OAU Elevates IT Guru, Aina To Prof. Of Computer Science

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December 22, 2025

The Prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, has elevated Dr

Segun Aina, an accomplished Computer Engineer, academic and entrepreneur, to the rank of Professor of Computer Engineering, becoming one of the youngest professors in his field in Nigeria at just 39 years old.

His elevation to the rank of Professor is a testament to his outstanding academic contributions, impactful research, and unwavering commitment to bridging theory and practice within Nigeria’s education and technology ecosystem.

The fresh Professor, with his promotion , has also reinforced Nigeria’s rising academic and Innovation Excellence, according academic experts.

He currently serves in the Computer Engineering Department at OAU, where he also holds several departmental and faculty responsibility.

A distinguished scholar, Dr. Aina obtained his Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Computer Systems Engineering from the University of Kent, United Kingdom, in 2008, followed by a Master of Science (MSc) in Internet Computing and Network Security from the highly ranked Loughborough University in 2009. He later earned his Doctorate (PhD) in Digital Signal Processing, also from Loughborough University.

Reacting to his appointment, Professor Aina said:

“This milestone is a humbling reminder that excellence, discipline and purpose-driven work can accelerate impact. I see this professorship not as a destination, but as a renewed responsibility to contribute more meaningfully to academia, industry and national development.”

Beyond academia, Dr. Aina has built a reputation as a pragmatic academic and serial entrepreneur, committed to translating research into real-world solutions. In 2010, he co-founded Fluid Click Solutions Ltd, an IT services and engineering project management company. His business interests span EduTech, Agriculture, Hospitality, Capacity Building, and Technical & Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

He explained that, “My lifelong commitment has been to ensure that academic knowledge does not exist in isolation, but actively solves real problems. I remain passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs who will shape Africa’s future.”

His professional journey also includes consulting engagements with both public and private sector institutions, including the Job Creation Unit, Office of the Vice President, several state governments, and national examination bodies. He further strengthened his leadership credentials through executive education, including the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University.

Dr. Aina has served in key governance and advisory roles, including as a member of the pioneer Governing Council of Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere, Ekiti, and as Chairman of the Advisory Board of Queensland Academy, Isolo, Lagos. He is the author of approximately 30 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers, underscoring his contribution to global academic discourse.

A COREN-registered engineer, Dr. Aina is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Commenting on the appointment, a senior university official at OAU, Dr. …….. described the elevation as well deserved:

“Dr. Segun Aina’s promotion to the rank of Professor is a reflection of his scholarly depth, strong research credentials, and commitment to academic leadership. He exemplifies the calibre of faculty the University is proud to project to the global academic community,” he said.

In addition to his professional achievements, sources at the University said Dr Aina is deeply committed to community development and philanthropy.

He serves as the National Financial Secretary of the Otan Ayegbaju Progressive Union (OAPU) and is the Convener of the DSA Initiative for the Support of Education and Entrepreneurship, through which he supports access to education and youth enterprise development.

His elevation to the new position, students and staff of the institution say, makes him an inspiring example of academic excellence, leadership and service, highlighting the growing influence of Nigerian scholars in global engineering, technology and innovation.

Notorious Bandit Leader In Benue- Taraba Border Arrested By Troops

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 22, 2025

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Fidelis Gayama - Bandits Leader — Fidelis Gayama, bandits Leader: Arrested.

By Akinwale Kasali

An alleged notorious bandit leader, Fidelis Gayama, linked to multiple kidnapping and armed robbery incidents along the Benue-Taraba border has been arrested by Troops of the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Wukari, operating under the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army and Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke, OPWS.

According to the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, “The arrest followed a precision, intelligence-driven operation conducted on December 21, 2025, in Vaase community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.”

Gayama, labeled by the military as a “high-value target,” had reportedly been on security agencies’ watchlists for an extended period.

Preliminary investigations indicated that Gayama is closely associated with Aka Dogo, another wanted armed group leader, and is believed to head a criminal network that has terrorised travellers and communities along the Kente-Wukari Road and surrounding border areas.

“Further validation by personnel of the Nigeria Police Force at the Vaase Outpost confirmed that the suspect is among individuals declared wanted by the Beji Police Division, Ukum LGA,” Lieutenant Muhammad said.

Gayama is currently cooling off at the Military Custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for comprehensive investigation and prosecution under existing laws.

Commending the troops for their professionalism, the Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Uwa, described the arrest as a major setback for criminal elements in the area.

