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Access Bank has launch of its Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton 2025 programme, empowering female entrepreneurs across Africa with essential skills, knowledge, and resources to drive business growth and self-sufficiency.

Applications for the program commenced on Friday, September 19, 2025, and will close on Friday, October 3, 2025.

In a statement, Nene Kunle-Ogunlusi, Group head, Women Banking, said the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton has empowered hundreds of women with business training, mentorship, and access to funding since its launch in 2019. ‘This year, the program is back and better, offering women entrepreneurs the opportunity to scale their businesses, gain visibility, and connect with like-minded trailblazers across the continent. The 2025 edition promises a rich and rewarding experience for women in business. Selected participants will undergo an intensive Mini-MBA program designed in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), equipping them with the knowledge and tools required to grow sustainable businesses. In addition, participants stand a chance to access significant financial support, with over N17.5 million to be awarded in grants to the most outstanding businesses. The program also ensures that the impact goes beyond the winners, as other finalists will enjoy consolation benefits and other business support services to help strengthen their brands and operations’ she said.

Reiterating Nene’s comments, Oyeyipo Ifeoluwa, project manager, Womenprenuer Pitch-a-ton said ‘We have trained 878 women and awarded grants of up to $175,000.00 since the launch of Womenprenuer pitch-a-ton since 2019. The programme is not just about competition; it is a holistic journey designed to transform women-led businesses and contribute to Africa’s economic development.

The program is open to women entrepreneurs whose businesses are registered, have been existing for more than one year and own at least 50 percent shareholding in their business’ Oyeyipo concluded.

Industry leaders in Nigeria’s maritime say collaboration among all key sectors of the economy and engagement from all levels of government is necessary if Nigeria must compete globally.

‘It’s a multistakeholder issue that requires collaboration across various stakeholders. The silo approach does not work,’ stated Mfon Usoro, National President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria, during BusinessDay’s maritime conference in Lagos in 2025.

This year, the marine and blue economy sector introduced an ambitious ten-year policy aimed at achieving an annual growth target of 7 percent and creating 100,000 new jobs each year.

Usoro proposed a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to integrated planning and execution. She explained that this strategy would involve incorporating the blue economy into national and local government policies and programs. ‘It has to be regarded as a national project for it to become a reality,’ Usoro emphasised. She added that it is the responsibility of every sector to view the maritime sector as an ‘enabler’ of growth in other areas. ‘All stakeholders need to come together to take action,’ she noted.

Regarding funding, as Nigeria looks to bonds to relieve a constrained budget, experts suggest that collaborative support from other ministries is essential. ‘I’m not sure that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) can independently raise a bond. If the NPA cannot do it alone, then the Ministry of Finance, for example, must be involved. This also includes the Minister for Trade. All these elements need to work together,’ said Oluwafikayo Ogunrinde, representing Echefu Ukattah, head of Maritime Practice at Olaniwun Ajayi LP.

‘Our call for new funding is in cooperation with the relevant agencies, ministries, and government bodies, so we can start advocating for improvements,’ she added.

Patricia Igwebuike, Commissioner for Transport in Anambra State, stated that her office is also contributing to this effort. ‘Most of the imports into the eastern parts of Nigeria come through Anambra State. We recognize the poor condition of our roads. Everyone must work together to ensure that Onitsha River complements the other ports in Nigeria,’ she explained. Usoro agreed, saying, ‘We don’t have adequate road infrastructure to connect terminals to manufacturers, markets, and farms. As a result, we invest in dredging that ultimately does not benefit us. The Minister for Works needs to be involved, and even security must be part of the conversation.’

Usoro noted the lack of Nigerian ownership in seagoing vessels. In 2021, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) reported that 4,100 vessels called at the nation’s ports, but ‘none of them flew the Nigerian flag,’ she stated. ‘These are markets that Nigeria must enter.’

Experts agree that a comprehensive approach is necessary to enhance competitiveness in shipping. They suggested that import taxes imposed on shipowners be eliminated. Just as zero import taxes have benefited the aviation sector, the same should apply to shipping.’

