The death toll from the devastating fire at Afriland Towers, a six-storey commercial building on Broad Street, Lagos Island, has continued to rise.
Latest reports confirm that six additional victims have been identified, bringing the total fatalities higher. The deceased were staff members of United Capital Plc, a leading financial and investment services firm with offices on the 3rd and 4th floors of the building.
This sad update comes just hours after the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) announced that four of its senior staff members also lost their lives in the inferno on Wednesday evening.
The fire, which reportedly started in the inverter room in the basement around 1:30 pm on Tuesday, sent thick smoke into the air and triggered panic among occupants. Some individuals were seen attempting to escape through windows as emergency responders battled the flames.
Officials of the Federal Fire Service, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, and other first responders rescued at least nine persons from the building. Five were revived, while four remained unconscious.
“A total of nine victims have been rescued. Five individuals have been resuscitated. Several others escaped unhurt, while efforts are ongoing to revive the remaining four,” the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said in a statement on Tuesday, raising concerns about possible casualties.
In an exclusive statement shared with our correspondent on Thursday morning, United Capital confirmed it lost six members of staff to the tragedy. This takes the confirmed number of deaths from the Afriland Towers fire tragedy to 10.
“It is with profound grief that the Management and Staff of United Capital Plc announce the passing of six of our dear colleagues, following the tragic fire at Afriland Towers on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
“Our departed colleagues were an integral part of our company and family. Their painful loss leaves an immeasurable void. We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones, and we continue to hold them in our thoughts and prayers, as well as provide all the support we can to them during this most difficult time.
“We are making preparations for an appropriate memorial service to honour their lives and mark their passing with dignity and solemnity. We thank the emergency services and all those who responded for their valiant assistance at the time of the incident.
“In this moment of untold grief, we stand together in solidarity, drawing strength from one another as we navigate this period. May the souls of the departed rest in peace,” the company said.
Emergency responders had earlier confirmed rescuing several occupants after the fire, which was believed to have been triggered by an inverter explosion. While officials have yet to release an official casualty figure, eyewitnesses and internal company sources insist that “not everyone made it out alive.”
Attempts to reach the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, the National Emergency Management Agency, and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency for confirmation were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
(Punch)
Category: BUSINESS
Naira weakens further in parallel market
The Naira continued its decline on Thursday, sliding to ₦1,537 per dollar in the parallel market compared to ₦1,535/$ recorded the previous day.
Similarly, at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the local currency depreciated to ₦1,498 per dollar, according to figures published by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This represents a drop from ₦1,485.5/$ on Tuesday a depreciation of ₦12.5.
The development has narrowed the gap between the official and parallel market rates to ₦39 per dollar, down from ₦49.95 earlier in the week.
Why Ajaokuta steel company will never work – Dangote
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has cast doubt on the future of the troubled Ajaokuta Steel Company, saying he does not believe the facility will ever function as intended.
In a video shared on the TVC X handle on Tuesday, the president and CEO of the Dangote Group stressed the importance of a vibrant steel sector for Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic development. However, he argued that Ajaokuta’s long-standing challenges have left it beyond revival.
Dangote compared efforts to resuscitate the steel plant to attempting to run outdated technology in a world dominated by modern advancements, insisting that the project has been overtaken by time and innovation.
“There is no nation that you can build without a steel industry and honestly within us here, Ajaokuta will not work. We can keep deceiving ourselves and keep being passionate about it, but it’s not possible.
“It like you now, if you remember those vehicles we used to produce from Volkswagen (Igala) if you bring Igala now, would you now compare it to the current Kia. No, things have changed,” Mr Dangote said.
He emphasised the need for adaptation in a rapidly evolving world.
“Things have changed and all of us have to keep changing or you will become archaic. You have to change, now, when you carry something like Ajaokuta is like you going to the grave yard to bring a dead person or you go to the hospital to bring somebody who is on the dying bed to come and run 100 metres. It’s totally impossible,” he added.
Ajaokuta Steel’s chequered history
The steel company, located in Ajaokuta, Kogi State, was built between 1979 and the mid-1990s. It was not completed and has never operated optimally. It has been moribund for over two decades despite the efforts of different governments.
