₦airaland Forum

Kemetian:
Nigeria’s economic reforms have improved transparency that has helped restore confidence in Africa’s most populous nation after years of stagnation. In this exclusive interview, Patricia Sullivan, managing director, Global Head Institutional Cash Management at Deutsche Bank, Germany’s largest bank, described how the lender has been instrumental in connecting growth regions with correspondent banking solutions, Deutsche Bank’s long-standing relationship with Nigeria as well as how the various policies of the government are stabilising the economy.

BusinessDay

Interview excerpts:

What would you say has been the impact of the currency reforms that Nigeria has implemented since 2023? Have the reforms restored Nigeria on the global map?

I think the reforms have been a significant improvement in further opening up the country to globalisation. Some of the negative impacts, for example when exchange restrictions were too limited, led to financial crime risk with efforts to intentionally evade local controls and reporting requirements for what was legitimate business.

Reforms leading to a more rational environment is definitely positive from our perspective so that access and safety are achieved. If I may, it actually allowed a sense of organisation in the system of transactions, because with the FX caps that were in place, people who needed to access currency for good business were doing this in an underground way to try to import, export, to try to support socioeconomic. The perception that this gave to the world is that there’s an underground banking system and systemic lack of transparency.

But in fact, it was just good people, good businesses trying to promote access to markets and goods and so on in Nigeria. So it really has opened up the Nigerian market and really changed the perception that international banks had.


There’s been a flurry of positive news in Nigeria recently. The First Abu Dhabi Bank, for instance, which happens to be one of your partners as well, is opening an office in Nigeria. Does it mean the reforms are luring in foreign investors?

Yeah. I mean, Nigeria is growing in leaps and bounds. Also, with the geopolitical shifts that are happening, you see more trade partners moving here, and it makes sense that other banks would now want to develop a presence here. So, we’re likely to see even more banks follow – I wouldn’t be surprised.

We’re happy to say we have a longstanding history here and know the market very well, and that’s something our clients really rely on. Plus, our Deutsche Bank global network is vast, and that opens up access to corporates and businesses here to get access to other corridors around the globe. But I expect that you’re not only going to see that here in Nigeria, but in some of the other countries in West Africa that are very rich in minerals and other natural resources.


Foreign direct investments remain key for the economy to grow sustainably but that has been slow to react to the reforms. Is Deutsche bank seeing considerable interest from its FDI partners in terms of just setting up in Nigeria?

As I mentioned, Deutsche Bank does a lot of investment to support major projects here, as well as working with our corporate clients headquartered outside of Nigeria who are facilitating business with Nigerian counterparties and they rely on Deutsche Bank to create that access and the necessary support to grow businesses here. So international investments are coming back and more multinationals will move in if current development continues.

I think it’s also a factor not only of the growth potential in this country, but also the reforms that have taken place at the government level. Not only what you’ve already mentioned in terms of FX, but in terms of the country really strengthening its anti-money laundering and counterterror financing rules and regulations that provide comfort for businesses to operate and invest here and reflected in the country being removed from the FATF grey list in October last year. And I think the central bank has been a very strong proponent of creating a safe and sound infrastructure to support our direct investment.


What more would you advise that the government does in addition to the reforms that we’ve already implemented to ensure that Nigeria is one of those countries that really benefits from these geopolitical shifts that we’re seeing?

I think the moves that are currently being made with keeping a very safe infrastructure to fight financial crime is really top of mind. Nothing, I think, will turn away business faster than the perception that those types of strong controls are not in place. I think also the work that the Central Bank does to promote fiscal soundness is also really key and managing the currency provides a lot of comfort to outside investors and businesses. About Nigeria, I think of it as the top tier in the region, a country that has been booming for a long time, more advanced than so many other markets in Africa and even in the world, honestly. I think about the connectivity Nigeria has with the world, direct flights to different centres, access and so on. The pace of change here as the world evolves, to me, calls for the need for that standard to be reinforced in a tremendous way.

You will see other players start to show up. You will see people want to take advantage of natural resources, access to human capital. In one way, my view is that Nigeria needs this. It needs to support the poverty to affluent ratio, becoming more equal. So that will promote jobs and the nature of connectivity across the country. It will also help pursue support, financial literacy and much more for the underbanked communities. I think the work that the government has done to promote digitisation and mobile banking has really helped Nigeria leapfrog over other countries. That penetration really does support the unbanked and provides greater access to trade and all sorts of commerce.

