Business
Fueling the Future: Interswitch Powers Seamless Payments on the NNPC Retail App
In a bold move to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda, Interswitch, a leading African technology company focused on creating solutions that enable individuals and communities prosper, has reiterated its leadership in digital innovation by strategically supporting the launch of the NR Fuel App, a revolutionary platform developed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) in partnership with Fidelity Bank. Notably, the NR Fuel App was designed to tackle long-standing challenges in Nigeria’s downstream sector, including long queues, fuel shortages, and inefficiencies in the fueling process. According to Baba Shettima Kukawa, Executive Director, Retail Operations and Mobility, NNPC Retail Limited, the app was developed to make fueling seamless, simpler, faster, smarter, and more secure, combining digital convenience with personalised service to transform the everyday fueling experience for Nigerians. More than just a digital wallet, the NR Fuel App delivers a suite of user-focused innovative features. With a real-time smart station locator, users can effortlessly find the nearest NNPC retail outlet, significantly reducing the time spent searching for fuel. The app also enables users to pre-fund their accounts, simplifying payment planning and fuel purchases. In addition, its built-in budgeting and expense tracking tools help users monitor fuel spending, empowering them to manage costs more effectively and maximize value.Speaking during a panel session at the launch, Chinyere Don-Okhuofu, Managing Director, Industry Ecosystems (Interswitch Indeco), emphasized the importance and impact of the collaboration, noting Interswitch’s contribution in shaping Nigeria’s digital payments and e-commerce landscape. According to her:“At Interswitch, we believe that innovation is most meaningful when it improves everyday life. For over two decades, we have been building and strengthening the digital infrastructure that powers Nigeria’s e-commerce ecosystem, and today’s launch is another major milestone. Our partnership with NNPC goes beyond payments. It represents a shared vision to redefine the fueling experience in Nigeria. The NR Fuel App is a clear example of how technology can transform a routine, everyday task into something smarter, faster, and more personal. Now fully integrated with Interswitch’s robust and secure payment infrastructure, the NR Fuel App allows users to enjoy seamless digital transactions across NNPC service stations nationwide. The system supports a broad range of payment channels, including the use of Interswitch’s payment cards and digital tokens brand, Verve card, as well as QR code-enabled payments, bank transfers, and USSD, ensuring inclusive access for all types of users. She further noted that this integration positions it to deliver seamless, reliable, and inclusive digital payment experiences at scale. In her view, this innovation is a key step toward transforming the fuel retail landscape.The launch also featured a Question & Answer session where attendees gained deeper insights into the app’s features and development roadmap. The session shed light on the app’s structural design while outlining upcoming enhancements aimed at delivering more personalised and user-friendly fueling solutions directly to consumers.To support seamless public adoption, a robust explainer video was unveiled, offering a simple, step-by-step guide on how to navigate the app; preload payments ahead of station visits, identify nearby stations, and complete transactions. It also demonstrated how users receive digital confirmations, reinforcing a smooth, transparent, and user-friendly experience.The NR Fuel App launch is yet another testament to Interswitch’s commitment to driving everyday innovation. As a trusted enabler across Africa, Interswitch continues to pioneer solutions that connect people, businesses, and public institutions through technology, simplifying lives and building systems across sectors.
Business
First Asset Management Announces Ratings Upgrade
Big news — our investment management rating just got an upgrade to ‘AA’ from ‘AA-’ by DataPro and affirmation of A+(IM) by Agusto & Co. This reflects how we are continuously improving to serve our investors better. Our funds levelled up too as Agusto & Co upgraded our First Asset Money Market Fund rating to A+ (f) (up from Aa (f)).So, what does that mean for YOU?It means you are investing with a firm that is getting stronger, smarter, and more disciplined. Our upgraded rating recognizes our solid performance track record, the strength of our parent financial group, and the systems we have put in place to manage investments responsibly.We have also improved our governance and decision-making structure, with experienced professionals leading well-defined investment and risk committees. Behind the scenes, our team of seasoned investment experts constantly monitor markets, manage risks, and position portfolios to navigate volatility and capture opportunities.At the same time, we have strengthened our risk management and compliance framework to ensure that everything we do meets global best practices. In simple terms, it means your money is being managed with discipline, transparency, and strong oversight.Independent rating agencies — Agusto & Co and DataPro Limited — recognize these improvements. Their ratings highlight our commitment to responsible asset management, strong governance, and operational systems designed to support stable long-term performance.But beyond the ratings, what really matters is helping you build wealth over time.That is why we offer a range of investment plans designed for different goals — whether you are just starting your investment journey, looking to grow your portfolio, or aiming to build long-term financial security.If you are part of the next generation of investors, this is your moment to start early and stay ahead. The earlier you begin investing, the more time your money has to grow.Jump on the First Asset investment journey. Explore our investment plans and start building your future with a firm that is getting stronger.Let us build wealth together.
