Disbursements under the Anchor Borrowers Programme interventions by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stood at ₦51 billion only and not ₦215 billion, the NIRSAL Microfinance Bank (NMFB) has clarified.
The bank gave the clarification in a statement issued to formally correct what it described as “misleading media reports on the matter.
“The correct figure, as verified and confirmed by the bank’s records and shared during recent public sessions, was ₦51 billion, which is a significant discrepancy that demands public correction,” the bank said in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.
The bank said recent media coverage erroneously inflated NMFB’s disbursement totals, potentially causing confusion among stakeholders.
“For the avoidance of doubt, our verified Anchors Borrowers Programme (ABP) intervention loan disbursements stand at ₦51 billion, not ₦215 billion,” the bank stated.
“We urge the public and press to disregard the inaccurate reports,” it added.
NMFB emphasized the importance of fact-checking details in financial reporting, calling on journalists to confirm figures with the bank before publication.
The notice also addressed recurring confusion between the identities of NIRSAL Microfinance Bank and NIRSAL Plc., saying the two were distinct entities with separate operations.
“Media professionals must exercise due diligence, by checking and cross-check in facts and financial details to avoid misleading the public,” the bank added.
The bank said the clarification was aimed at preserving transparency and trust in NMFB’s role in Nigeria’s financial intervention management programmes.