“This arrest represents a significant blow to criminal networks operating within our area of responsibility. We remain committed to sustaining offensive operations to ensure the safety of lives and property”, Brigadier General Uwa said.

COAS Charges Soldiers To Go After Bandits, Kidnappers In SW

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Ayodele Oni

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December 22, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, has continued his operational maiden tour to army formations with a visit to 2nd Division in Ibadan, Oyo state on Monday.

Addressing officers and other military personnel, the Army chief ordered troops to intensify offensive operations and decisively flush out all criminal elements operating in the South-West.

Shaibu while speaking at Odugbo Barracks, commended the soldiers for their resilience, professionalism, and operational effectiveness in combating banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.

He said, “I have been thoroughly briefed on your operations and the remarkable successes you have recorded.

“I commend your efforts and urge you to sustain the momentum. Go after kidnappers and other miscreants wherever they are, whether in bushes, forests, or their hideouts, and ensure these criminal activities are reduced to the barest minimum.”

Shuaibu also reaffirmed his commitment to improving troop welfare, announcing that approvals have been granted for the renovation of existing accommodations and the construction of new residential facilities within the barracks.

He emphasised that troop morale is critical to operational success and urged soldiers to properly maintain all facilities to ensure a conducive living and working environment.

The visit underscores the Army leadership’s focus on both operational effectiveness and the welfare of troops deployed in challenging environments.

Ribadu To Gov. Fubara: “President Tinubu Is Happy With You”

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 22, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A couple of weeks after joining forces with the ruling party at the centre, the All Progressive Congress, APC , the National Security Adviser, NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, on Monday, December 22, 2025, revealed that President Bola Tinubu is happy with the leadership style of Rivers state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

Leading a Federal Government high-powered delegation on a trouble-shooting mission to the beleaguered Ogoni land, Ribadu, while on courtesy visit to the Government House in Port Harcourt, noted that the President specifically asked him to appreciate Governor Fubara over his pragmatic approach to governance.

According to the NSA, President Tinubu is very happy with the Governor’s leadership style, as well as his effective coordination of the peace initiatives in Ogoni land in preparation for the resumption of ful oil exploration activities.

The Source reports that the Federal Government delegation which includes the Director -General of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency Chukwuemeka Woke, Minister of Works Engr Dave Umahi ,his Environment counterpart, Balarabe Lawal, and others are in Rivers State to hold high-level discussions with leaders of Ogoni land on ways to resolving perceived grievances of the people, including the vexatious and festering problem of Oil spillage.

Further speaking, Ribadu informed that the delegation is in the State primarily to consolidate ongoing peace efforts among all stakeholders in Ogoni land

According to him, a new chapter is in the offing, both in Ogoni land and the country at large, noting that the wind of transformation is now blowing across the otherwise neglected area.

This is as the NSA conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation to the people of Ogoni land for their immeasurable patience understanding and support to his administration.

He assured that the present Federal Government is determined and committed to effect a paradigm shift in all issues bordering on the interests of the people of the oil-rich Ogoni land.

On his part, the Minister of Works, Umahi stated that as part of the efforts to carry the people along ,all sections of the East-West Road covering the Niger Delta region will be completed in less than no time.

In addition, he assured that other critical projects including the 15 kilometer Eleme axis of the East-West Road ,about five flyovers, which he estimated at over N200 billion will be completed before the April 2026.

According to its itinerary, the Federal Government team ,which will also visit the sites of other critical national assets in Rivers state ,will specifically hold crucial round tables with the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, with a view to addressing environmental remediation, infrastructural development , security concerns and how to carry the people in future oil exploration activities.

Supremacy Battle: Alaafin Of Oyo Says Only Him Can Confer Yorubaland Chieftaincy Title

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Akinwale Kasali

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December 22, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The Supremacy Batle between the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adewusi Adeyeye, Ojaja 11, has taking another dimension. The Alaafin has categorically stated that he is the only traditional ruler with the authority to confer chieftaincy titles bearing the name “Yorubaland.”

The Monarch made the assertion at the Aganju Forecourt of the Oyo Palace during the installation of former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari, as Obaloyin of Yorubaland, and Seyi Tinubu as Okanlomo of Yorubaland.

The Monarch added that Chieftaincy titles in Yoruba tradition is neither ornamental nor granted as a favour, but a serious responsibility rooted in history, authority and service.

According to him, the Oyo throne has historically functioned as a central coordinating authority for the Yoruba people, a role that was recognised during the colonial era and sustained in post-independence governance.

