• CBN orders banks to publish dormant accounts and unclaimed funds
• House of Reps demand fast justice for gender-based violence crimes
• FG likely to resume commercial deal with Ethiopian Airlines
• CBN directs banks to ensure ATMs always dispense cash to Nigerians
• DSS demands apologies from two TV stations

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the five top Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

CBN orders banks to publish dormant accounts and unclaimed funds

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has instructed that all banks and financial institutions publicly share information concerning dormant accounts, unclaimed balances, and other financial assets on their official websites.

The directive requires these institutions to provide important information, including the names of individuals authorised to operate the accounts, the type of account, and the branch where the account is located.

This information must be available on their official websites. For those financial institutions that lack dedicated websites, the CBN has instructed that the details should be posted on the websites of their relevant industry associations.

House of Reps demand fast justice for gender-based violence crimes

The House, in a motion presented by member Awajiinombek Abiante and three others, expressed concern that gender-based violence persists due to delays in the delivery of justice.

In their motion, the lawmakers highlighted several women who have been murdered over the years, and justice has yet to be served in these cases.

The House proposed the creation of special divisions within current courts that would have exclusive authority over homicide and related cases. This measure aims to hasten justice, reduce case backlogs, and restore public trust in the legal system.

FG likely to resume commercial deal with Ethiopian Airlines

The Federal Government may be looking to resume conversations with Ethiopian Airlines to revive the unsuccessful national carrier project, Nigerian Air, possibly under a different name.

The troubles arising from the partnership between Nigeria and Ethiopian Airlines to establish a national carrier nearly led to diplomatic strife between the two nations.

The Nigeria Air initiative, which was started by the administration of Muhammadu Buhari in collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines, was terminated after industry experts and others deemed it fraudulent and an attempt to transfer Nigeria’s national airline to Ethiopian Airlines.

CBN directs banks to ensure ATMs always dispense cash to Nigerians

John Onoja, the Acting Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department at the Central Bank of Nigeria, stated that the bank has instructed banks to ensure that their customers can access cash from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), as the updated ATM transaction fees will come into effect on March 1.

The Central Bank shared the new fee structure through a circular. Under this revised system, customers will still not be charged for withdrawals at their bank’s ATMs.

However, those using ATMs belonging to other banks will face a fee of ₦100 for withdrawals of ₦20,000 or less at ATMs located on-site at or affiliated with a bank branch.

DSS demands apologies from two TV stations

The Department of State Services (DSS) has accused two television networks, Africa Independent Television (AIT) of DAAR Communications Plc and Channels Television, of broadcasting false, defamatory, and harmful reports regarding its operations.

In a statement made through its lawyer, Chief Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), the agency called for a retraction and a public apology to be issued within seven days. Failure to comply would result in criminal and civil actions against the television stations.

Adedipe also stated that the DSS (SSS) refuted claims that it interfered with the Assembly and attempted to obstruct Assembly members and Speaker Mojisola Meranda from accessing the chamber for plenary sessions.