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FG financial inclusion policy facilitated by NIPOST, Fidelity bank partnership-Postmaster-General

Published

7 years ago

June 13, 2019

Mr Bisi Adegbuyi, Postmaster-General, Nigerian Postal Services (NIPOST) says Federal Government’s financial inclusion policy is facilitated the agency’s partnership with Fidelity bank to transfer funds between citizens for mutual benefits.

Adegbuyi said this at the Launch of Integrated Agency Banking and Treasury Single Account (TSA) Collections in Collaboration with Fidelity Bank on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, the growth of e-commerce has forced many postal administrations to explore ways of expanding their frontiers through collaboration with relevant stakeholders to meet the emerging challenges.

He said the launching of the agency banking was part of the efforts to extend financial services at affordable costs to sections of disadvantaged and low income segments of the society.

“The integrated agency banking services incorporate the collections of TSA on a single platform.

“With this development, customers can also get banking services in the post offices nationwide and can deposit and withdraw money, including payment of bills for utility services in post offices.

“The partnership also avails Fidelity bank the opportunity to expand its network using the over 1800 post office facilities nationwide to take banking closer to the people.

“In line with the Federal Government financial inclusion policy to provide financial services the under-banked and unbanked populace, who work in the informal sector of the economy without or less access to financial services,’’ Adegbuyi said.

He added that the model also supported the United Nation’s goal of providing access at a reasonable cost for all households to full range of financial services.

Adegbuyi stressing the need for the partnership said over 20million adults of the total population get their main source of income from subsistence and commercial farming.

“ Over 47 per cent of Nigerian farmers do not have access to financial services because they are mostly based in rural areas and of the 1800 post offices 70 per cent are in the rural areas”.

Adegbuyi said concerning the benefits of the launch that Fidelity bank now would have its Point- of -Sale (POS) used in NIPOST facilities throughout the country.

“The project has the potential to increase the revenue base of both organisations and enhance the saving culture of the rural dwellers as well as help in mopping excess cash from rural areas.’’

Mr Muhammed Balarabe, the Deputy Managing Director, Fidelity bank on his part, said the bank would start the project with 266 of branches across the country.

“Fidelity will collaborate with NIPOST to deliver quality banking so that those individuals who do not have access to banking services before will begin to do so.

“So what we are encouraging everyone is to go and try us out and we assure you that you will not be disappointed.’’

Mr Stephen Ambore, Head, Digital Financial Services, Financial Inclusion Secretariat, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said over 36.6 million Nigerians were not financially included.

According to him the CBN was committed to ensuring that over 80 per cent of this population was included in all financial services by 2020.

He said that the CBN would encourage collaborations by all to make innovative products available to the citizenry.

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Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

15 hours ago

October 1, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

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