Banking
H1 2017: Wema Bank Optimises Loan Book, Keeps NPL at 4.90%
By Dipo Olowookere
Wema Bank Plc, in its unaudited financial results for the 6 months ended June 30, 2017, said some achievements were recording during the period, including further optimising its loan book by focusing on recoveries and supporting transaction with good and steady cash flows.
This, it said, resulted in a 9.38% decline in the volume of Loans and Advances, while yield on assets improved.
Its Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) increased to 12.71% (H1’2017) from 11.06%, as at FY2016, whilst NPL remained below the 5% mark at 4.90% as at H1’2017.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the lender, Mr Segun Oloketuyi, while commenting on the results, stated that in the first half of the year, the bank operated in an uncertain and challenging domestic economic environment.
“While we recorded notable improvements in the second quarter of the year, especially around foreign currency management, the execution of fiscal policies and the continued tight monetary policy impacted on consumers’ disposable income and invariably on banking sector performance.
“Despite the relatively tough climate, Wema Bank recorded success on a number of financial and non-financial priorities. Specifically, Gross Earnings recorded stable growth, increasing by 25.17% from N24.26 billion (H1’2016) to N30.37 billion (H1’2017).
“This growth resulted from a 25.84% increase in interest income to N25.37 billion and a 21.92% rise in non-interest income where we continue to see impressive growth, led by income from our mobile and digital banking offerings.”
Mr Oloketuyi further stated that, “The impact of the growth in gross earnings was however muted by the higher cost of funds within the sector.”
“Despite this, we still maintained a decent interest margin while recording a 10% growth in Profit before Tax (PBT),” he added.
He disclosed that Wema Bank’s growth strategy – Project LEAP – revolves around the Bank’s Retail business and this was further strengthened by the May 2017 launch of ALAT, Nigeria’s first fully digital Bank.
ALAT is the first of its kind with its end-to-end digital offering and customer interaction.
The bank’s target is to onboard an average of 1,000 new customers per day and we are on track to achieve that. The Bank also continues to improve its customer acquisition through the launch of its Agency Banking initiative and the impressive performance of its USSD platform (*945#). Indeed with this 3-pronged strategy, Wema Bank is poised to be Nigeria’s leading Retail Bank.
“We have commenced the second half of the year with cautious optimism, especially around the implementation of the needed economic reforms and execution of the 2017 budget to ensure stimulation of economic growth.
“The expectation is that the country will exit recession in the 2018 financial year, but this will be dependent on a diligent execution of the reform programme,” he added.
Further discussions with Ademola Adebise, the Deputy Managing Director, revealed that for Wema Bank, the emphasis in the next six months is to build and consolidate on the gains within the Digital Banking space, where the Bank presently leads and to improve on customer acquisition and invariably cost of funds.
In sharing the Bank’s growth plan, the Deputy Managing Director revealed that the Bank has opened three branches in the North.
The Bank will expand further with two (2) other branches within the North Central Region and at least one in the East before the end of the year.
“We continue to improve on the brand perception of the Bank, both across physical channels and through social media engagement,” according to Adebise.
The Bank has renovated more than 70% of its branch network to make these service channels more contemporary both in look and feel, and in in the provision of infrastructure. This will continue as the economic climate improves.
On the Bank’s growth plan and capital raise, Tunde Mabawonku, the Chief Finance Officer stated that, “we are also closely watching interest rates in the money market and relevant government policies to determine the timing of the second tranche of our Debt Capital issue, to further boost our ability to grow our franchise. We have continued to engage both local and international fund providers and have improved on our capacity to do business especially within the Trade Finance space.
The Bank is rated by two rating agencies (Fitch & GCR) and our credit rating remains investment grade and a stable outlook.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The chairman of Access Holdings Plc, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, has reaffirmed the organisation’s long-term commitment to shareholders, expressing confidence in the company’s strategic positioning, which he said is underpinned by disciplined execution, a diversified business model, a strengthened capital base, and a clear focus on sustainable value creation.
Speaking at the 4th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the firm on Wednesday, he explained that the temporary suspension of dividend distributions was a consequence of regulatory compliance requirements rather than any deterioration in the group’s financial performance.
Mr Aig-Imoukhuede reaffirmed that the financial institution’s earnings capacity remains strong and that the board’s position reflects adherence to supervisory expectations and prudent capital management principles.
He assured shareholders of the board’s commitment to resuming dividend payments as soon as the relevant regulatory conditions are satisfied, noting that, “Our approach is clear: capital retained today must translate into greater value tomorrow and sustainable returns for our shareholders.”
The Chairman reiterated the strategic imperative underpinning the company’s next phase of growth, saying, “Our strategy, From Scale to Value, reflects the natural evolution of our journey. Scale created opportunity; value creation is how we fully realise it.”
He noted that while the organisation continues to generate strong returns, ensuring that earnings per share consistently exceed the cost of capital remains central to unlocking sustainable shareholder value.
The retired banker also acknowledged the significant unrealised value embedded within the firm’s international subsidiaries and reiterated management’s focus on improving market recognition of that intrinsic value over time.
