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Banks To Obtain Customers’ Social Media Handles For Identification – CBN

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CBN Headquarters Abuja
CBN Headquarters Abuja
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Financial institutions have been directed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to obtain the social media handles of customers for the purpose of identification.

It also asked financial institutions to obtain e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, and residential addresses, among other things, from customers.

This is contained in the new CBN customer due diligence regulations aimed at further strengthening the identification process in the banking system.

The apex bank published the ‘Central Bank of Nigeria (Customer Due Diligence) Regulations, 2023’ document on its website on Friday.

According to the CBN, the new regulation was designed to provide additional customer due diligence measures for financial institutions under its regulatory purview.

The objective of the regulations the apex bank noted includes, “To provide additional customer due diligence measures for financial institutions under the regulatory purview of the Central Bank of Nigeria to further their compliance with relevant provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (MLPPA), 2022, Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act (TPPA), 2022, Central Bank of Nigeria (Anti-Money Laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Countering Proliferation Financing of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Financial Institutions) Regulations, 2022 (CBN AML, CFT and CPF Regulations) and international best practices.

“And enable the CBN to enforce compliance with customer due diligence measures in line with the CBN AML, CFT and CPF Regulations.”

The apex bank, under its customer identification column, said financial institutions must identify their customers (whether permanent or occasional, and whether natural or legal persons or legal arrangements) and obtain the following information:

“For Individuals — legal name and any other names used (such as maiden name), permanent address (full physical address), residential address (where the customer can be located), telephone number, e-mail address, and social media handle; date and place of birth, Bank Verification number; Tax Identification number; nationality; occupation; public position held; and name of employer.”

It also noted that an individual must have “an official personal identification number or other unique identifier contained in an unexpired document issued by a government agency that bears the name, photograph, and signature of the customer, such as a passport, national identification card, residence permit, social security records, or drivers’ license.”

Part of the requirement includes “Type of account and nature of the banking relationship, and signature, and politically exposed person status.

The regulator also maintained that financial institutions shall not establish or keep anonymous accounts, numbered accounts, or accounts in fictitious names.

These regulations shall apply to all financial institutions under the purview of the CBN, as noted in the document.

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Business & Economy

Dangote Refinery Overtakes US Again as Europe’s Biggest Jet Fuel Supplier

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery has retained its position as Europe’s largest supplier of jet fuel for the second consecutive month, overtaking the United States and further strengthening Nigeria’s presence in the global energy market.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the refinery said the achievement highlights its growing influence in international refined petroleum trade and its ability to consistently meet the stringent quality standards required by one of the world’s most demanding aviation fuel markets.

According to the refinery, the latest European import data compiled by global commodities intelligence firm Kpler showed that more than 400,000 tonnes of jet fuel produced at the Dangote Refinery were delivered to Europe in July. This accounted for approximately 20 per cent of the continent’s total jet fuel imports during the month.

The July performance follows an even stronger showing in June, when the refinery exported a record 466,000 tonnes of jet fuel to Europe, marking the first time Nigeria displaced the United States as Europe’s leading supplier of imported aviation fuel.

Dangote Refinery noted that Europe imported about 2.06 million tonnes of jet fuel in July, with the Nigerian refinery accounting for the single largest share of those imports, ahead of traditional suppliers from the United States, the Middle East and Asia.

The company attributed its growing success to its strategic location on Nigeria’s Atlantic coast, large refining capacity, modern technology and efficient export infrastructure, which have enabled it to become a reliable supplier to international markets.

The refinery also disclosed that its export momentum has been supported by increased production.

According to the statement, jet fuel loadings at the Dangote export terminal in Lekki reached a record 550,000 tonnes in June, while crude oil deliveries to the refinery climbed to an all-time high of 660,000 barrels per day, providing the capacity needed to sustain rising exports of refined petroleum products.

Dangote Refinery further explained that changing global energy supply patterns have also contributed to its growing market share.

Although Europe continued to receive some jet fuel supplies from Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Oman in July, disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz and evolving geopolitical developments encouraged many buyers to diversify their sources of supply.

The refinery said these developments created an opportunity for Nigeria to strengthen its position as a dependable supplier of premium aviation fuel to Europe.

Commenting on the milestone, the Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, David Bird, said the company has continued to expand exports beyond aviation fuel to include diesel, petrol and other refined petroleum products across Europe, Africa and other international markets.

He said the refinery’s growing export footprint is reinforcing Nigeria’s emergence as a net exporter of high-value refined petroleum products while boosting the country’s role in global energy trade.

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Business & Economy

Zenith Bank Confirms Cyberattack, Says Limited Customer Data Exposed

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Zenith Bank has confirmed that it suffered a cyberattack that resulted in the exposure of limited customer information.

In a message sent to customers on Tuesday, the bank said the attack was part of a wider global cyber campaign targeting organisations across different sectors.

According to the bank, the compromised information includes some customers’ email addresses and phone numbers. However, it assured customers that its banking services and digital platforms were not affected and remain secure.

Zenith Bank said it immediately activated its cybersecurity response measures after detecting the breach and has launched an investigation into the incident.

The bank also advised customers to be alert for phishing emails, text messages and phone calls, warning them never to share their passwords, PINs, One-Time Passwords (OTPs) or other security credentials with anyone.

Zenith Bank reaffirmed its commitment to protecting customers’ information and said efforts are ongoing to determine the full extent of the cyberattack.

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Business & Economy

2 FGN Savings Bonds Up For Subscription at N1,000 Per Unit

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The Federal Government, through the Debt Management Office (DMO), has announced an offer of two FGN bonds for subscription at N1,000 per unit.

The DMO stated that the first offer is two-year FGN Savings Bond due Aug. 12, 2028 at interest rate of 13.96 per cent per annum.

The second offer is a three-year FGN Savings Bond due in Aug. 12, 2029 at interest rate of 14.96 per cent per annum.

It said that the opening date for the offer is Monday August 3rd, 2026 (today), while closing date is Aug. 7, settlement date is Aug. 12, while coupon payment dates are Nov. 12, Feb. 12, May 12 and Aug.12.

“Subscription is N1,000 per unit subject to a minimum subscription of N5,000 and in multiples of N1,000 thereafter, subject to a maximum subscription of N50 million.

“Interest is payable quarterly, and bullet repayment is on the maturity date, ” the DMO said.

The DMO added that the FGN savings bonds, like all other Federal Government securities, were backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government and charged upon the general assets of Nigeria.

”They qualify as securities in which trustees can invest under the Trustee Investment Act.

”They qualify as government securities within the meaning of the Company Income Tax Act and Personal Income Tax Act for exemption for pension funds, among other investors.

”They are listed on the Nigerian Exchange Ltd., and they qualify as liquid assets for liquidity ratio calculation for banks,” it said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FGN Savings Bond is a retail debt instrument issued by the DMO on behalf of the Federal Government.

It is specifically designed to enable retail investors and average earners to participate in government debt securities with lower capital requirements than standard FGN bonds.

Subscription to FGN savings bonds means one is lending money to the federal government, which agrees to pay interest (coupon) at regular intervals and to repay the principal when the bond matures

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