Nigeria and the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis recently entered into a reciprocal visa-free travel agreement, allowing citizens of both countries to visit each other for up to 90 days without the need for a visa.

This arrangement, which came into effect in this September 2025, marks the first time Nigeria has extended such privileges to a country outside Africa.

The agreement is widely seen as a strategic move to deepen ties between Africa and the Caribbean, with implications for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. Entry requirements and travel implications

The visa waiver follows a series of high-level engagements between President Bola Tinubu and Terrance Drew, prime minister of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Their meetings held earlier this year in Abuja and later in Saint Lucia, laid the groundwork for broader cooperation with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean states

The waiver applies to holders of ordinary, official, and diplomatic passports, although travellers are still required to meet standard entry conditions. These include presenting a valid passport, proof of onward or return travel, and completing arrival documentation upon entry.

Travel information to St. Kitts and Nevis

Getting a flight to St. Kitts and Nevis from Nigeria can be challenging for Nigerian passport holders, as it typically requires two or three layovers or stopovers in Europe that necessitate Schengen visas, or a layover in North America that requires transit visas.

Also, direct flights between Nigeria and St. Kitts and Nevis are rare.

However, a recent charter flight from Abuja to Basseterre marked a historic milestone, establishing the first direct air link between West Africa and the Caribbean nation.

Air Peace also made headlines in June this year with a 10-hour non-stop flight earlier this year, signalling growing interest in bridging the two regions.

For those planning on visiting St. Kitts and Nevis (SKN), here’s what you need to know:

St. Kitts and Nevis uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$ or XCD), pegged at a fixed rate to the USD. As of today, 1 EC$ is around N549.

Flights from Lagos (LOS) to Basseterre (SKB) averages $1,175-$1,852 (about N1.8m-N2.9m at current rates), depending on the season and airline.

For a single person, the monthly expenses are around EC$3,500-5,000 (around N1.9m-2.8m), covering rent, food, and basics.

Cultural exchange and shared celebrations Travellers from Nigeria can consider visiting St. Kitts in December and January during the Sugar Mas carnival, while Nevis can be visited in late July for Culturama.

These festivals, are similar to Nigeria’s own cultural events such as the Calabar Carnival and the Osun-Osogbo Festival, and involve music, dance and masquerade. The best time to visit the islands is during the dry season, which runs from December to April, coinciding with peak tourist activity and major cultural events.

Citizenship, residency and long-stay options

For Nigerians considering longer-term opportunities, St. Kitts and Nevis has a popular and established Citizenship by Investment programme.

This scheme allows individuals to obtain citizenship through financial contributions to government-approved projects or real estate investments.

When you acquire citizenship under the St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship program, you and your family enjoy full citizenship for life, which can be passed on to future generations by descent.

Applicants can include a spouse, children under 26, and parents aged 55 and over, as well as to add dependents after citizenship has been granted to the main applicant.

St. Kitts and Nevis is a member of the Commonwealth, which entitles its citizens to certain privileges in the UK and other Commonwealth countries

There is no minimum stay required.

Requirements

To qualify for citizenship, the main applicant must be over 18 years of age, meet the application requirements, and select one of the following options:

Sustainable Island State Contribution (SISC)

A non-refundable contribution of $250,000 to SISC for an applicant and up to three qualifying dependents

$50,000 for each additional qualifying dependent over 18

$25,000 for each additional qualifying dependent under 18

A minimum non-refundable contribution of $250,000 to a public benefit unit in an Approved Public Benefit Project

The purchase of real estate with a minimum value of $325,000 from an approved real estate development, or a minimum of $325,000 for a condominium unit or $600,000 for a single-family private dwelling. The real estate purchased under both options can be resold after seven years under certain conditions

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a news anchor and reporter with Arise News, who was killed during an armed robbery incident at her Katampe, Abuja residence.

In a statement signed by Eze Anaba, its president, and Onuoha Ukeh, general secretary, the Guild described her passing as a tragic loss not only to her newsroom but to the future of Nigerian journalism.

