Business

FCCPC denies a hand in the reported airtime credit overhaul

Published

4 months ago

June 8, 2026

Preport

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has denied reports that it secured presidential approval to restructure Nigeria’s airtime credit market and allow new operators to join the sector.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Ondaje Ijagwu, the commission’s spokesperson, disclosed that the agency played no part in the development as alleged.

“The commission wishes to state clearly that it is not aware of, and was not involved in the claims attributed to it in the report.”

FCCP’s reaction comes on the heels of claims that President Bola Tinubu has given the go-ahead to plans to open the market to nine Nigerian fintech firms as part of the administration’s Nigeria First policy.

The reports said the push would expand participation in a sector largely dominated by telecommunications operators and their partners, and could play a big role in reducing capital flight.

The reports also estimated that the market is worth about ₦3 trillion annually.
The FCCPC, however, did not comment on the estimated market size or the companies mentioned in the reports.

The commission also reiterated that the implementation of the DEON Consumer Lending Regulations 2025 remains suspended.

According to the FCCPC, the suspension followed an interim injunction granted by the Federal High Court in Lagos on 15 April in a suit filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPAN).

Mr Ijagwu said the commission remains bound by the court order pending the determination of the suit.

“As a law-abiding public institution, FCCPC remains bound by the court order to suspend enforcement of the regulation pending the determination of the substantive case by the court, which has been fixed for July 20, 2026, for further hearing,” he said.

He emphasised that the commission would steadfastly follow all lawful procedures related to the matter while fully complying with the court’s directives.

Related Topics:airtime credit denies FCCPC hand overhaul reported

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Business

General Business to Drive 72% of Mutual Benefits Assurance’s Projected ₦96.82bn GWP

Published

7 hours ago

September 23, 2026

Preport

BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—Nigeria’s lead underwriter, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc has protected a Gross Written Premium of ₦96.82 billion for the twelve months ending 31 December 2026.

According to notice released on the exchange, for dealing members and investors, the company’s insurance revenue, is projected to stand at ₦89.42 billion.

The company’s general business is expected to generate 72% of the projected GWP, while the Life arm of the group will account for j28%.

Investment income would largely be driven by returns on its financial assets, with non-cash items such as depreciation of non-current assets, amortisation of intangible assets, and net fair value gains or losses on financial assets factored into its profit or loss and other comprehensive income statement.

On the profitability side, Mutual Benefits projects gross premium written of ₦96.82 billion and insurance revenue of ₦89.42 billion, against an insurance service expense of ₦81.56 billion. Net income from reinsurance contracts held is estimated at ₦802.64 million, bringing the insurance service result to ₦8.66 billion.

Net investment income is expected to stand at ₦13.16 billion, while net insurance finance expenses are projected at ₦1.99 billion, resulting in net insurance and investment results of ₦19.84 billion. With other income of ₦237.03 million and total non-attributable expenses of ₦2.76 billion, the company expects a profit before income tax of ₦17.31 billion.

After an income tax expense of ₦1.90 billion, Mutual Benefits projects a full-year profit of ₦15.41 billion for the period under review.

The post General Business to Drive 72% of Mutual Benefits Assurance’s Projected ₦96.82bn GWP appeared first on Business Today NG.

Business

Court set to hear suit on turf battle between ICAN, forensic fraud investigators institute

Published

15 hours ago

September 22, 2026

Preport

Federal high court abuja e1694386328728.jpg.webp

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday fixed Nov. 24 for hearing in a suit filed by the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) against the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

CIFCFIN is challenging the power of ICAN to train and issue qualifying certificates to forensic professionals.

The matter, which is before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, was initially scheduled for mention on Tuesday but the case was adjourned to enable parties appear properly before the court.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CIFCFIN, through its counsel, Shaibu Aruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), sued ICAN as the sole defendant in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1559/2026.

CIFCFIN argued that ICAN cannot offer a “Certification Programme culminating in the award of Certified Forensic Accountant of Nigeria (CFAN).”

It submitted that this was in line with the combined interpretation of Sections 2(a) – (i),3(1)(a) and 4(a) – (c), 6(2), 12(2), 13, (1) () and (g), 17(1l) (a) and (b) and 22 of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 45, 2022,

Mohammed Arafat, the Head of Legal and Corporate Services of CIFCFIN, maintained in a supporting affidavit that ICAN’s invitation to applicants for a seven-day professional certification programme culminating in the award of Certified Forensic Accountant of Nigeria (CFAN), is outside its mandate and could confuse the general public.

The plaintiff alleged that ICAN had invited applicants in the fields of knowledge of chartered accountants, compliance managers, bankers, investment analysts, auditors, and anti-corruption agencies staff and other institutions to register for the programme.

CIFCFIN, therefore, prayed the court for an order setting aside and nullifying the award of the qualification or the CFAN certificate, or any other qualification or certificate in the field and practice of forensics in Nigeria by ICAN.

It urged the court to make an order for the defendant to withdraw, retract or cease any publication, gazette notice, or public representation asserting that it has power to certify or license.

CIFCFIN also sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining ICAN, its council, etc, from issuing, advertising or recognising CFAN qualification, designation, licence or certification or any title or award identical or similar to those created under the provisions of its Act.

It further sought a declaration that “by the combined provisions of Sections 2(a) -(i), 3(1)(a) and 4(a)- (c), 6(2), 12(2), 13, (1)(0) and (g), 17(1)(a) and (b) and 22 of the Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (Establishment) Act No. 45. 2022, the defendant cannot offer ‘Certification Programme’ culminating in the award of CFAN.”

(NAN)