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Digital Growth, Sustainability, and Collaboration Lead Keystone Bank’s 2025 Strategy
Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Chairman of Keystone Bank, and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) for Anambra, Enugu, and Ebonyi Zone, has outlined the bank’s achievements and its vision for the future.
Speaking at the Annual End-of-Year Dinner themed “Celebrating Partnerships,” in Lagos at the weekend, she expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their contributions to Keystone Bank’s successful year.
“Your dedication, hard work, and commitment have played a crucial role in transforming our Bank into a dynamic and forward-thinking institution,” Chukwudozie said.
She highlighted the importance of partnerships in driving growth and innovation across the bank’s operations.
Reflecting on 2024, Chukwudozie noted significant accomplishments in digital transformation, market expansion, sustainability, and human capital development, saying, “We have navigated many challenges and seized countless opportunities, enhancing our reputation as a customer-focused institution”.
While stressing that, the bank has scored some milestones through its digital transformation, Lady Chukwudozie said, “the bank currently ranks very high in digital channels experience according to the KPMG Banking Industry Customer Experience Survey (BICX) 2023 across digital channels (USSD – 1st, Mobile App 3rd, Internet 2nd, ATM 2nd”.
She said, “Keystone Bank ranked top three for customer journey phases covering account opening, transacting, product purchase, complaints resolution and relationship management. I believe the Bank can leverage its digital appeal to attract customers investors, and attain optimal commercial success as we journey into a new fiscal year”.
“Looking ahead, the bank plans to prioritise expanding its digital offerings, sustainable finance, and strengthening partnerships.
“The world around us is changing rapidly. As a bank, we must remain agile and adaptive to evolving market dynamics,” Chukwudozie stated.
She commended the resilience and dedication of Keystone Bank’s staff, describing them as the “lifeblood of the institution.”
“Your passion and drive are indispensable. Together, we will achieve even greater success,” she added.
Addressing customers, she expressed appreciation for their trust and loyalty, promising continued improvement in financial solutions. Chukwudozie also acknowledged the executive leadership and board members for their vision and guidance.
As the evening celebrated the year’s achievements, Chukwudozie urged attendees to look forward to a brighter future, saying, “Together, through continued partnership and collaboration, we will build a more prosperous future for all.”
“We grow together! Enjoy the evening, and may the coming year bring greater accomplishments,” she stated.
The event was attended by Governor of Lagos State, Jide Sanwolu; his Zamfara State counterpart, Dauda Lawal; Benue Deputy Governor, Sam Ode; Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi; former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; President of MAN, Otunba Francis Meshioye; and former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho.
Other dignitaries include, Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli CFR; Traditional Ruler of Ezinifite, Igwe Bob Eze; Publishers of Champion Newspaper, Mr & Mrs Uche Iheakanwa; Prince Chris Igwe, Chef Chidi Anyaegbu of Chisco Motors, Chief Martin Agbaso Ochudo of Igbo land, Elder & Barr. Mrs Ngozi Ekeoma, Mahmud Tukur, Nkiru Anumudu, Mrs Uredi, Captains of industries, amongst others.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced a revised documentation requirement for transactions conducted through the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) in Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the apex bank’s acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali
The CBN said the new initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to foster seamless intra-African trade, financial inclusion, and operational efficiency for Nigerians engaging in cross-border payments within Africa.
Launched by Afreximbank in partnership with the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat in January 2022, PAPSS serves as a centralized payment and settlement platform that enables instant, secure, and efficient cross-border transactions throughout Africa.
By facilitating payments in local currencies, PAPSS minimizes reliance on third-party currencies, reduces transaction costs, and supports the rapid expansion of trade under the AfCFTA.
In a recent circular referenced TED/FEM/PUB/FPC/001/006 issued on April 28, 2025, CBN outlined the key changes to the documentation requirements associated with PAPSS transactions.