Commenting on the financial performance of the group in 2025, he said Access Holdings accelerated provisions on legacy and regulatory forbearance credit exposures, resulting in elevated impairment charges.
He explained that the group consciously prioritised balance sheet strength and long-term resilience over short-term earnings optimisation.
“Periods of economic uncertainty often reveal more about an institution than periods of uninterrupted growth. Our focus remains on building a business that is not only growing, but improving in the quality, resilience, and sustainability of its earnings,” he stated.
Last year, the financial services organisation delivered pre-tax profit of N1.007 trillion, underscoring the strength of its diversified platform and expanding earnings base across key markets. Total assets increased to N51.56 trillion, while customer deposits grew strongly, reflecting sustained franchise momentum and deepening customer trust.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A new report highlighting the transformation from a newly established fintech venture into one of Nigeria’s leading payment infrastructure providers has been launched by HabariPay Limited.
The report, known as the HabariPay Impact Report 2025, provides stakeholders with a comprehensive evolution, innovation journey, business performance, and impact of the fintech subsidiary of Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc on the digital payments landscape.
The company’s contributions to enabling digital commerce, supporting businesses, strengthening payment infrastructure, and expanding financial access through technology-driven solutions were also captured in the piece.
The HabariPay Impact Report 2025 also highlights the organisation’s strong financial and operational performance, the growth of the Squad platform, and the development of infrastructure that powers payment acceptance, switching, transfers, merchant services, and value-added solutions.
The publication further explores the role of innovation, talent development, and ecosystem partnerships in driving the company’s success.
It showcases HabariPay’s investments in innovation through initiatives such as the Take on Squad Hackathon and the Squad Hackademy, both of which are helping to develop future technology talent and accelerate the creation of practical solutions to real-world challenges.
“As a technology-driven company, we believe that impact extends beyond financial performance. It is reflected in the businesses we enable, the merchants we support, the infrastructure we build, and the opportunities we create for the next generation of innovators.
“The HabariPay Impact Report 2025 captures this journey and demonstrates our commitment to creating sustainable value for customers, partners, and the broader economy,” the Managing Director of HabariPay, Ms Eduofon Japhet, said.
“The HabariPay Impact Report 2025 represents more than a reflection on our achievements; it is a testament to the deliberate investments we have made in building sustainable payment infrastructure, empowering businesses, fostering innovation, and creating long-term value for our stakeholders.
“As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding our capabilities, deepening our impact, and shaping the future of digital payments through technology-driven solutions that are secure, scalable, and inclusive,” she added.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Some top foreign exhibitors participating in the much-anticipated Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience commencing on Thursday, June 11, 2026, are already in Nigeria.
The four-day event, closing on June 14, will witness participation from notable African fashion brands from Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal and the Benin Republic.
Among the international exhibitors confirmed for this year’s edition are Creative Hub Africa and Shades of Class from Sierra Leone, Drame Khadidatou from Senegal, Tampoori from Ghana, and Naylah Collection from the Republic of Benin. Their participation highlights the growing continental appeal of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience as a platform for cultural exchange, business collaboration and market access across Africa.
More than 100 exhibitors and vendors, including leading Nigerian brands such as Obida Design Associates, This Is Us, Imani Kids, Ashabi Fads, E25Dresses, Miné by Ejiro Amos Tafiri, Buss Fabrics Store, Aina Aladire and many others, will participate, showcasing the richness of African craftsmanship, innovation and entrepreneurship.
It was gathered that organisers are putting finishing touches to the venue of the exhibition, the prestigious Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) on Victoria Island, Lagos.
All necessary arrangements to ensure a seamless, secure and memorable experience for exhibitors and attendees are being put in place by the bank, further underscoring its commitment to promoting African creativity, entrepreneurship and intra-African trade.
The Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, Mrs Omoboye Odu, said attendees can look forward to a vibrant showcase of fashion, craftsmanship, art, music, culture and entrepreneurship, with participants drawn from Nigeria and several other African countries.
“We are fully prepared and excited to welcome guests from across Nigeria and the African continent to another edition of the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience. From exhibition spaces and cultural showcases to networking opportunities and customer engagement activities, every necessary arrangement has been put in place to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience for all attendees,” she stated.
“The Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience continues to evolve as a unique platform that connects creatives, entrepreneurs and consumers from across Africa. Attendees can look forward to exceptional products, interactive sessions, entertainment, cultural exhibitions and valuable opportunities to build relationships, explore new markets and expand their businesses,” Mrs Odu added.
Beyond the exhibition, participants will have opportunities to network, explore business partnerships, discover unique products and experience the diversity and vibrancy of African culture.
The event is open to the public, and visitors can look forward to an immersive experience that seamlessly blends tradition, innovation, fashion, enterprise and entertainment in a grand celebration of Africa’s creative economy.
Over the years, the Ecobank Adire Lagos Experience has grown into one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms for promoting indigenous textile production, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, and showcasing the ingenuity of African creatives.
The programme has also played a significant role in expanding market access for businesses while preserving and celebrating Africa’s rich cultural heritage.
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