In September 2022, the Nigerian government agreed to pay $496 million to settle an Indian firm’s claim over the facility. The dispute followed the federal government’s revocation in 2008 of an agreement that handed control of the steelworks and the National Iron Ore Mining Company to the Indian firm.
In cancelling the deal, the Umar Yar’adua administration said the terms of the concession at the time were not favourable to the country.
In December 2022, the government said 11 companies had indicated interest in taking over the steel company on a concession basis. Three of the 11 bidders were Russian companies, the then Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, said while listing his ministry’s achievements.
Upon assuming office in August 2023, the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Audu, promised to revive the steel company. At the time, he added that he would set a roadmap for the development of the steel sector, aggressively pursue the completion of Ajaokuta Steel company, and enact the required bills to regulate the sector.
In September last year, the Nigerian government signed an agreement with a Russian Consortium Company for the rehabilitation, completion and operation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and National Iron Ore Mining Company in Kogi State.
Dangote Refinery Ends 50 Years of Fuel Queues in Nigeria
… we’re creating jobs, not displacing anyone
… industrialisation, not importation will grow Africa’s economy
President/Chief Executive, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has declared that since the refinery began producing petrol a year ago, Nigeria’s five-decade-long struggle with fuel queues has finally come to an end.
Speaking at a conference to mark the first anniversary of the launch of petrol from the 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, Dangote highlighted that Nigerians have endured persistent fuel queues since 1975.
However, this issue has been steadily resolved since the refinery commenced production on 3rd September 2024.
“We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era,” he said.
Acknowledging the numerous challenges the refinery has faced since its inception, Dangote emphasised the company’s unwavering commitment to Nigeria and Africa.
“The journey has been challenging because we sought to transform the downstream sector in Nigeria. Some believed we were taking food from their tables, which simply isn’t true.
What we have done is to make our country and continent proud. Previously, only two African countries were not importing petrol, but regrettably, they have since resumed imports. This is detrimental to Africa,” he added.
Reflecting on the challenges faced during the refinery’s development, Dangote disclosed that the project involved enormous risk.
He received repeated warnings from industry experts, investors, local and foreign government officials, who argued that only sovereign nations undertook such large-scale refinery ventures. He admitted that had the project failed, he would have lost all his assets to lenders.
“The decision to build the refinery was not easy. If it had gone wrong, lenders would have taken our assets. But we believed in Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
Despite opposition and economic headwinds, the refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841 in the Southwest, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara. With the gradual rollout of CNG-powered trucks, Dangote anticipates this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide.
He noted that the refinery has sufficient capacity to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while also generating foreign exchange through exports.
He revealed that between June and first week of September 2025, the facility had exported over 1.1 billion litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), underscoring its capacity to meet domestic demand and contribute significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
Emphasising job creation, he stated that the refinery has no intention of displacing workers but is instead generating thousands of new employment opportunities. The deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks is expected to create at least 24,000 jobs across Nigeria.
“We have not displaced any jobs; we are creating many more.
The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots,” he said. “Our employees earn salaries three times the minimum wage. Our drivers receive a living wage, life insurance, health insurance covering themselves, their spouses, and up to four children, as well as a lifelong pension.
We are not only employing drivers but also mechanics, fleet managers, and other professionals to support the CNG fleet.”
Dangote clarified that while the company respects trade unions, membership is a personal choice for each driver.
He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s industrialisation, describing it as essential for the continent’s development. Dangote emphasised the urgent need for Nigeria to protect its local industries and discourage the dumping of cheap foreign goods, citing the collapse of the once-thriving textile sector as a cautionary example.
He noted that Nigeria’s path to sustainable economic growth lies in industrialisation, which not only boosts local productivity but also supports a circular economy.
“Other nations were not industrialised by outsiders. We must build and industrialise our own economies.
Without this, how can others invest? That is why I believe the National Assembly should enact legislation to support the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy.
My goal is to see Africa prosper, as we have the fastest-growing population in the world. Relying on imports means exporting jobs and importing poverty.
Many individuals with greater financial resources than myself want to invest, but the challenges we face discourage them. Numerous sectors are still in urgent need of industrialisation,” he said.