‘By Somtochukwu’s untimely death, journalism has lost not just a good professional who was committed to shedding light on important issues and giving voice to the voiceless but also one who represented the future of journalism in the country,’ the NGE said.

The Guild linked her killing to the wider climate of insecurity facing Nigerians, stressing that violent crimes have become an everyday threat. ‘The loss of this dedicated journalist from an armed robbery incident is a stark reminder of the dangers Nigerians face daily in their homes and on the street,’ the statement noted. Condemning the rising tide of violent crimes, the editors demanded accountability and urgent reforms from the government.

‘The increasing frequency of armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and other violent crimes has created an environment of fear and uncertainty for both citizens and professionals like journalists. We demand action from the government to address the root causes of insecurity and take measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens,’ the Guild said.

The NGE also urged security agencies to bring Somtochukwu’s killers to justice. ‘We demand that those responsible for Somtochukwu’s death be fished out by security agencies and made to face the full weight of the law,’ it stated.

Extending its solidarity to Arise News, the Guild paid tribute to the late journalist’s memory, expressing hope that her legacy would continue to inspire her colleagues.

‘We pray that the memory of this talented young journalist who died at her prime inspire excellence in journalism, even in the face of adversity. May the memory of this vibrant journalist be a blessing to all who knew her,’ the Editors said.

Ann Pettifor, the British economist who became a global figure in the fight for debt relief, will deliver the keynote address at the 9th Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFiC).

Pettifor is best remembered for her pivotal role in helping Nigeria secure one of the most remarkable debt deals in modern African history. Between 2004 and 2005, she worked closely with Nigeria’s Debt Management Office. She also collaborated with the then Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to negotiate the clearance of more than $30 billion owed to the Paris Club of official creditors. The deal restored fiscal breathing room to Nigeria’s economy. It also set a precedent for how developing nations could reset their debt burdens.

Her influence on the global stage extends far beyond Nigeria. She was one of the driving forces behind the Jubilee 2000 campaign. The grassroots movement galvanised world leaders and ultimately secured the cancellation of more than $100 billion in external debts for 42 of the world’s poorest countries. Backed by churches, trade unions, and civil society groups, the campaign reshaped conversations around sovereign debt and international finance.

In recognition of her contributions, Nigeria’s former president Olusegun Obasanjo conferred on her the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 2002, a rare honour for a foreign national.

Today, Pettifor serves as Director of Policy Research in Macroeconomics (PRIME), a UK-based think tank focused on sustainable finance and economic justice. She also sits on the Scottish Government’s Just Transition Commission, where she advises on climate finance and equitable economic policies. 9th Edition of GITFiC

At GITFiC 2025, she will act as both keynote speaker and lead discussant for the Global Debt Initiative and the GITFiC Agenda 2031. She is expected to bring decades of experience in global finance and advocacy into the ongoing dialogue on Africa’s debt sustainability.

The 9th edition of the conference, scheduled for October 29 to November 2 in Accra, will revolve around two major themes: the second Global Debt Initiative and the maiden AfCFTA Tertiary Students’ Congress.

Selasi Kofi Ackom, CEO of GITFiC, said the Global Debt Initiative was born out of the realisation that externally imposed solutions often failed to meet Africa’s needs.

‘Over the past years, we noticed that solutions designed outside Africa for Africans were not helping the continent’s financial architecture,’ Ackom noted.

‘This highlighted the need for an integrated, indigenous African financial architecture-cooked by Africans, made for Africans, and implemented by Africans. This vision gave birth to the Global Debt Initiative.’

Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has called for more robust access to environmental information in Nigeria, warning that the absence of timely and reliable data is undermining efforts to address the country’s worsening environmental and climate challenges.

The call was made on Monday during the launch of a new report, ‘Access to Environmental Information and the Cost of Ignorance in Nigeria,’ which coincided with the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI).

The report highlights the mounting risks posed by deforestation, flooding, desertification, oil pollution in the Niger Delta, poor plastic waste management, and declining air and water quality.

