UBA Calls for Heightened Watch Against Cybertheft in Banking

United Bank for Africa urged stronger vigilance and a firm stand against fraud during the close of its 2025 Fraud Awareness Week in Lagos on Friday. The event at UBA House focused on the theme “Combating Fraud-Risk & Cybertheft in Digital Banking.” Officials highlighted how such threats erode trust and drain revenues, with global reports showing organisations lose five per cent of earnings yearly to scams.

The bank’s acting chief internal auditor, Kayode Ajayi, described the battle against fraud as ongoing and vital. He called on everyone to join in, stressing that no one stands alone against clever tactics powered by technology like AI. Ajayi noted Nigeria’s need for greater ownership in this fight, backed by resources and resolve.

Keynote speaker Professor Godwin Oyedokun warned that fraudsters strike through those closest to victims. He pushed for readiness that outpaces criminals, with quick detection as the top shield. Oyedokun advised securing processes and treating customer safety as a core plan, always favouring prevention over cure.

A panel of experts tackled fresh ideas in banking security. Adebayo Adebeshin pointed out that new tools trade ease for risk, as fraudsters match knowledge gains. Fiyinfolu Okedare stressed teaching customers to spot tricks like fake emails, turning them from targets into guards. Bright Anyanwu insisted on building safety into products from the start, with thorough checks to catch flaws early.

Group Managing Director Oliver Alawuba, speaking through his representative, praised the week’s efforts in blocking scams at every step. He vowed to keep UBA’s standards high across borders and rallied all to stay sharp. “Stay alert, stay safe, and let us stop fraud together,” Alawuba said.

These warnings hit hard in a world where digital doors swing wide, yet invite shadows of deceit. Families and businesses suffer quietly from stolen futures, a reminder that vigilance isn’t just smart—it’s a lifeline for the vulnerable.