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RT200 FX Seminar: Fidelity Bank Drives Non-Oil Exports Awareness in North Central

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4 years ago

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Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state has lauded the RT200 FX Programme by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN), stating that the nation stands to gain a lot in terms of expanding its foreign exchange earning capacity through previously underutilised sectors.

The governor made this declaration at the recently held CBN RT200FX Policy Sensitization seminar hosted by Fidelity Bank Plc in Jos, Plateau State capital for businesses in the north central zone of the country. Represented by the Commissioner of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Jerry Werr, Gov. Lalong said the State has a long history of contributing to Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange earnings, dating back to pre-colonial times and highlighted the critical role mining played in development of Nigeria before the discovery of oil.

In his address, the Executive Director, North Business, Fidelity Bank Plc, Hassan Imam, who was represented by the Regional Bank Head, North Central, Sadi Zawiya, said over the years, CBN has continued to envision various intervention schemes to boost local production and productivity as well as to increase non-oil exports and improve the FX generating capacity of the economy. He further clarified to the audience the bank’s decision to host the seminar in Plateau State.

“Plateau State has been strategically chosen for this workshop because of its enormous contribution to the growth of the non-oil space in particular and agribusiness in general in Nigeria. Plateau is well endowed with not only solid minerals, but agricultural commodities and human resources that can propel it to become one of the richest states in Nigeria and we look forward to when the state will take the lead in value-added exports in Nigeria”, explained Imam.

Launched on February 10, 2022 by the apex bank as part of measures to reduce the increasing demand for foreign currency by importers, the RT200 FX Programme aims to raise $200billion in foreign exchange earnings in the next three to five years through non-oil exports.

The policy is anchored on the Non-oil Exports Proceeds Repatriation Rebate Scheme which will incentivize exporters in the non-oil sector to repatriate and sell export proceeds in the FX market to generate sustainable FX inflows and guide the Nigerian economy against FX shortages and shocks.

Also speaking at the well attended event, the North Central Regional Co-ordinator of Nigerian Export Promotion council (NEPC), Samson Idowu, said the RT200FX programme requires the right policies, critical export infrastructure, international diplomacy and adequate funding to achieve the desired results within the stipulated period.

The successful hosting of the event in Jos brings to three the number of seminars hosted by Fidelity Bank to drive the RT200 FX Programme across the country, having hosted similar sessions in Kano and Akure on 21 February 2022 and 14 March 2022 respectively.

Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank operating in Nigeria with over 6.5 million customers serviced across its 250 business offices and digital banking channels. The bank was recently recognized as the Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking & Finance Awards. The bank has also won awards for the “Fastest Growing Bank” and “MSME & Entrepreneurship Financing Bank of the Year” at the 2021 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

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FirstBank Launches 500-Seater Bleacher at Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025

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4 days ago

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December 27, 2025

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West Africa’s premier financial institution and financial inclusion services provider, FirstBank, has officially announced its sponsorship of the Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025, unveiling a landmark addition set to redefine the carnival experience — the first-ever private premium seating area at the event.

The highlight of FirstBank’s participation is the construction of a 500-seater premium bleacher, designed to provide comfort, safety, and an elevated viewing experience for carnival enthusiasts.

Speaking on the sponsorship, the Acting Group Head Marketing and Corporate Communications, FirstBank, Olayinka Ijabiyi, noted that the carnival aligns with the Bank’s First@Arts initiative, a platform dedicated to supporting the creative arts value chain across Nigeria. He said, “We recognise the transformative power of the arts, including carnivals, in inspiring people and strengthening national unity. For more than 131 years, we have supported platforms that promote self-expression, social reflection and cultural exchange. Our investment in the Carnival Calabar & Festival demonstrates our commitment to preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage through First@Arts.”

“As part of our sponsorship this year, we are introducing the first-ever private 500-seater premium bleacher to further elevate the carnival experience. This exclusive seating is designed to provide exceptional comfort and an unforgettable viewing experience for attendees,” Ijabiyi added.

The Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Calabar Commission, Gabe Onah, also commented on FirstBank’s sponsorship. “FirstBank’s involvement is a strong demonstration of private-sector support for culture and tourism. This partnership not only enhances the overall quality of the carnival but also strengthens its global appeal,” he said.

The Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025 is officially marketed by Okhma Global Limited, the appointed Official Marketer responsible for brand partnerships, promotional engagements, and ticket sales. Okhma Global Limited has partnered with the Cross River State government in delivering Carnival Calabar & Festival for over ten years, playing a key role in strengthening the carnival’s commercial growth and global visibility.

