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CBN proposes stricter regulation of banks, affiliated companies’ business dealings

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued draft guidelines that would impose stricter controls on transactions between banks, financial institutions and their affiliated entities as part of efforts to protect depositors’ funds, strengthen consumer protection and reduce risks within the financial system.

The proposed ‘Guidelines on Ring-Fencing Operations of Closely Linked Entities in the Nigerian Financial System’ seek to establish clear operational and functional boundaries among entities under the same corporate group and prevent the commingling of activities across different licence categories.

In a circular signed by the Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Dr Rita Sike, the apex bank said the framework was developed to promote a safe, sound and stable financial system, safeguard consumer interests and strengthen regulatory oversight.

According to the CBN, the guidelines prescribe requirements relating to governance, intra-group transactions, segregation of customer funds and data, operational independence, recovery and resolution planning, and consolidated supervision.

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“The guidelines are intended to strengthen consumer protection, enhance transparency and accountability, mitigate contagion risks among closely linked entities, and preserve financial stability while supporting innovation and fair competition within the financial services sector,” the bank stated.

Under the proposed framework, boards of closely linked entities would be required to ensure that such entities operate independently and maintain separate governance, risk management and control structures. Each entity would also be expected to have a dedicated board and establish policies that ring-fence its operations from those of affiliated companies.

The CBN also proposed limits on overlapping leadership roles within financial groups, stating that the number of directors serving simultaneously on the boards of closely linked entities should not exceed 20 per cent of the total board membership.

To strengthen oversight, the draft guidelines require external auditors to certify annually the effectiveness of board-approved policies and processes designed to ensure operational independence.

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The apex bank further proposed that all intra-group transactions must be conducted on arm’s-length terms and reported to the regulator on a quarterly basis.

It also stated that no closely linked entity should extend a loan to, or guarantee the obligations of, another affiliated entity without prior written approval from the CBN.

“The boards of closely linked entities shall ensure that transactions between such entities are conducted at arm’s length and are properly documented,” the draft stated.

The guidelines place significant emphasis on customer onboarding and consumer protection. Where customers choose services offered by an affiliated company, the receiving entity would be required to establish a direct business relationship with the customer, conduct its own KYC verification and provide account or wallet details where necessary.

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The draft also requires affiliated entities to remain adequately capitalised at all times and ensure that critical functions are managed independently.

To reduce operational risks, the CBN proposed restrictions on the use of shared technology infrastructure , as entities would not be allowed to use their information technology platforms to offer services outside the scope of their licences or process transactions on behalf of affiliated entities.

The regulator said it could require the separation of data centres where necessary to reduce contagion risks and ensure that each entity can operate independently.

The framework further seeks to protect customer funds by requiring strict separation of accounts belonging to affiliated entities and daily reconciliation of balances, with discrepancies corrected within 24 hours.

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Customer funds would not be permitted for intra-group lending, servicing debts, proprietary trading activities, external borrowings or operational expenses of related entities.

The CBN also proposed tighter controls on customer data, requiring data to be stored independently and prohibiting its sharing among affiliated entities without the explicit consent of customers, except as permitted under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

“Sharing of customer data between closely linked entities without explicit consent of the customer is prohibited,” the draft guidelines stated.

The proposed framework further requires promoters of closely linked entities to establish a non-operating holding company structure. Such holding companies would be required to maintain regulatory capital at least 20 per cent above the combined minimum capital requirements of their subsidiaries.

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However, shareholders unwilling to establish a holding company may choose to merge affiliated entities into a single business, subject to regulatory conditions, including the surrender of excess licences.

The CBN has exposed the draft guidelines for public review and invited stakeholders to submit comments before July 9, 2026.

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Economy

Oyedele Delivers ₦39.63bn Lifeline to 24,814 Pensioners as PTAD Clears Long-Standing DBS Liabilities

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L:R: Director General of PTAD, Mrs Tolulope Odunaiya in a warm handshake with the Minister of Finance, Mr Taiwo Oyedele in Abuja.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian pensioners with the successful disbursement of ₦39.63 billion to 24,814 eligible Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners, ending years of anxious waiting for thousands of retirees.

Working under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) carried out the payments following the Minister’s directive to prioritise the settlement of verified pension liabilities, bringing relief to beneficiaries across the country.

Mr. Oyedele said the payment reflects the administration’s determination to ensure that retired public servants receive the benefits they earned through decades of dedicated service.

“A nation that values service must also honour those who gave their productive years in its service. This payment is about people, not just figures. It is about restoring confidence, rewarding sacrifice and giving thousands of pensioners and their families the reassurance that they have not been forgotten.”

The Minister explained that the disbursement covered three categories of outstanding pension obligations that had accumulated over the years.

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According to him, PTAD paid ₦25,053,703,604.12 to clear the outstanding 35-month pension liability owed to 9,675 eligible Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners of the defunct NITEL/MTEL.

The Directorate also disbursed ₦9,481,886,576.53, representing the initial 50 per cent payment of the Back End Computation (BEC) arrears due to 3,959 eligible PHCN Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners.

In addition, PTAD paid ₦5,094,784,054.27, representing the outstanding 50 per cent balance of the 10.66 per cent and 12.95 per cent pension increment arrears due to 11,180 eligible Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners of the defunct Assurance Bank, NICON Insurance, NITEL and People’s Bank of Nigeria.

For many of the beneficiaries, the payments mark the end of years of uncertainty. They provide the means to meet pressing family needs, pay medical bills, support loved ones and enjoy retirement with greater peace of mind.

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Mr. Oyedele said government remains mindful of the real lives behind every pension payment.

“Behind every approved payment is a retiree who served this country faithfully, a family that has waited patiently and a story that deserves a positive ending. We will continue to support measures that improve the lives of our senior citizens while maintaining fiscal discipline and accountability.”

The Minister commended the management and staff of PTAD for the prompt implementation of the directive, describing the successful disbursement as evidence of what can be achieved when institutions work together in the public interest.

“PTAD has demonstrated professionalism in implementing this exercise. The Ministry will continue to provide the policy direction and support required to strengthen pension administration and ensure that verified obligations are settled as resources become available.”

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The Director-General of PTAD, Mrs. Tolulope Odunaiya, said the Directorate remained focused on delivering efficient pension administration and expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister for his leadership and support, which made the release and prompt disbursement of the funds possible.

The latest payment represents another important step in the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the welfare of retirees and ensure that public institutions deliver meaningful outcomes for Nigerians under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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Economy

See Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today 3rd July 2026

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The Black Market Dollar-to-Naira Exchange Rate for 3rd July 2026 Can Be Accessed Below.

NOTE: The exchange rate changes hourly. It depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demand. This means…you can buy or sell 1 dollar at a certain rate, and the price can change (high or low) within hours.

The official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today, including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates.

Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market.

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What’s the dollar to naira black market today, 3rd July 2026?
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1408 and buy at ₦1396 on Friday, 3rd July, 2026, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate ₦1408
Buying Rate ₦1396
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1373
Lowest Rate ₦1360

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Economy

See Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today 1st July 2026

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The Black Market Dollar-to-Naira Exchange Rate for 1st July 2026 Can Be Accessed Below.

NOTE: The exchange rate changes hourly. It depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demand. This means…you can buy or sell 1 dollar at a certain rate, and the price can change (high or low) within hours.

The official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today, including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates.

Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market.
What’s the dollar to naira black market today, 1st July 2026?

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The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1400 and buy at ₦1390 on Wednesday, 1st July, 2026, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate ₦1400
Buying Rate ₦1390
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1385
Lowest Rate ₦1376

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