He reiterated that with the introduction of CNG trucks, the refinery can deliver products to consumers anywhere in Nigeria, mitigating all associated risks.
Dangote reiterated that the refinery remains open to partnerships and collaborations with other stakeholders in the downstream sector, stressing that the industry stands to gain more through collective effort and cooperation.
He also clarified that the refinery has no plans to enter the retail market, noting that he declined opportunities to acquire filling stations when they were offered for sale.
Looking ahead, Dangote announced that the refinery’s capacity would be expanded to 700,000 barrels per day in its second year of operation, with the aim of further supporting economic growth and job creation.
“Nigeria has now become the refining hub of Africa. We are set to become the largest exporter of polypropylene and are aiming to make Nigeria the world’s leading producer of fertiliser.
These initiatives will generate substantial foreign exchange, create employment, and stimulate growth in other sectors,” he said.
“We are fully committed to supporting the government in adding value, creating jobs, and building a stronger economy.”
He also expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government, the refinery’s partners, dedicated workforce, and the Nigerian public for their continued support.
In particular, he commended the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) for encouraging its members to register for the free distribution initiative utilising CNG-powered trucks.
Dangote also used the occasion to showcase some of the CNG-powered trucks currently loading petrol from the refinery, emphasising that the company will successfully deploy all 4,000 trucks across the country soon.
He allayed any fears of potential attacks on the drivers or the trucks, stressing that Nigeria is a country governed by the rule of law and that security agencies are fully empowered to protect its citizens and infrastructure.
President, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Aliko Dangote, has declared that since the refinery began producing petrol a year ago, Nigeria’s five-decade-long struggle with fuel queues has finally come to an end.
NUPENG Denies Allegation of Collections At Depots
By Ebinum Samuel
Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, yesterday, described allegation of collections at the depots as a blackmail calculated to tarnish the good image of the union and bias public opinion against them.
The union, which is smarting from disagreement with Dangote Refineries over unionization stated unequivocally that there are lots of blackmail going on on social media against them as well as distortions of facts and misinformation.
They stated: “They are pained by our victory over Unionization battles against them, and they are out for revenge by attacking our reputation and activities .
“Please don’t be depressed by all these negative things they are writing because social media is full of ignorant people who have access to phones and data to post anything the most recent include the lies that we are aiding smuggling, collecting N1.00 on every litre of products brought into Nigeria and that we are part of the cabal that destroyed and make all government refineries not to work.
“Some are just throwing figures all over about the collections at the various depots. You should know that the employees in the downstream sector are purely in the informal sector, they don’t have structured jobs/ employment. These employees include Tanker Drivers, Depot workers, Employees of Marketers stationed at various depots. “There are also associations at the various depots as well, these include, Truck Owners association, the Independent Marketers Association, Major Marketers Association, all these are the Trade Unions that are collecting dues from their members in the value chain but they are not seen but only PTD- NUPENG members are seen and heard. Why?
“Nigerians do not share empathy with any other person and because they feel highly inconvenient by the power and impact of our strike, notwithstanding the reasons for the industrial action, they want us out of the way at all costs. ASUU, NASU, NMA,etc can go to strike for years, Nigerians don’t care as long as it doesn’t affect their businesses, movements and income.
“Employers too hate to deal with us and everything must be thrown at us. There are many Trade Unions/ Associations at the Petroleum depots and each one of them has their roles and responsibilities to be there and they depend on our representatives at the depots to assist them to collect their dues from members who usually never wiling to pay.
“We actually command lots of influence and respect which infuriates many others. It should also be noted that PTD- NUPENG is a trade Union and the members are employees of the owners of trucks. “They pay union dues to NUPENG . The dues and levies being paid are being used for:
Trainings on safety on the wheels, which are done quarterly in every Zone with FRSC, Police, Fire service men, State VIO, and other Traffic Enforcement agencies in each zone,all these cost fortune
“No employer provides health insurance for tanker drivers and they travel for hours with inflammable materials and we believe a sick truck driver is an accident in- waiting, so we set up Health Insurance with LEADWAY Health Insurance for each of those Petroleum Truck Driver on the wheels
” Further more, we have dedicated funds for Security on the highways because we have to always mobilize these security agencies on the highways against truck hijackers, kidnappers and community areas criminals, nobody does that for free.
d- Union dues itself .
