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POS dealers ATM make brisk businesses in Borno and Yobe state due to scarcity of naira notes
POS dealers ATM make brisk businesses in Borno and Yobe state due to scarcity of naira notes
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Naira sale has become big business in the capital of Borno and Yobe states as Point Of Sale (POS) agents are making brisk business beyond the normal charges from customers.
Even the Automated Teller Machines ATM which are supposed to give customers their cash as at when needed have restricted them badly to just N2000 in some cases even as our findings indicate that they drive big amounts of new cash in their private cars back to the bedrooms of those big time business men and politicians for fear of loosing their accounts to willing bank managers.
For those in Damaturu, a smaller town and capital of Yobe State, the scarcity of old naira notes still persists as it does in maiduguri but our investigations indicate that residents are trying to survive the tensed atmosphere this has quagmire has created.
The scarcity of naira notes has caused very long queues in most of the major towns around the two states such that there are worries that some people may never have respite even after the deadline issued by the central bank of Nigeria.
It’s the same sing song in Potiskum where a security source name withheld told this reporter that the policy should have been implemented long ago and not just when the election is at the corner.
“imagine you implement a policy that you think will cripple the political class who horde billions of this same naira for the election. Do you think some of them step into the bank? The answer is no. These bankers drive the cash back into their bedrooms. So who is loosing now? It’s the common man who has to buy naira at exorbitant prices.”he pointed.
Investigation conducted by this reporter indicates that because most of the council areas of these two states do not have branches of banks, there is an acute scarcity of even the old naira notes in the hinterland 200 to 300km outside the city of maiduguri and Damaturu.
A source who also prefers anonymity in Gamboru Ngala told this reporter that some residents in the border town that have relatives in Cameroon have resolved to buy most of their needs in foreign cfa currency which is available in their area as the bite of the scarcity of the naira persists.
She went on “We become lucky only when the POS agents travel to maiduguri and bring cash for us. Even that, they charge us 300 naira for every new N1000 we ask them to change for us. Some take half of the money in the name of selling new notes to us.
” This is our sad plight because we do not have banks here, not even micro finance banks to benefit from the enormous border trade going on with the gradual advent of peace in the place.
A drive round maiduguri within the period under review indicates that some of the banks deliberately refused to pay the old money to some customers and even POS agents on the counter since Monday and that is after the central bank of Nigeria had given a directive that they should dispense cash to them.
Service providers stranded
A tailor who called himself Bomboy complained that since Monday he has been working yet people were not coming to take their clothes and pay up even old notes for services.
He said those who want to pay him are met with stiff agency charges such as 1,500 taken from their salaries for every 5000.
“So if her salary is just N15,000 monthly you can imagine how she will feel loosing up to 4,500 from her pay if she wants to withdraw the cash for keeps so she can use accordingly.” said Bomboy.
At kasua fara which is part of konduga council area of Borno, charges rose from N100 for each N5000 withdrawal to about N500 which is ten percent of the money one desires to withdraw.
In the second largest town of Bama, the report was not different right up to Pulka and Gwoza, lack of money was a recurring decimal.
The POS sellers alleged that even though it is illegal to buy the naira, they have no choice but to buy behind the counter from some willing banks to go and sell for the customers who can afford to pay for the excess charges.
Paralysis of commercial activities
The scarcity has badly affected the buying and selling going on within the city because of the fear of losses they will incur if they get to the POS which is the only leeway to escape the mammoth crowd at the banks.
Some residents who spoke to this reporter noted that going out to the Atm centres of some banks is a waste of time because after two hours of waiting you realize that it can only dispense between 3 and 5,000.
“what if my wife is sick and we need to buy drugs worth more than 5000? Do that is how I will be restricted because they now dish out only 5000 in some ATM centres averagely which is bad for business.
Meanwhile, in these the CBN has set up committees that have been going round the states to enforce compliance. In Borno the committee is headed by Mohammed Tumala, a director of statistics in the CBN.
