Despite Economic Challenges, 10 Banks Granted N65.6 Trillion Loans to Customers Oil and gas, general commerce dominate exposure S&P: Naira depreciation inflated amount of loans
Kayode Tokede Amid macro-economic challenges and competition with Fintechs,
10 Nigerian banks operating in the country, Sub-Sahara Africa countries (SSA) and other parts of the world granted N65.6 trillion loans
to customers in 2024 financial year. The loans granted last year represent about 41.2 per cent increase over N46.46 trillion recorded in 2023.
The 10 banks are Access Holdings Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA),
Forecast 25-30% average loan growth in 2025
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI), and First Holdings Plc. Others are FCMB Group Plc, Wema Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC
Holdings Plc, and Fidelity Bank Plc. THISDAY analysis of the banks’ Continued on page 9
Tinubu Back in Abuja After over Two Weeks of Working Visits to France and UK... Page 6 Tuesday 22 April, 2025 Vol 30. No 10971. Price: N400
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Pope Francis Dies at 88: Tinubu, Trump, Putin, Macron, King Charles Pay Tributes Vatican reveals Catholic head died from stroke, heart failure
Deji Elumoye, Emmanuel Addeh, Chuks Okocha, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna World leaders, yesterday, paid tributes to Pope Francis, leader of the Roman Catholic Church, who passed away, ending the reign of the revered 88-year-old religious leader, after suffering a prolonged bout of double pneumonia this year. However, the death of Pope Francis, who is estimated to have as many as 35 million members in Nigeria and 1.4 billion globally, came as a shock after he had been driven around St. Peter’s Square in an open-air popemobile to greet cheering crowds the previous day on Easter Sunday. Announcing Pope’s death, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, said: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. “At 7:35 this morning (Monday), The Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His church. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised. “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of God, One and Triune.’’ Late last night, the Vatican revealed in a statement that Pope Francis died of a stroke and subsequent heart failure, noting that the pontiff had requested to be buried in a simple, unadorned tomb. His cause of death was confirmed through an Electrocardiogram (ECG) test, the Vatican said. The pope confirmed in his will that he wished to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore church in Rome’s Continued on page 9
THE PEOPLES’ POPE...
Pope Francis, who died of stroke and irreversible heart failure, yesterday
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