According to MRA, these issues are not only threatening ecosystems and public health but are also costing Nigeria billions of dollars in infrastructure damage, displacing communities, and endangering national stability.

Speaking at the launch, Ayomide Eweje, Programme Officer, MRA, said Nigeria already has a layered framework of laws and international obligations that could serve as a strong foundation for environmental accountability, including the Freedom of Information Act, Climate Change Act, and Environmental Impact Assessment Act.

However, she noted that weak enforcement, lack of proactive disclosure by public institutions, and poor citizen engagement remain major obstacles.

‘Without meaningful and effective access to environmental information, citizens cannot protect their health and livelihoods or hold decision-makers accountable’, Eweje said. ‘Ensuring access is not just about legal compliance; it is about empowering people to safeguard their future.’

The report also underscores the potential of digital technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), to strengthen environmental monitoring and public access to real-time data.

Yet, it warns that structural inequalities-particularly the exclusion of rural communities and women from decision-making-continue to threaten Nigeria’s environmental governance.

To address these gaps, MRA urged federal and state governments to strengthen and enforce laws mandating proactive disclosure of environmental data in digital, user-friendly formats, establish centralised, open-access data portals on pollution, deforestation, water quality, and climate risks invest in broadband expansion, solar-powered hubs, and community ICT centres to bridge the rural digital divide.

The organisation also called on civil society, the media, academia, and the private sector to collaborate in monitoring environmental hazards and ensuring that information is accessible, comprehensible, and actionable.

Eweje stressed that transparency and public participation are critical to preventing further environmental devastation in Nigeria.

The Future of Jobs Report 2025 by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) highlights that 65 percent of Nigerian employers cite skill gaps as a major barrier to organisational transformation.

Although, Nigeria mirrors this issue which is also a global trend, it also faces unique challenges. Roles such as AI and machine learning specialists, data analysts, and sustainability Experts are among the fastest-growing, with net increases of 82 percent, 41 percent, and 33 percent respectively.

Digital transformation is reshaping employer priorities. Network and cyber security skills are in highest demand, with 87 percent of Nigerian employers identifying them as critical, well above the global average of 70 percent. Other sought-after competencies include AI and big data proficiency, systems thinking, customer service, and global citizenship. However, significant barriers persist. In addition to the 65 percent skills gap, half of employers report difficulty attracting talent, resistance to organisational change, and regulatory inflexibility. Limited investment capital further compounds these challenges.

As global labour trends accelerate, driven by technological disruption, demographic shifts, and the green transition, Nigeria must urgently invest in human capital to remain competitive.

According to Tshif Dombo, human resource value engineer at SAP Africa, said, ‘There’s a balancing act between upskilling and reskilling, and a lot of organisations right now want to be skills-based organisations’.

‘The issue is that there’s still a maturity gap around skills, how we define them, how we measure them, and how we connect them back to business outcomes.’

Globally, reports from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report 2025 survey of over 1,000 large enterprises across 55 economies, projects that 170 million jobs will be created globally over the next five years, while 92 million will be displaced. More than a billion roles are expected to evolve in form and function. These projections signals a profound shift in the nature of work. Global Trends: The rise of tech and green roles

Across international markets, demand is surging for roles such as big data specialists, fintech engineers, AI and machine learning experts, and software developers. Green economy positions, such as autonomous vehicle engineers, environmental scientists, and renewable energy experts, are also climbing the ranks.

Conversely, traditional roles like bank tellers, postal clerks, and administrative assistants are experiencing steep declines. Employers globally are prioritising analytical thinking, cybersecurity, and digital literacy, alongside soft skills like creativity, adaptability, and lifelong learning.

Nigeria’s labour landscape: Opportunities and challenges

The report emphasises that public-sector investment in reskilling is vital. Stakeholders across government, industry, and education must collaborate to ensure Nigerian talent is future-ready. While resumes may still hold relevance, the future belongs to those who can adapt, learn, and lead in a world defined by change.