He told this reporter that the CBN is really serious about monitoring the whole exercise and would stick to the deadline which is why they are on ground to ensure enforcement by commercial banks.
He Saud that Borno Yobe has been taken care of because over N8. 4 billion was distributed to Borno as at last week while over N4 billion has been disbursed to Yobe alone.
He said that his team has been to many areas of the state and have disbursed directly to POS and other organized groups in need of the new notes.
The team leader said that they have been working with security agencies. Icpc, efcc and other relevant groups supporting the implementation of the policy by the CBN.
Reaction from Kano
Another anonymous source in kano said that it was true that some people were making brisk businesses from the currency business.
“But it is to our own disadvantage because our kids are the people I am thinking of. How will their generation live their lives? The masses are suffering and things are not getting better in anyway.
” There is no scarcity in kano except that people are buying the notes and keeping them in their homes as surety for the dry day.
” A lot of people have turned the crave for new naira notes into business and that is the only time it becomes scarce. Imagine someone withdrawing a million while others do not have anything.
” The POS agents are equally not helping matters because they exploit people a lot, by selling the currency at cut throat prices.
” At least eighty percent of the currency in circulation is outside the banking system. Just 20 percent is within the system and that is not good for our economy.
“The cashless policy must succeed because we cannot continue to be a cash based society.
” That is why we are welcoming E naira because it will also make sure we are boarded from the cash system. It would be of great advantage to the country as such it should be embraced if we mean business with our economy.
Reaction from the Govt house
Except for those with verifiable constraints such as lacking supplies from the CBN, the State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has directed that any bank which refuses to dispense new naira notes via ATMs and banking halls should have its land revoked.
Zulum issued the directive over the weekend after visiting branches of banks to assess problems being faced by residents in trying to access new naira notes via long queues at ATMs amid acute scarcity and hopelessness.
“Any bank in Borno State that is not willing to ensure their ATMs are fully dispensing new naira notes cash to ease the suffering of our people, we will withdraw their land title immediately. We will only spare Banks with genuine constraints that are verifiable” Zulum said.
Before that declaration, Zulum expressed unhappiness when he saw hundreds of people queued at a bank’s branch, with only one out of 10 ATMs dispensing cash.
“As you can see here, only less privileged people are queued up. I didn’t see rich people here. Many people are said to been here since 3:00 am, some could not even eat anything. The new naira notes and even the old ones are not available and that is adversely affecting commercial activities in the state and people are suffering
“We just released salaries of about 5 billion naira and the banks don’t have money, some of the ATMs are not working. We don’t have any problem with the CBN policy or the withdrawal limit, they said individuals can only withdraw N20,000, but why can’t everyone have access to that N20,000?” he said.
“Yesterday I was in Gubio with a population of over 70,000 people but it was impossible to source N100,000 in the entire local government, neither of the new note nor the old notes. A ram that is worth N100,000 is now being sold for N35,000 because people are desperate for cash, and some wicked rich people are going to rural areas to exploit poor people. ” Said Zulum
The Governor urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure the availability of new notes at commercial banks for people to access their money.
“Right now in Borno State, I have visited more than ten ATMs and there’s no cash” Zulum said.
POS dealers ATM make brisk businesses in Borno and Yobe state due to scarcity of naira notes
News
AMF Celebrate the African Child: Building Foundations for Dreams, Learning, and Leadership
AMF Celebrate the African Child: Building Foundations for Dreams, Learning, and Leadership
By Comrade Philip Ikodor
The Ashlee Momoh Foundation today joined the global community to commemorate the International Day of the African Child, reaffirming its commitment to the safety, education, and empowerment of children across the continent.
In a statement issued to the media, the Founder and Lead, Princess Ashlee Omonegbo Momoh, said the Foundation stands firmly behind efforts to help every African child reach their full potential.

“While we celebrate the vibrancy, brilliance, and resilience of African children, we must also confront the systemic barriers that still limit their growth,” Princess Momoh stated.
