• Thursday, January 30, 2025
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Alert Group plans expansion as assets grow to N22bn

Alert Group plans expansion as assets grow to N22bn

Olanrewaju Kazeem, Alert Group's CEO/president

Alert Group has announced plans for further expansion, with its assets surging by more than 100 percent, growing from N10.3 billion in 2023 to N22 billion in 2024.

The growth was revealed by Olanrewaju Kazeem, Alert Group’s CEO/president, during a media briefing held at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos. Kazeem explained that the group’s deposits also saw a 59 percent increase, while loans grew by 109 percent, marking a period of robust financial performance for the company.

He highlighted that Alert Group had granted N40 billion in loans to businesses across various sectors, contributing to both business and economic growth in Nigeria. Looking ahead, Kazeem confirmed that the company plans to expand even further, unveiling new subsidiaries and lending an additional N72 billion to businesses in support of the country’s economic development.

“Our mission is to empower Nigerians through accessible financial services,” Kazeem said. “In 2025, we plan to launch multiple subsidiaries and disburse N72 billion in loans to support businesses, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic progress.”

The group’s expansion plans, Kazeem noted, will focus on digital solutions, sustainability, auto financing, and microfinance. In addition to the financial achievements, the bank has made significant strides in digital transformation, enhancing its services for both customers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The microfinance bank has also remained committed to its corporate social responsibility initiatives, including providing eyeglasses to those in need and supporting local teachers and football teams.

Kazeem also addressed ongoing tax reforms, urging for modern tax policies that foster production and reduce the burden of multiple taxes. He stated that the current tax system hinders business growth and economic development, urging reforms to improve the environment for businesses.

The bank’s continued emphasis on digital transformation, MSME support, and social initiatives is expected to further drive growth and strengthen its position within the financial ecosystem.

Raji Saheed, CEO of Alert Microfinance Bank, also spoke at the event, reiterating the bank’s commitment to enhancing financial inclusion by bringing financial services closer to the people. “We anticipate that the N72 billion in loans will significantly support small businesses and individuals in both urban and rural areas,” Saheed said, underscoring the bank’s goal of providing accessible financial services to underserved communities.

Olaoye Olasunkami, CEO of Auto Bucks Lenders Limited, shared his company’s vision for transforming the MSME sector in Nigeria. “Auto Bucks will offer affordable and flexible financing options to entrepreneurs in Nigeria,” Olasunkami stated. He added that Auto Bucks plans to expand both physically and digitally in 2025 to better support entrepreneurs across the country.

The Chief Technology Officer at Alert Group, Adegoke Izekeo, discussed the company’s ongoing investment in digital technology, emphasising its importance in extending the group’s reach and improving efficiency. Izekeo revealed the company’s plans to launch a new mobile application designed to streamline the delivery of financial services.

“Our new mobile platform will make it easier for customers to access financial services, such as loan applications, bill payments, and account management, directly from their smartphones,” Izekeo explained. She further highlighted that the app is expected to revolutionize customer engagement, enabling users to interact with the group’s services without needing to visit physical locations.

Izekeo noted that this platform is not merely a digital banking tool, but an integral part of the group’s strategy to enhance financial inclusion for Nigerians, including those in urban and remote areas. “We believe that technology is a key driver of financial inclusion, and our app will play a pivotal role in reaching Nigerians who otherwise have limited access to traditional banking services,” she said.

Hachem Bdeir, CEO of Green Bucks Limited, also spoke during the event, focusing on the company’s dedication to financing projects that promote environmental sustainability. “Green Bucks is committed to funding businesses that align with global sustainability trends,” Bdeir explained. He shared that the company aims to integrate environmental impact with economic benefits by supporting projects in renewable energy, agriculture, and waste management.

This commitment to sustainable development is part of the group’s broader strategy to address both economic growth and environmental responsibility.

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