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BoI: Group commends Olusi over Economy Policies delivery
Civil Society Groups for Economic Recovery (CSGER), a coalition of over 76 civil society organizations, has commended the management of the Bank of Industry (BoI), led by Dr. Olasupo Olusi, for driving various sustainable economic initiatives for improved service delivery to Nigerians. .
In a communique issued and signed in Abuja after it’s annual Board meeting and review of economic recovery initiatives of BoI, the National Coordinator, Comrade Matekai Lawrence, applauded Dr. Olusi’s approaches which he described as impactful and revolutionary.
According to Matekai, the BoI has demonstrated high level of patriotism, commitment and statesmanship which we termed as the most creative economic policy of the present administration of President Bola Tinubu since independence as it traversed and touched lives from the North to the South.
“The choice of Olusi by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to steer the economic intervention schemes of the Federal Government through the Bank of Industry was a testament of the Presidency’s firm stand in ensuring a swift change in the economic drive of the nation from the archaic fossilized ideas of the past to a new frontiers with a globally acclaimed influential economic statesman of the twentieth century.
“Nigerian Industrial landscape kept grappling with industrial funding chasm in the midst of years of economic challenges, transparent institutions like the Bank of Industry (BoI) have consistently played a critical role in providing much needed funding and fostering critical development.
“Over the past year, the youthful and vibrantly brilliant Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of BoI, Dr. Olusi has taken up this charge, leveraging on his global expertise and network of super supportive network global friends to create impact an industrial innovative creativity across the Nigerian economy and support a wide range of transformative initiatives. His well deserved appointment placed in his heart a resolve laced with renewed commitment to support Nigerian businesses and industries.
“With a heavy breastplate background in global economics that spans the World Bank Group, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Nigeria’s Ministry of Finance that was also for the first time in the history of Nigeria the Coordinating Ministry of the Economy where he gave an unprecedented performance as an astute adviser and National Coordinator of the famous YouWin and ProjectAct that brought in creativity and innovation to the body polity of Nigeria. Olusi also brings over two decades of global experience as a seasoned economist, development finance expert and policymaker. Under his leadership, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, BoI has focused on six key themes: micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), digital transformation, youth and skills development, gender development, infrastructure and climate and sustainability. This comprehensive approach is reshaping and deepening BoI’s impact on Nigeria’s industrial climate.
“In his first year, Dr. Olusi strategically restructured Bol to enhance impact and align with Nigeria’s development agenda. Under his leadership, in line with international best practice, the bank has streamlined the core directorates—such as Large Enterprise, MSMEs, and Public Sector & Intervention Funds—to focus on key industry segments such as the extractive sector, manufacturing sector, services sector, infrastructure, women, youth, and climate initiatives. He also introduced a Corporate Finance and Risk Management directorate to drive global fund raising and risk efficiency efforts. In addition, specialized units for Non-Interest Banking and Development Effectiveness and Research Teams were created to position the Bank for impact.” Matekai applauded.
The CCGER Coordinator, stressed further that the ₦50 billion capital injection into BOI’s subsidiary, LECON Financial Services has hugely boosted the LECON’s capacity to support high-impact sectors like agro-processing, healthcare, renewable energy, and telecommunications, enabling it to offer equipment leasing as an affordable alternative to direct purchases.
Matekai added that Under the leadership of Olusi, the BoI Investment and Trust Company Limited (BOI-ITC) successfully regained its Trusteeship Operating License from Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) after six years suspension in 2018. This reinstatement allows BOI-ITC to re-enter the trusteeship market and strengthen its position in trusts, consultancy, and governance advisory services. BOI-ITC has facilitated loan applications for over 100 companies, securing more than ₦200 billion in approvals from BOI for MSMEs and large corporations.