Key Challenges Facing the African Child Today:
- Education Gaps: Millions lack access to quality education, digital literacy, and inclusive learning environments.
- Socio-Economic Barriers: Pervasive poverty drives child labor and denies many children basic healthcare, nutrition, and stable housing.
- Security and Instability: Armed conflict and community violence continue to threaten the safety, mental health, and future of children in vulnerable and military-affected communities.
AMF’s Call to Action:
To truly empower the African child, stakeholders must shift from short-term relief to sustainable, localized investment. The Foundation calls on governments, civil society, and private sector partners to collaborate in:
- Building safer, child-friendly communities
- Subsidizing healthcare and expanding access to quality education, including digital skills
- Creating inclusive learning spaces that protect children from conflict and displacement
“Every child deserves a secure foundation to dream, learn, and lead. At the Ashlee Momoh Foundation, we remain committed to building that foundation — together,” Princess Momoh added.
The Ashlee Momoh Foundation is a Nigeria-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing child welfare, education, and empowerment across Africa through sustainable programs, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
AMF Celebrate the African Child: Building Foundations for Dreams, Learning, and Leadership
News
A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Minister Tegbe’s Brilliant Start
A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Minister Tegbe’s Brilliant Start
By: Lateef O. AREMU
Just few days into his tenure, Nigeria’s new Minister of Power, Engineer Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has already begun to illuminate the path towards a more stable and efficient electricity supply for the nation. Sworn into office on June 9, 2026, Minister Tegbe’s initial pronouncements and decisive actions reflect a profound understanding of the sector’s complexities, a testament to his distinguished professional background, intellectual brilliance and clear demonstration of the understanding of the task ahead. The minister unlike many before him did not over simplify the task at hand. He acknowledged the challenges and meticulous outlined the approaches towards finding solutions to the problem. He is not promising immediate miracle, but steady growth and measurable efforts towards achieving the set goals.

Minister Tegbe arrives at the helm of the Power Ministry with an impressive pedigree. A former Senior Partner and Head of Technology Advisory Services and Markets at KPMG Professional Services in Nigeria and across Africa, he has a proven track record of leading major reform initiatives, developing robust governance structures, and navigating intricate regulatory frameworks. His extensive experience in advisory services, coupled with his qualifications as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCIT), positions him uniquely to tackle the multifaceted challenges plaguing Nigeria’s power sector.
In his inaugural engagements, Minister Tegbe wasted no time in outlining a clear vision. He pledged to strengthen collaboration, improve governance, and enhance accountabilityacross the entire electricity value chain. This emphasis on systemic improvements, rather than solely technical fixes, directly mirrors his background in advisory and governance. His insight that
many of the sector’s challenges are rooted in governance and coordination rather than purely technical issues is a direct reflection of his strategic thinking honed at KPMG, where he led advisory services focused on governance and regulatory frameworks.
One of his immediate and commendable actions was to rally Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Agencies and Parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Power. During this crucial meeting, Minister Tegbe underscored the necessity of a unified and coordinated approach among all stakeholders to achieve the administration’s goals for the Power Sector. This call for synergy, urging stakeholders to operate as “one team with one mandate” is a pragmatic approach to a sector historically plagued by siloed operations and a lack of cohesive strategy. His ability to quickly identify and address this fundamental organizational challenge speaks volumes about his leadership and analytical prowess.
Furthermore, Minister Tegbe has already demonstrated a commitment to tangible results. He commended the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for its prompt response to a recent feeder outage, which was resolved within the timeframe he directed. This swift restoration of supply, which he noted was reported directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlights his dedication to urgency and service delivery, a quality that will undoubtedly instill confidence in both the public and sector operators.
Looking ahead, the Minister disclosed plans to introduce a performance-based incentive framework across the power sector to reward productivity, innovation, and excellence. This initiative is a clear demonstration of his understanding of motivational strategies and his commitment to fostering a culture of accountability and efficiency. This is the kind of principles often championed in top-tier consulting firms like KPMG. Such a framework is designed to drive continuous improvement and ensure that all stakeholders are aligned with the overarching objective of enhancing electricity supply.