“The Association of Truck owners also collect fees from their members who are Owners of the trucks whenever they load at the depots. Marketers, which is IPMAN for Independent Marketers also have their employees belonging to NUPENG. These employees pay dues to the Union, and the members of IPMAN also pay dues to their association.
“Major Marketers Association has employees who are members of NUPENG and they also have members of the association. All these are collected at a single point at the depots on behalf of every stakeholder by PTD- NUPENG and the money is paid by truck owners and the Marketers.
In this struggle, major marketers, Independent Marketers and Truck Owners, are interested parties as well waiting to be liberated from the imminent takeover by DANGOTE. They cannot do anything about it but are excited that NUPENG is taking up the fight.
“The issue of collections at the depots is a blackmail being thrown at us, and there is no way we can defend them against an already biased public opinion.” They stated.
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FirstBank Champions Inclusive Fintech Innovation at Canada-Africa Fintech Summit (CAFS 2025)
FirstBank proudly sponsored the recently held Canada-Africa Fintech Summit (CAFS 2025), which took place from August 5–8 at the Sheraton Centre in Downtown Toronto. Convened by Dr. Segun Aina, President of the African Fintech Network, CAFS 2025 was a landmark event that united fintech leaders, regulators, startups, and investors from Africa and Canada to explore scalable digital solutions, encourage investment, and promote inclusive economic development across both continents.
As a legacy institution with over 131 years of leadership in financial services, FirstBank’s sponsorship highlights its commitment to fostering cross-border collaboration, financial inclusion, and forward-thinking innovation in the global fintech landscape. Olayinka Ijabiyi, Ag. Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, stated, “Our support of CAFS 2025 reflects our belief that collaboration between African and Canadian fintech ecosystems can lead to transformative innovations. FirstBank is proud to help shape that future.”
During a high-level panel discussion with Rudy Cuzzeto, MPP for Mississauga–Lakeshore, and David Stevenson, Country Director for the United Nations World Food Programme (Nigeria), Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive for E-Business & Retail Products at FirstBank, stressed the significance of digital collaboration in Africa’s financial ecosystem. “We’re building APIs that understand regulatory bifurcation, who has access to what, and why. The technology is the easy part. The real challenge lies in maintaining security, consent, and performance,” he explained. “In Nigeria, fintech has evolved beyond disruption to convergence, integrating banks, fintechs, and regulators into an agile and accountable ecosystem.” He further emphasized that regulatory clarity is essential for building public trust and attracting private investment in fintech, stating, “The more we collaborate, the more lessons we learn, and the greater the benefits for consumers.”
In a separate panel discussion, Rachel Adeshina, Chief Technology Officer at FirstBank, shared insights on harnessing AI to enhance credit access for the underbanked. “We’re addressing data poverty by using AI to interpret alternative data, allowing us to lend to individuals who might otherwise be invisible to the traditional credit system,” she noted. Adeshina highlighted that FirstBank has disbursed over ₦1 trillion in digital loans through this AI-driven model, achieving a remarkable repayment rate of over 99%. “This innovation was enabled not only by technology but also by a supportive environment, including API banking regulations, data privacy laws, and a shift from account-based to wallet-based banking,” she added. She also underscored the importance of scalability through collaboration, stating, “In a fragmented continent like Africa, digital scale will come from interoperability. Connecting the 54 markets is the next big challenge, and fintechs are ideally positioned to lead that initiative.”
The summit formed part of Canada’s broader Africa Strategy, aimed at fostering economic partnerships, digital cooperation, and innovation exchange. As Africa’s digital finance ecosystem continues to grow and Canada develops its own open banking framework, events like CAFS 2025 provide a timely platform to align strategies and ignite collaborations.
About FirstBank
First Bank of Nigeria Limited “FirstBank”, established in 1894, is the premier bank in West Africa, a leading financial inclusion services provider in Africa, and a digital banking giant.
