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In what can be categorized as a really great moment, foremost financial institution, Guaranty Trust Bank plc, has reaffirmed its position as Nigeria’s leading financial institution on e-payments with its emergence as a multiple award winner during the 2017 Electronic Payment Incentive Scheme (EPIS) awards organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

With six awards, GTBanktook home half of the dozen honours won by Banks and had the highest number of the total awards presented to thefinancial institutions, Fin-techs, merchants and other stakeholders in the Electronic Payment Incentive Scheme.

The EPIS Efficiency awards was established to reward and celebrate financial institutions, merchants and other stakeholders at the forefront of driving electronic payment in Nigeria.

Among the awards won by GTBank are the Best Customer Experience Award (Electronic Payment Platform Experience);for achieving the highest level of overall customer satisfaction in the delivery of electronic payment services to customers, the Cashless Driver: Instant Payments; for the Bank’s outstanding performance in recording the highest transaction count on the NIBSS Instant Payments (NIP) Platform and the Cashless Driver: Point of Sale (POS) Issued Cards’ Transactions for having the highest Point of Sale (PoS) transaction count on the National Central Switch with Issued Payment.

GTBank also won the award for Instant Payments Transaction Efficiency; for achieving the highest transaction count in Point of Sale (PoS) terminals through the National Central Switch (NCS) Platform, the Point of Sale Card Transaction Efficiency;for the Bank’s outstanding performance in recording the highest level of efficiency in card payments on POS terminals connected to the National Central Switch and the award for the Electronic Data Rendition Compliance and Integrity for the Bank’s outstanding performance in ensuring customer data integrity and compliance to CBN mandated submissions.

“We are delighted and proud to recognise, encourage, appreciate and reward financial, non-bank and other stakeholders in the EPIS that has been driving the electronic banking channels in Nigeria,” said the Deputy Governor, Operations Directorate, CBN, Alhaji Suleiman Barau, at the EPIS efficiency awards. The Managing Director of NIBSS, Adebisi Shonubi, added that the event was a reward for all the years of commitments by stakeholders in the finance industrywho have tried to push forward Nigeria’s quest for electronic payment.

Commenting on the awards, Segun Agbaje, Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, said; “We are incredibly excited to receive such outstanding honours from the apex regulators inthe banking sector. Receiving these awards is indeed humbling and we are encouraged to continue to do more. He further added that;“As a bank, we will continue to focus on digitising our services and creating a well segmented and integrated customer experience.”

GTBank is regarded by industry watchers as one of the best run financial institutions in Nigeria and across its subsidiary countries where the bank is reputed for its innovative financial solutions, superior financial performance, world class corporate governance standards and excellent service delivery. The bank’s latest E-payment service, known as 737 banking was adjudged the best banking product in Africa at the 2016 Asian Banker awards.

BIG STORY

JUST IN: Dangote Refinery Stops Sales To Unregistered Marketers

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has halted self-collection gantry sales of petroleum products at its plant, effective Thursday, September 18, 2025.

This was disclosed in an internal mail obtained by our correspondent on Friday, signed by the refinery’s Group Commercial Operations Department.

According to the directive, the decision is aimed at encouraging broader use of the refinery’s free delivery scheme for retail stations and blocking unregistered marketers from accessing supplies either directly or through third parties.

The company described the measure as an operational adjustment to enhance efficiency and advised marketers to embrace its Free Delivery Scheme, which allows direct shipments to outlets.

It further cautioned that any payments made after the cut-off date would not be recognised.

The message to marketing partners partly stated: “We wish to inform you that, effective 18th September 2025, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE has placed all self-collection gantry sales on hold until further notice. In light of this development, we kindly request that all payments related to active PFIs for self-collection are also placed on hold until further notice. Please note that any payment made after this date will not be honoured.”

However, the refinery clarified that its Free Delivery Scheme remains active for both existing and new customers.

“We encourage all active and newly onboarded customers to register for the DPRP Free Delivery Scheme, which remains fully operational and offers a seamless delivery experience to your station,” the mail added.

The management also apologised for any inconvenience, assuring stakeholders that the move was necessary to improve operations.

The suspension comes amid an ongoing dispute involving the refinery, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN).

While NUPENG has accused the company of blocking unionisation among its truck drivers despite government intervention, DAPPMAN has criticised the “free delivery scheme,” alleging it forces marketers to depend on Dangote’s fleet at commercial costs.

Dangote Refinery, on the other hand, insists the delivery model is designed to ensure stable supply and reduce costs, accusing marketers of pushing for subsidies and diversion of products. The standoff has fueled concerns around pricing, workers’ rights, and market competition.

The new policy could affect independent marketers and retail operators who have not registered for the scheme and previously relied on direct self-collection at the gantry.

Earlier report had it that Dangote reaffirmed its stance in the face of DAPPMAN’s demands, stressing it would not absorb transportation costs that marketers want classified as subsidies.

