UBA names new non-executive director, waits for CBN nod on half-year report

United Bank for Africa Plc has announced the appointment of Ibrahim Puri as a Non-Executive Director. This is pending approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The news came in a regulatory filing signed by Bili Odum, the Group Company Secretary, on Thursday.

The Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, shared his thoughts on the appointment. He believes Mr Puri's vast experience and good judgement will help the bank grow. “I congratulate Ibrahim Puri on his appointment as a Non-Executive Director. The Board is confident that his extensive experience, depth of expertise and sound judgement will further strengthen the Board and contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and success of the Group,” Mr Elumelu said.

Ibrahim Puri is a well-known leader in financial services, with over 35 years of experience in banking, fintech, telecommunications, and FMCG. He has previously worked as an Executive Director on UBA's board, retiring in 2022. He also serves on the boards of other companies, including Nigerian Breweries Plc and 9mobile, now called T2.

Puri has attended executive programs at Harvard University, the University of Oxford, and Euromoney London. He holds a Master’s degree in Banking and Finance from Bayero University, Kano. His expertise covers structured finance, negotiation, board governance, and turnaround management.

UBA operates in 20 African countries, as well as in the UK, the US, France, and the UAE. The bank also announced that its board has approved the Group’s audited accounts and financial statements for the half-year that ended on 30 June 2026.

The Group noted in the regulatory filing that the half-year financial statements received approval during a board meeting on 13 August. However, they still need CBN's approval before they can be published.

The bank will inform the public as soon as it receives CBN approval of the financial statements. “Consequently, the Bank’s closed period will continue to run until 24 hours after the 2026 Half-Year Audited Accounts and Financial Statements are released to the public,” the financial group added.

For Nigerian companies listed on the stock exchange, those with a financial year ending on 31 December must file their H1 results, covering January to June, with NGX by the deadline set for half-year reporting. This is especially true for banks.

UBA offers retail, commercial, and institutional banking services to over 50 million customers worldwide.