The skills gap is not merely a statistic, but a barrier to growth, innovation, and inclusion. As technological disruption, climate imperatives, and economic uncertainty reshape the global labour market, Nigeria must act decisively.

The report also recommends that 73 percent of Nigerian employers advocate for increased government funding, while 40 percent stress the need for improved transport infrastructure to support workforce mobility.

Organisations must also play their part by embedding upskilling into corporate culture and strengthening change management strategies. Without such commitment, Nigeria risks falling behind in the global race for talent.

How blood donation keeps sickle cell warriors alive and how the Noella Foundation is leading the fight

Sickle cell disease is one of Nigeria’s most urgent yet overlooked health challenges. Each year, about 150,000 babies are born with the condition, the highest number in the world. Too many do not live to see their fifth birthday. For those who survive, life is a constant battle of painful crises, medical emergencies, and repeated hospital stays.

For these patients, often called warriors for their resilience, blood is not optional. It is survival. And for the Noella Foundation, ensuring warriors have access to safe blood is central to our mission.

Understanding Sickle Cell: The Silent Crisis

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that reshapes red blood cells. Instead of being round and flexible, they become hard, sticky, and sickle-shaped. These cells block blood flow, die faster, and deprive the body of oxygen. The result is severe pain, infections, strokes, organ damage, and sometimes death.

Warriors live with the unpredictability of crises that can strike at any moment, in classrooms, workplaces, or at home. Every episode carries the risk of being fatal. Among the most dangerous complications is severe anemia, when the body cannot produce enough healthy red blood cells to survive.

This is where blood transfusions make the difference. They replace damaged cells, ease pain, prevent strokes, and often pull a warrior back from the edge. For many, transfusions are not a temporary treatment. They are a lifeline that keeps them alive and functioning. Behind each warrior’s survival is often the unseen gift of someone’s donation.

Donate Blood, Save a Warrior

Statistics reveal the scale of the problem, but they only take on meaning when tied to human experience.

Chinedu, a 12-year-old from Enugu, loves drawing superheroes. Yet, he spends more time in hospitals than at school. During one crisis, his blood levels dropped so dangerously low that doctors said he would not survive without a transfusion. A single pint of blood saved him. That donation meant he could return home, pick up his pencils, and continue chasing his dream of becoming an engineer (before the next hospital appointment, and hopefully there’s blood).

Not all stories end with hope. Bisi, a 23-year-old graduate in Ibadan, collapsed during a job interview. Doctors searched desperately for blood, but the bank was empty. By the time her family found a donor, it was too late. Her life was cut short not only by sickle cell but also by the shortage of blood.

These two stories underline the thin line between life and death that warriors walk every day. One pint of blood can save up to three lives because it can be separated into red cells, plasma, and platelets. For warriors, the red cells are most critical. When a crisis strikes, time matters. Without available stock, families waste precious hours searching while their loved one fades away. This tragedy is preventable if more Nigerians commit to regular voluntary donation.

Voluntary donors also build a safer and more reliable system. Their blood is screened in advance, reducing risks and ensuring quality. Sporadic donations during emergencies are never enough for warriors who need blood repeatedly. Unlike food or money, blood cannot be manufactured. It must come from one person to another, from you to them.

How You Can Help

The Noella Foundation is committed to tackling sickle cell disease by raising awareness, driving advocacy, and working with hospitals and communities to improve access to safe blood. But this mission cannot be achieved without you.

Here is how you can help:

Donate blood regularly: The National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) has centers nationwide. Teaching hospitals and some private facilities also run drives.

Know the requirements: Donors must be 18-60 years old, weigh at least 50kg, and be in good health.

Understand the process: The actual donation takes less than 15 minutes, and your body naturally replenishes the blood within weeks. Men can donate every three months, women every four.

Spread awareness: Help correct the myths. Donating blood does not make you permanently weak or shorten life. Research even shows health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease.

Organize or support drives: Workplaces, schools, and religious groups can partner with NBTS and the Noella Foundation to bring blood closer to warriors who need it.