This latest clash between Dangote and DAPPMAN comes at a time of rising anxiety over fuel costs and supply logistics nationwide.

DAPPMAN, whose members own most privately run depots in Nigeria, argues that moving products from the refinery’s Lagos base to other regions involves substantial logistics and coastal shipping expenses.

In a statement issued via Dangote Group’s official X account, titled “We Stand By Our Statement on DAPPMAN … Marketers’ ₦1.505trn Subsidy Demand”, the refinery reiterated its right to protect its operations from “misleading reports.”

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BIG STORY

Adron Homes Launches Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025 With Discounts, Flexible Payments, And December Rewards

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Adron Homes and Properties has announced the official launch of its Lemon Friday Plus Promo 2025, an exciting opportunity for Nigerians to own land at discounted rates while enjoying mouth-watering rewards this festive season.

This year’s edition allows customers to begin their homeownership journey with an initial deposit as low as ₦50,000 and spread payments over multiple instalments. Subscribers also enjoy a 30% discount on land purchases with the option to clear the balance conveniently over 24 months.

Adron Homes’ estates are carefully designed to provide residents with the best of modern living, featuring adequate power supply, good road networks, functional drainage systems, CCTV, 24-hour security, recreational centers, shopping malls, and green spaces that promote healthier lifestyles.

The promo covers estates across Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Abuja (FCT), Nasarawa, Plateau, Osun, and Niger States, giving prospective homeowners multiple location options in rapidly developing communities.

Promo Rewards by Category:

• BRONZE (₦300,000 deposit): 25kg bag of Rice + 2 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Home Theatre.
• SILVER (₦500,000 deposit): A Goat OR 50kg Bag of Rice + 3 Chickens + Vegetable Oil OR Rechargeable Fan.
• GOLD (₦1,000,000 deposit): A Goat + 50kg Bag of Rice + Palm Oil + Garri Ijebu OR 2 Bags of 50kg Rice + 4 Chickens + Palm Oil + Garri OR Washing Machine.
• DIAMOND (₦3.5M deposit on estates above ₦20M before discount): A Cow OR Double-Door Fridge.

Adron Homes has consistently bridged the home ownership gap in Nigeria by introducing flexible and convenient payment plans that allow more families to become homeowners. With initiatives like Lemon Friday Plus, the company is breaking down financial barriers and creating sustainable pathways for Nigerians to secure their future through real estate.

Promo Duration

• Instalment payments for initial deposits run from 7th July to 31st November 2025.
• The promo officially ends 6th January 2026.

“The Lemon Friday Plus Promo is our way of making December unforgettable for our customers,” said Adron Homes’ management. “We are not only offering affordable land ownership, but also giving families gifts that make the festive season brighter.”

Adron Homes invites all aspiring homeowners, investors, and families to take advantage of this limited-time opportunity to own property with flexible payment plans and rewarding bonuses.

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BIG STORY

Dangote Replies NUPENG: Our CNG Trucks Will Create 24,000 Jobs, Drivers Earn Triple Of Minimum Wage

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Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group, has dismissed claims that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is displacing workers, insisting instead that the company is creating thousands of new jobs.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, the billionaire said the deployment of 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks would generate at least 24,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide.

“We are not taking jobs away; we are creating more opportunities. The CNG trucks will not be operated by robots,” Dangote said.

He explained that the refinery’s drivers are paid salaries three times higher than the national minimum wage. In addition, employees receive life insurance, health insurance that covers their spouses and up to four children, and a guaranteed lifelong pension.

According to him, the recruitment drive extends beyond drivers to include mechanics, fleet managers, and other technical professionals who will support the new fleet.

The refinery had announced the acquisition of the 4,000 CNG trucks on June 15, saying the move would strengthen its nationwide fuel distribution. By June 29, the company projected that the distribution scheme could save Nigeria over ₦1.7 trillion annually.

However, three months later, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) threatened a nationwide strike, accusing Dangote Refinery of anti-union practices. Though the union suspended a two-day strike on September 9, it warned of possible further action.

‘Refinery not opposed to unions’

Sayyu Dantata, founder of MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, stressed that Dangote Refinery was open to working with NUPENG and other labour organisations.

“We are not against unions. We want to live and work alongside them. There’s no problem with that,” he said.

He noted that the refinery only became aware of the union’s grievances through media reports, despite his longstanding ties with industry unions.

“By law, unions are expected to give notice and a grace period before action. Even so, we went into dialogue. Unionism is not by force. People have the right to decide whether or not to belong,” Dantata said.

He added that the refinery welcomes all business partners without discrimination, whether they are union members or not.

“Our focus is the common man. Most of our drivers prefer independence because we ensure they earn a decent wage,” he said.

According to him, the new working conditions have elevated the social status of truck drivers in Nigeria. “For the first time, a driver can proudly tell his children that he is a truck driver and still provide them with food, shelter, and education,” Dantata said.

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