The Alaafin explained that titles carrying the name “Yorubaland” are collective in nature, representing the entire Yoruba nation rather than any single town or kingdom.

He, therefore, stated that any ‘Yorubaland’ title must be conferred by an authority whose jurisdiction historically spans the whole region.

The Alaafin noted that this position has been validated by colonial records, post-independence councils, scholarly works and judicial pronouncements, including decisions of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

He further described the newly installed titles as positions of trust, Oba Owoade said they demand courage, loyalty and selfless service to the Yoruba people, adding that such honours are intended to strengthen unity and respect for tradition across Yorubaland.

He urged the new titleholders to discharge their duties with humility and ensure that their roles promote dignity, cohesion and the collective good of the Yoruba people.

He said, “We are gathered here today for a purpose that goes beyond celebration. We are here to witness history and to place responsibility where tradition has long placed it. Chieftaincy, in our culture, is not an act of favour. It is not decoration. It is a duty, conferred only when history, authority, and responsibility align.

“From the earliest organisation of the Yoruba people, authority was never vague. Our forebears understood structure. This understanding gave Yorubaland stability long before modern governance arrived.

“The throne of Oyo emerged in that history as a coordinating authority, by responsibility. When colonial administration came, it did not invent this reality; it encountered it and recorded it. By 1914, Oyo Province had become the largest province in Southern Nigeria, covering 14,381 square miles. It was bounded in the north by Ilorin and Kontagora, in the east by Ondo and Ijebu, in the south by Ijebu and Abeokuta, and in the west by French Dahomey. This reflected recognised leadership over a wide and diverse space.

“This history explains why certain chieftaincy titles are different in nature. Titles that bear the name ‘Yorubaland’ are not local titles. They are collective titles. They speak not for one town or one kingdom, but for the Yoruba people as a whole. Such titles must therefore proceed from an authority whose reach, by history and by law, extends across Yorubaland.

“Today, I do not speak to provoke debate. I speak to state order. Among the Yoruba, authority has never been a matter of assumption or convenience. It has always been a matter of history, structure, and law. Thrones were not created equal in function, even though all are sacred in dignity.

“From the earliest organisation of Yorubaland, the Alaafin of Oyo occupied a central and coordinating authority—an authority that extended beyond the walls of Oyo and into the collective political life of the Yoruba people. This was not self-declared. It was recognised, enforced, and sustained across generations. Colonial records acknowledged it. Post-independence councils preserved it. Scholars documented it.

“And finally, the Supreme Court of Nigeria affirmed it. The law is clear. History is settled. Chieftaincy titles that bear the name Yorubaland—titles whose meaning, influence, and obligation are not confined to a single town or kingdom—fall under a singular, established authority. That authority is the throne of Oyo”.

It would be recalled that the Alaafin of Oyo and the Ooni of Ife had a face off following the Conferment of Okanlomo of Yorubaland to Industrialist and Businessman, Dotun Sanusi.

This however led to brickbats with both Monarch issuing statements, prompting the Alaafin to give a Seven Days Ultimatum for the Ooni to revoke the Chieftaincy Title.

Harmonized Tax Law Bill In Circulation Is Fake – Oyedele

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Ayodele Oni

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December 22, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has revealed that members of the executive arm of government that were involved in the process of the tax reform are yet to have access to the certified harmonised version of the bills.

Oyedele declared on Channels Television morning brief on Monday that the tax law documents currently in circulation are fake.

The nation’s tax boss specifically said that the documents widely circulated on social media and reported by some media organisations do not represent the authentic versions of the tax laws.

Oyedele, who stated these while dismissing claims that there exit some discrepancies between the tax reform bills passed by the National Assembly and the ones gazetted, insisted that there was no official basis yet for comparing what was passed by the National Assembly with what was gazetted, saying that the harmonised bills was certified by the Clerk of the National Assembly.

According to him; “Before anyone can say that there is a difference between what was gazetted and what was passed, we have what has not been gazetted. We don’t have what was passed.

“The official harmonised bills certified by the clerk, which the National Assembly sent to the President, we don’t have a copy to compare. Only the lawmakers can say authoritatively what was sent.

“It should be the harmonised version certified by the clerk. Even I cannot say that I have it. I only have what was presented to Mr President to sign.

“What was in circulation and widely reported by a lot of media organisations is actually fake,” Oyedele insisted.

