misleading

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6 days ago

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May 15, 2026

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Wema Bank Plc has dismissed a publication made by the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) on legacy transactions involving defunct Gulf Bank Plc as false and misleading.
In statement to set the records straight the premium bank noted that it remains steadfast in its commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and transparency.
Below is the statement in details:
General Comments
Wema Bank Plc has noted with concern recent media publications containing false, misleading, and wholly unsubstantiated allegations regarding the sale of certain Banana Island properties purportedly linked to the defunct Gulf Bank Plc. We unequivocally reject these claims, which are inaccurate, malicious, and clearly intended to distort the true position. For the benefit of our stakeholders—shareholders, customers, regulators, and the general public—we set out below the factual background to the transaction.
The Original Exposure and Default
In 2002, Wema Bank Plc (the Bank) made an inter-bank placement with Gulf Bank Plc in the sum of ₦4.6 billion. By August 2004, that exposure had been reduced to approximately ₦1.2 billion, after which the outstanding obligation became delinquent. In seeking to recover depositors’ and shareholders’ funds, Wema Bank pursued lawful recovery steps, which ultimately dovetailed into a criminal investigation of the then Managing Director of Gulf Bank Plc.
Based on the investigation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the funds were found to have been diverted and used to acquire properties in Banana Island, Lagos, through two separate companies Bacad Finance & Investment Company Ltd (now known as Supra Commercial Trust Limited) and Euston Wenberg Eng Ltd. It is important to note that neither Bacad Finance & Investment Company Ltd (nor its successor, Supra Commercial Trust Limited) nor Euston Wenberg Eng Ltd is one and the same as Gulf Bank Plc. They are separate and distinct entities with no identity or equivalence to Gulf Bank. And the two companies are not subject to NDIC supervision.
In the course of its investigation, the EFCC conducted asset-tracing exercises that uncovered significant underlying fraud on a substantial scale. Following the EFCC’s findings, Bacad Finance & Investment Company Ltd and Euston Wenberg Eng Ltd voluntarily relinquished their proprietary interests in the Banana Island properties towards the satisfaction of Gulf Bank Indebtedness to Wema Bank. That process formed part of Wema Bank’s lawful recovery efforts and underscores the legitimacy of its actions against Gulf Bank.
NDIC’s Acknowledgment, Admission of Indebtedness, and Payment of Shortfall.
Critically, following the liquidation of Gulf Bank, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) admitted Gulf Bank’s indebtedness to Wema Bank in two separate letters:
A letter dated September 26, 2007, addressed to the Federal Land Registry; and
A letter dated June 10, 2009, addressed directly to Wema Bank Plc.
These letters constitute clear and formal recognition by the NDIC of the validity of Wema Bank’s claim against the defunct Gulf Bank and its interest over the property in question. Fortunately, both letters form part of the documents frontloaded by NDIC lawyer Dr. Dada Awosika SAN in court in the ongoing proceedings before Justice Allagoa of the Federal High Court Lagos.
Furthermore, after the sale of the properties, the NDIC in fact paid to Wema Bank, the shortfall of what was due to the Bank. These facts demonstrate that the NDIC was not only aware of the transaction but actively participated in settling the outstanding balance following the sale.
In light of the foregoing: the voluntary relinquishment by Bacad (now Supra Commercial Trust Limited) and Euston Wenberg (distinct entities not constituting Gulf Bank), of the properties in Banana Island for the settlement of the indebtedness of the defunct Gulf Bank the NDIC’s formal admission of Gulf Bank’s indebtedness to Wema Bank via its letters of September 26, 2007 (to the Federal Land Registry) and June 10, 2009 (to Wema Bank), both of which have been frontloaded in court by NDIC itself, and the acknowledgement of the relinquishment of the Banana Island properties, and the NDIC’s own payment of the shortfall to Wema Bank.
NDIC is precluded from and cannot in good faith contest the relinquishment of those interests or the appropriateness of Wema Bank’s recovery efforts.
While we acknowledge that the NDIC has recently commenced two separate actions against Wema Bank at the Federal High Court, Lagos, purportedly in its capacity as liquidator of Gulf Bank Plc pursuant to a winding-up order, those proceedings do not alter the material facts stated above. As these matters are currently before the court and therefore sub judice, Wema Bank will refrain from commenting further on issues that fall for judicial determination. The Bank is taking all necessary steps to contest the suits filed in court and will explore all legal and legitimate means to protect its rights and interests.
Conclusion
Wema Bank Plc remains steadfast in its commitment to the highest standards of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and transparency. We reaffirm our dedication to ethical and prudent banking practices and assure our shareholders, customers, regulators, and all relevant stakeholders that the Bank will continue to act responsibly, lawfully, and in the best interests of all parties it serves. The Bank will continue to exert its rights and will not succumb to the shenanigans of unscrupulous individuals who want to reap where they did not sow.
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