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CBN Tightens Grip On Agent Banking, Limits Nigerians To ₦1.2m Daily Cash-Out

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(DDM) – The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has rolled out a comprehensive new framework for agent banking operations across the country, introducing fresh compliance standards, consumer protection measures, and a daily cash-out ceiling of ₦1.2 million per agent.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the circular, signed by Musa Jimoh, Director of the CBN’s Payments System Policy Department, takes immediate effect for most provisions, while regulations on agent location and exclusivity will become enforceable from April 1, 2026.

According to the apex bank, the revised guidelines are designed to enhance service quality, promote financial inclusion, and safeguard the stability of Nigeria’s financial system.

Agent banking, as defined by the CBN, involves licensed financial institutions or mobile money operators engaging third-party agents to deliver services such as deposits, withdrawals, bill payments, and account opening on their behalf.

Under the new policy, all agent banking transactions must be conducted through designated accounts or wallets maintained by the principal financial institution to ensure transparency and traceability.

The bank prohibited the use of non-designated accounts for agent operations, warning that violations would attract strict sanctions.

Agents found guilty of misconduct, fraud, or non-compliance will face termination, personal liability, or placement on industry watchlists.

Furthermore, all financial institutions, referred to as “principals”, are required to publish and regularly update the list of their registered agents on their official websites.

Each bank branch must also display a current list of approved agents operating within its locality to improve accountability and visibility

Super agents, according to the guidelines, must maintain at least 50 agents distributed across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, to ensure broader service access in underserved communities.

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The CBN also mandated that no agent may relocate, transfer, or close its business premises without prior written approval from its principal or super agent.

Relocation notices must be clearly displayed at the business premises for at least 30 days to inform customers in advance.

To strengthen consumer protection, the apex bank emphasized that all agent transactions must now occur in real-time, using secure and interoperable payment systems.

Banks and payment providers are to deploy technologies that guarantee instant settlements, automatic reversals for failed transactions, and real-time monitoring to prevent agents from exceeding prescribed limits.

Transaction receipts must include the agent’s name, location coordinates, and timestamp, while all transaction records must be preserved for a minimum of five years for audit and regulatory purposes.

The new rules also stipulate that each agent’s daily cumulative cash-out limit shall not exceed ₦1.2 million, though the CBN reserves the right to adjust this limit periodically under its Guide to Bank Charges framework.

Additionally, all devices deployed for agent banking are to be geo-fenced, restricted to operate only within registered agent locations, to curb mobile or unauthorized operations elsewhere.

In its enforcement section, the circular mandates that financial institutions submit detailed monthly reports to the CBN by the 10th of every month, covering transaction data, fraud cases, active agent numbers, customer complaints, and training records.

The CBN reaffirmed its authority to demand extra information, conduct direct inspections, and apply sanctions ranging from suspension of new agent onboarding to full licence revocation for repeated breaches.

Institutions that flout these rules risk blacklisting, management removal, or regulatory restrictions if their agents persistently violate the framework.

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“The CBN may, in the event of a breach, invoke any or all sanctions against any defaulting participant in the agent banking system,” the circular warned.

Analysts say the updated guidelines reflect the apex bank’s determination to tighten oversight of Nigeria’s fast-growing financial inclusion ecosystem, where agent networks play a vital role in bridging access gaps, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities.

Over the past five years, Nigeria’s agent banking sector has expanded rapidly, with more than 1.5 million registered agents nationwide.

However, concerns over fraud, poor service quality, and inconsistent supervision have led to calls for stronger regulation.

Financial experts told DDM that these reforms could help restore public trust in the sector and prevent abuses by unscrupulous agents who exploit loopholes in monitoring systems.

The CBN maintained that it would continue to review and refine the guidelines as technology evolves, ensuring that the agent banking system remains secure, transparent, and inclusive for all Nigerians.

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Economy

FairMoney MD urges digital access to drive $1tn economy

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(DDM) – The Managing Director of FairMoney Microfinance Bank Nigeria, Henry Obiekea, has called for a nationwide push towards fair and inclusive digital finance.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Obiekea made the statement during a recent financial sector forum attended by industry leaders, regulators, and government officials.

He emphasized that digital financial inclusion is a key driver for Nigeria to achieve the $1 trillion economic agenda outlined by the current administration.

Obiekea explained that the adoption of technology-driven banking services can accelerate economic growth by increasing access to credit, promoting entrepreneurship, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

He noted that despite Nigeria’s large population, a significant portion of citizens remain unbanked or underbanked, limiting their participation in the formal economy.

“Digital financial services must reach every Nigerian, regardless of location or income level,” Obiekea stated.

He highlighted that mobile banking, fintech platforms, and other innovative financial solutions can help bridge gaps in economic participation and drive productivity across sectors.

The FairMoney MD urged policymakers to implement supportive regulations that enable fintech growth while protecting consumers and ensuring system security.

According to him, collaboration between traditional banks, fintech companies, and government agencies is essential to create a resilient, inclusive digital economy.

Obiekea also stressed that financial literacy programs are crucial to empower Nigerians to take full advantage of digital financial tools.

He pointed out that digital access not only improves personal financial management but also boosts government revenue through broader tax compliance and formal sector engagement.

DDM reports that Obiekea’s call aligns with the administration’s economic diversification strategy, which prioritizes technology, innovation, and financial inclusion as pillars for sustainable growth.

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Industry observers note that expanding digital finance can help Nigeria unlock new markets, attract foreign investment, and enhance the efficiency of domestic trade and payments systems.