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Yuletide: Ecobank Urges Vigilance, Guarantees Seamless Banking

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6 days ago

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December 26, 2025

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Ecobank Nigeria, a member of Africa’s leading pan-African banking group, has assured customers of uninterrupted access to banking services throughout the year-end holiday period via its secure and robust digital platforms. The Bank also urged customers to remain vigilant against fraud and scams during the festive season.

Speaking on the development, Victor Yalokwu, Head, Products & Analytics, Consumer & Commercial Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Bank’s digital channels — including the Ecobank Mobile App, Ecobank Business App, USSD *326#, Ecobank Online, OmniPlus, Omnilite, EcobankPay, RapidTransfer, Ecobank Cards, ATMs, PoS terminals, and over 35,000 Ecobank Xpress Point (Agent Banking) locations nationwide — will remain fully available to support customers throughout the yuletide and year-end holiday period.

He noted that customers will continue to enjoy a wide range of services during the period, including local and international funds transfers, bill payments and airtime top-ups, merchant payments, balance inquiries and account statements, as well as cardless cash withdrawals via ATMs.

According to Yalokwu, “Ecobank encourages customers to leverage these digital solutions for safe, fast, and efficient banking, especially during the festive season when convenience and reliability are essential. While physical branch operations may be subject to adjusted working hours in line with public holidays, customers can be assured that Ecobank’s digital platforms are designed to deliver uninterrupted service and enhanced security at all times. Ecobank remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions and exceptional customer service, and we wish all our customers a joyful festive season and a prosperous New Year.”

Yalokwu also cautioned customers to remain vigilant against fraudsters and scammers during the period. “Before you wrap up the year, tighten your security. December brings online sales, travel, and year-end distractions—this is exactly when scammers are most active. From fake festive deals to cloned merchant sites and suspicious messages, staying vigilant helps keep your money safe.”

He advised customers to shop only on trusted websites, never share their PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs), avoid banking on public Wi-Fi networks, be cautious of urgent or emotionally charged messages, and regularly review their account activity.

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Fidelity Bank Donates Hoses, Water Pumps to Fire Service

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1 week ago

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December 23, 2025

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Fidelity Bank Plc has donated firefighting and preventive equipment, including hoses and gasoline-powered water pumps, to the Ikoyi Fire Service Station in Lagos, reinforcing efforts to improve emergency response and promote community safety.

The donation was executed under the Fidelity Helping Hands Programme (FHHP) by the bank’s True Serve team. Through the initiative, Fidelity Bank employees identify critical community needs, raise funds, and receive matching financial support from the bank to implement impact-driven projects.

Speaking on the initiative, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division at Fidelity Bank, Dr Meksley Nwagboh, said the intervention reflects the bank’s commitment to public safety, environmental protection, and sustainable community development.

“Community safety is a shared responsibility. Fidelity Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that protect lives, property, and the environment,” Nwagboh said, adding that preventive measures remain more effective than emergency responses.

He noted that providing the right tools to first responders aligns with the bank’s broader goal of enabling people to live safe, meaningful, and empowered lives.

Lagos State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Controller of Fire (CF) Funke Adebayo, commended Fidelity Bank for the timely support, particularly as the festive season approaches amid dry weather conditions that heighten fire risks.

She urged residents to remain vigilant and warned parents against allowing children to handle fireworks during celebrations, stressing that careless handling of fire could lead to avoidable disasters.

Adebayo also disclosed that the Fire Service has intensified sensitisation visits to corporate organisations to promote fire safety and discourage unsafe practices.

Also speaking, Area Commander, Onikan Fire Station, Chief Superintendent of Fire (CSF) Oswere Michael, expressed appreciation for the donation, noting that it would strengthen the station’s operational capacity.

He encouraged households, businesses, and community members to prioritise fire safety, describing collective responsibility as critical to preventing fire outbreaks.

Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged commercial deposit money bank serving over 9.1 million customers through its digital platforms, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its UK subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The bank has received multiple local and international awards in recognition of its performance in digital transformation, MSME banking, and innovative financial services.

Photo – L-R: Lagos State Controller, Federal Fire Service, CF (Controller of Fire), Adebayo Funke; Tolulope Rojaiye, Marketing Business Partner, Fidelity Bank Plc; Assistant Superintendent of Fire, Ishola Folorunsho Olufemi; and Station Commander, Onikan Fire Station, Lagos, Okeke Ferdinand; during the donation of firefighting equipment to the Federal Fire Service at Ikoyi, Lagos, recently.

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