FirstBank’s international footprints cut across three continents ─ Africa, Europe and Asia, with FirstBank UK Limited in London and Paris; FirstBank in The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, The Gambia, Guinea and Sierra Leone; FBNBank in Senegal; and a FirstBank Representative Office in Beijing, China. All the subsidiary banks are fully registered by their respective Central Banks to provide full banking services.
Besides providing domestic banking services, the subsidiaries also engage in international cross-border transactions with FirstBank’s non-Nigerian subsidiaries, and the representative offices in Paris and China facilitate trade flows from Asia and Europe into Nigeria and other African countries.
For over 13 decades, FirstBank has built an outstanding reputation for solid relationships, good corporate governance, and a strong liquidity position, and has been at the forefront of promoting digital payment in the country with over 13 million cards issued to customers (the first bank to achieve such a milestone in Nigeria). FirstBank has continued to make significant investments in technology, innovation and transformation, and its cashless transaction drive has been steadily accentuated with virtually over 25 million active FirstBank customers signed up on digital channels including the USSD Quick Banking service through the nationally renowned *894# Banking code.
With over 43 million customer accounts (including digital wallets) spread across Nigeria, UK and sub-Saharan Africa, the Bank provides a comprehensive range of retail and wholesale financial services through more than 820 business offices and over 280,000 agent locations spread across 772 out of the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.
In addition to banking solutions and services, FirstBank provides pension fund custody services in Nigeria through First Pension Custodian Nigeria Limited and nominee and associated services through First Nominees Nigeria Limited.
FirstBank’s commitment to Diversity is shown in its policies, partnerships and initiatives such as its employees’ ratio of female to male (about 41%:59%; and 37% women in management roles) as well as the FirstBank Women Network, an initiative that seeks to address the gender gap and increase the participation of women at all levels within the organisation. In addition, the Bank’s membership of the UN Women is an affirmation of a deliberate policy that is consistent with UN Women’s Women Empowerment’s Principles (WEPs) ─ Equal Opportunity, Inclusion, and Nondiscrimination.
For six consecutive years (2011 – 2016), FirstBank was named “Most Valuable Bank Brand in Nigeria” by the globally renowned The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group and “Best Retail Bank in Nigeria” eight times in a row, 2011 – 2018, by the Asian Banker International Excellence in Retail Financial Services Awards.
Significantly, FirstBank’s Global Credit Rating was A+ with a positive outlook while ratings by Fitch and Standard & Poor’s were A (nga) and ngBBB+ respectively both with Stable outlooks as at September 2023. FirstBank maintained the same level of international credit ratings as the sovereign; a milestone that was achieved in 2022 for the first time since 2015.
In 2024, FirstBank received notable international awards and accolades. Some of these include Nigeria’s Best Bank for ESG 2024 and Nigeria’s Best Bank for Corporates 2024 both awarded by Euromoney Awards for Excellence; Best SME Bank in Africa and in Nigeria by The Asian Banker Global Awards; Best Private Bank in Nigeria and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing in Africa by Global Finance Awards; Best Corporate Bank in Nigeria 2024, Best CSR Bank in Nigeria 2024, Best Retail Bank in Nigeria 2024, Best SME Bank in Nigeria 2024 and Best Private Bank in Nigeria 2024 all awarded by the Global Banking and Finance Awards.
FirstBank has continued to gain wide acclaim on the global stage with several international awards and recognitions received so far in 2025 which includes Best SME Bank in Nigeria 2025 and Best SME Bank in Africa 2025 by The Asian Banker; Best Private Bank in Nigeria 2025 and Best Private Bank for Sustainable Investing in Africa 2025 by Global Finance Awards; SME Financier of the Year in Nigeria 2025 by The Digital Banker Global SME Banking Innovation Awards; Best Retail Bank in Nigeria 2025 and Best Bank for Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria 2025 all by The Annual Global Economics Awards.
Our vision is “To be Africa’s Bank of first choice” and our mission is “To remain true to our name by providing the best financial services possible”. This commitment is anchored on our core values of EPIC – Entrepreneurship, Professionalism, Innovation and Customer-Centricity. Our strategic ambition is “To deliver accelerated growth in profitability through customer-led innovation and disciplined execution.”
