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CBN’s new withdrawal charges: Nigerians to pay more for ATM and PoS transactions
DDM News

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced new withdrawal charges for ATM and PoS transactions.
Diaspora digital media (DDM), gathered that these charges will take effect from March 1, 2025, sparking concerns among Nigerians.
CBN says the changes aim to improve service delivery and address rising operational costs in the banking sector.
Many Nigerians are worried about the financial impact these charges will have on daily transactions.
Customers withdrawing money from another bank’s ATM will now pay a ₦100 fee per transaction.
This fee applies to all interbank withdrawals, removing the previous three free monthly withdrawals.
Previously, customers could withdraw from another bank’s ATM up to three times a month without extra charges.
Now, every interbank ATM withdrawal will attract a compulsory fee, regardless of frequency.
CBN has also introduced additional surcharges for withdrawals made from off-site ATMs.
Off-site ATMs are those located outside bank premises, such as malls and fuel stations.
Customers using off-site ATMs may pay up to ₦500 in surcharges per ₦20,000 withdrawal.
This means withdrawing ₦20,000 from an off-site ATM could cost up to ₦600 in total fees.
CBN claims these surcharges will help banks recover the operational costs of maintaining off-site ATMs.
The new charges also affect PoS withdrawals, leading to higher costs for consumers.
CBN will charge ₦400 for using PoS to withdraw money with an ATM card.
Another ₦100 will be deducted for withdrawing more than ₦10,000 at PoS terminals.
This means withdrawing ₦20,000 from a PoS terminal could attract total charges of nearly ₦1,000.
PoS agents also charge their own fees, increasing the overall cost for customers.
Many Nigerians rely on PoS services, especially in areas with limited banking infrastructure.
The new charges could make cash withdrawals more expensive and inconvenient for the public.
CBN insists these changes are necessary to improve financial services across Nigeria.
John Onojah, CBN’s acting director of Financial Policy and Regulation, defended the policy.
He said the changes will encourage banks to deploy more ATMs nationwide.
CBN believes standardizing charges will lead to improved cash access, especially in rural areas.
Despite CBN’s explanations, many Nigerians have expressed frustration over the new charges.
Critics argue the fees will increase financial hardship for low-income earners.
Some fear the charges will push people toward informal financial services.
This could negatively impact financial inclusion efforts and slow down Nigeria’s cashless policy.
Businesses that rely on PoS transactions may also face financial strain due to higher charges.
Many consumers say these fees will discourage them from using ATMs and PoS services.
Instead, they may prefer cash transactions to avoid extra charges.
Financial experts advise Nigerians to adopt digital banking solutions to minimize cash withdrawal costs.
Using mobile banking apps and online transfers can help reduce dependence on ATMs and PoS.
Planning cash withdrawals carefully can also help customers avoid unnecessary charges.
Consumers should check their bank’s ATM locations to use their bank’s machines and avoid interbank fees.
CBN says withdrawals from a customer’s own bank’s ATM will remain free.
However, this does not help those whose bank has limited ATM locations.
Public response to the new charges has been overwhelmingly negative.
Many Nigerians feel the policy does not consider the financial realities of everyday people.
CBN insists the charges will ultimately benefit the banking system in the long run.
As the March 1 deadline approaches, consumers and financial institutions are adjusting to the changes.
Banks are expected to update their systems and inform customers about the new charges.
Many Nigerians are calling for a review of the policy to reduce its impact.
Some suggest CBN should consider alternative ways to fund ATM infrastructure.
The effectiveness of the policy remains uncertain until full implementation begins.
CBN may need to adjust its approach if public backlash continues.
For now, Nigerians must prepare for higher costs on ATM and PoS withdrawals.
Financial literacy and strategic planning will be crucial in managing the new banking charges.
CBN urges consumers to stay informed and explore digital banking alternatives.
As discussions continue, Nigerians await further clarification on how these charges will affect them.
The coming weeks will determine if CBN’s policy achieves its intended goals.
Analysis
Why Penis Size Does Not Affect Performance, Fertility — Experts

For countless men, penis size stirs deep anxiety fed by social media, locker-room banter, and pressure from adult content.
But sex experts and urologists agree: size rarely determines sexual function or fertility.
In a revealing conversation with PUNCH Healthwise, clinical sexologist Cecilia Agu and consultant urologist Dr. Gabriel Ogah broke down the myths emphasizing emotional connection, overall health, and sperm quality as far more meaningful indicators of sexual well-being.