While addressing concerns over how such confusion could arise, Oyedele described the situation as a systemic and procedural problem as against pointing accusing fingers at any individual or institution.

In the words of Oyedele; “It’s a process and system issue that has to be addressed, and I don’t think it is about finger-pointing or looking for who to blame.

“If you think about the process today, there are a lot of stages with manual hands-on that anything can go wrong”.

Oyedele therefore warned against assumptions that the presence of top government officials at the signing of the bills guaranteed full scrutiny of the documents.

According to him; “Just because the President, the Speaker, the Senate President, and others were present when the law was signed does not mean you can read 400 pages on the spot and confirm everything was fine.”

Oyedele therefore urged the public to exercise patience and await the outcome of ongoing investigations into what may have gone wrong in the harmonization and gazetting process of the new tax laws.

Ogoni Oil Exploration: NSA Ribadu Leads FG Delegation To Rivers State

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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December 22, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Ahead of its plan to re-start oil exploration and other related activities in the troubled Ogoni land, a high-powered Federal Government delegation arrived Rivers state on Monday December 22, 2025, on a trouble-shooting mission.

The high-profile delegation which comprises the National Security Adviser NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Works, Engr Dave Umahi, and his Environment counterpart, Balarabe Lawal, earlier on the day paid a courtesy visit to Governor Siminalayi Fubara after being received at the Port Harcourt Airport by several top Ogoni land stakeholders, including members of the Ogoni Mothers Union.

The Source reports that the efforts by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to recommence oil exploration activities in Ogoni after over two decades of lull have been met with stiff resistance by an overwhelming majority of the people who are insisting on certain conditionalities being met first .

Among the conditions set by the people are the establishment of a framework on the clean-up of the Ogoni land which has been seriously affected by past oil spill arising from exploration activities by multi-national companies,and firm agreement on how to ensure the inclusion, protection and promotion of the interests of the people in all future exploration activities.

Popular agitations against, and even violent confrontations with multi-national oil companies over alleged neglect of both the people and the environment were mainly at the root of the winding down of oil exploration in the area over 20 years ago.

The recent establishment of the University of Environmental Technology Ogoni ,and other emergency measures taken by the Federal Government ,have so failed to persuade the people,who are rather insisting on being part and parcel of any future exploration activities in their area.

The NSA-led Federal Government delegation which includes the Director-General DG of the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency Chukwuemeka Woke is expected to proceed to Ogoni land after meeting with Governor Fubara.

They are primarily in the State to, among other things, inspect some important sites of critical Oil facilities, as well as hold extensive deliberations with major stakeholders of Ogoni land.

The team will specifically meet with the Ogoni Dialogue Committee, with a view to resolving some gray areas including how to address environmental remediation, infrastructural development, security concerns, and how to carry the people along in future oil exploration activities.

Part of the itinerary of the delegation also include an inspection tour of ongoing Federal Government projects in the state including the East-West Road .

They will equally visit the Yorla Oilfield spill site in Kpean community, the University of Environmental Technology, Ogoni ,the Gokana Oil Facility, and Hospital in K-Dere, as well as the Industrial Park site, and Taabaa General Hospital.

PRP Calls For Impeachment Of President Tinubu Over Tax Law

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Ayodele Oni

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December 22, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

More voices have continued to speak against the alleged alteration of the Tax Law after its passage by the national assembly.

The opposition Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) described the action by the executive arm of government as a grave violation of the Constitution and the principle of separation of powers.

It has therefore called on the National Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Bola Tinubu if he is found to have been involved in the alleged post-passage alteration of the tax laws.

National Chairman of the PRP, Falalu Bello, in a statement on Monday, pointed out that any alteration of a bill outside the legislative process amounts to executive misconduct and undermines parliamentary sovereignty.

The PRP warned that if evidence links President Tinubu to the alleged manipulation, the National Assembly must act without hesitation.

“In light of these grave developments, the PRP calls for a comprehensive and transparent investigation of these alterations and additions to the already passed Act of Parliament to identify and punish all those responsible for this egregious misconduct.

“We insist that those found culpable, regardless of their position, must be held accountable and face appropriate punishment for their fraudulent conduct.

“If evidence emerges implicating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in these illegal manipulations, the PRP calls for his impeachment without delay. No individual, including the President, should be above the law,” he said.

The party also demanded an immediate suspension of the implementation of the disputed tax laws pending a comprehensive and transparent investigation into how the discrepancies arose.

It called for an independent probe to identify those responsible for the alleged alterations and ensure they are held accountable in line with the law.

