By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

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

According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources in the Ogba and Ikeja axis of Lagos state, the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at the Parallel Market (Black Market) is N1700 on Thursday, February 13th, 2024, players bought a dollar for N1685 and sold it for N1700.

Bureau De Change (BDC) sources in Gwarimpa and Gwagwalada in FCT buy a dollar for N1685 and sell it for N1700 on Thursday, February 13th, 2024.

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.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd has announced removal of processing fees on all GTBank POS terminals, reinforcing its commitment to supporting businesses.

This initiative, which took effect Tuesday, 11 February 2025, communicates that merchants using GTBank POS terminals will no longer incur Merchant Service Charges (MSC) when receiving payments from customers.

With this initiative, all qualifying SME Merchants can now receive payments at zero cost, allowing them to reduce operational expenses, whilst promoting the merchant’s enterprise and enhancing customer experience.

Regarding the initiative, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank Nigeria, said: “At Guaranty Trust Bank, we are always looking for ways to add value to our financial ecosystem. By implementing the zero processing fees on POS transactions, we are empowering businesses to get the full value of every payment they receive, whilst also ensuring a more seamless and efficient payment experience.”

The Zero Processing Charge campaign aligns with GTBank’s ongoing efforts to empower businesses with innovative financial solutions that drive growth and efficiency.

For more information, merchants are encouraged to contact their Relationship Managers or reach out to the Digital Banking Support Team at
[email protected].

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Ex- presidential spokesman Reno Omokri has challenged former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to prove he is not under any travel restrictions by visiting the United States.

In a strongly worded post on X on Wednesday, February 12, Omokri alleged that El-Rufai quietly shelved his plans for overseas studies due to an alleged travel ban preventing him from leaving the country.

He further accused the former governor of concocting a false narrative that President Bola Tinubu intended to arrest him, suggesting it was a deliberate attempt to divert attention from his actual situation

El-Rufai abandoned his plans to travel abroad for further studies because he has been under travel restrictions. He does not want to admit it, which is why he tried to cover his embarrassment by lying that he abandoned his travel plans because President Tinubu wants to arrest him, and he is not a coward.”

The startling allegation has rekindled speculation surrounding El-Rufai’s recent silence and absence from global engagements.

Although the former governor has yet to address the claims, political analysts are keenly observing whether he will accept Omokri’s challenge.

El-Rufai is currently facing allegations of misappropriating N423 billion during his tenure. The Kaduna State House of Assembly has accused him of financial misconduct, including the improper awarding of contracts and mismanagement of loans. However, El-Rufai and his former officials have dismissed these claims as politically motivated and unfounded.

Additionally, El-Rufai has alleged that the current administration is plotting to arrest, detain, and torture him in a facility under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

These allegations have intensified scrutiny of his tenure and sparked significant political debate.