Category: News

Union Bank of Nigeria, one of Nigeria’s most trusted financial institutions, is excited to announce the launch of its new customer reward initiative designed to deepen engagement, drive premium account activity, and promote consistent savings behaviour among its customers.
Open to new and existing customers, the Save and Gain promo requires participants to open accounts, maintain and grow a monthly average balance of ₦50,000, complete at least five transactions monthly, and actively use digital channels such as cards, USSD, mobile, or internet banking. 
Top deposit contributors will receive monthly rewards ranging from free debit cards, cash prizes of N50,000 and N100,000, respectively, within each level of participation. A special reward of ₦30,000 cash vouchers will be awarded to top depositors and contributors for December. The grand prize of ₦5 million will be awarded to the highest average deposit contributors over the six-month campaign period.
The campaign builds on the success of the Save & Win Palli Promo, through which the bank has disbursed over ₦330 million in cash and prizes to more than 5,000 customers since 2021.
Unlike previous campaigns, Save & Gain demonstrates the bank’s focus on digital adoption and inclusion, with a performance-based reward system that prioritises transparency and consistency. Customers who reflect responsible account usage, maintain savings discipline, and embrace digital banking channels will be rewarded.
Prospective customers can download the UnionMobile app on their smartphones to open accounts or walk into any Union Bank branch. Returning customers can call the 24-hour Contact Centre on 07007007000 or visit any Union Bank branch nationwide to reactivate dormant accounts.

About Union Bank
Union Bank of Nigeria, which has undergone different phases of transformation, has been a cornerstone of the Nigerian banking sector since 1917. With a commitment to delivering simple, smart, and personalised financial services, the bank continues to support individuals, SMEs, and corporations in achieving their growth aspirations. 
As part of its ongoing expansion plan, Union Bank recently acquired Titan Trust Bank, one of the newest entities in the Nigerian banking space, further boosting the bank’s branch network and customer base.

The Nigeria Customs Service opened the 2025 Comptroller-General of Customs’ Conference on Thursday, 20 November 2025, in Abuja, with a firm call for senior officers to address the internal weaknesses that are hindering operational effectiveness across the Service.

The event, which took place at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, aimed to reflect on and proffer strategic plans that would enhance the Service’s performance, and was themed: “Building Future Partnerships: Lessons from the Customs-PACT Conference.”

Declaring the conference open, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, stated that the Service must now apply the same discipline, coordination, and clarity that delivered the successful Customs Partnership for African Cooperation in Trade (C-PACT) Summit to its internal operations.

He reminded participants that only a day earlier, the Service concluded a landmark continental engagement that brought customs chiefs, private-sector partners and representatives from all African regions to Abuja.

CGC Adeniyi, however, cautioned that, “You can’t sustain external credibility without internal integrity. Turn the mirror inward and force honest discussions about what is working, what is failing and what must change.”

Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Building Future Partnerships: Lessons from the Customs-PACT Conference,” the CGC stated that the goal was to extract the principles behind the success of the international summit, including coordination, unified messaging, disciplined execution, and embed them permanently in the Service’s operating culture.

He recalled how, during preparations for the C-PACT Summit, the Service held weekly coordination meetings for 16 consecutive weeks, aligning messages with AfCFTA, resolving conflicts quickly, and maintaining unity, because “failure was not an option with the world watching.”

He disclosed that the two-day programme will feature panel discussions, challenging presentations and open conversations where ideas matter more than rank.

The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to publication in some sections of the media and to an interview on a Public Television that “LAGOS POLICE COMMISSIONER DEFIES COURT ORDER ON NESTOIL PREMISES“. This story is untrue and a clear misrepresentation of facts capable of misleading the public,and intentionally created to cast aspersions on the neutrality of the Police in the entire episode.

According to a press statement issued by SP Abimbola Adebisi, anipr, mipra, the Police Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, the Commissioner firmly upholds the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at all times. The statement emphasized that he remains under strict obligation to comply with all orders, decisions, and pronouncements of every Court of Law within Nigeria.

The Commissioner, the statement added, has never engaged in any conduct that disrespects or undermines the law and will not, under any circumstance, participate in actions—directly or indirectly—that contravene or disobey valid court orders in any form. Court orders are sacrosanct and must be promptly obeyed in totality with any iota of any contemplation by the Police, and this was strictly abided by the Lagos State Commissioner of Police in the case of NESTOIL Premises.