Many countries don’t have that. And that’s something that is definitely encouraged to keep on going and maintain leadership in that space. And then it enables the Fintechs and the payment aggregators to operate here. They also know they’re operating in a strong regulatory environment, which is important and will continue to promote greater financial inclusion.

https://businessday.ng/interview/article/germanys-largest-bank-says-reforms-restoring-confidence-in-nigerian-economy/

Only a beer palour economist will disagree
Nigerian made a right choice
They dodged a disaster

Iran should close strait of Hormuz now

sleek214:
All missiles intercepted . Only a matter of few days they won't be able to fire missiles from Iran to Israel again just like Hamas and Hezbollah
Iran will fall.

Just like the previous 12 day war when USA quickly came to rescue them
Dey play
Israel go collect.
Iran go collect.
USA go collect

2RightHands1Coc:
This one no go school,Na back of TV una dey watch

Hmmm
Why do you have to expose your ignorance
Education na scam gangster

US and Israel were displeased following the previous 12 day war
They couldn't get at Iran as expected
Now they wanted to avenge for Israel defeat

I know they will supeess Iran

But they will also collect

Hopefully Koreans, Chinese and Russians can hide behind Iran and bring down Israel and USA

PigTormentor:
Really? You expect the good people of Oyo to vote against Tinubu?

Is dreaming
Don't mind him
Tinubu owns Oyo 100%

Seyi was lucky, tinubu directed his foot soliders to work for him
This time around

Nothing of such

Magnetic010:
Giving governors money is just waste of you ask me..They are going to stash most of it in foreign accounts, the rest they spend on IG and tiktok baddies

Some of the governors are arrogant due to this
Amala convention

Thundafireseun:
I will strongly Advise Obi and Atiku not to waste their money trying to contest against THE CITY BOY ….

President Tinubu is Unbeatable

Even my brother in ibadan @ GSM should save his loots

DaddyJapan:
2027: Makinde, Kwankwaso hold closed-door meeting in Ibadan



Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/2027-makinde-kwankwaso-hold-closed-door-meeting-in-ibadan/

Makinde is swimming against the tide

dalass:
Those ones have already freed themselves from the mental slavery of religion

They duly follow religion
Because islam forbids begging

Newsgeek24:
[
https://verynigerian.com/el-rufai-had-nosebleed-in-detention-wife-blocked-from-bringing-meal-aide/

Na cho cho cho cause am
How can you say you intercepted someone s call
Allah bashi lafiya

Wotowotoman:
835 million naira (less than a million dollars) to plan a whole coup? 🤔

How much do you think is needed
Even a headsman kills because of 5k

edlion57:
How about insecurity..who is bankrolling the boko haram and others

Is the same silver ..
You no get am
Be sincere for once

edlion57:
How about insecurity..who is bankrolling the boko haram and others

Is the same silver

Sugarboyy:
Naso, in 2027 I can beat my chest and tell you that in Edo State, Tinubu will win in Edo North (Oshiomhole) and in Edo Central (Okpebholo) with atleast 70%. Obi can only have 50% in Edo South because of the non indigenes. But if ADC gives the ticket to Atiku, in the whole Edo State, Atiku won't score upto 25%

In Oyo state it's 90% vote for tinubu

SpaceX:
Tinubu has ordered wike to work tirelessly overnight to rig the election

Lie khii u die

owobokiri:
Angry Youths Attack “City Boy Movement” Convoy in Owerri Over Alleged Failed Payments

OWERRI – Tensions boiled over in the Imo State capital on Wednesday as a convoy belonging to the “City Boy Movement,” a political support group associated with businessman Obi Cubana, was reportedly attacked by a mob of angry youths.

The incident occurred near Owerri Square during a mobilization event for the movement, which supports the 2027 re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Images from the scene show at least one white transit van, marked with the “City Boy Movement South-East Zone” insignia, with significant damage to its side panels and shattered windows.

Disputed Accounts of the Violence
According to eyewitnesses, the violence erupted after youths who had been mobilized to attend the rally allegedly failed to receive promised financial compensation. “Some youths who received money to mobilize turned against the group upon arrival,” one witness stated, noting that the situation escalated into stone-throwing as the convoy reached the venue.

However, some supporters of the movement have countered these reports, suggesting the damage may have been the result of a road accident rather than a deliberate ambush.

Growing Criticism and Regional Pushback
The attack comes amid intensifying scrutiny of high-profile Southeast businessmen, including Obi Cubana and Cubana Chief Priest, who have recently aligned themselves with the “City Boy Movement”.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from Nigerians who view the alliance as a “misplaced priority” given the current economic climate. Critics have accused the businessmen of “betraying” the region’s youth for political gain.

