Banking
Fitch Affirms First Bank’s B- Rating with Negative Outlook
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Renowned rating agency, Fitch Ratings, has announced affirming the Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) of FBN Holdings Plc (FBNH) and First Bank of Nigeria Ltd (FBN).
A statement issued yesterday said the banks’ Viability Ratings (VR) have been affirmed at ‘B-‘ and the Support Ratings at ‘5’, while the the Long-Term National Ratings have been affirmed at ‘BB+(nga)’ with the outlooks negative.
FBN Holdings is the non-operating holding company which owns FBN. Its ratings are aligned with those of FBN, its main operating subsidiary.
Fitch said FBN’s ratings are driven by its standalone creditworthiness. Reducing the group’s dependence on contributions from FBN is a medium-term target.
Currently, FBN generates around 90% of group revenues, but the objective is to increase contributions from other subsidiaries over time. FBN represents around 95% of consolidated group assets.
FBN is one of Nigeria’s largest banks, with shares of 14% and 17% of banking sector loans and deposits, respectively.
Fitch noted that FBNH has a strong franchise but its asset quality is troubled and capital levels are not commensurate with risk, in its view, reflecting high impaired loans. In the past, the group’s business model was reliant on large, often oil-related, corporate lending. Risk-control deficiencies are being addressed by new management.
Gross loans represent slightly below half of FBNH’s balance sheet. Around 40% of gross loans are extended to the oil and gas sectors, many of which have been restructured.
The rating agency views that restructuring efforts made to align debt servicing schedules with projected cash flows appear reasonable and the performance of restructured loans appears to be holding up well.
It added that loan loss reserve coverage reached 52% of impaired loans at end-September 2017, low compared with the average for large Nigerian banks peers (around 90%). Unreserved impaired loans represented 36% of Fitch Core Capital (FCC). FBNH’s capital ratios are low compared with peers and capital weakness has a high influence on the ratings.
FBNH’s margins are in line with peer averages and cost/income ratios are reasonable, considering the bank’s large branch network, it said, adding that FBN’s ability to generate revenues at pre-impairment operating level is strong, but high impairment charges have impacted earnings and profitability in 2016 and 2017.
The structure of FBNH’s funding base is credit positive. Stable customer deposits, largely held at FBN and demonstrating considerable stability, represent around two-thirds of FBNH’s total deposits. FBNH’s funding costs are lower than peers, reflecting FBN’s strong retail franchise. Local currency liquidity ratios are consistently well above minimum regulatory limits, the rating firm stated.
Foreign currency(FC)-denominated borrowings, which represent around 5% of total funding, mainly comprise two Eurobond issues, maturing in August 2020 and July 2021.
It said access to international capital markets can be unsteady for Nigerian banks, exposing them to refinancing risks, but international banks continued to lend to FBN throughout 2016 when several Nigerian banks experienced tight FC liquidity positions. This is an indication of market confidence in the group which we view positively.
The Negative Outlook reflects pressure on capital arising from a still large amount of unreserved impaired loans, the rating agency headquartered in New York said.
Commenting further, Fitch said FBNH’s and FBN’s National Ratings reflect their creditworthiness relative to the country’s best credit and relative to peers operating in Nigeria.
In its report, Fitch said it believes that sovereign support to Nigerian banks cannot be relied on given Nigeria’s (B+/Negative) weak ability to provide support, particularly in FC.
In addition, there are no clear messages from the authorities regarding their willingness to support the banking system. Therefore, the Support Rating Floor of all Nigerian banks is ‘No Floor’ and all Support Ratings are ‘5’.
“This reflects our view that senior creditors cannot rely on receiving full and timely extraordinary support from the Nigerian sovereign if any of the banks become non-viable,” it said.
The subordinated debt issued by FBN Finance B.V., a special purpose company established by the group for the purpose of debt issuance, is rated one notch below FBN’s VR. Recoveries on the notes in the event of default are considered to be below average, as evidenced by a Recovery Rating (RR) of ‘RR5’.
FBN’s and FBNH’s ratings are primarily sensitive to a change in the level of loan loss reserve cover. At present, unreserved impaired loans weigh on capital adequacy and this has a high influence on the ratings. Once asset quality trends demonstrate sustained improvement, loan loss reserves cover a larger proportion of impaired loans, and assuming the operating environment does not deteriorate, the Outlook on the ratings would no longer be Negative and upgrades could be envisaged. If key weaknesses are addressed, FBNH and FBN could achieve multi-notch upgrades because their ratings are well below their natural levels considering FBN’s size and position within Nigeria’s banking sector.
A downgrade could result from further weakness in already limited capital buffers, which could threaten FBN’s viability. Given the positive trends in asset quality improvement and capital retention, this is not our base case.
The SR is potentially sensitive to any change in assumptions around the propensity or ability of the sovereign to provide timely support to the bank.
Ratings assigned to the subordinated notes are on Rating Watch Positive (RWP). If modifiers are introduced to the ‘CCC’ IDR category, as proposed by Fitch’s exposure draft on Global Banking Criteria published on 12 December 2017, the subordinated notes would be rated ‘CCC+’, maintaining the one-notch differential with FBN’s VR.
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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