To set the record straight and correct the erroneous impression the story must have created in the minds of the public, a Court Order was received by the Lagos State Police Command in respect of NESTOIL premises at about 1750 hrs on Thursday 20th November, 2025. The Court Order was promptly attended to and sent to the Police Legal Department of the Lagos State Police Command for verification and confirmation of the authenticity from the issuing Court. The response to the confirmation was received in the evening of the 21st of November,2025. Subsequent to this, all Police Personnel in the premises were withdrawn immediately without any further delay in compliance with the Court Order on the same date of 21st November,2025.

It therefore came as a surprise shock to the Lagos Police Commissioner of Police’s attention to be drawn to the publications and interview in some sections of the media that “LAGOS POLICE COMMISSIONER DEFIES COURT ORDER ON NESTOIL PREMISES“. This story is untrue, incorrect, and misleading. This is a wicked attempt to join the Police in the issue of the NESTOIL and other parties in the matter. For avoidance of doubt, the Lagos Police Commissioner never stepped on the premises of NESTOIL on the 20th November, 2025, and on 21st November, 2025. The roles of the Police are limited to giving protection to the Court Sheriff as they carry out the enforcement of Court Orders and maintenance of peace, law, and order during the process. There was no time when the Police prevented this process.

It is incumbent on the Lagos State Police Command to educate the mischief-makers and mischievous persons who are bent on dragging the Lagos Police Commissioner into the matter that the Police has no power to seal any premises, including that of NESTOIL. Police responsibilities under the law are to protect the Sheriff in enforcement of court orders, or any other person(s) so directed by the court, and other public officials in carrying out their lawful duties as earlier stated above. The Lagos State Police Command therefore enjoins all the parties involved in the case to concentrate on the proceedings of their legal processes in court and not to drag the Police into unnecessary controversy in the matter.

Consequently, the Commissioner of Police wishes to implore the general public and other authorities in the case, who must have read the story, to disregard the report and the narrative from NESTOIL in its entirety as complete falsehood, misleading, unguided, and complete misrepresentation of facts. The Commissioner of Police is an officer of the law who derives its authority from the law and will never disobey court order in any way. The public are further encouraged to discontain any misconception that the story must have created in their minds.

The Lagos State Police Command remains fully committed to upholding the rule of law, being strictly observant and obedient of court orders, with utmost respect to all judicial directives, and also ensuring that all police actions conform with the laws and all due processes that are legal.

The Western Naval Command (WNC) on Saturday, 22 November 2025, conducted its Third Quarter Route March at the Sports Complex, Navy Town Ojo, in line with the Nigerian Navy Headquarters’ directive to promote physical fitness, mental alertness, and esprit de corps among personnel.

The exercise, which drew officers, ratings, and civilian staff across formations under the Command, commenced in the early hours of the morning with warm-up drills led by physical training instructors before participants embarked on the endurance march.

Addressing personnel at the end of the exercise, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral AA Mustapha, GSS, commended the turnout and applauded the enthusiasm displayed by participants. He emphasized that regular physical training remained a vital requirement for operational readiness, especially for a command responsible for critical maritime security operations in the Gulf of Guinea and Nigeria’s Western littoral.

Rear Admiral Mustapha noted that the route march was not just a ceremonial routine but a strategic activity designed to enhance stamina, discipline, teamwork, and overall combat efficiency. He encouraged officers and ratings to sustain the momentum and continue prioritizing fitness in their daily regimens.

While reiterating the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to professionalism, the FOC urged all personnel to uphold high standards of conduct, remain loyal to the service, and stay focused on the Command’s mission of safeguarding the nation’s maritime environment.

The security concerns that triggered the last-minute cancellation of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) scheduled for Enugu last Saturday amount to a damning verdict on Nigeria’s cultural tourism potential.

The decision linked to the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Kebbi and the killing of a top military officer in Borno was hasty, poorly managed, and projected Nigeria as a weak nation overwhelmed by fear. Instead of inspiring confidence, it plunged the national mood into pity, despair, and global mockery.