Business
First Trustees Advocates Stronger Frameworks in Advancing Structured Islamic Inheritance Practices

Rotimi Obende, Head of Private Trust at First Trustees, presenting at the recently held Islamic Estate Planning Clinic in Abuja.
Abuja, Nigeria – February, 2026 – First Trustees Limited, a subsidiary of First HoldCo Plc., and a leading provider of trust solutions to individuals, corporates, and government institutions, partners with The Metropolitan Law Firm and Al-Ameen Trustees to host the 8th Annual Islamic Estate Planning Clinic in Abuja, bringing together leading Islamic legal, financial, and policy experts.With the theme “From Informality to Legacy: Structuring Islamic Wealth Transfer,” the highly anticipated forum underscored the urgent need for Nigerian families to transition from informal inheritance practices to professionally structured, Sharia-compliant estate planning frameworks as a tool to seamlessly transfer and protect wealth, prevent family conflicts, and ensure legacies endure for future generations Speakers emphasized the need to adopt a structured Islamic estate planning framework to ensure wealth preservation, reduces legal disputes, and ensures compliance with both Shari’ah principles and the Nigerian statutory law.

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, One17 Financial Services, Ismail Rufai; Professor of Islamic Banking and Finance, Yobe State University, Prof. Adam Abubakar, Esq.; Managing Partner, The Metropolitan Law Firm, Ummahani Amin, Partner, The Metropolitan Law Firm, Barr. Mohammed Yunusa; and Head, Private Trust, First Trustees Limited, Rotimi Obende at the Islamic Estate Planning Clinic recently held in Abuja.
Stating that the transition from informalarrangements to a structured legacy is not merely a financial decision; it is a profound act of stewardship. By documenting and formalising intentions today, we replace potential family discord with clarity and peace of mind.Rotimi Obende, representing the Managing Director of First Trustees Limited, highlighted estate planning as a sacred duty. “Estate planning is more than documentation—it is stewardship. Informal arrangements expose families to avoidable risks. Structured, Sharia-compliant plans provide clarity, transparency, and true generational protection,” he said.He noted that regulated trustees play a crucial role in ensuring proper execution of wills and trusts, reinforcing public trust and accountability.Delivering the keynote address, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, cautioned against relying on verbal inheritance promises, which frequently lead to conflict and asset loss. He also urged the integration of modern technology, including blockchain, to securely store and have seamless access to wills and estate documents and also bridging traditional Islamic principles with cutting-edge innovation.Ummahani Amin, Managing Partner at The Metropolitan Law Firm, added that Islamic inheritance law offers both structure and flexibility.“Individuals can allocate up to one-third of their estate through properly documented wills and trusts. Too many families suffer because intentions were never formally recorded,” she explained. As discussions progressed, a consistent message resonated clearly: with today’s increasingly complex and diverse assets, from digital holdings, cross-border investments and complex business interest, informal inheritance practices are no longer sufficient.Participants agreed that structured Islamic estate planning delivers clear advantages, including legal certainty, tax efficiency, family unity, and long-term wealth preservation.
Business
FBNQuest Merchant Bank Confirms New Ownership Structure, Sets Stage for Future Growth
Lagos, Nigeria – December 2025 – FBNQuest Merchant Bank has confirmed the successful completion of its ownership transition, following its divestment from First HoldCo Plc and acquisition by EverQuest Acquisition LLP, a new investor consortium led by Custodian Investment Plc.The Acting Managing Director, Afolabi Olorode, stated:“This marks a defining milestone in the Bank’s journey, one that reflects our consistent performance, institutional strength, and long-term potential. As we move forward under new ownership, our focus remains unchanged: delivering exceptional value to stakeholders, deepening market leadership, and building a sustainable institution for the future. We are grateful to all who have been part of this journey and remain focused on creating long-term value for our clients and stakeholders. The Bank remains fully operational, and all client relationships, services, and leadership structures continue uninterrupted.We thank our stakeholders for their continued trust and look forward to the next chapter of growth.