Sexual Satisfaction Lies Beyond Size
Agu, who specializes in human sexology, has heard the insecurities countless times. Yet she insists that the fixation on size overshadows what truly matters in intimate relationships.
“Women value intimacy, chemistry, and creativity not centimeters,” she explained, her tone both compassionate and pragmatic.
“In most cases, size doesn’t determine performance or biological capacity. Only rare, clinically significant conditions impact size.”
She points to societal myths that equate larger size with virility.
“Historic portrayals in art and literature, and today’s media, amplify stereotypes. Pornography exaggerates, turning a normal variation into unreasonable expectations.”
Agu also cautioned against the booming market selling “enhancement” remedies.
“That industry profits off insecurity peddling pills, gadgets, and herbal supplements with no proven benefit.
The real dilemma lies in emotional weariness, not physical deficiency.”
She acknowledged true medical conditions like micropenis, often linked to hormonal or genetic causes but emphasized their rarity.
“Anyone worried about hormonal imbalances or developmental issues should seek professional evaluation,” she advised.
“Fertility Is Unrelated to Size” Dr. Gabriel Ogah
Dr. Ogah, a respected urologist, offered a no-nonsense medical perspective on the fertility question.
“A small penis doesn’t reduce a man’s ability to impregnate a woman,” he stated firmly.
“If sperm is healthy and ejaculation occurs, fertilization can happen.”
He added that many young men consult him out of anxiety sparked by unrealistic comparisons.
“Almost always, their size falls within healthy norms. It’s undue stress, fueled by exposure to distorted media portrayals.”
Dr. Ogah also debunked the idea that older men can “restore” diminishing function through enhancement products.
“As absurd as it sounds, many try. But no pill or serum can permanently alter anatomy.
These are myths masquerading as solutions.”
So What Truly Matters?
Both experts agree: prioritizing overall health, emotional intimacy, and stress-free communication far outweighs anxiety over size.
Agu stressed that sex is about connection, not metrics. “Being nervous about measurements sets couples up for dissatisfaction.
But when you focus on pleasure, emotional safety, and experimentation, the experience transforms.”
Dr. Ogah echoed this, emphasizing regular health check-ups. “Good cardiovascular health, balanced hormones, and mental well-being are key. Size doesn’t affect that.”
Dispelling the Myths, Sustaining the Confidence
As myths dissolve under scientific clarity, a bigger concern emerges: how do we nurture a culture free of body shaming? Agu proposed educational steps.
“We should teach young people that anatomy varies. Performance is multi-dimensional. Communication trumps comparison every time.”
Dr. Ogah endorsed that sentiment. “Let’s shift the narrative. Appreciate function over form. Listen to your body, and care for it through healthy living.”
Performance Isn’t About Inches
Size remains largely irrelevant when partners are emotionally in sync, focused on connection, and attuned to shared pleasure.
Fertility hinges on sperm health not size.
Medical concerns like micropenis are rare, but deserve medical evaluation.
Media, culture, and marketing distort reality. Let’s counter that with facts.
Confidence and sexual well-being stem from health, honesty, and intimacy not obsession with size.
In the end, as Agu beautifully summed up, “It’s not the size it’s how you share it.” That truth holds far more value than any number on a measuring tape.

(DDM) – A disturbing case of alleged brutality by revenue enforcement agents in Anambra State has sparked outrage across the state and beyond.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the deceased, identified as Mr. Okechukwu Theophilus Akaneme, a former chairman of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, reportedly suffered fatal injuries after being beaten by state revenue agents on October 11 last year.
Eyewitness accounts claim the assault stemmed from a dispute over unpaid waste management fees.
Family sources stated that Mr. Akaneme, who was reportedly in good health before the incident, sustained a severe spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down.
Despite being rushed to the hospital and admitted into the intensive care unit, the businessman never fully recovered.
Medical expenses reportedly soared to ₦80 million, of which the Anambra State Government allegedly paid only ₦40 million, leaving the bereaved family with an outstanding debt of ₦40 million.
Critics say this tragic incident underscores what they describe as a culture of “revenue enforcement rascality” under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
Business leaders argue that the practice of aggressive tax enforcement is driving fear among traders and investors in Anambra.
The video that went viral, obtained by DDM, named Mr. Joseph Okoye of Aswama as the alleged leader of the team that attacked Akaneme.
