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Why Nigeria Needs Digital Currency, Says CBN

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The Central Bank of Nigeria has explained the economic implications and importance of a centralised and regulated digital currency in Nigeria.

The apex bank had earlier said that it would be launching e-naira, a digital equivalent of the naira in October, in line with global trends.

According to Director, Information and Technology, CBN, Rakitya Muhammed, the introduction of the e-naira can catalyse Nigeria’s digital economy, boost cross border trade and enable better macroeconomic policy formulation.

Muhammed spoke virtually at the Third Quarter Industry Forum of the Committee of E-business Industry Heads held in Abuja on Wednesday.

She spoke on the theme, ‘Digital Currency and the Prospects of Central Bank Digital Currency in Nigeria’.

She said, “If people adopt more of the usage of the e-naira, then we will be able to have more data to formulate better macroeconomic policies.

“And when countries come on board and create their own digital currencies then we will be able to have faster exchange of currencies and therefore we might be able to boost cross border trade at a much lower cost.

“Of course payment efficiency, even though we know that Nigeria has one of the best payment systems in the world, we will still be able to improve on that.

“We believe that the e-naira will be a catalyst for digital economy because the people who are outside the formal banking sector will be integrated.”

Muhammed disclosed that the design would soon be revealed as the apex bank had concluded its development.

The e-naira, she noted, would be a legal tender like the fiat naira, adding that it would not replace but complement the naira and anonymity of transactions was guaranteed.

She said, “In terms of the e-naira design, it will be a legal tender just like cash which is one of the fundamental difference between it and the cryptocurrency.

“One e-naira will be equal to one fiat naira, and we adopted a two-tier retail model that would be a lot less disruption into the financial system.

“Our banks, payment service providers and fintech are all going to be onboard and we are going to key to the infrastructure they have already and incorporate the new system.

“It is not meant to replace the cash me have only to supplement.”

On his part, the Chairman of to the CeBIH, Adeyemi Atanda lauded the CBN’S e-naira initiative, stating that the e-naira would facilitate faster and cheaper payment transactions and drive financial inclusion.

He assured Nigerians that the CBN and the banking sector were well equipped to manage fraud and other cyber security challenges that could arise from the adoption of the e-naira.

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UBA Emerges Strongest Nigerian Brand in 2025

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United Bank for Africa (UBA) has been named the strongest Nigerian brand in the 2025 Brand Finance Banking 500 report, making a remarkable leap from its 9th position in 2024.

With a brand strength score of 92.4 out of 100 and a coveted AAA+ rating, UBA now leads the pack among Nigerian brands, reaffirming its status as a trusted and innovative banking institution.

Brand Finance, a globally recognized independent brand valuation consultancy, highlighted UBA’s outstanding performance across key brand metrics, including familiarity, preference, and consideration within its home market. This performance contributed to UBA’s climb in the rankings, not only as Nigeria’s strongest brand but also as the 13th strongest banking brand globally among 500 evaluated.

“This year’s ranking is no coincidence; it is the result of deliberate planning, strategic investments, and an unwavering focus on customer satisfaction,” said Alero Ladipo, Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA. “We remain committed to adapting to the evolving landscape while consistently delivering exceptional value.”

UBA’s performance was bolstered by its strong customer loyalty and trust. It scored particularly high in price acceptance, outperforming other leading African banks such as Capitec (South Africa) and Equity Bank (Kenya). These scores reflect UBA’s consistent value delivery and competitive pricing, earning it a solid reputation across its operating regions.

The bank’s rise is also attributed to its sustained investment in digital banking, innovation, and customer-centric technologies. Over the past year, UBA has prioritized digital transformation to enhance user experience and deepen customer engagement—an approach that aligns with current trends in Africa’s rapidly evolving financial services landscape.

Operating in 20 African countries and with offices in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates, UBA serves more than 45 million customers worldwide. With a workforce of 25,000, it remains one of the largest employers in the African financial sector.

UBA’s strong performance in the Brand Finance report underscores a broader strategy focused on brand equity, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning it as a leader in shaping the future of banking in Africa and beyond.

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Dangote Promises Petrol Price Stability Despite Crude Spike

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Despite the fluctuations in global crude oil prices, Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals said it has consistently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

The company, in a statement by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said the decision to maintain price stability reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting the Nigerian economy and alleviating the burden on consumers from the increase in fuel prices by maintaining price stability.

The decision, Dangote said, underscores its dedication to providing affordable, reliable, and high-quality petroleum products without compromising operational efficiency and sustainability.

The company stated: “Our approach aligns with the objectives of the Federal government’s Nigeria First policy, which promotes the prioritisation of locally produced goods and services.

“By refining petroleum products domestically at the world’s largest single-train refinery, we are proud to make a substantial contribution to Nigeria’s energy security, foreign exchange savings, and overall economic resilience-aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is focused on addressing the nation’s economic challenges and improving the well-being of Nigerians.

“We are immensely grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, for making this possible through the commendable Naira-for-Crude Initiative, which has enabled us to consistently reduce the price of petroleum products for the benefit of all Nigerians.”

The company assured all stakeholders—consumers, partners, and the government—of its continuous dedication to operational excellence and national service.

“Dangote Petroleum Refinery remains committed to ensuring that the benefits of our local refining capacity are fully realised and enjoyed by the Nigerian populace. We will continue to prioritise affordability, quality, and national interest in every facet of our work.”

Dangote Petroleum Refinery has taken delivery of 146,000 metric tonnes of crude oil from the international market, with the vessel, Hercules, still discharging the cargo.

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NNPC Slashes Petrol Price to N935 Per Litre in Abuja

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has reduced its premium motor spirit price in Abuja.

Some motorists in Abuja confirmed the new fuel price adjustment at some NNPC retail outlets.

Reports quoted Abdullahi Hashim, a resident of Kubwa, Abuja, to have said: “I observed the drop in the fuel price to N935 per litre on Saturday morning. It is a welcome development.”

“I think I first saw this new price adjustment in Town, Wuse Zone 4 area, on Friday. NNPC filling station at Kubwa Expressway is just reflecting it,” Bukola Adewole also said.

The development comes after Dangote Refinery announced in its ex-depot petrol price to N835 per litre from N865.

The 650,000 barrels per day refinery had announced that its partners, such as MRS and AP filling stations, are expected to sell petrol between N890 and N920 per litre, depending on the location.

Meanwhile, MRS filling stations in Abuja have not been dispensing petrol since Wednesday, April 16, 2025, when Dangote Refinery announced a slash in ex-depot petrol price.

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