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Nigeria News (Standard)

CBN Governor Cardoso Moves to Tighten Rules on Banks’ Dealings with Affiliates Nationwide

Draft guidelines aim to safeguard depositors and strengthen oversight as CBN targets intra-group transactions in financial sector

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Draft guidelines aim to safeguard depositors and strengthen oversight as CBN targets intra-group transactions in financial sector

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has released new draft guidelines seeking stricter regulation of business dealings between banks, financial institutions and their affiliated companies across the country. The announcement was made in Abuja on Wednesday, as part of efforts to protect depositors’ funds and reinforce consumer protection measures within Nigeria’s financial system.

The proposed framework, titled ‘Guidelines on Ring-Fencing Operations of Closely Linked Entities in the Nigerian Financial System’, sets out operational boundaries for entities under the same corporate group. According to a circular signed by Dr Rita Sike, Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department at CBN, these measures are intended to prevent commingling of activities across different licence categories and enhance regulatory clarity.

The CBN said the initiative is necessary at this time due to increasing complexity in group structures within Nigeria’s banking sector, which could pose risks to financial stability if not properly managed. The apex bank noted that clear separation between banks and their affiliates would help address concerns about governance, related-party transactions and possible conflicts of interest that may undermine depositor confidence.

In the circular, Dr Sike stated: “The draft guidelines prescribe requirements relating to governance arrangements, intra-group transactions and exposures, as well as disclosure standards for regulated institutions.” She added that these rules will improve oversight functions and align Nigeria’s financial sector with international best practices. There was no immediate reaction from commercial banks or industry associations as at press time.

The CBN has invited stakeholders to review the draft document and submit feedback before final adoption. Once implemented, the framework is expected to reduce systemic risks associated with conglomerate structures in banking, while ensuring that consumer interests remain protected.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/cbn-proposes-stricter-regulation-of-banks-affiliated-companies-business-dealings/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Young Nigerians in Lagos Raise Alarm Over Trust and Women’s Inclusion Ahead of 2027 Elections

Activists urge political parties to prioritise gender balance and rebuild confidence among youths before next polls

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Activists urge political parties to prioritise gender balance and rebuild confidence among youths before next polls

Young Nigerians in Lagos have expressed serious concerns about low trust in the electoral process and continued underrepresentation of women, calling on political stakeholders to address these gaps ahead of the 2027 general elections. The issue was raised during a public forum held on Sunday, where participants highlighted the urgent need for reforms that will encourage wider participation and restore faith in Nigeria’s democracy.

The event saw several youth leaders and advocates for gender inclusion voicing frustration over persistent barriers facing women who seek elective positions, as well as a growing sense of apathy among young voters. Speakers pointed to previous election cycles where female aspirants were sidelined during party primaries, and noted that many youths remain sceptical about the ability of politicians to deliver on their promises.

With Nigeria’s population increasingly skewed towards younger demographics, observers say these trends could undermine the legitimacy and vibrancy of future polls if not addressed. “If women are not given adequate opportunities and if young people continue to distrust the system, it will be difficult to achieve meaningful development,” one participant stated during the discussion.

Organisers urged political parties across all regions—including APC, PDP, LP, and others—to adopt internal policies that promote fair representation for women at both state and federal levels. They also called for increased transparency in candidate selection processes, as well as public education campaigns aimed at countering misinformation and voter apathy among young Nigerians.

As preparations begin for the 2027 elections, stakeholders emphasised that rebuilding trust will require concrete action from party leaders, electoral bodies, and civil society groups. They warned that failure to address these issues could result in lower voter turnout and continued exclusion of critical voices from Nigeria’s democratic process.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/887564-young-nigerians-raise-concerns-over-trust-womens-inclusion-ahead-of-2027-polls.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Zamfara Police Neutralise Explosive Planted by Suspected Bandits on Tsafe Road

Prompt action by Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit follows tip-off from local residents, averting possible mass casualties

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Prompt action by Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit follows tip-off from local residents, averting possible mass casualties

Police operatives in Zamfara State have safely defused an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by suspected bandits along a major road in Tsafe Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred along the Kunchin Kalgo axis, was confirmed by the Zamfara State Police Command in a statement issued on Saturday.

According to police authorities, officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit were swiftly deployed to the scene after credible intelligence was received from community members. The IED was discovered before it could detonate, and security personnel successfully neutralised the device without any reported casualties or disruption to traffic.

The command stated that preliminary investigations indicate the explosive was strategically placed to inflict harm on innocent commuters and other road users. “Preliminary findings indicate that the explosive device was strategically planted to cause mass casualties among innocent road users and commuters,” the command said in its statement.

Police attributed the timely discovery of the device to improved collaboration between security agencies and residents in Zamfara State. “Through the Command’s robust community engagement strategy, effective partnerships, and sustained networking with local community members, timely and credible information was received, enabling the operatives to respond swiftly and neutralise the threat before any harm could occur,” police authorities added.

This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Zamfara, part of Nigeria’s North-West geopolitical zone, where banditry and attacks on travellers have persisted despite heightened security measures. The police command reiterated its call for continued vigilance and cooperation from residents to help prevent further attacks. Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing to identify those behind the attempted attack.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/police-defuse-bandits-explosive-on-zamfara-road/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Niger State Shuts 15 Health Centres, Arrests Suspected Fake Doctor in Suleja Crackdown

Private Health Facilities Agency seals Ellamara Hospital, says operation follows intelligence reports on unqualified practitioners

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Private Health Facilities Agency seals Ellamara Hospital, says operation follows intelligence reports on unqualified practitioners

Authorities in Niger State have sealed off 15 private health centres and arrested a man accused of practising as a fake doctor during an enforcement operation in Suleja Local Government Area on Saturday. The action was led by the Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency as part of efforts to sanitise the health sector and protect residents from unsafe medical practices.

According to Dr Abdullahi Suleiman, Executive Chairman of the agency, the clampdown followed intelligence reports and routine compliance checks that revealed irregularities in several facilities. Suleiman said Ellamara Specialist Hospital was shut down after inspectors discovered that a suspect had been providing medical services without necessary qualifications or a valid practising licence.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect, who allegedly dropped out of medical school, had worked as a medical doctor in Suleja for about six years. The agency noted that he was previously disengaged by a former employer over issues related to his credentials and had reportedly been arrested before in Cross River State for similar offences.

Suleiman stated that the ongoing enforcement exercise is aimed at upholding regulatory standards and ensuring only qualified professionals operate in Niger State’s health sector. “We will not tolerate quackery or illegal medical practice that puts lives at risk,” he said during an inspection tour. The agency did not immediately disclose the names of other affected centres but assured residents that further investigations would be carried out.

The Niger State Private Health Facilities Agency has urged members of the public to report suspicious activities at any health facility and warned operators to comply strictly with registration and licensing requirements. Further updates are expected as authorities continue their probe into private healthcare operations across Suleja LGA.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/niger-cracks-down-on-fake-doctors-shuts-down-15-health-centres/

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