Fees - News Agency Of Nigeria

Ismail Abdulaziz
Aug, Fri, 2025

Tinubu voted N86bn as fees, upkeep of vulnerable students -Minister

By Collins Yakubu-Hammer

President Bola Tinubu has voted over N86 billion for payment of school fees and upkeep of over 400,000 students across the country.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, disclosed this on Friday during a visit to Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi in Abakaliki.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister and his team are in Ebonyi for a tour of Federal Government projects, and citizens’ engagement with the people of the state.

According to him, over 400,000 students from all parts of the country, including Ebonyi and states in the south east region have benefited from Tinubu’s NELFUND programme.

“What the President seems to say is that he dislikes the situation, where students who have the requisite qualification to be in school, like tertiary institutions, but were not able to, because their parents or guardians are unable to pay for their fees or upkeep.

“Today, that is the tale of the past. If you get admission into any tertiary institution, you can apply to NELFUND; and you don’t even have to know anybody.

“This is one of such programmes that President Tinubu has designed for all Nigerians to participate in; you don’t have to know anybody to be a beneficiary of the programme.

“I was checking the figures before I came here. Tinubu has voted about N86 billion so far in the payment of school fees and upkeep of over 400,000 Nigerian students whose parents are unable to pay for their school fees.

“That is not the end, because Tinubu has better plans for all and he will ensure that millions of people, including those in the South-East, are empowered,” Idris said.

The minister also commended Nwifiru for providing an office space to the Nigerian Press Council to enhance their operations and deliver on their mandate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister’s entourage include Special Advisers to the President, and all heads of Federal Government’s media organisation.

Others are the President of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, Dr Ike Neliaku, National Presidents of RATTAWU, NUJ and other stakeholders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

CAC reviews service fees Aug. 1, for efficient services

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jun, Tue, 2025

Economy/Business

CAC reviews service fees Aug. 1, for efficient services

By Lucy Ogalue

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) says it has reviewed some of its service fees to enhance service quality, improve efficiency, and sustain digital transformation in its operations.

The commission said this in a public notice it issued in Abuja on Tuesday.

It said the increment which will take effect from Aug. 1, reflected prevailing economic realities and rising operational costs.

It said the adjustment followed engagements with key stakeholders.

The commission added that the review was to sustain prompt and technology-driven service delivery for Nigerians.

“The review of fees is crucial to ensuring that the commission continues to provide prompt, efficient, and technology-driven services that meet the expectations of its stakeholders for the benefit of the Nigerian economy,” it said.

The CAC described the reviewed fees as modest and competitive.

It said the changes would support its ongoing reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and customer satisfaction.

“The schedule of the revised fees has been published on the commission’s official website: www.cac.gov.ng, including a direct link to its resource section for easy access,” the notice said.

The commission assured the public of its continued commitment to delivering high-quality services and maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s corporate registry.

It urged the public, business owners, and corporate stakeholders to visit its website for full details of the reviewed service charges and other resources. (NAN)

Edited by Chidi Opara

Bank charges: Economist wants CBN, policymakers to address citizens’ concerns

Tosin Kolade
Mar, Wed, 2025

Economy/Business

Bank charges: Economist wants CBN, policymakers to address citizens’ concerns

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

An Economist, Dr Augustine Kutu, has advised the Federal Government, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and policymakers to address concerns of Nigerians on the new charges on bank transactions.

Kutu, an Assistant Professor, University of Western Ontario-Canada, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He noted that while citizens had expressed concerns that the policy reduces their purchasing power, imposes a financial burden, and discourages savings, banks argued that the charges were necessary to offset their operational expenses and stimulate the economy.

“As part of the monetary policy framework, CBN regulates bank charges and deductions, including those related to cash transactions and account maintenance.

“These charges vary across banks and are dependent on the specific type of transaction.’’

According to CBN, the reintroduction of the charges on certain cash deposits and withdrawals is to promote modern and efficient payment system.

“It aims to reduce the country’s reliance on cash transactions, which can be costly and hinder economic development,’’ the don said.

Kutu said it was obvious that the policy would discourage excessive cash handling, minimise operational costs, and encourage Nigerians to adopt alternative payment methods, such as digital transactions.

He said that the country’s current economic climate posed significant challenges to the policy’s effectiveness.

“Paramount among these challenges is security concerns, as electronic payment systems are vulnerable to cyber threats and data breaches.

“Additionally, unreliable infrastructure, including limited access to internet and power, hinders the wide spread adoption of digital payment methods.

“The low digital literacy, particularly in rural areas, and the recent approval of fifty per cent hike in telecom tariffs may continue to discourage Nigerians from embracing the new policy.

“To ensure the successful implementation and adoption of the policy, policymakers must first tackle pressing customer concerns, including the steady increase in telecom tariffs, cybercrime fears, and technical issues,’’ he said.

Kutu also advised the CBN to consider other measures like implementing a downward review of Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and (Point of Sales (POS) transaction service fees, as well as interbank charges to decrease financial burdens on customers.

“There should also be an increase access to ATMs and POS terminals, particularly in rural areas, to promote financial inclusion,’’ he said.

Kutu also urged development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in rural areas to bridge the digital divide and facilitate access to digital financial services. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams