Banking
Investors Reject CBN Directive on Dividend Payment by Banks, Threaten Lawsuit
By Dipo Olowookere
Shareholders in the nation’s capital market have condemned recent directive by the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN), to Deposit Money Banks (DMB), not to pay dividend on its shares until all its expenses have been completely written off, saying the decision is a disincentive to investors; promising to challenge this in court if necessary, Guardian Newspaper is reporting.
The shareholders, who argued that the market is information-driven, said with the little signs of recovery and capital appreciation witnessed recently, government at all levels must be cautious, and avoid any actions and decisions that could send wrong signals, and erode investors’ confidence in the market.
According to them, expectations are that the relatively low interest rates in the money market, and sell-off in the bond market will boost inflow into the stock market, as fund managers play earnings season for quick returns in high dividend paying stocks.
The shareholders however argued that the decision by the apex regulator on dividend payout would definitely erode the optimism and confidence on huge investment inflow into the equity market, which has trailed it since the beginning of the year.
Furthermore, they added that there are possibilities of some hasty sell-off reactions by investors especially in stocks that are affected by the dividend payment restrictions.
Specifically, the President, Proactive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Taiwo Oderinde, in an interview with The Guardian, said: “CBN is only interested in protecting the banks’ depositors at the expense of the shareholders. Every bank has its own board that has the prerogative to decide to pay dividend.”
“It is not CBN’s responsibility to decide when or when not to pay dividend to their investors. It is an anti-investors policy and directive, and we will challenge it in court,” he said.
Also speaking, the Publicity Secretary of Independence Shareholder Association, Moses Igbrude, described the CBN directive to banks with huge non-performing loans not to pay dividend to shareholders as most unfortunate, noting that the decision would have negative effects on the market.
“Why would CBN wait until the loans go bad before issuing now, who are these borrowers, what has CBN done to those serials borrowers, who take loans from one bank to the other without paying? What sanctions or punishment have they imposed on them, why are they afraid of them?
“We, shareholders, are not happy about this directive, and it is going to affect us seriously in this harsh economic period. Though we are going to question and ask bank managements at the AGMs who are these people owing the banks, the regulator should address the issue of non-performing loan in all its form by sanctioning the borrowers, and the givers of the loans before punishing the shareholders.”
The President, Progressive Shareholders Association, Boniface Okezie, said the CBN has failed to do what is expected of it as an apex financial regulator abnitio.
“Where was the CBN when the banks’ non-performing loans hit the roofs? CBN should not pass the buck to the investing public, my advice to CBN is that they must reverse this policy; it is not going to help the Investors at all.
“They should allow the banks that have made a lot of recovery from their bad loans whose shareholders’ funds are strong to be allowed to go ahead to pay dividends to their shareholders. If any bank has weak capitals, it should not contemplate paying any dividend whatsoever, and those banks must be given marching orders to go after the defaulters to pay back their loans with the assistants of CBN.”
The Co-Founder, Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association (NSSA), Gbadebo Olatokumbo, described the decision as a bomb shell, saying it is contrary to investors’ expectations of huge dividend payout in the current financial year.
He pointed out that the managements and directors of any bank that fails to pay dividend to shareholders must be held accountable.
He added that any bank that failed the dividend-payment test, should not pay emoluments to their directors, while the management should lose their bonuses and welfares, and be responsible for the payment on any sanction from the apex bank forthwith.
“Really, it was a bomb-shell to the expectations of shareholders on returns on investments, but CBN has a job to do, and it must be done effectively.
“We will have to hold the managements and directors of our banks liable, if they were unable to pay dividend. The committee of bank that approved those unpaid loans should have questions to answer, while insider defaulters, who are the managements and directors, must be made to face the music.”
CBN had released an update on an earlier circular issued October 8, 2014, on, “Internal Capital Generation and Dividend Pay-out Ratio of Nigerian Banks.”
The major focus of the circular is on the capital reserves of the banks as well as the proportion of non-performing loans in a bid to forestall any threats to customer deposits in the system.
Source: The Guardian
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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