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump once again criticised Nigeria’s political and military response to insurgency in the North, dragging our national image further into ridicule. That same day, Canada advised its citizens to steer clear of Nigeria, and the British High Commission echoed similar concerns. Travel advisories are not new, but what is new and troubling is how our own careless reactions are selling us out as a nation incapable of securing its borders.

The NAFEST cancellation exposed the widening knowledge gap between our security agencies, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and private-sector tourism stakeholders. At a time when global development metrics are closely tied to perception, sensitivity, and economic implications, our handling of this crisis was amateurish and emotionally driven.

Rather than respond swiftly and strategically especially in rescuing the kidnapped children and confronting the attackers we allowed fear and political correctness to dictate the national mood. This weakened our global standing and sabotaged our destination safety ratings at a time when we could have demonstrated resilience and leadership.

Consider Biblical David. After the attack on Ziklag, where families were kidnapped and property looted, David refused to let grief govern his judgment. While his men were overwhelmed by despair, he acted decisively, embarking on an immediate rescue mission. He recovered the captives, defeated the enemy, restored the people’s hope, and reclaimed economic treasures from the attackers. David confronted the threat head-on; he did not sit helplessly, waiting to be comforted or to explain away his fears.

Sadly, today’s leadership in Nigeria’s culture and tourism sector lacks such capacity. The ministry has been reduced to a ceremonial outfit, deprived of funds, vision, and strategic direction. Eleven revenue-generating agencies under the ministry are starved of support, leaving their heads wasting precious time on courtesy visits and meaningless memoranda of understanding while the sector gasps for air.

The consequences of the NAFEST fiasco are enormous. At a time when global narratives move at the speed of social media, the damage to Nigeria’s cultural tourism brand is immediate and severe. Years of progress in positioning NAFEST as a unifying national platform have been eroded, and Enugu despite its stability, hospitality, and economic renaissance has been inadvertently painted as a security flashpoint.

Worse still, the “mood of the nation” has now become a global alibi for portraying Nigeria as unsafe for travel, festivals, and family holiday traffic. If the kidnapped girls in Kebbi and Niger States are not rescued swiftly, the same logic used to cancel NAFEST may soon threaten Lagos’ Detty December and several other key cultural events.

Our private-sector stakeholders have gone silent, lost in courtesy calls and praise-singing while the industry sinks. Tourism, once envisioned as a driver of economic growth, now resembles a graveyard where Nigeria’s cultural brilliance, culinary heritage, and hospitality strengths are buried by thoughtless decisions.

The “mood of the nation” has now become ammunition for asylum seekers and Japa hopefuls. Outbound traffic will surge, foreign exchange earnings will fall, and inbound tourism during Christmas may plummet drastically.

Yet, despite this bleak reality, I remain convinced that Nigeria’s cultural tourism economy can rebound. Nigerians are resilient. But resilience without strategy is stagnation. To be taken seriously on the global stage, we must rethink our responses, strengthen our institutions, and confront our security challenges courageously and intelligently.

Challenges are inevitable but how we respond will determine whether we rise above them or remain prisoners of our own fears.

Following the remarkable success of its 2024 free prostate cancer screening programme, which delivered life-saving early detection to hundreds of Nigerian men, Polaris Bank has once again partnered with the foremost Men’s Health Clinic to launch the 2025 edition of its flagship male wellness initiative themed “Men, Your Health Matters – Get Screened Today!” The Bank will provide completely free prostate cancer screening for 250 men aged 40 and above from November 24 to December 31, 2025.

Prostate cancer remains the second most common cancer among Nigerian men, but early detection offers a survival rate exceeding 98%. Building on last year’s overwhelming impact, Polaris Bank is fully sponsoring another round of comprehensive, painless, and confidential screenings that include PSA blood test, Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), and one-on-one specialist consultation at no cost whatsoever to beneficiaries.

Commenting on the exercise, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, said: “The feedback and lives touched in 2024 reaffirmed our commitment to men’s health. We are delighted to sustain this tradition, remove every barrier to early detection, and welcome more men into the Polaris Bank family with seamless, rewarding banking experiences.”

