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Abbey Bank Target Growth Amidst Commencement of Commercial Banking
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Published 10/21/2026 8:12:28 PM
Abbey Bank Target Growth Amidst Commencement of Commercial Banking – THISDAYLIVE
Kayode Tokede and Oluchi Chibuzor
Abbey Bank Plc has said it is targeting growth following approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to convert to a regional commercial bank.
Formerly known as Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc, the bank said the commencement of commercial banking in the fourth quarter of 2026 is a milestone that marks a significant evolution for the institution, building on more than three decades of experience in mortgage financing, real estate development and customer-focused financial services.
Commenting on the Bank’s transformation, its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mobolaji Adewumi, said, their ambition is to make banking more accessible, responsive and relevant to the aspirations of individuals, families and businesses.
According to him, “The year 2026 represents a defining moment in the history of Abbey. Our approval to transition to commercial banking is a testament to the work invested in building this institution and the confidence placed in us by our regulators, shareholders, customers and employees.
“We are building on more than three decades of experience, particularly in mortgage banking and real estate finance, while preparing to serve a broader range of financial needs. Our ambition is to make banking more accessible, more responsive and more relevant to the aspirations of individuals, families and businesses.
“As we prepare for the commencement of commercial banking operations, our focus remains on delivering a seamless transition, strengthening our capabilities and ensuring that our customers continue to experience the trust, service and commitment that define Abbey. Our next chapter is about creating more possibilities for the people and businesses we serve.”
He stressed that as the bank advances its transition towards the commencement of commercial banking operations in the fourth quarter of 2026, it is strengthening its institutional capabilities, refreshing its brand identity, enhancing its digital infrastructure and preparing to serve a broader range of customers across retail, business and corporate banking.
“The transition represents more than a change in licence or name. It signals Abbey’s ambition to expand access to financial services, deepen customer relationships and create greater opportunities for individuals, businesses and communities. It also builds on years of experience in mortgage banking and real estate finance, providing a foundation for the Bank to broaden its capabilities and pursue new opportunities within Nigeria’s financial services sector,” he stressed.
He noted that Abbey’s transformation is underpinned by a focus on financial resilience, sustainable growth and capital strengthening.
“The Bank recorded strong financial momentum in 2025, with pre-tax profit rising to N3.12 billion from N1.22 billion in 2024. This performance provides an important foundation as the institution prepares for the opportunities and responsibilities associated with commercial banking.Digital banking remains a central pillar of Abbey’s strategy to make financial services more accessible, convenient and responsive to customers’ everyday needs,” he said.
As part of its commercial banking preparations, Abbey is also advancing technology
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Jobberman Nigeria, Nigeria’s leading career development and recruitment solutions company, has launched ‘Her Next Move’, a campaign designed to empower young Nigerian women with practical skills and confidence to pursue career opportunities and participate more fully in the workforce.
Through free online training, the initiative supports women aged 18 to 35 as they prepare to enter the workplace, advance into better roles or explore freelance and gig work.
Built around the message ‘Your Future. Your Skills. Your Move’, the campaign places female inclusion at the centre of career development, encouraging women to take an active role in shaping their professional futures. It connects the ambition to progress with an accessible starting point: learning skills that can help women prepare for their next opportunity.
‘Her Next Move’ recognises that career progress looks different for every woman. For a graduate, it may mean preparing for a first job. For a woman already working, it may involve developing the skills to take on greater responsibility or pursue a new role. For another, it may mean understanding how to navigate freelance work and participate in the global gig economy. The campaign brings these aspirations together through a shared emphasis on learning, preparation and action.
This Initiative by Jobberman in partnership with Mastercard Foundation promotes two courses: Jobberman Soft Skills Training and Becoming a Successful Global Gig Worker. Both courses are free, with a free certificate upon successful completion.
Jobberman Soft Skills Training focuses on workplace readiness, helping participants build the professional skills needed to navigate work and prepare for career progression. Becoming a Successful Global Gig Worker introduces participants to the demands and opportunities of freelance and gig work, supporting women interested in exploring career paths beyond traditional employment.
By making the training and certification available at no cost, ‘Her Next Move’ reduces the financial barrier to participation and encourages more young women to invest in their professional development. Its focus extends from raising awareness of learning opportunities to helping participants follow through and complete their chosen course.
To bring the campaign to life, Jobberman is working with young creators who are sharing personal stories about ambition, career transitions and the role of learning in their journeys. Through videos, social media posts and follow-up conversations, the creators encourage young women to reflect on their own goals and identify the practical steps they can take towards them.
These stories are intended to make career development relatable, connecting everyday aspirations with opportunities to learn. Across the campaign, the question “What is your next move?” invites women to define progress for themselves and begin preparing for it.
‘Her Next Move’ reinforces Jobberman’s and Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to supporting career development and expanding access to learning for young Nigerian women. By combining free skills training with relatable storytelling and encouragement to take action, the campaign seeks to help more women feel prepared to pursue their ambitions.