“This audacious act of executive dishonesty, characterized by the insertion, deletion, and modification of substantive provisions post-passage legislation, underscores a reckless disdain for the rule of law, separation of powers, and the constitutional order.

“It is an unforgivable breach of trust, a mockery of the Nigerian people, and an open assault on the integrity of our legislative process.”

Gunmen Attack Police Patrol Team In Ondo

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Ayodele Oni

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December 22, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Gunmen operating on a motorcycle have attacked a police checkpoint at Ipele Junction in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, leaving two police officers and a female civilian injured.

The incident occurred when operatives attached to the Safer Highway Patrol team were on routine duty at the checkpoint.

The State Police command explained that the attackers, numbering about three and riding on a motorcycle, suddenly arrived at the location and opened fire on the officers.

Two policemen were hit by gunshots during the assault, while a woman, identified simply as Taiwo, was hit by stray bullets.

Confirming the development in a statement, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Kazeem, stated that the officers were attacked in the course of performing their lawful responsibilities.

He explained that the patrol team responded swiftly, engaging the gunmen and forcing them to escape from the scene.

“All the injured victims were promptly taken to the hospital and are currently receiving medical care,” Kazeem stated.

The police spokesperson further disclosed that one of the suspects, identified as Nwabali, was apprehended at the scene, while the motorcycle used in the attack was also recovered.

According to him, the arrested suspect is currently in custody and has provided information that is proving useful in ongoing efforts to track down the fleeing accomplices.

Kazeem added that the suspect would be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, CP Adebowale Lawal, condemned the attack, describing it as “tragic and condemnable.”

He commended the Safer Highway Patrol officers for their bravery and prompt response, noting that their actions helped avert loss of life.

CBN To Banks: Your ATMs Must Accept Foreign Cards

By

James Orji

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December 22, 2025

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The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has directed commercial banks in the country and other financial institutions, OFIs to configure their Automated Teller Machines, ATMs to accept international debit and credit cards. Such foreign cards, the apex bank said must have necessary certifications and conform with international best standards.

The Yemi Cardoso-led CBN issued the directive in a circular signed by Dr Rita Sike, Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department.

According to the apex bank, banks and non-bank acquirers must also ensure that they created a multi-factor authentication mechanism for foreign card transactions above $200 per day, $500 per week and $1,000 per month, noting that banks must ensure compliance with approved cash withdrawal limits, regarding ATMs withdrawals.

Commercial banks and non-banking operators, the CBN siad, must also communicate the applicable exchange rate, which shall be market-driven and based on the prevailing official rate, as well as other associated charges to users.

CBN noted that operators must ensure that card acceptance are equipped with contactless payment options for low-value transactions and that consumer complaints must be resolved within approved time limits.by

The apex bank said “banks and non-bank acquirers shall: implement multi-factor authentication for all withdrawals and online transactions exceeding $200 per day, $500 per week, and $1,000 per month (or its equivalent).”

“With respect to ATM cash withdrawal transactions, ensure compliance with approved cash withdrawal limits.

“Clearly communicate the applicable exchange rate, which shall be market-driven and based on the prevailing official rate, as well as other associated charges to users.

“Transactions should only be completed after the user has accepted the terms (with evidence obtained).

“Maintain sufficient liquidity position to settle transactions. Settle transactions for the merchant in local currency (naira).

“Implement transaction monitoring to detect unusual patterns in the use of foreign cards across all terminals.

“Strengthen know-your-customer and anti-money laundering controls for merchants handling foreign card payments.

“Require their merchants to ensure that all their copies of card-present transaction receipts are properly signed and to request for valid identity documents where a transaction appears suspicious.”

“Furthermore, acquirers shall implement and maintain robust, auditable chargeback management processes aligned with applicable card-scheme rules and CBN guidelines (including but not limited to timely case intake, evidence collation, refund execution, and post-incident analytics),” the statement said.

“Require, verify, and retain documentation (including terminal approval slip and signed merchant receipt, and item/service description) for card transactions for use in dispute resolution and chargebacks.

“The records shall be retained for a minimum of 12 months and be readily retrievable within 24 hours of request by the Acquirer or Scheme.

“Provide quarterly training to their merchants and agent networks on dispute handling and chargeback processes,” the apex bank noted in the circular.

Meanwhile, sources in the CBN informed the magazine on Monday that the directive is expected to take effect next year, as the banks are expected to put critical infrastructure in place to support the new regime.