SPECIAL REPORT: Access Bank, A Game-Changer in Africa’s Financial Future
In today’s ever-evolving financial landscape, few institutions can claim to be true pioneers. But Access Bank, with its bold vision, cutting-edge innovation, and pan-African presence, has shattered the traditional image of a bank.
It is no longer just a financial institution—it’s a movement, a catalyst for economic empowerment, and a force driving sustainable change across continents.
From Nigeria to the World
With headquarters in Lagos, Access Bank has become Africa’s largest bank by customer base, serving over 60 million customers across more than 20 countries in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. With bank’s total assets valued at a staggering N41.5 trillion (Access Holdings); N40.8trillion (Access Bank) as at FY December 31, 2024, it’s Nigeria’s largest bank by assets and a formidable multinational financial player.
In Africa, it has recorded a domineering presence in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Zambia, DRC, Tanzania, South Africa, Cameroon, Mozambique, and Angola. Excellently spreading its tentacles in European countries, its footprint is felt in the United Kingdom and France while it has penetrated the
Middle East: United Arab Emirates (UAE).
However, the bank also have representative Offices in India, China, and Lebanon.
Innovation as a Growth Engine
What sets Access Bank apart isn’t just its size, but its commitment to innovation and customer-centric technology.
In partnership with Avaya, the bank deployed a hybrid cloud contact center solution, enhancing real-time customer engagement and scalability.
Result? An impressive 10% increase in customer satisfaction score (from 54% to 64%) and a dramatic Net Promoter Score jump from -4 to +23.
Its digital banking platforms support millions of daily transactions, providing secure, accessible banking across mobile, internet, and agent networks.
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Expanding Digital Inclusion
It’s investment in technology isn’t just about convenience—it’s about financial inclusion:
* Over 50,000 Closa Agents across Nigeria, ensuring the unbanked and underserved have access to basic financial services.
* Robust mobile banking platforms designed to work even in low-bandwidth areas.
* Internet Banking offering seamless 24/7 account management, bill payment, and fund transfers.
Banking on Sustainability: ESG in Action
Access Bank is Africa’s most recognized ESG-focused bank, winning:
* Best Bank in Nigeria
* Best Bank in Ghana for ESG
— both at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2024 and 2025
Through sustainable finance initiatives, the bank has:
* Financed renewable energy projects across rural Africa
* Promoted clean energy access
* Cut carbon emissions through green operations and eco-loans
Its SME Banking Programme empowers thousands of small businesses with tailored financial products, mentorship, and market access—crucial for Africa’s post-pandemic recovery.
The 2027 Vision: 125 Million Customers
With its determination to be a driver in the industry, Access Bank is targeting 22 African countries by 2027, signaling a strategic drive for dominance across emerging markets.
However, doubling its customer base to 125 million by 2027 is a huge feet that is conquerable. In realisation of that, it’s anchoring on:
* Aggressive digital expansion
* Continental acquisition strategy
* Inclusive financial products
* Youth and women-focused entrepreneurship financing
With its smart, people-first approach, Access Bank is not just participating in Africa’s growth story—it’s writing it.
Conclusion
As Africa eye a new economic dawn, Access Bank is proving that banking can be more than numbers—it can be purpose-driven, sustainable, and transformational.
For the youth in Kano or Kigali, the entrepreneur in Accra or Addis Ababa, and the rural trader in Makurdi or Mombasa—Access Bank isn’t just a bank. It’s a partner for progress.
According to the Nigeria Online Media Alliance (NOMA), this ambition is not only possible—it’s well underway.
So, yes—Access Bank is more than banking. It’s the future. And the future is here.
“Access Bank represents a bold new vision of what an African bank can and should be—global, inclusive, digital, and sustainable. As Chairperson of NOMA, I can confidently say: This is not just Africa’s largest bank by numbers—it is Africa’s most impactful bank by purpose.”
Access Bank Launches Clean Water Project in 10 Nigerian Communities
As part of its commitment to sustainable development and community well-being, Access Bank has launched the Access Clean Water Project, a transformative initiative aimed at improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in 10 communities across Nigeria.