On his part, Mr. Akin Oteniya, Founder and Chief Medical Director of Men’s Health Clinic, added: “Last year’s collaboration with Polaris Bank set a gold standard for corporate health responsibility in Nigeria. We are proud to partner again in 2025 to deliver dignified, expert care and continue saving lives through early intervention.”

Participation is open to all men aged 40 and above. To ensure a smooth and rewarding process, every participant – whether an existing customer or not – is required to have (or open) a Polaris Bank account. Non-customers can indicate during registration if they would like to be contacted immediately to open an account in minutes with zero opening balance and no charges.

Only 250 fully sponsored slots are available on a strict first-come, first-served basis. Results and personalised counselling will be provided within 48 hours.

Register today: https://bit.ly/PCScreening2025

Through this initiative, Polaris Bank and Men’s Health Clinic are directly contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting universal access to preventive healthcare, reducing non-communicable disease mortality through early detection, and advancing health equity for Nigerian men.

Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading financial institution, has released its unaudited financial statements for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025. The results show impressive performance across key income lines and operational metrics.

According to the statements published on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) portal on November 21, 2025, the Bank reported Gross Earnings of ₦366.1 billion for Q3 2025. This represents an 8 percent increase from the ₦338.9 billion recorded in Q3 2024. The growth was driven by strong interest income and sustained momentum in fee-based revenues.

Interest Income, calculated using the effective interest rate method, rose by 33 percent to ₦285.6 billion in Q3 2025, compared to ₦214.7 billion in Q3 2024. Other Interest Income more than doubled, rising from ₦13.0 billion in the corresponding period of 2024 to ₦34.2 billion. This underscores significantly improved returns from non-core lending activities.

Year-to-date, the Bank achieved a major milestone with Gross Earnings surpassing ₦1.1 trillion, the highest in its history. This is an increase from ₦772.5 billion in Q3 2024. The Bank’s total assets also crossed the ₦10 trillion mark, driven by robust growth in cash, customer loans, and investment securities; this compares to ₦8.8 trillion in Q3 2024. Net Interest Income for the nine-month period reached ₦565.3 billion, while fee and commission income totaled ₦84.5 billion. The respective figures for Q3 2024 were ₦470.5 billion and ₦56.3 billion.

Credit Loss Expenses moved to ₦900 million from ₦32.8 billion in Q3 2024; however, Net Interest Income remained flat at ₦144.8 billion, compared to ₦143.7 billion in Q3 2024. This reflects improved asset quality and effective risk management practices. Fee and Commission Income grew by 47.2 percent to ₦31.1 billion, up from ₦21.1 billion in Q3 2024, driven by increased transaction volumes and digital banking adoption. Foreign currency revaluation gains contributed ₦14.1 billion to Non-Interest Revenue, while other Operating Income rose to ₦1.1 billion from ₦447 million in Q3 2024.

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the national chapter of Transparency International Nigeria, has voiced strong concern over Nigeria’s worsening security situation, particularly the recurrence of attacks on schoolchildren and the strain on the country’s security institutions.

In a statement issued by CISLAC’s Executive Director and Head of Transparency International (Nigeria), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the organisation warned that what he described as an “uncoordinated and politicised” security strategy by the government is deepening instability and leaving millions of citizens, especially children, exposed to avoidable danger.

Rafsanjani noted that the Nigerian Army remains heavily deployed across nearly all states despite constitutional provisions that place primary responsibility for internal security on the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Services (DSS).

He attributed security sector corruption,the overreliance on the military to years of neglect, inadequate equipment, weak welfare systems, and poor cooperation among security agencies, which he said have collectively weakened the country’s overall security response.

The CISLAC chief condemned the recent abductions in Kebbi State and the kidnapping of pupils of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State, describing the attacks as direct assaults on education and the future of Nigerian children. He said the abductions further worsen the country’s troubling rate of out-of-school children and undermine children’s dignity and safety.

Rafsanjani also criticised what he called the diversion of police officers to politicians and private individuals at the expense of vulnerable communities and schools. He argued that the commercialisation of police roadblocks has turned security points into centres of extortion rather than zones of protection and urged the authorities to dismantle such roadblocks and redeploy officers to where they are genuinely needed.

