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Nigeria to Host African Monetary Institute – Cardoso

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CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso says Nigeria will host the African Monetary Institute and later the African Central Bank as Africa advances single currency plans

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, has said Nigeria is playing a pivotal role in Africa’s efforts to establish a single continental currency.

Also read: Top-Earning African YouTubers Revealed for 2026

In a statement issued in Abuja, Cardoso confirmed that Nigeria will host the African Monetary Institute (AMI) and will subsequently host the African Central Bank (ACB).

He said the development positions Nigeria at the centre of Africa’s push towards monetary union and the eventual introduction of a common currency.

At the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union> (AU), Nigeria was granted permanent membership on the Board of the AMI during the transition period before the African Central Bank becomes fully operational.

Cardoso described the decision as a significant milestone for both Nigeria and the continent, noting that it strengthens Nigeria’s influence in shaping Africa’s emerging financial architecture.

According to him, the move advances cooperation among African countries in monetary policy coordination, exchange rate stability and cross-border payment systems.

The initiative forms part of Africa’s long-term integration agenda under the Abuja Treaty, adopted in 1991 and operational since 1994.

The treaty outlines steps toward economic integration, including the establishment of a common market and a single currency.

The proposed African Central Bank is expected to coordinate a unified monetary policy, promote international monetary cooperation, stabilise exchange rates, improve payment systems and remove foreign exchange restrictions that hinder intra-African trade.

Cardoso acknowledged the roles played by the CBN and Nigeria’s Federal Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice and Finance in securing the hosting rights.

He noted that the CBN contributed technical expertise in drafting the AMI statute and provided facilities and logistical support for the institute’s launch.

The governor attributed Nigeria’s selection to sustained reforms in monetary stability, foreign reserve management, banking supervision and payment system modernisation, which he said have enhanced the country’s credibility across Africa.

Nigeria’s permanent seat on the AMI Board will last only during the transition phase before the African Central Bank is formally established, in line with AU principles of rotation and regional balance.

In addition, Nigeria will serve on the AMI’s Technical Convergence Committee, which focuses on harmonising fiscal and monetary policies across member states as Africa advances toward a unified monetary framework.

Also read: Top-Earning African YouTubers Revealed for 2026

Cardoso said Nigeria would continue collaborating closely with the AU Commission, the Association of African Central Banks, member states and development partners to lay a solid foundation for the continent’s future single currency.

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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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