In just a few short days, Engineer Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe has not only articulated a clear vision for Nigeria’s power sector but has also initiated concrete steps towards its realization. His blend of deep technical understanding, strategic leadership, and a commitment to good governance, all honed through years of high-level advisory work, positions him as a transformative figure.
As Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe assumes the role of Nigeria’s minister of power, Nigerians can look forward to a future where the brilliance of their Minister of Power translates into a consistently brighter and more reliable electricity supply.
With Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe at the helms of affairs in the power sector in Nigeria, Nigeria can rest asuured that “there is light at the end of the tunnel”
Lateef O. AREMU (Akano Gudugba)
S3 /706D
Odo-Ada Compound,
Oke-Eleta, Ibadan
08162994660
akanoola@gmail.com
A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Minister Tegbe’s Brilliant Start
News
NDLEA Sells Drug Barons’ Assets for N6.1bn, Sends Warning to Criminal Networks
NDLEA Sells Drug Barons’ Assets for N6.1bn, Sends Warning to Criminal Networks
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a major financial blow to drug trafficking syndicates, raising over N6.1 billion from the auction of properties confiscated from convicted drug kingpins across the country.
The assets, which include a six-storey luxury hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, and three other high-value properties, were forfeited to the federal government following court orders obtained under Nigeria’s asset recovery laws.

The Victoria Island hotel accounted for the bulk of the proceeds, attracting a winning bid of N5.9 billion during a public auction conducted in Abuja on Monday. Altogether, four properties were successfully sold, while bids submitted for four others fell below the approved reserve prices and were consequently rejected.
The exercise marked one of the most significant asset recovery auctions conducted by the anti-narcotics agency in recent years and underscores a growing determination by authorities to target not only drug traffickers but also the wealth accumulated from illicit activities.
Announcing the results, the Head of Asset Recovery and Management Unit at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Tamarantare Francis Ali-Bozi, disclosed that Tope Ojo and Tunde Olonishakin Estate Firm emerged the successful bidder for the Victoria Island hotel.
Other successful bidders included FSS Limited, which secured a property in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, with an offer of N219.5 million; A-BNB Global Innovations Limited, which won a block of flats in Ejigbo, Lagos, for N104 million; and Fazeen Global Link Limited, which acquired a property in Akure, Ondo State, for N29.36 million.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), declared that the auction represented more than a revenue-generating exercise, describing it as a strategic weapon in the fight against organised crime.
Represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, Marwa said the disposal of recovered assets sends a strong signal that individuals involved in the illicit drug trade would not be allowed to retain or benefit from the proceeds of their crimes.
He noted that public auctions of forfeited assets help reinforce public trust in the justice system by demonstrating transparency and accountability in the management of recovered properties.

According to him, the agency remains committed to tracking, recovering and disposing of criminal assets in a manner that serves the public interest while strengthening Nigeria’s asset recovery framework.
“We shall continue to pursue drug traffickers, dismantle criminal networks, recover the proceeds of crime and uphold the rule of law without fear or favour,” he stated.
Marwa also stressed that extensive safeguards were put in place to guarantee the integrity of the process. He said all assets were professionally valued by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, while auctioneers engaged for the exercise were screened and pre-qualified through procedures approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement.
The NDLEA boss added that representatives of anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations, the media and members of the public were invited to witness the bid-opening exercise in order to ensure transparency and public confidence.
He maintained that the auction was conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and other relevant regulations.
Analysts say the successful sale of the forfeited properties highlights a growing shift in Nigeria’s anti-drug strategy from merely arresting traffickers to systematically dismantling the financial foundations of criminal enterprises.
For law enforcement authorities, the message is unmistakable: drug trafficking may generate vast fortunes, but those fortunes can ultimately be traced, seized and converted into public assets.
NDLEA Sells Drug Barons’ Assets for N6.1bn, Sends Warning to Criminal Networks
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