Support advocacy: Push for stronger policies and funding that expand blood services and reduce the stigma around sickle cell.

A Call to Action

Every day, warriors across Nigeria wake up to battles most of us will never face. But resilience alone cannot fill a blood bank. Hope lies in knowing blood will be available when they need it.

When you donate, you are giving more than a pint. You are giving Chinedu another chance to draw superheroes, a graduate like Bisi the future she deserved, a mother and father the chance to raise their children, and countless others the chance to see another sunrise.

The Noella Foundation believes no warrior should die because blood was not available. This is our mission, but it can only be achieved with your support.

Recently, the shareholders and Boards of Directors of Providus Bank and Unity Bank at a court-ordered Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) gave their resounding approval to proceed with the business combination of the two financial institutions.

The nod to go ahead by the boards and shareholders of the two institutions signifies a moment of national significance for Nigeria’s banking industry-one that reflects resilience, foresight, and collective responsibility.

The deal, which won overwhelming shareholder approval at a court-ordered Extraordinary General Meeting, combines the strengths of both institutions.

Analysts believe that the Providus-Unity deal signals more than a merger, but a bold step to protect shareholder value, restore confidence, and reshape the future of Nigeria’s banking landscape.

The success of the merger could well determine how future business combinations are perceived-not merely as survival strategies, but as platforms for lasting value creation.

For instance, as at June 30, 2025, the enlarged bank held N5.3 trillion in total assets and N3.2 trillion in deposits, ranking 9th and 11th in the industry, respectively. It now boasts 229 branches and serves 3.6 million customers nationwide. With stronger capital adequacy, broader reach, and enhanced digital platforms, the enlarged bank positions itself as a backbone for Nigeria’s $1trillion economy ambition.

Also, the business combination between Providus Bank and Unity Bank which marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s financial sector comes at a time when investor confidence and shareholder value have been under intense scrutiny.

The merger represents not just the unification of assets but also a strategic step towards creating a stronger, more competitive institution particularly in Nigeria’s banking environment where institutions under the regulation of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) are faced with a recapitalisation hurdle with a March 31, 2026.

By prioritising transparency, safeguarding investor interests, and strengthening institutional resilience, the transaction is expected to inspire broader confidence in Nigeria’s banking system and serve as a model for how strategic partnerships can unlock value, stabilise fragile institutions, and reinforce the foundations of long-term prosperity.

Following the success of the merger, Providus Bank and Unity Bank lauded the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its foresight, determination, and commitment to building a stronger financial system.

Providus Bank believes that the New World of Fast, Smart, Personal, and Borderless banking relationship is here. We are therefore inspired by our Future Forward Banking ethos to make life (at work and leisure) more exciting for our partners with the use of cutting-edge technology that delivers best-in-class customer satisfaction.

In less than 10 years, Providus Bank has emerged as one of the fastest-growing financial institutions in the country.

Through the merger, Providus aims to transform from a niche player into a national bank, leveraging Unity Bank’s over 211-branch network spread across all 36 states and the FCT. The move aligns with Providus Bank’s broader strategy to deepen its retail presence and diversify its customer base.

Additionally, Providus Bank would significantly benefit from scale in retail banking as it would expand its footprint from a largely digital operation to a full-fledged national player.

It also brings in a strong SME lending pipeline, especially in agriculture, mining, e-commerce, hospitality, and entertainment sectors, which both banks already support.

Providus plans to integrate its technology stack into Unity Bank’s branch network, enhancing service delivery and cost efficiency. The bank believes the combined entity will unlock new value across its retail, SME, and digital channels. Also, Providus Bank was recently named one of the best workplaces in banking in 2025 by the Great Place to Work (GPTW), a global leader in workplace culture. The recognition highlights the bank’s efforts to create an environment where employees feel supported, engaged and motivated.

According to GPTW, the award was based largely on staff feedback, which has become an increasingly important measure of how organisations are adapting to shifting workforce expectations.

