Nigeria Leads Africa as NIP Attains Top Payment Maturity Rating

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November 18, 2025
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Nume Ekeghe

Nigeria has reaffirmed its leadership in Africa’s fast-evolving digital payments landscape as the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc (NIBSS) Instant Payment (NIP) platform was named the continent’s first system to reach the ‘Mature’ tier on AfricaNenda’s IPS Inclusivity Spectrum.

The recognition announced at the State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems (SIIPS) Africa 2025 Report Launch in Ezulwini, Eswatini positions Nigeria as the highest-ranked market on the continent for inclusive, secure and interoperable real-time payments.

The three-day conference convened about 200 delegates, including central-bank governors, global IPS operators, fintech executives, regulators and media leaders, who examined policy tools and technological innovations shaping Africa’s digital public infrastructure. Discussions were anchored around inclusive IPS design, system resilience, participation by non-bank institutions, and the strategic transition from access to measurable socio-economic impact.

AfricaNenda’s award was based on its three-tiered evaluation framework, Basic, Progressed and Mature applied across functionality, governance and user-centric criteria. Nigeria’s NIP scored strongly for its high level of participation by banks, fintechs and non-bank operators; robust consumer-protection and dispute-resolution processes; always-on digital access; simplified onboarding for low-income users; and a resilient technology backbone capable of delivering consistently high throughput and real-time settlement.

In a statement, Managing Director/CEO of NIBSS, Premier Oiwoh, said: “The award recognises not only a system, but a vision of inclusive growth,” said “It reflects our ongoing commitment to deliver payments infrastructure that is faster, affordable, safer, interoperable and accessible to all Nigerians; and indeed to partner with the continent as we define the future of payments in Africa.”

Fourteen years after its debut, NIP has not only reshaped Nigeria’s payment rails but also earned global distinction as the first instant-payment architecture of its kind providing a reference point for markets seeking modernisation, interoperability and efficiency at scale. Building on this foundation, NIBSS has developed the National Payment Stack (NPS), Africa’s first ISO 20022-compliant national infrastructure designed to deliver richer data exchange, enhanced security protocols, intelligent routing, instant settlement and multi-rail capabilities. The NPS is expected to gradually replace the current NIP platform, ushering in the next era of faster, smarter and more inclusive digital payments.

NIBSS also acknowledged the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) for its strategic direction and regulatory oversight, which it said continue to strengthen the institution’s governance framework, drive innovation and reinforce the broader financial-services ecosystem. The CBN’s stewardship, the agency noted, has been pivotal in embedding operational excellence, deepening financial inclusion and ensuring that Nigeria’s payment systems meet global standards.

Crucially, AfricaNenda’s recognition aligns with benchmarks used by the World Bank, IMF and the BIS, underscoring the extent to which Nigeria’s real-time payments infrastructure is now seen as globally competitive. For the banks, fintechs, payment service providers and other institutions operating on the NIP network, the milestone is viewed as a shared achievement—reflecting years of investment in interoperability, trust, innovation and seamless customer experience.

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Osun 2026: APC Stakeholders Call for Disqualification of Omisore

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Stakeholders and some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC),have called for the disqualification of Senator Christopher Iyiola Omisore, a governorship aspirant of the party, for the 2026 gubernatorial election.

In a petition sighted by our correspondent, which was dated Saturday, 14th November, 2025 and addressed to the Osun APC Igbimo Agba (Elders’ Council), APC Osogbo, Osun signed by five individuals requesting a thorough investigation into serious allegations, controversies and unresolved questions surrounding the political and administrative conduct of Otunba Iyiola Omisore, particularly in view of his current governorship nomination within the party.

The five individuals are: Alex Eluwole (Ife Central), Victor Ade Siyanbola (Ife Area Office Modakeke), Cornelius Ogundiran ( Obokun), Chief George Adelaja (Oriade), Hon. Tiamiyu Ololade (Odo Otin) and Dr Mudasiru Oriola (Ejigbo).

