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Heritage Bank Depositors Receive Compensation as Lawmakers Back ND

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The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has made substantial progress in compensating depositors of the defunct Heritage Bank, disbursing 86 percent of the total insured deposits. Efforts are ongoing to address challenges delaying the payment of the remaining 14 percent.

NDIC Managing Director Mr. Bello Hassan, represented by Mrs. Emily Osuji, Executive Director of Corporate Services, shared this update during a retreat for the House of Representatives Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Matters in Lagos. Hassan outlined the issues causing delays, such as court-imposed Post No Debit (PND) instructions, Know Your Customer (KYC) constraints, and incomplete customer verifications, including linking Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs) or providing alternative bank accounts.

Hassan stressed that the NDIC’s actions support the federal government’s commitment to economic stability by reinforcing the financial system. The NDIC, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has focused on protecting depositors and maintaining financial stability through diligent supervision of insured institutions.

“This approach aligns with Principle 8 of the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance,” Hassan explained. “These principles advocate for regular reviews of deposit insurance coverage to ensure it remains credible and adequately protects depositors, mitigating the risk of bank runs while maintaining some market discipline.”

In line with this commitment, the NDIC reviewed its coverage in 2023, leading to increased insurance limits. As of April 2024, coverage for Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and Mobile Money Operators (MMOs) was raised from N500,000 to N5 million. Payment Service Banks (PSBs) and Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) saw their coverage increase from N500,000 to N2 million, and Microfinance Banks (MFBs) from N200,000 to N2 million. These adjustments aim to provide nearly full coverage for depositors, enhancing their confidence.

Hassan highlighted the importance of timely reimbursement as a key factor in financial stability. The NDIC has adopted a new payment methodology, which was successfully tested with the recent payouts to Heritage Bank depositors. This approach utilized depositors’ BVNs from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to access alternative accounts and process payments within just four days.

Despite these advancements, Hassan acknowledged concerns about uninsured depositors and assured that the NDIC is pursuing debt recovery and liquidation of Heritage Bank’s assets to facilitate reimbursement. Once all insured and uninsured deposits are settled, the NDIC will proceed with compensating creditors according to legal priorities.

Hassan reaffirmed the NDIC’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s financial system by supervising deposit-taking institutions, maintaining early warning systems, conducting stress tests, and enforcing corrective actions.

Following the retreat, House Committee Chairman on Insurance and Actuarial Matters, Ahmadu Usman Jaha, expressed strong support for the NDIC. Jaha acknowledged the NDIC’s critical role in deposit protection and pledged the committee’s commitment to reviewing and updating policies to address emerging financial sector risks.

“In recent years, our financial systems have faced numerous challenges, from global economic shifts to regulatory hurdles,” Jaha said. “These challenges underscore the need for robust deposit insurance frameworks that protect depositors and enhance confidence in our banking systems.”

Jaha emphasized the need for collaboration among government bodies, financial institutions, and stakeholders to improve regulatory frameworks. He also advocated for increased financial literacy, savings promotion, and the use of technology to strengthen Nigeria’s financial stability.

“A resilient economy can withstand shocks and continue to thrive,” Jaha concluded. “As we enhance our deposit insurance schemes, we must also address broader economic factors to ensure our financial stability is maintained and improved for future generations.”

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CBN expresses commitment to FX Code

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to the Nigerian Foreign Exchange (FX) Code, stating that its operations align with the principles of the code.

 

In a statement signed by Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Deputy Governor of Economic Policy Mohammad Abdullahi, and Director of the Financial Markets Department Dr. Omolara Duke, the apex bank emphasized that its decision follows a review of the FX Global Code and recognition that the code represents a set of principles widely acknowledged as good practice in the foreign exchange market.

 

The statement confirmed that the CBN acts as a regulator to market participants as defined by the code and is committed to overseeing FX market activities in a manner consistent with its principles.

 

“To this end, the Bank has taken appropriate steps, based on the size and complexity of the FX Market, and therefore aligns its roles with the principles of the Code,” the statement added.

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FG launches electronic asset register to boost investment

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The Federal Government has launched a national electronic assets register to provide real-time access to information on government-owned assets, aiming to enhance transparency and attract more investments into the country.

The digital registry was introduced by the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, during an event that also featured the unveiling of a compendium of FAAC allocations to federal, state, and local governments from 2020 to 2023.

Madein described the initiative as a major milestone in improving public resource management, emphasizing that it is essential for financial sustainability and integrity. She stated that the project aligns with the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in handling public funds and assets.

She noted that giving citizens access to information about public asset management would increase government accountability. “Whether it is infrastructure, equipment, or other public property, every asset must be accounted for,” she said.

The real-time access provided by the digital register is expected to support policy formulation, budgeting, and planning. Madein explained that by having a clear understanding of the government’s assets and their conditions, policymakers can make more informed decisions on resource allocation, investment management, and potential privatisation or public-private partnerships (PPPs) for underutilized assets.

She added that the initiative also aligns with international best practices, supporting Nigeria’s adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). These standards will help strengthen the credibility and integrity of the country’s financial statements.

On the compendium of FAAC allocations, Madein stated that it provides a detailed breakdown of revenue distribution to the three tiers of government and serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, and the general public.

Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Aniete, who officially unveiled the compendium, praised the Accountant General’s efforts in promoting transparency and accountability. She described the electronic asset register as an important tool that will help determine the real value of Nigeria’s assets and create opportunities for local and foreign investment.

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Tariff increase will push available power generation to 7,000MW — Minister

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Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has stated that the proposed electricity tariff increase will help boost Nigeria’s available power generation capacity to 7,000 megawatts (MW). This comes after the country recorded its highest-ever available power generation of 6,003MW and a peak evacuation of 5,801.84MW last week.

 

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communication, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu emphasized that tariff regularization is crucial for unlocking the sector’s full potential and sustaining ongoing improvements in power generation and distribution.

 

“To sustain these improvements, the government would have to pay down the tariff shortfalls of N1.94 trillion for 2024 and address legacy debts of N2 trillion to the GENCOs,” the minister said. He added that continued tariff reforms are necessary to ensure that consumers start paying for the energy they consume.

 

Adelabu reiterated the government’s intention to raise electricity tariffs for customers in Bands B, C, and D as part of efforts to enhance the sector’s liquidity and reduce subsidy obligations. The planned tariff hike is expected to narrow the gap between Band A customers—who currently pay higher rates—and those in lower bands.

 

The minister noted that Nigeria recently set another milestone with a daily maximum energy output of 128,370.75 megawatt-hours (MWh), attributing these achievements to ongoing reforms and infrastructural upgrades in the sector.

 

“We are thrilled to announce these historic milestones in Nigeria’s power sector,” Adelabu stated. “These achievements represent a brighter future where businesses can thrive, households can enjoy uninterrupted power supply, and the economy can grow sustainably.”

 

According to the minister, recent improvements result from collaborative efforts by the Federal Ministry of Power and key stakeholders to address longstanding challenges in the sector. These include the rehabilitation and upgrading of transmission and distribution networks, implementation of innovative technologies to enhance efficiency, and policy reforms aimed at improving accountability and sustainability.

 

While celebrating these milestones, Adelabu called for continued support from state governments, private sector stakeholders, and the general public. He stressed the need for collective action to sustain the momentum and build upon the progress made.

 

With power generation at a record high and tariff reforms on the horizon, stakeholders are hopeful that Nigeria’s electricity supply will see lasting improvements, ensuring stable and reliable power for businesses and households nationwide.

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