“Politics of Benefit”: Social media commentators have slammed the participants, with one netizen remarking, “I can smell misplaced priority eating deeply into the very fibre of structural ties”.
Regional Sensitivity: Others questioned the wisdom of promoting a “City Boy” campaign in the Southeast, a region where President Tinubu has historically struggled to gain significant traction.
Despite the backlash, the movement continues its expansion, having recently inaugurated its Imo State Working Committee and received donations of brand-new campaign buses from its billionaire patrons.



LINK:


https://247ureports.com/2026/02/angry-youths-attack-city-boy-movement-convoy-in-owerri-over-alleged-failed-payments/

Obi boys

Men are waiting for them in Lagos
Aura for Aura

dre11:
FAAN says the free WiFi service, introduced in partnership with MTN Nigeria, will improve passenger experience at Lagos and Abuja international airports.




https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/858032-faan-mtn-nigeria-launches-free-wifi-service-at-lagos-abuja-airports.html

Fantastic

This is great
Reminds me of foreign international airport
Istanbul Turkey is Sweet

Levels1:
Misplace priority.
This people arent serious at all.
When Bokoharam are been granted amnesty.

This is lagos
Not Nigeria 🤑

dre11:
Report: How Epstein, ex-Israeli PM exploited Nigeria insurgency to push surveillance, oil deals



https://www.thecable.ng/report-how-epstein-ex-israeli-pm-exploited-nigeria-insurgency-to-push-surveillance-oil-deals/

Let them come and try it now
Alabosi

Benbellamor:
Where's Makinde?
This is where Turaki is needed
Not sitting back and making mouth

Is in ADC

abc115:
"Taraba is for Tinubu, he will win 100%...."

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State

"Taraba is for Tinubu, he will win 100%...."

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State pic.twitter.com/kFXCLTRTxF

— Ayekooto (@DeeOneAyekooto) February 18, 2026

The whole Nigeria are for him
ADC will suffer
Nnn

abc115:
"Taraba is for Tinubu, he will win 100%...."

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State

"Taraba is for Tinubu, he will win 100%...."

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State pic.twitter.com/kFXCLTRTxF

— Ayekooto (@DeeOneAyekooto) February 18, 2026

The whole Nigeria are for him
ADC will suffer

abc115:
"Taraba is for Tinubu, he will win 100%...."

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State

"Taraba is for Tinubu, he will win 100%...."

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State pic.twitter.com/kFXCLTRTxF

— Ayekooto (@DeeOneAyekooto) February 18, 2026

The whole Nigeria are for him
ADC will suffer

DeltaBachelor:
No facts kwa. Check exchange rates before and now, check price of petroleum products before and now, check unemployment rates before and now, check the price of foodstuff, rent, education etc before and now.


Should I continue ?


Oga go sleep abeg. Stop polishing something bad. Let’s call a spade a spade and not a farm tool

Evidence chokes
The most prepared president we have ever had
Evidence chokes

DeltaBachelor:
For now, he is the worst already, so returning would probably make him the “ WORSTEST “

Insinuation
No facts
No solution
Just hatred

Tunaji:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/tough-decisions-saved-daar-communications-from-collapse-dokpesi-jr/

PDP used and dumped..
Add more characters pls if you are a PDP or APC slaves

Ofunaofu:
https://thesun.ng/trump-called-nigeria-disgraced-over-tinubus-certificate-scandal-obi/#google_vignette

Lamba
Check this

helinues:
So it's still stale talk that Peter Obi want to use to convince Nigerians to vote for him, same tactics that did not work in 2023

Abeg, who are the people advising this Peter Obi self that his reasonings have always been upside down

Obi IQ is questionable
Poor handle

Ofunaofu:
https://thesun.ng/trump-called-nigeria-disgraced-over-tinubus-certificate-scandal-obi/#google_vignette

What the court has ruled on

This obi IQ is questionable

[quote author=wwwihy post=138493361]Fintiri: Tinubu’s bold reforms free funds for development

https://thenationonlineng.net/fintiri-tinubus-bold-reforms-free-funds-for-development/[/quote]Good
Otti said similar things

The Amala convention crooners are not sincere enough to acknowledge this

DatNiggaDaz:


Taqyiyah at it's findest. A true student of Sheikh Gumi himself. I hail o

Sheik gumin is a Muslim and not a shia
The predominant shia sect are not Muslim
They are the one that practice what they say is taqqiya,

Alu Sunnah wa aljammah are the most trustworthy people on earth not even the Christians

So you can call him student of elzakzaki ..a shia...
Not a Muslim