The petition is titled, “Petition for a full investigation into the Eligibility, Conduct and recent history of Otunba Iyiola Omisore in relation to the APC Governorship nomination.”

The petition reads:” We the undersigned stakeholders and committed members of APC, respectfully submit this petition requesting a thorough investigation into serious allegations, controversies and unresolved questions surrounding the political and administrative conduct of Otunba Iyiola Omisore, particularly in view of his current governorship nomination within the party.

“This petition is motivated by our commitment to protecting the integrity of the APC, upholding transparency, strengthening public trust and ensuring that our party does not field any candidate whose background, administrative history or unresolved allegations could compromise electoral victory or national credibility.”

“Upon the assumption of office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Otunba Iyiola Omisore suddenly resigned his position as National Secretary of the APC. This resignation has continued to generate serious concerns, rumours and unresolved questions within the party nationwide.”

The petition claimed that “he was allegedly directed to resign due to accusations of receiving a $5 million bribe from a presidential aspirant in the 2022 primary election, allegedly to work against the interest of the then APC leader and now President of Nigeria.”

“He was allegedly pressured to resign as a result of accusations of mismanaging or failing to account for party funds reported to be approximately N32 billion.”

They noted:”These rumours have not been addressed transparently by any official APC organ. Silence has only deepened concerns.”

“Therefore, we respectfully request that the Igbimo Agba conduct a formal inquiry into, Whether his resignation was voluntary or coerced. Whether the alleged financial mismanagement was investigated, whether any disciplinary report exists; whether these matters affect his eligibility for governorship nomination.”

They also noted that “given the weight of unresolved allegations, rumours and published claims from highly credible figures, we respectfully urge the Igbimo Agba to suspend the governorship nomination of Otunba Iyiola Omisore pending full investigation. Set up a Special Ethics and Compliance Committee to handle the inquiry. ensure a fair hearing for all parties.This action will safeguard the integrity of the party and prevent avoidable electoral risk in Osun State.”

However, in his reactions the spoke person of Senator, Iyiola Omisore, Jamiu Olawumi, stressed that “The desperation being exhibited by the Bola Oyebamiji group is embarrassing and it confirms that the organisation is not structured in line with the standard campaign syllabus in modern democratic struggles. “

He remarked that the petition failed all corporate governance criteria, saying

in election petitions, petitioners must sign and in this instance they should put their polling units, party membership number and their wards.

According to him, “They are under pressure of Otunba Iyiola Omisore’s popularity, influence, wide acceptability which his consultations across the 20 local governments so far visited have revealed.”

“They will not hesitate to slow down the primary election process because of their impending failure.

The Igbimo Agba of APC is not a court of law.”

Meanwhile, one of the aspirant’s media units, said the Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) Media Fronts has disassociated the AMBO Movement and its principal, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), from a publication currently circulating and purportedly seeking the disqualification of Senator Christopher Iyiola Omisore.

According to them, “First, there is nothing like an “AMBO Campaign Organisation,” as stated in the publication. It is properly referred to as the AMBO Movement, since the APC primary has not yet been conducted and no candidate has emerged. Only after the party selects its flag bearer, in line with INEC guidelines, will a campaign organisation be constituted.”

“The publication, no doubt, is the handiwork of the fifth columnist aimed at causing division and bad blood within the Osun APC, and weakening our collective resolve to end the lacklustre administration currently mismanaging the state.”

“Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji holds profound respect for Otunba Omisore, just as he does for all other aspirants in the All Progressives Congress. In the APC, we are one big family bound by mutual respect and shared purpose. Otunba Omisore is an experienced politician, eminently qualified to become the Governor of Osun State.”

“We state once again that AMBO is a peace-loving personality, devoid of desperation for power, and would never descend into divisive tactics or smear campaigns that undermine the integrity of fellow aspirants. His widely acknowledged issue-based campaign remains focused on advancing the progress and prosperity of Osun State.”

