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Access Holdings Tops Chart as Nigerian Banks Double Tech Spend to N518.5 Billion in 2024

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In 2024, Nigeria’s leading banks collectively spent N518.5 billion on information technology infrastructure, more than doubling their investment compared to the previous year’s N248 billion. This sharp 109% increase—based on audited reports from eight prominent banks—underscores a critical strategic pivot: digital transformation is now central to banking operations, not just an added feature.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The surge in IT spending reflects a broad shift across the industry, with banks upgrading core systems, deploying AI-powered platforms, and enhancing mobile and digital banking experiences to meet evolving customer demands and compete with fast-growing fintech firms.

Top Spenders Access Holdings led the pack with a remarkable N193.5 billion in IT expenditures, marking a 148% rise from 2023. While the bank didn’t announce any sweeping core banking overhaul, it executed multiple backend upgrades seamlessly to avoid service disruption—demonstrating a strong commitment to scaling its digital infrastructure in line with its pan-African growth objectives.

GTCO followed closely, raising its IT investment to N88 billion, a 48.4% increase. A key highlight was its migration to Infosys’ Finnacle banking platform from its earlier software—signaling a major systems revamp.

Zenith Bank nearly doubled its own IT budget, moving from N33.5 billion in 2023 to N67.3 billion. The shift included a switch from Finastra’s Phoenix to Oracle’s Flexcube, intended to enhance both customer interface and backend operations.

Mid-Tier Banks Catch Up Fidelity Bank saw one of the most significant jumps, increasing its IT investment by 239%—from N16.5 billion to N56 billion. This leap signals an aggressive shift towards digital competitiveness.

UBA’s IT spend also doubled, hitting N48 billion from N23.2 billion, driven by upgrades to digital channels and mobile applications. Similarly, Stanbic IBTC ramped up its tech budget by 73.1% to N33.4 billion, while FCMB grew its spending by 58.6% to N26.8 billion.

Wema Bank, despite having the lowest absolute figure (N5.5 billion), registered the highest growth rate at 292.9%, up from just N1.4 billion the previous year.

Although First Bank Holdings has released its 2024 financials, it did not break down IT expenditures, while Sterling Bank’s full-year results were yet to be released at the time of reporting.

What’s Driving the Investment? Traditional banks are feeling the heat from agile fintech challengers like OPay, PalmPay, and Moniepoint, which offer speed, lower costs, and superior digital experiences. To stay competitive, banks are scaling their digital capabilities.

According to Mr. Dipo Alabede, CEO of mobile payments firm Clane, banks must continue investing in IT—not only to expand digital offerings but also to defend against rising cybersecurity threats as digital transactions increase.

Mr. Tayo Ogunlade, CTO at Onafriq, emphasized the need for robust cybersecurity measures and interbank collaboration to protect the growing digital ecosystem.

In summary, Nigeria’s banking sector is undergoing a significant digital shift, with record investments aimed at reshaping financial services, boosting user experience, and maintaining a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.

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Economy

UNBEARABLE BURDEN: Nigerians Groan As Cooking Gas Hits Unprecedented ₦2,000 Per Kilogram.

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Despite a significant shift toward domestic production and a drop in imports, the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) has surged to ₦2,000 per kilogram in various parts of Nigeria. Data from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) indicates that local facilities—including the Dangote Petroleum Refinery—have become the primary suppliers of LPG between April 2025 and April 2026, with daily domestic supply reaching 4,500 tonnes by April 2026. Conversely, imports have plummeted, falling from 1,600 tonnes per day in November 2025 to just 200 tonnes per day by March 2026.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Market Challenges and Consumer Hardship

Even with consistent local output, consumers are facing prohibitive costs and localized shortages, leading many households to abandon gas in favor of charcoal and firewood. Key issues contributing to the crisis include:

  • Supply Chain Barriers: Marketers report that sourcing the product has become increasingly difficult, and they are now paying between ₦25.2 million and ₦26.2 million for 20 metric tonnes of LPG.

  • Economic Impact: The Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM) stated that these high costs are causing severe hardship for families, food vendors, and small businesses.

  • Policy Setbacks: Stakeholders warn that these trends threaten to reverse years of progress in promoting clean energy adoption and may lead to increased environmental damage.

Infrastructure Progress

While market prices remain high, the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company reports that several critical projects designed to improve gas transportation are nearing completion. As of the latest data:

  • The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project is 93.40% complete.

  • The OB3 River Niger Crossing stands at 93.88% completion.

  • The ELPS Midline Compressor Project has reached 94.45% completion.

  • The Odidi-Warri Expansion Project is 70.28% complete, while the Escravos-Odidi project is in its early stages at 17.49%.

Despite this infrastructure progress, industry experts emphasize that addressing distribution bottlenecks remains essential, as increased domestic production alone has so far failed to lower retail prices for the average Nigerian.

Is there a specific aspect of this situation—such as the infrastructure projects or the marketers’ stance—that you would like to explore further?

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REVOLUTIONIZING THE SKIES: How Nigeria’s New $7 Billion AfDB Deal Will Transform Air Travel Forever!.

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Nigeria has officially signed a Letter of Intent with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to advance aviation development across the continent. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, formalized the agreement during a dialogue in Brazzaville, Congo, where he served as the African Champion of the AfDB’s Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During the session, Minister Keyamo showcased President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” emphasizing the need for capital to support key infrastructure and the newly established Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company. To attract this investment, the Minister highlighted Nigeria’s recent regulatory reforms, including the domestication of the Cape Town Convention and updates to insurance frameworks. In response, AfDB President Dr. Sidi Ould Tah pledged the bank’s support for the programme, signaling a shared commitment to strengthening aviation finance and infrastructure throughout Africa.

Nigeria Moves to Boost Aviation Sector Through AfDB Partnership

Nigeria has taken a major step toward modernizing its aviation industry by signing a Letter of Intent with the African Development Bank (AfDB). Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, representing the country in Brazzaville, Congo, utilized the platform to present Nigeria’s aviation roadmap under President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

A core focus of the discussion was the Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company, which is expected to improve aircraft financing for local operators. Minister Keyamo assured stakeholders that Nigeria is ready for increased investment, citing significant reforms such as the domestication of the Cape Town Convention and modernized insurance policies. The AfDB has signaled strong support for these initiatives, agreeing to collaborate on the Integrated Aviation Transformation Programme to drive sustainable growth for Nigeria and the wider African aviation market.

Option 3: Short & Punchy (Best for social media or newsletters)

Nigeria is accelerating its aviation growth through a new partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB). Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo recently signed a Letter of Intent in Brazzaville to unlock funding for the sector, specifically targeting the new Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company. By implementing key reforms—like the domestication of the Cape Town Convention—Nigeria is positioning itself as a hub for aviation investment. The AfDB has officially pledged its support, marking a key milestone in efforts to modernize air travel infrastructure across the African continent

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Economy

Massive Relief For Nigerians: Dangote Refinery Dumps Diesel Prices In Shock Move!.

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In a move aimed at easing market pressure, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has slashed the price of diesel by ₦200 per litre, dropping it from ₦1,800 to ₦1,600 at the depot level effective May 26. This price reduction is attributed to increased competition and supply following the arrival of new imported fuel shipments into Nigeria. Industry observers anticipate that if this trend continues, it could significantly lower logistics and operational costs for businesses reliant on diesel.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Option 2: Focus on Market Impact The downstream oil sector is seeing increased competition as new imported fuel cargoes enter the Nigerian market. Consequently, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has adjusted its diesel price down by ₦200, setting a new depot rate of ₦1,600 per litre. This development, which follows recent discussions regarding import licensing, is expected to provide much-needed relief to businesses struggling with high production and transportation expenses, provided these lower prices remain stable.

Option 3: Professional/Report Style Effective May 26, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced its Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) price by ₦200, adjusting the depot rate from ₦1,800 to ₦1,600 per litre. According to the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, this adjustment is a direct result of increased supply from recent imported fuel shipments. Market analysts note that this shift—driven by both local supply and the entry of new imported products—could alleviate operational burdens on businesses if the current price level is sustained.

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