Police officers who reportedly accompanied the enforcement team have also been accused of complicity in the incident.
Sources close to the case say the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State has yet to make arrests, raising concerns about possible compromise or incompetence.
The victim’s family has called on the state government to take responsibility, prosecute those involved, and provide adequate compensation beyond partial hospital payments.
Human rights advocates have also joined the call for justice, warning that the impunity surrounding such incidents erodes public confidence in government institutions.
Critics argue that the value placed on human life under the current administration appears alarmingly low, citing similar complaints of excessive force by state task forces in the past.
Governor Soludo, a professor of economics and former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, is facing mounting pressure to respond to allegations that his administration tolerates reckless enforcement practices.
Analysts say the incident could damage Anambra’s image as a safe and viable destination for investors.
Security and respect for human rights, they argue, are prerequisites for attracting major investments and fostering economic growth.
Political observers believe the government’s response to this case will be a major test of its commitment to justice, transparency, and the rule of law.
As public outrage grows, civil society groups, including the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM), are reportedly considering mass campaigns to demand accountability.
The late Mr. Akaneme has since been buried, but his family remains burdened by financial debt and grief.
Calls for justice continue to echo across Anambra, with residents asking how much value Governor Soludo places on the life of an ordinary citizen.
The police, the government, and all agencies involved are yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing these allegations.
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(DDM) – Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has stressed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must be fully united before serious talks on its 2027 presidential candidate can begin.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the call came during the PDP Southern Zoning Consultative Summit held in Ikeja, Lagos, where top party stakeholders convened to deliberate on internal reforms and a credible zoning formula ahead of the party’s national convention.
Makinde told reporters after the closed-door session that rebuilding trust, strengthening internal cohesion, and reconnecting with Nigerians must be the primary agenda before candidate selection.
He warned that rushing into zoning or candidate discussions without first addressing structural cracks within the party would doom the PDP to another electoral disaster.
The governor noted that critics who claim PDP is politically dead will be proven wrong as the party regains its organisational strength.
He insisted that the outcome of the Lagos meeting had already demonstrated the party’s willingness to put aside internal disputes for the sake of unity and national credibility.
Makinde emphasised that the summit was not statutory but necessary to engage stakeholders across all southern states in meaningful dialogue.
He added that democracy thrives on consultation, inclusivity, and respect for diverse voices within a party structure.
He said democracy should not be reduced to mere power grabs but should reflect credible engagement that represents the will of the people.
The Lagos summit was attended by prominent PDP leaders, including Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, and representatives of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State.
Also present were former PDP Deputy National Chairman Chief Bode George, Board of Trustees Chairman Senator Adolphus Wabara, and several former governors including Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Udom Emmanuel, and Sam Egwu.
Makinde revealed that at least 12 of the 17 southern states were fully represented by zoning committee members, National Assembly representatives, and party elders.
The gathering also discussed the strategic role of the southern region in shaping the PDP’s chances in 2027, particularly given the intense political calculations expected around power rotation.
PDP’s history of zoning has been controversial, often sparking internal divisions over whether the presidency should rotate between the North and South.
In 2022, the party faced criticism after nominating Atiku Abubakar from the North despite calls for a southern candidate, a decision many analysts say fractured its support base in the 2023 elections.
This historical backdrop has heightened expectations ahead of the 2027 convention, with southern leaders pressing for early consultations to avoid past mistakes.
Makinde acknowledged that winning recent by-elections, particularly in Oyo State, had boosted PDP’s morale and disproved claims that the party was politically irrelevant.
He said the success reflected the resilience of PDP supporters and the commitment of its leaders to reclaim national dominance through hard work and strategic alliances.
The governor stressed that Nigerians are yearning for an alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that the PDP must present itself as a credible force.
He explained that Thursday’s meeting was part of a broader strategy to ensure the party’s zoning formula reflects fairness, justice, and national balance.
He also confirmed that more consultations will take place across southern states and eventually at the national level before the convention.
Political observers note that Thursday’s summit reflects growing pressure on the PDP to consolidate its base ahead of a highly competitive election season.
Analysts argue that the party’s ability to reconcile its factions and adopt an inclusive approach could determine its viability in 2027.
Makinde expressed confidence that the deliberations in Lagos would pave the way for further engagements capable of repositioning the party for victory.