Through the Access Clean Water Project, Access Bank has facilitated the installation of boreholes in 10 underserved communities, namely: Arogun, Omu Ishoko, Kemta, Ajibode, Aleku, Ogunrun, Oniwawa, Okeran, Abaren, and Afojupa, ensuring reliable access to clean and safe water for thousands of residents.
The project, implemented in partnership with HACEY, a leading development organisation, directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 6, ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
With Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million and access to pipe-borne water in urban households declining from 32% in 1990 to just 3% in 2015, the need for sustainable water solutions has never been more urgent. The Access Clean Water Project addresses this challenge by providing functional boreholes and WASH education to communities in Obafemi Owode and Otta Local Government Areas, benefiting over 500,000 residents.
This initiative aligns with Access Bank’s broader Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy and reinforces its position as a leading sustainability-focused financial institution. By supporting clean water access, the Bank is fostering community growth through improved health, education, and economic opportunities and demonstrating its commitment to inclusive development and long-term positive impact.
Access Bank is proud to support this vital initiative that not only improves lives but also strengthens the foundation for sustainable economic growth,” said Esther Graham, Programme Officer, Health, Access Holdings PLC. “Our commitment to community development is unwavering, and we believe access to clean water is a fundamental right that drives progress.”
In addition to infrastructure development, the Access Bank Clean Water Project includes comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education, equipping community members with essential knowledge on hygiene practices and the prevention of waterborne diseases.
The impact of this initiative is far-reaching. By improving access to clean water, the project is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne illnesses, enhance hygiene standards, and promote healthier living conditions. Ultimately, the project is expected to strengthen community resilience, drives sustainable development, and reaffirm Access Bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and well-being across Nigeria.
Dangote Foundation feeds 10,000 households in Cross River
As part of efforts to ameliorate the pangs of hunger in the society, the Aliko Dangote Foundation last week began the distribution of 10,000 bags of rice, each weighing ten kilograms, to vulnerable households, people living with disabilities and the less privileged in Cross State.
Secretary to the Cross River State Government, Professor Anthony Owan-Enoh, represented the State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, at the event. Prof Owan-Enoh described the donation as a true example of what public private partnership can do to reduce level of suffering in the society. He said “this impactful gesture, part of a nationwide food intervention effort, is a testament to the power of collaboration between government and private organizations in improving the lives of citizens. On behalf of the Governor, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Aliko Dangote Foundation. This kind of support uplifts our people and aligns perfectly with the ‘People First’ agenda of the Cross River State Government. Cross River State remains committed to partnerships that bring relief, hope, and development to our communities.”
Speaking during distribution exercise, the Head of Operations, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Edero Victor Ejiro, said the initiative is part of the foundation’s annual National Food Intervention Project, which aims to support over one million disadvantaged Nigerians across the country.
He stated that the foundation will be distributing 10,000 bags of 10kg rice to the vulnerable population in the state.
He pointed that the Foundation’s distribution is across the 774 local government areas in the country and is intended to cushion the effects of the hardship currently being experienced in the country.
His words: “We are here to present 10,000 bags of 10kg rice to the people of Bayelsa. The Aliko Dangote Foundation has been in existence for over 30 years and has been helpful in the areas of empowerment, nutrition and education.
“This distribution of rice is to support and complement the food security initiative that is been put in place by the various state governments and the rice distribution is across the 774 local government areas in the country. Our target beneficiaries are market women, the vulnerable, physically challenged people, widows and artisans.
“We have seen the template that the state government wants to use to distribute the rice and we are impressed with what we saw, and we believe that they are going to do a thorough job by distributing the rice to the needy and vulnerable in our midst.
“This programme is to support families, support people in the grassroots to alleviate and back up synergy with the state government.”
There was a large turnout of beneficiaries at the event, who after receiving the bags of rice commended the Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation for his large heart in caring for the vulnerable in the society. A widow, Victoria Edem Ekpenyong, one of the beneficiaries lauded the Chairman of the ADF for his kind gesture and prayed for God’s continuous protection for him.
Distribution has also kicked off at the local government level, with hundreds of beneficiaries collecting the bags of rice with joy and praising the founder of Aliko Dangote Foundation.