Expressing concern about the increasing politicisation of law enforcement, he cited recent incidents in Abuja in which police officers were seen supporting rival political factions, as well as cases where large numbers of officers were assigned to individuals instead of communities. According to him, such developments reflect weakened police leadership and embolden irresponsible political behaviour.

CISLAC and Transparency International (Nigeria) called for comprehensive security sector reforms focused on accountability, intelligence gathering, upgraded equipment, improved welfare, professional conduct, and stronger interagency coordination. Rafsanjani also urged the government to adopt effective early warning and early response mechanisms, noting that many attacks occur despite clear warning signs.

He further questioned the effectiveness of the Nigeria–U.S. Bi-National Commission, a platform created to strengthen cooperation on security, governance, trade, and investment, arguing that Nigeria must address its internal governance and security gaps before expecting external partnerships to yield meaningful results.

Rafsanjani also criticised the growing trend of political defections and the elaborate celebrations often funded with public resources. He said such events demonstrate insensitivity at a time when many Nigerians are being kidnapped, displaced, or killed, and reflect a broader leadership failure.

The statement concluded with a call for coordinated action by the federal government, security agencies, community leaders, civil society organisations, and international partners to rescue abducted schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger States, prevent further attacks, and implement urgent reforms to restore professionalism in security operations and rebuild public trust.

Rafsanjani warned that Nigeria cannot continue to operate under weak and uncoordinated security structures, insisting that decisive action is necessary to protect the lives, dignity, and future of all citizens. Singed by Auwal Musa Rafsanjani Executive Director Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)/ Head of Transparency International Nigeria 🇳🇬

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, has commended the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (NACST) for its exceptional support to the Division, particularly in the effective execution of assigned tasks.

According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army “He gave the commendation during a familiarization visit by the Commander, Corps of Supply and Transport, Major General Nansak Danjuma Shagaya, to the Division’s Headquarters on 21 November 2025 at 3 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Major General Mijinyawa noted that since his assumption of office as GOC, NACST has remained highly supportive to 81 Division, especially through the provision of drivers, catering services, and other critical logistics that have contributed significantly to the successful accomplishment of the Division’s operations. He congratulated Maj Gen ND Shagaya on his well deserved appointment as the Commander Corps of Supply and Transport and wished him a successful tour of duty. He also lauded the officers and soldiers of the Corps for their professionalism and unwavering commitment.

The GOC further expressed satisfaction with the cordial relationship between the Division and NACST, assuring that he is committed to sustaining and strengthening the existing cooperation.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commander NACST, Major General Nansak Danjuma Shagaya, stated that the visit was aimed at familiarizing himself with the Division and reinforcing the existing partnership between NACST and 81 Division. He highlighted some programmes and initiatives geared towards repositioning the Corps for enhanced efficiency and encouraged the Division to take advantage of them. He appreciated the warm reception and assured the GOC of the Corps’ continuous support to the Division.

Present at the visit were Staff Officers from Headquarters 81 Division and Headquarters NACST, among others. Highlights of the event includes the signing of the visitors’ book, presentation of souvenirs, and a group photograph.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to remain resolute, uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army, and sustain their commitment to restoring peace and security across the North-West.

Lieutenant General Shaibu gave the charge on Thursday during his maiden operational visit to the Operation’s Area of Responsibility in Gusau, Zamfara State.

Addressing troops, the COAS commended their resilience and sacrifices in the face of daunting security challenges, assuring them that the Army hierarchy is committed to tackling all operational and welfare concerns.

He disclosed that he had received a comprehensive briefing from the Theatre Commander on the current security situation, as well as the challenges faced by the troops on the frontlines. He said the issues raised by personnel from both the land and air components, alongside inputs from the representatives of the Chiefs of Naval and Air Staff, were being addressed with urgency.

Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s dedication to enhancing troops’ welfare, noting that motivation, equipment, and overall support systems remain top priorities for the service.

He urged the personnel to continue to conduct themselves professionally and to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Armed Forces, stressing that their efforts have enabled citizens in affected communities to go about their daily activities.

“These challenges are transient. Remain resolute, remain determined, and continue to do your job with professionalism. The Nigerian people appreciate your service,” he told the troops.

The COAS also commended the synergy among the services in the ongoing operations and assured troops that the military leadership is fully committed to improving their working conditions and operational effectiveness.