He urged Nigerians to remain patient and optimistic as the PDP undertakes internal reforms to rebuild confidence in its leadership.
The meeting was called under the auspices of the PDP Zoning Committee, chaired by Governor Douye Diri, and was described as a success by attendees.
Stakeholders are expected to reconvene in the coming weeks for broader consultations and final recommendations before the party’s National Executive Council meeting.
Makinde closed by reiterating that zoning, candidate selection, and electoral strategy would only succeed if the PDP first restores unity, discipline, and credibility within its ranks.

(DDM) – The Nigerian Electoral Reform Coalition (NERCO) has undertaken an advocacy visit to the National Assembly (NASS) as part of its campaign for immediate electoral reforms.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the visit, held on Tuesday, marked the 20th day of the 30-day deadline NERCO had given lawmakers to initiate credible electoral reform.
According to NERCO representatives, the group had earlier delivered a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas on May 9, 2025, demanding urgent legislative action to overhaul the nation’s electoral system.
The coalition expressed disappointment over the lack of response from either chamber of the National Assembly.
NERCO stated that its advocacy involves Nigerians across faith-based, religious, and civic organizations who are committed to achieving a transparent and credible electoral process ahead of future elections.
The coalition emphasized that its demands are simple but critical to Nigeria’s democratic growth.
First, NERCO called for a credible process of appointing leadership at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The group argued that only reputable and impartial individuals should oversee the commission, to avoid bias in election administration.
Second, NERCO demanded the full digitalization of the voting and result collation system.
The group stressed that accreditation, voting, and result display must be instantaneous and transparent, eliminating manual collation that has historically enabled electoral fraud.
NERCO insisted that these reforms are not “rocket science” and have been successfully implemented in other countries, adding that Nigeria must be ready to lead if necessary.
The coalition warned that failure to meet the 30-day deadline would prompt further actions, which it described as more intense than the current advocacy visit.
The group reaffirmed that its movement is self-funded and not driven by political sponsorship, describing it as a reflection of Nigerians’ collective frustration with flawed electoral processes.
COPDEM, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy, also reacted to the visit, calling NERCO’s push “a timely reminder of Nigeria’s democratic responsibilities.”
COPDEM stated that the National Assembly must see electoral reform as an urgent priority, not a political bargaining tool, and called for immediate dialogue between legislators and civil society groups.
NERCO concluded by reiterating its demand that electoral reforms be passed within 2025, warning that delays would be unacceptable to Nigerians.

(DDM) – Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Union Station in Washington, DC, on Wednesday sparked a heated confrontation with demonstrators opposing the Trump administration’s security policies.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Vance had arrived to host a lunch with National Guard members deployed by President Donald Trump. The troops were stationed across the capital following heightened security concerns. However, his remarks were frequently drowned out by chants from angry protesters.
Witnesses reported that Vance entered a Shake Shack restaurant at Union Station to a mix of applause and loud boos. Some patrons chanted “USA, USA, USA” in support of the vice president, while others responded with cries of “shame” and “we want the military out of our streets.”
The vice president, joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, greeted troops and thanked them for their service. But tensions escalated when protesters, blocked from the second floor where the officials were gathered, intensified their chants and disrupted a press gaggle with Vance.
Speaking to reporters, Vance dismissed the protesters as “crazy” and “communists,” accusing them of misrepresenting the city’s views on public safety. Miller went further, labelling demonstrators as “elderly white hippies” and claiming, without evidence, that they were “not part of the city.”
Vance defended the administration’s stance, recounting a previous visit to the station where he claimed his family encountered “violent vagrants” that left his children frightened. “People want safer streets, and we’re here to ensure that,” he said.
The Trump administration has faced sharp criticism for ordering the deployment of the National Guard and FBI to patrol Washington, DC, and for attempts to assume control of the city’s police department. A Washington Post-Schar School poll shows that roughly eight in ten DC residents oppose these measures, reflecting deep tensions between federal authorities and local voters.
Despite the backlash, Vance insisted he was “highly skeptical that a majority of DC residents don’t want their city to have better public safety and more reasonable safety standards.”
The visit underscored a stark political divide. While some cheered the administration’s commitment to law and order, others saw the presence of troops as a provocative overreach into a city that overwhelmingly voted against Trump.
Outside the Shake Shack, protesters continued to chant as Vance departed, leaving the debate over federal control of DC policing far from resolved.
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