Obiekea concluded by urging stakeholders to act swiftly, warning that failure to embrace digital financial inclusion could slow the nation’s progress toward achieving the $1 trillion economy target.

He expressed optimism that with coordinated effort, Nigeria can harness technology to transform its financial landscape and create opportunities for millions of citizens.

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Economy

BREAKING: DDM, DAMA To Host Weekly Blockchain Forum On 2025 Crypto Market Trends

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(DDM) – Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), in partnership with the Digital Assets Management Academy (DAMA), has announced the continuation of its weekly online discussion series titled Blockchain World 2.0.

The upcoming edition, scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, will explore the topic “Is the 2025 Crypto Bullrun Over?” in what promises to be one of the most engaging blockchain conversations of the year.

DDM corespondent Amaechi okoro confirmed that the live program will begin at 11:00 a.m. Nigeria Time and 11:00 GMT, streaming simultaneously on Zoom and the official DDM YouTube Channel.

According to the organizers, the episode will analyze current trends in the global cryptocurrency market, recent fluctuations in Bitcoin and Ethereum prices, and the factors that may determine whether the ongoing bullrun has reached its end or merely paused.

Participants are expected to include blockchain educators, investors, developers, and policy analysts from across Africa, Europe, and North America.

The session will also examine the growing role of regulatory frameworks, the influence of institutional investors, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence and tokenized assets on the digital economy.

The Zoom meeting details have been made public to ensure open participation:

🔹 Meeting ID: 870 8562 4072

🔹 Passcode: 871871

🔹 Join Link: Click to Join

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87085624072?pwd=t3LNMzrRHuMzoYDABHzPbWXI6go9Ez.1

In addition to live interaction on Zoom, DDM confirmed that the event will be streamed live on YouTube via the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) channel.

The channel has become a hub for digital knowledge-sharing, focusing on blockchain education, digital transformation, financial literacy, and innovation across Africa’s emerging economies.

READ ALSO:  NNPC denies exporting 17.87m barrels of oil without documentation

Viewers are encouraged to subscribe to the DDM YouTube Channel for real-time notifications and updates whenever the weekly program goes live.

👉🏾 https://youtube.com/@ddmtvnews

The weekly Blockchain World 2.0 series has grown into a consistent platform for digital asset dialogue, bridging the gap between technology and policy while inspiring young Africans to explore blockchain’s potential beyond cryptocurrency trading.

The partnership between DDM and DAMA reflects a shared vision of empowering digital citizens with practical knowledge, policy insights, and exposure to global innovations in fintech, data governance, and asset tokenization.

Organizers noted that this week’s topic, “Is the 2025 Crypto Bullrun Over?”, is particularly timely given the recent volatility in the global crypto market following shifting liquidity patterns and evolving investor confidence.

Experts will provide projections on future price trends, decentralized finance (DeFi) developments, and the sustainability of blockchain adoption in Nigeria’s and Africa’s financial ecosystems.

The hosts encouraged professionals, students, and enthusiasts to participate actively by asking questions, sharing market experiences, and contributing to discussions that can influence Africa’s digital future.

The Blockchain World 2.0 series continues every Wednesday at the same time, offering reliable, research-driven insights into blockchain technology and the future of financial systems worldwide.

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Economy

Black Market Dollar To Naira Rate Holds Steady At ₦1,460

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(DDM) – The Nigerian Naira opened the new week on a relatively stable note in the parallel market, maintaining its position against the United States dollar after a brief appreciation last week.

According to data obtained by Investors King from major Bureau De Change (BDC) operators in Lagos and Abuja, the dollar-to-naira exchange rate stood at ₦1,450 per dollar for buying and ₦1,460 per dollar for selling as of Monday, November 10th, 2025.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the Naira’s resilience is being supported by increased remittance inflows, steady oil revenue, and reduced speculative trading across major trading centers.

Market analysts said steady dollar supply from oil exports and diaspora remittances has helped meet forex demand and stabilize liquidity in the market.

Between Friday, November 7th and Monday, November 10th, the Naira appreciated by ₦10, moving from ₦1,450 to ₦1,460 in the black market.

BDC traders attributed the sustained balance to consistent inflows from remittances, improved foreign exchange circulation, and moderate import-related demand.

However, official rates from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) remain higher, reflecting the persistent disparity between official and black-market values, a long-standing structural challenge in the Nigerian forex landscape.

Experts say the stability in the Naira’s value can be traced to five major factors:

1. Improved Dollar Supply – Driven by oil exports and steady diaspora inflows.

2. Reduced Speculation – CBN’s strict oversight has curbed panic buying.

3. Moderate Dollar Demand – Import activities have slightly declined.

4. Stable Oil Prices – Brent crude holding around $85 per barrel strengthens reserves.

READ ALSO:  NNPC resumes oil exploration in Boko Haram ravaged Borno after 6 years

5. Improved Confidence – Renewed faith in the government’s monetary management.

Economically, this steady exchange rate is a mixed blessing. Importers and consumers benefit from lower import costs, potentially easing inflation pressures.

Investors also gain short-term confidence from forex stability, while students and travelers find tuition and travel expenses more manageable.

However, financial experts caution that long-term stability will depend on sustained non-oil export growth, increased foreign investments, and bridging the gap between the official and black-market rates.

Looking ahead, analysts forecast that the Naira will trade between ₦1,445 and ₦1,465 per dollar in the coming days if the current fundamentals remain unchanged.

This outlook signals cautious optimism for Nigeria’s economy as it navigates the pressures of inflation, forex demand, and global oil market volatility.

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