“We call on the public, especially the teeming supporters of our great party, to disregard the accusation against the AMBO Movement.”

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Stakeholders and some members of the All Progressives Congress (APC),have called for the disqualification of Senator Christopher Iyiola Omisore, a governorship aspirant of the party, for the 2026 gubernatorial

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Genocide: Cleric Urges Restraint, Ashimolowo Raises Questions

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan and Ayodeji Ake

A cleric, Prophet Moses Aladeolu has called on Christians in Nigeria and across the world to exercise restraint and leave vengeance to God in the face of alleged persecution and mass killings of Christians in the country.

Aladeolu, who is the Founder of the Christ Apostolic Church, Ori Oke Aanu, Ojoo, Ibadan, while speaking against the backdrop of alleged Christian genocide in the country, described the claim as “a sad reflection of the spiritual and moral decay of humanity,” warning that such situations, if true, represents an existential threat to Christianity and peace in Nigeria.

The cleric, who also serves as the Patron of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ojo Branch, appealed for restraint, stressing that vengeance belongs to God alone.

He said: “As Christians, we must remember that vengeance is not ours. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”

“We are called to respond with prayer, not violence.”

He noted that the response of Christians to persecution should always be guided by faith and forgiveness, not anger or retaliation.

According to him, while the reports of targeted attacks on Christians are painful, believers must hold firmly to the teachings of Christ, who instructed them to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute then.

“We cannot fight spiritual battles with carnal weapons. Our weapon is prayer, our strength is unity, and our hope is in God,” he said.

The prophet also called on President Bola Tinubu to engage with the government of the United States diplomatically, particularly to clarify and address claims by President Donald Trump.

“The President should prevail on President Trump to substantiate his claims or desist from making statements that could inflame religious tensions in Nigeria. We need peace, not fear or suspicion among our people.

“God will defend His people in His own time. Our duty is to remain steadfast, prayerful, and faithful. Let us leave vengeance to Him, for His justice never fails”, he said.

Aladeolu, however, urged the Nigerian government to protect all citizens irrespective of their faith, maintaining that justice and equity are key to ensuring national stability.

Meanwhile, the Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), Matthew Ashimolowo, has raised questions of concern over the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria by the United States of America.

Addressing journalists at a press conference held in Lagos yesterday, Ashimolow noted that although he is not in a position to speak on behalf of the Nigerian churches, he raised some rhetorical questions.

According to him, “The dictionary defines genocide as the deliberate and systematic killing or persecution of a large number of people from a particular national or ethnic group to destroy that nation or group of people. And with that definition, I’m going to turn my answers into a question.

“Firstly, I’d like to say that whatever issue is in Nigeria, because it was not dealt with, it became a snake with five heads, or more heads. And so when you are looking at each case, you need to know which head you are dealing with. Banditry, terrorism, herdsmen carrying guns and invading people’s farms, chasing them out, is another head. Kidnapping is a head. And there are many more heads. And then deliberately chasing people away from their land and immediately putting another tribe there is a head too.

“270 girls were kidnapped. They were all Christians. The people who carried them committed five crimes: molestation and raped of these girls; if you carry a person against their will across borders, it’s trafficking. I thought we had human trafficking laws; you force these people to change religion, and you force them into marriage.

“In the case of Boko Haram, who abducted these girls, it is rumored that some of them have repented and been brought into the army. How can a man who killed and committed all these crimes now qualify to be a defender of the nation? It is rumored that some of them are in the air force. How can a man like that defend the Federal Republic of Nigeria? But if we say there is no genocide, answer my questions. If, as my mother used to say, a child keeps throwing stones, and the stones do not end, there is a supplier.”

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan and Ayodeji Ake A cleric, Prophet Moses Aladeolu has called on Christians in Nigeria and across the world to exercise restraint and leave vengeance to God in the