Business
UBA Secures N5bn BoI MSME fund for disbursement to key sectors
The facility provides a maximum loan amount of N5 million per obligor, with a three-month moratorium on principal repayments, ensuring businesses have ample time to stabilise before they begin to service the loans.
•GMD/CEO UBA), Oliver Alawuba.
United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has secured a N5 billion loan facility from the Bank of Industry (BOI), to boost key sectors of the economy and support the growth of sustainable and viable businesses in the country, especially the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) owned by women.
The facility disbursed through the Federal Government’s MSME Fund, is designed to stimulate key sectors of the economy, while offering affordable financing to support businesses, with a primary focus on Green Energy, Education, Healthcare, and Women-Owned Enterprises.
UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba, who spoke about the facility emphasised the bank’s commitment to fostering economic growth by empowering MSMEs, which he described as the “livewire of any developing economy.
He said, “At UBA, we recognize the pivotal role MSMEs play in driving economic development, and how they make up a sizeable portion of what drives our economic growth.
It is in this vein that we have decided not to rest on our oars by facilitating initiatives dedicated to empowering businesses with the financial support they need to thrive.”
Alawuba maintained that, “by offering loans at a competitive 9% interest rate with a three-year tenor, we are removing the traditional barriers that hinder SME growth in Nigeria and Africa. And by this, our message to business owners is simple: Don’t let this once-in-a lifetime-opportunity elude you.
”The facility provides a maximum loan amount of N5 million per obligor, with a three-month moratorium on principal repayments, ensuring businesses have ample time to stabilise before they begin to service the loans.
Business
Exchange Rates Today Friday, 12 June
Black Market Rates
US Dollar (USD) ₦1,397
Great British Pound (GBP) ₦1,850
Official CBN Exchange Rates
US Dollar (USD) ₦1,363. 83
Great British Pound (GBP) ₦1,821. 25
EURO (EUR) ₦1,572. 90
SWISS FRANC (CHF) ₦1,706. 49
JAPANESE YEN (JPN) ₦8.50
CHINESE YUAN (CNY) ₦201.20
West African CFA (XOF) ₦2.40
West African Unit Account (WAUA) ₦1,857. 45
SAUDI RIYAL (SAR) ₦363. 29
SOUTH AFRICAN RAND (ZAR) ₦82.61
Black Market Rates
US Dollar (USD) Buy ₦1,397 Sell ₦1,405
Great British Pound (GBP) Buy ₦1,850 Sell: ₦1,870
EURO (EUR) Buy ₦1,587 Sell ₦1, 607
Canadian Dollar (CAD) Buy ₦1,030 Sell ₦1,100
South African Rand (ZAR) Buy ₦75 Sell ₦90
UAE Dirham Buy ₦350 Sell ₦370
Chinese Yuan Buy ₦180 Sell ₦200
Ghana Cedi (GHS) Buy ₦95 Sell ₦110
West African CFA Buy ₦2, 380 Sell ₦2, 460
Central African CFA Buy ₦2, 220 Sell 2,300
Australian Dollar Buy ₦800 Sell ₦900
Business
Airtel launches data calculator to counter depletion complaints
Commenting on the significance of the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said that the company remains focused on building a network and customer experience ecosystem anchored on trust, transparency and continuous improvement.
Airtel Nigeria has launched the Airtel Web Data Calculator, a new digital tool designed to help customers estimate and better understand their internet data consumption based on real-life usage patterns.
Available through Airtel’s website, the calculator enables customers to estimate data usage across common digital activities such as video streaming, social media engagement, voice and video calls, and everyday web browsing.
Speaking on the launch, Oladokun Oye, Customer Experience Director, Airtel Nigeria, said that the initiative reflects Airtel’s commitment to customer empowerment and service transparency.
“As Nigerians become increasingly dependent on digital services for work, education, entertainment and communication, it is important that customers have clear visibility into how their data is consumed.
The Airtel Web Data Calculator was developed to help our customers understand their usage patterns better, make informed choices, and enjoy greater confidence in their digital experience,” he said.
Commenting on the significance of the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, said the company remains focused on building a network and customer experience ecosystem anchored on trust, transparency and continuous improvement.
“The future of telecommunications will be defined not only by network investments but also by how effectively operators help customers understand and manage their digital lives. The Airtel Web Data Calculator represents a practical innovation that places more information and control directly in the hands of our customers.” He said.
Business
Kingsley Moghalu chairs Bluecode Africa subsidiary in Nigeria
Moghalu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, heading the Financial System Stability and Operations Directorates at different periods.
Bluecode Africa, the European payments infrastructure operator backed by leading US and European institutional investors, has named Prof Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu as Chairman of the Advisory Board of its Nigerian subsidiary, Bluecode Payments Nigeria Limited as the company formally enters the Nigerian market.
The appointment was jointly announced by Chris Pirkner, Founder of Bluecode, and Odin Krismayr, Managing Director of Bluecode Africa, who described it as a foundational governance decision for the company’s Nigerian and continental operations.
Moghalu served as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria from 2009 to 2014, heading the Financial System Stability and Operations Directorates at different periods.
He led the team that introduced the unique-identifier Bank Verification Number (BVN), enrolling 50 million banking users, simplifying Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, and doubled Nigeria’s financial inclusion rate from 33 to 60 per cent.
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