He continued, “At a time when accessing capital is increasingly difficult due to global financial constraints and rising inflation, BOI has emerged as a vital player. With interest rates as high as 35 percent in commercial banks, funding is nearly out of reach for manufacturers and other key sectors, Dr. Olusi spearheaded a landmark funder raiser of nearly €2 billion (₦3.4 Trillion) in 2024 from global institutions, an unprecedented achievement in the Bank’s history. This contributed significantly to an increase in the bank’s total assets from N3.9Trillion in December 2023 to N6.38 trillion by end of September 2024, giving Nigerian businesses access to affordable (9-14%), long-term capital and job creation facilitation. BOI is also breaking ground with initiatives to reduce trade barriers, expand market access, and create better conditions for foreign and domestic investment.
“The innovative leadership style of Dr.Olusi at Bol has prioritized support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), forging strategic partnerships to enhance financing and growth opportunities across the sector. Notably, BOI’s collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN) led to a ₦1 billion fund offering single-digit interest loans to nano and micro enterprises, with both organizations contributing ₦500 million each to expand grassroots access to finance. BOI has further strengthened its partnership with the relevant trade associations. This is further evidenced by the signing of MoUs with key private sector organizations—including the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), to deepen real sector financing.
“Additionally, under Olusi’s leadership, the Bank spearheaded as the implementation agency, the Federal Government’s ₦200 billion program supporting 1 million nano enterprises, 75,000 MSMEs, and 140 manufacturing companies, helping to drive job creation nationwide.
“In a significant push for rural development, he launched the RuralArea Program on Investment for Development (RAPID), committing over ₦100 billion to stimulate rural enterprises and aiming to create 300 new enterprises in each of the 36 states of the federation as well as the FCT. Olusi has also brought BOI closer to communities by opening and commissioning new state offices in Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, and others, and signing MoUs with states like Rivers, Katsina, and Akwa Ibom to provide billions of Naira through managed or matching funds.
“Driven by a commitment to even greater development impact, transparency and efficiency, BOI is transforming into a knowledge bank to better support Nigeria’s private sector. Under his leadership, BOI launched PriceSenseNG, an innovative mobile app providing real-time food price data across Nigeria, helping to boost market transparency, guide policy, and combat food insecurity. Complementing this, the bank introduced two publications, the BOI Journal of Development Finance (Technical) and the BOI Journal of Development Review (Non-Technical)—to share insights on MSME development and industrial growth.
“BOI has also secured an international partnership to stimulate international bilateral economic activity. During the 2024 IMF and World Bank Group Spring meetings, BOI signed an MoU with the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) to jointly identify projects that foster economic prosperity in both Nigeria and the U.S. This partnership, which focuses on sectors such as climate, infrastructure, creative arts, technology, and support for women-owned businesses, underscores a shared commitment to fostering sustainable development. EXIM President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis emphasized that the collaboration symbolizes EXIM’s dedication to strengthening U.S-Nigeria relations, while Olusi described it as an exciting step toward driving United States investments in Nigeria.
“Recognizing the growth potential of Nigeria’s digital and creative sectors, BOI is actively investing in these fields through the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) program. This Federal Government-backed initiative, co-funded by international organizations such as the African Development Bank, Agence Française de Développement, and the Islamic Development Bank, will provide training and capacity-building opportunities for Nigerian youth aged 15 to 35. By equipping 175,000 young Nigerians with ICT skills and supporting enterprise development, iDICE aims to create 800,000 jobs and foster entrepreneurship within Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy.
“In alignment with Nigeria’s sustainability agenda, BOI has also launched a climate-focused initiative under Dr. Olusi’s leadership. The bank has been nominated as a Direct Access Entity by the Nigeria Climate Change Commission (NCCC) to access financing for climate projects through the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This designation empowers BOI to spearhead climate initiatives and support sustainable development efforts in Nigeria. In addition, through a partnership with RESWAYE, BOI has committed to planting 1,000 trees across Lagos State, an effort aimed at addressing climate change and promoting environmental conservation.