Reacting to the feat, Managing Director/CEO, Providus Bank, Walter Akpani, had attributed it to the quality of staff at the financial institution.

‘Our people are at the very heart of what we do. This recognition is a tribute to their hard work, creativity and dedication,’ he noted.

Also, the Group Head of Human Resources at ProvidusBank, Kingsley Ogirri, said the recognition reflected the experiences of employees themselves.

‘It is proof that the policies and programmes we have put in place are making a difference, from opportunities for growth, to wellness initiatives, to creating a space where everyone feels valued,’ he added.

The CBN, by enabling the transaction, has reinforced its vision of a sector anchored on resilience and customer confidence. The CBN regulatory support is not only shaping healthier banks, but also inspiring the confidence of businesses, investors, and everyday Nigerians that the financial system is ready to serve as a cornerstone for sustainable growth.

For Unity Bank, the deal comes as a lifeline, providing an opportunity to overcome years of structural and balance sheet challenges that had weighed heavily on its operations; while for Providus Bank, it is a chance to scale further, expand reach, and leverage synergies that will position the combined entity as a force to reckon with in Nigeria’s fast-evolving banking space.

With this development, both banks have an opportunity to chart a new course defined by innovation, efficiency, and trust, setting a standard for future industry consolidations.

The enlarged entity will have the scale to compete, the reach to serve every part of the federation, and the capacity to support businesses, households, and government at every level.

Both entities merger is a move that signals stability, renews optimism, and sends a reassuring message to stakeholders that value preservation remains a top priority.

With enhanced technology platforms, deeper capital strength, and a commitment to customer service, the enlarged bank will stand as both a guardian of stability and a catalyst for growth in Nigeria’s journey toward a trillion-dollar economy. The merger also ushers in a new chapter: a bank that is bigger in ambition, broader in reach, and stronger in capacity. It also embodies the values of innovation, empathetic relationship management, customer focus, and integrity.

Beyond the immediate financial benefits, the Providus-Unity deal represents a test of the industry’s ability to inspire confidence. By prioritising transparency, safeguarding shareholder interests, and building a culture of accountability, the new entity is expected to play a central role in deepening financial inclusion and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s banking system.

‘This regulatory support is not only shaping healthier banks, but also inspiring the confidence of businesses, investors, and everyday Nigerians that our financial system is ready to serve as a cornerstone for sustainable growth,’ the banks noted.

The vote was also a signal to the markets, to regulators, and to the wider public that Nigeria’s banking sector remains robust and forward-looking.

Ultimately, the Providus-Unity deal represents a pivotal moment for the financial sector, not just in terms of numbers on a balance sheet but in rebuilding trust and charting a new course for sustainable growth.

Nigeria has launched a pound 175 million climate adaptation initiative, backed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), to combat the country’s worsening erosion, flooding, and watershed degradation.

The programme, known as the Nigeria Climate Adaptation, Erosion and Watershed Project (NEWMAP-EIB), is designed to protect vulnerable communities, restore farmlands, and build climate resilience across 23 States.

Speaking at the official launch in Abuja on Tuesday, Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment and Chairman of the NEWMAP-EIB Steering Committee, announced that the Federal Government had met all conditions for the project’s take-off, making it now ‘disbursement-effective.’ He described the initiative as a lifeline in the fight against climate disasters that had destroyed lives, livelihoods and infrastructure across the country.

‘Today’s launch signifies a clear testimony to the power of collaboration and shared vision. ‘The support of the European Investment Bank in climate finance has provided Nigeria with a vital lifeline for erosion control, flood management, and watershed restoration,’ Lawal declared.

The project builds on the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP-IDA), first introduced in 2010 with World Bank financing.

That programme, which closed in 2022, rehabilitated dozens of gully erosion sites, supported food security, and improved institutional response to land degradation in 23 States.

With the EIB’s support, Nigeria has now scaled up the initiative under a five-year programme targeting 23 States, including Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Edo, Plateau, Sokoto, and Borno.

The intervention will focus on two components such as erosion and watershed management infrastructure investment, and project management.