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CBN Withdraws $190M to Curb Naira Rally as Reserves Cross $50B

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CBN intervenes in FX market, withdrawing $190M to slow naira appreciation. Nigeria’s external reserves hit $50B, fueling investor caution amid volatility

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) moved to slow the naira’s recent surge by withdrawing $190 million from the foreign exchange market. Analysts warn the rapid appreciation may unsettle foreign investors despite a stronger currency.

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The naira had gained over three per cent within days at the official window before retreating in the final sessions ending February 20.

Following the CBN’s intervention, the naira fell to ₦1,355.37 per dollar on February 24, down from ₦1,349.24 the previous day, as demand exceeded limited dollar supply.

Financial analyst Osas Igho noted, “Foreign investors are uneasy in a market with a strong currency. The naira’s aggressive rally could narrow profit margins and reduce carry trade attractiveness.” He added that a moderately weaker currency is often preferred to enhance returns on offshore investments.

Meanwhile, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso revealed that Nigeria’s external reserves surpassed $50 billion, sufficient to cover 9.68 months of imports, marking the strongest external buffer in years. The apex bank aims to push reserves to their highest level in 15 years.

The CBN’s intervention comes amid expectations for improved crude oil earnings, rising remittances, and foreign portfolio inflows.

Market participants are closely watching whether the bank will continue active interventions or allow the naira to stabilize naturally.

The narrowing of the gap between official and parallel FX markets—from ₦92 to ₦65—also signals renewed convergence, aided by CBN’s reopening of dollar sales to Bureau De Change operators.

Also read: INSECURITY: Zamfara State Adopts Colombia’s Strategic Model to Tackle Insurgency and Banditry3

As Nigeria balances currency stability with competitiveness, investor sentiment will be critical in shaping the outlook for the remainder of 2026.

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Wema Bank Releases Full Year 2025 Audited Financial Results …Declares ₦221.85bn Profit Before Tax, ₦1.25 Dividend, Total Assets hit ₦5 trillion mark.

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Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank, most innovative and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has released its FY 2025 Audited Financial Results, achieving record-breaking growth and unparalleled performance across several key metrics.

Key figures include the doubling of the Bank’s Profit Before Tax (PBT) from ₦102.5bn in FY 2024 to ₦221.9bn, an impressive 116.4% increase. Profit After Tax (PAT) also surged by 125.4% from FY 2024’s ₦86.2bn to ₦194.5bn. Total assets also reached the 5 trillion mark, with the attainment of ₦5.07tn, a 41.5% increase from FY 2024’s ₦3.59tn, reflecting a growingly resilient balance sheet. Gross earnings increased by 52.8% to ₦660.6 billion from ₦432.3 billion in FY 2024, a feat driven largely by a 62.7% growth in interest income, reflecting improved yields on earning assets and growth in the loan book.

Customer deposits grew by 30.3% to ₦3.29 trillion from ₦2.52 trillion in FY 2024, demonstrating sustained customer confidence. This growth in deposits provided stable funding for asset growth while supporting liquidity and balance sheet resilience. Net interest income more than doubled, rising by 103.9% to ₦361.0 billion, supported by improved asset pricing and balance sheet expansion. Non-interest income also grew modestly by 8.3% to ₦85.3 billion. Net loans and advances increased by 44.7% to ₦1.74 trillion, up from ₦1.20 trillion in FY 2024, thus reflecting Wema Bank’s continued support for key sectors of the economy while maintaining a disciplined risk management approach. Overall, Wema Bank is set to pay dividend per share of N1.25.

Commenting on the remarkable performance, Wema Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, reiterated the Bank’s unwavering commitment to sustaining its impressive growth momentum and delivering superior value to all stakeholders. According to him, “Wema Bank has delivered one of the strongest growth trajectories in its history. From a Profit Before Tax of ₦14.75 billion three years ago, we grew to ₦43.59 billion in 2023 and reached ₦102 billion in 2024. In 2025, we have taken an even bolder step forward, recording a Profit Before Tax of ₦221 billion. Our Total Assets, which hit the ₦1tn mark in 2021, surpassed ₦3tn in 2024, standing at a staggering ₦5tn as of FY2025. This overall performance not only speaks strongly of Wema Bank’s exceptional financial strength and capacity for sustained growth, but also reflects disciplined execution, a resilient business model, and the unwavering commitment of our people”.

“As of September 2025, Wema Bank successfully surpassed the ₦200bn recapitalisation minimum threshold for commercial banks with national authorisation. Our FY2025 Financial Results only corroborate what has become abundantly clear—Wema Bank is here not just to stay, but to lead the future of banking in Africa. Our 80th anniversary celebration in 2025 marked a fitting commemoration of our 80 years of impact in the finance industry and beyond. With the launch of ‘ALAT: The Evolution’, the upgraded version of our pioneering fully digital bank, ALAT, we not just redefining the digital banking experience with enhanced intelligence, personalisation and flexibility; we ushering Africa into a future filled with profound possibilities”, Oseni concluded.

Wema Bank is a leading financial services entity with banking operations across Nigeria and the globe, through its trailblazing innovative solution, Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT. From surpassing the recapitalisation benchmark set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to maintaining an unparalleled growth trajectory over the past 5 years, Wema Bank has proven itself stronger than ever—numbers perpetually skyrocketing.

The Bank’s position as leading innovative bank further proves that it is not only able to meet the prevalent needs of its customers but also equipped to anticipate and meet evolving needs as digital banking continues to reshape the finance industry.

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CBN Exposes Alarming Financial Misconduct at Union Bank

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Union Bank misconduct allegations surface as CBN intervenes to stabilise the bank amid claims of hidden losses and financial irregularities

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Wema Bank Unveils New Jingle for ALAT: The Evolution

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Wema Bank has introduced a new jingle to mark the next phase of its digital banking journey, tagged the ALAT: The Evolution jingle. Designed to capture the energy of a smarter and more seamless banking experience, the jingle is bright, catchy, and full of life. It reflects a platform built to simply work, pairing sound with innovation as ALAT: The Evolution steps forward with enhanced features and a refreshed user experience.
Everyday banking can often feel routine or even stressful, with multiple steps and delays slowing things down. The ALAT: The Evolution jingle reimagines that experience with a lively and confident tone that mirrors the app’s capabilities. From voice banking with SAW to Tap and Pay and bank uptime prediction, each feature is echoed in the rhythm and flow of the sound. It brings to life the speed, convenience, and reliability that define this new phase of ALAT: The Evolution.
More than just music, the ALAT: The Evolution jingle represents a clear statement of intent. It signals a shift towards banking that feels natural, responsive, and in tune with the user. As customers update their app and explore ALAT: The Evolution, the jingle serves as a reminder that a better, smoother way to bank is already here. Wema Bank is not just evolving its technology; it is shaping how banking feels.

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