“This initiative complements BOI’s call for local and international climate funding to support green investments in Nigeria. At the launch of BOI’s “Green Grows Initiative,” Olusi emphasized the severe impact of climate change on the Nigerian economy and the need for collective action to mitigate these risks. BOI’s commitment to operational excellence and corporate governance continues to be recognized with the institution maintaining its A+ rating from the Association of African Development Finance Institutions (AADFI) in 2023. It also holds top-tier ratings: Aaa from Agusto& Co (domestic), Caa1 positive outlook from Moody’s Ratings(foreign), and AAA (nga) ratings from Fitch (foreign), highlighting BOI’s commitment to high standards and transparency. Amid rising capital costs and shifting economic conditions, the bank under Dr. Olusi has shown the role that DFIs can play in navigating development challenges, maximizing their capital for economic impact,and striving toward Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy target.In the past year, BOI has garnered multiple awards reflecting Dr. Olusi’s impactful leadership. These honors include the EMEA Award for “Best Social Development Program in Africa” for the Investment in Digital and Creative Economy (iDICE), the SERAS Award for “Best Company in Financial Inclusion” and “Most Effective MDA/Parastatal in Sustainable Development,” and the Philips Consulting Ltd. Award for “Best Website and Overall Best Digital Presence for a Federal Parastatal.”Olusi’s transformative work at BoI and within Nigeria’s banking sector has earned him multiple honors in 2024, including honorary fellowships from the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), the Nigerian Economic Society, the Chartered Institute of Risk Management (CRMI), and the Chartered Institute of Directors (IoD).
“As BOI steps into its next phase, we believe the institution will continues to innovate in funding, products and policy to foster growth across Nigeria’s industrial sector as well as serve high-impact and underserved sectors. We also have confident that under Olusi’s astute leadership, the bank will not only bridge the funding gap but it will sustain catalyzing inclusive industrial and entrepreneurial development, affirming its position as a pillar of Nigeria’s economic future.” Matekai charged.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Deputy Speaker, Sokoto State House of Assembly, Kabir Ibrahim kware, has commended governor Ahmed Aliyu for executing numerous developmental projects without taking loan from any financial institution.
Ibrahim Kware whp gave the commendation when he led other members of the State Assembly on Sallah homage to governor Aliyu, added that, the governor is very prudent in managing resources to achieve results.
“There was never a time you approached us with a request for permission to borrow money from any financial institutions whether at home or abroad,”he affirmed.
This , according to him, is worthy of commendation considering the myriad people- oriented projects the governor is executing across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the State’s Judiciary, Sokoto State Chief Judge, Justice Muhammad Sa’idu Sifawa, commended the governor for the construction of additional Court rooms at the State High Court.
Justice Sifawa also expressed delight over the way and manner the governor responds to issues affecting the Judiciary, which he said, is a clear testimony of the good working relationship existing between the three arms of government in the state.
Responding to the commendations, governor Ahmed Aliyu appealed for more synergy among the three tiers of government in the overall development of the state.
A statement by Abubakar Bawa, the Press Secretary to governor Alhmed Aliyu reaffirmed his principal’s unwavering commitment of the executive arm to providing the direly needed dividends of democracy to the people of the state,in line with his campaign promises.
The governor also urged lawmakers to present all the needs of their constituencies for prompt and diligent implementation.
“”I want to assure you that my doors are always open for you at any given time, to listen to the demands of your people.”
He reminded them on the need to put politics aside and work together with the executive arm for the progress and even development of the people they represent.
Turning to the members of the State Judiciary, the governor appealed to Judges and Khadis to ensure the quick dispensation of justice, so as to decongest the correctional centres.
“It is worrisome to see how inmates are languishing in correctional centres for minor offences in the name of awaiting trial.
“We recently appointed seven additional Judges and 7 Khadis, which is the first in the history of Sokoto State.
“The idea is to enhance the manpower in our Judiciary so as to speed up the dispensation of justice,” he added.
The governor further assured the members of the Judiciary of his administration’s readiness to ensure their welfare at all times.
BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Muahammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111 has commended the developmental strides of Sokoto state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, just as he assured of the support of traditional institutions in the state.
Sultan who admonished other governor’s to also borrow a leaf from governor Ahmed Aliyu who ensures that resident communities enjoys equal benefit from everybody, added that, Nigerians should project what unites us moe than that which divides us.
“In Sokoto, we appreciate what the Governor is doing and we’d like to assure him of the support of the traditional institution so that he can continue the good work he’s doing of transforming our State.
“The Governor and our security agencies are doing their best and this has made the state to record tremendous improvement in the fight against banditry,” the Sultan averred.
While adding that governor Ahmed Aliyu deserves special commendation for the massive distribution of food items during the just-concluded Ramadan fast, Sultan urged Nigerians to always be law-abiding and desist from any act that may jeopardise the long lasting peace the country is enjoying.
Registering his displeasure over how the social media is been used negatively to promote and sow seed o discord, the Sultan said, some unpatriotic citizens use social media to spread falsehood, misinformation and provocative statements that can destroy the peaceful atmosphere the country is enjoying.
He, therefore, called on the security agencies in the country to be watchful of the unpatriotic citizens trying to create chaos in the land.
Speaking during his
Sallah homage on governor Ahmed Aliyu at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Lodge, Sokoto, Sultan
said, “”In Sokoto all Nigerians are treated as indigenes, an act that gives Nigerians residing in the State a sense of belonging.
Sultan equally stressed the need for for state governors to give much emphasis in protecting the lives and property of their subjects, describing security as the basis upon which all societies could progress.
Responding, governor Ahmed Aliyu reassured his administration’s determination to do everything humanly possible to make the state safe and secured.
He blamed unemployment especially among the youths as responsible for the insecurity being recorded in many parts of the country.
According to Aliyu, many youths have joined informants’ groups so as to be getting stipends to make ends meet.
“This administration has so far trained and graduated thousands of youths and women in different trades so as to make them productive members in the society.
” I want to assure you that we would soon embark on another massive skills acquisition programme to engage more unemployed youths in our modest attempt to reduce restiveness among our youths,” he vowed
Gov. Aliyu further reassured the people of the state that his administration would continue to prioritize Islamic affairs, adding that more Mosques and Islamiyya schools would continue to receive the desired attention from the state government.
He thanked the people of the state for their fervent prayers and support to his administration and called for it’s sustainance.
Sterling Bank has made a groundbreaking move by eliminating transfer charges on local transactions, aiming to create a more equitable banking experience for Nigerians. The question now arises: will other financial institutions follow this lead?
On April 1, Sterling Bank announced the removal of transfer fees for all local digital transactions, positioning itself as the first major bank in Nigeria to implement such a policy. Initially, the announcement faced skepticism, with many believing it to be an April Fools’ Day joke. However, Sterling has since reaffirmed the policy’s legitimacy and immediate implementation, signaling a significant evolution in the industry’s customer service approach.
Obinna Ukachukwu, the Growth Executive overseeing the Consumer and Business Banking Directorate, stated, “We believe that accessing your own funds should not incur a penalty. This decision transcends financial implications; it reflects our core values.”
With this new policy, Sterling customers can now make free transfers for all local transactions via the bank’s mobile app. This initiative is anticipated to yield considerable savings for individuals and small business owners who frequently engage in transfers.
“We may not be the largest bank in Nigeria, but we are certainly the most audacious,” Ukachukwu declared. “Sterling Bank is committed to the future of Nigeria, and we are backing our fellow citizens with more than just words.”
Sterling Bank has a history of prioritizing customer welfare, having previously offered financial assistance to healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This latest initiative has garnered widespread public support, igniting conversations on social media and prompting calls for other banks to adopt similar practices.
“We take pride in leading this transformative change,” Ukachukwu concluded. “We hope to inspire others to rethink what customers truly require from their banks, not only in terms of services but also in values.”