The key changes it added take effect immediately and include simplified documentation for low-value transactions, which allows customers to now use basic KYC and AML documents provided to their authorized dealer banks for low-value transactions of up to $2,000 and $5,000 equivalent in naira for individuals and corporate bodies, respectively.
“For transactions above the thresholds, all documentation as stipulated in the CBN foreign exchange manual and related circulars remains mandatory,” the bank said.
Also, the CBN added that applicants are responsible for ensuring all regulatory documents are available to facilitate the clearance of goods, as required by relevant government agencies.
“Authorized dealer banks may now source foreign exchange for PAPSS settlements through the Nigerian foreign exchange market, without recourse to the CBN.
“All export proceeds repatriated via PAPSS shall be certified by the relevant processing banks.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria urges all banks to adopt PAPSS and commence originating transactions in line with this new policy.
“In addition, CBN encourages exporters, importers, and individuals to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and leverage PAPSS for cross-border transactions within Africa,” the statement said.
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives is set to host the country’s first National Legislative Conference on Renewable Energy, aimed at driving new laws, attracting investment, and pushing Nigeria further along its energy transition journey.
This was revealed during a press briefing by the Chairman, House Committee on Renewable Energy, Rep. Afam Victor Ogene, who described the event as a turning point for energy legislation in Nigeria.
He said: “The conference aims at bringing together key stakeholders and industry players to discuss renewable energy legislations, energy transition, renewable energy financing, investment opportunities and related matters.
“It’s about developing a national legislative framework on renewable energy”.
The conference, which is being organised by the House Committee on Renewable Energy in partnership with the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), will take place under the UNDP Parliamentary Development Program.
Rep. Ogene noted that recent legal reforms have created space for state governments to play a more active role in Nigeria’s power sector. He pointed to the Fifth Alteration Bill 2022 (No.33), now signed into law, which allows states to legislate on electricity matters within the national grid. Before now, states could only act on off-grid power.
In addition, he highlighted the Electricity Act of 2023, which came into effect in February 2024.
“It permits states to issue licenses for all electricity activities – generation, transmission and distribution across the entire power sector value chain,” he said.
The Committee Chairman further stated that the new National Integrated Electricity Policy, expected in 2025, will guide states in forming new electricity markets, where solar power and other renewable sources will be key to reaching underserved communities.
Ogene explained, “The conference has three clear objectives:
“To promote dialogue among legislators, experts and stakeholders on critical legislative priorities.
“To establish a coordinated platform for federal and state lawmakers, and to produce a clear, time-bound legislative action plan.
“International partners are also on board. The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will participate, and parliaments from South Africa, Ghana and Gambia have confirmed attendance. Ghana is sending a three-man delegation led by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Bagbin”.
In another major highlight, the Netherlands-based platform INCLUDE will host a Pan-African Legislative Dialogue session on renewable energy, to be chaired by the Hon. Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen.
“The session will focus on how to establish a unified legislative framework on renewable energy development, investment and financing.
“The time has come for us to act. This is not just another conference – it is the foundation of Nigeria’s renewable energy future”, Ogene added.
Expected outcomes from the conference include new policy and legislative reform proposals to boost renewable energy use, as well as draft laws that will encourage public and private sector investment.
Other goals are to enhance collaboration between federal and state lawmakers, raise public awareness, and roll out a practical roadmap for implementation and progress tracking.
The event will also feature a technology showcase of renewable energy innovations and business opportunities.
By Francesca Hangeior
The operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday, arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja with the businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu, as ordered by the court.
Achimugu, who was sandwiched by two female EFCC officers, arrived in court at about 11:35 am.
It could be recalled that Justice Inyang Ekwo had, on Monday, ordered the industrialist, alleged to have fled the country, to honour the invitation by the anti-graft agency on Tuesday at noon.
Justice Ekwo, who gave the order in a short ruling, also ordered the EFCC, upon the appearance of Achimugu at its office, to return with her to court on Wednesday for a report.
Achimugu was, however, said to have been arrested by the EFCC’s operatives on her arrival abroad at about 5 am and kept in custody.
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