By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Wednesday announced that 33 banks have fully met the new minimum capital requirements under its recapitalisation programme, raising a combined N4.65 trillion to strengthen the resilience of the financial system and enhance its capacity to support economic growth.
The apex bank disclosed this in a statement marking the successful conclusion of the exercise, which commenced in March 2024 and attracted participation from both domestic and foreign investors.
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The statement, jointly signed by the Director of Banking Supervision, Olubukola Akinwunmi, and the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, read in part:
“Over the 24-month period, Nigerian banks raised a total of N4.65tn in new capital, strengthening the resilience of the financial system and enhancing its capacity to support the economy.”
The regulator noted that local investors accounted for 72.55% of the funds raised, while international investors contributed 27.45%, reflecting continued confidence in Nigeria’s banking sector.
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CBN Governor’s Comment Commenting on the outcome, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso said:
“The recapitalisation programme has strengthened the capital base of Nigerian banks, reinforcing the resilience of the financial system and ensuring it is well-positioned to support economic growth and withstand domestic and external shocks.”
The CBN confirmed that while 33 banks have complied with the revised minimum capital thresholds, a limited number of institutions remain subject to ongoing regulatory and judicial processes, which are being addressed through established supervisory and legal frameworks.
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It emphasised that all banks remain fully operational, ensuring uninterrupted access to banking services for customers nationwide.
The statement highlighted that key prudential indicators have improved significantly, particularly capital adequacy ratios, which remain well above global Basel benchmarks. The minimum ratios were set at 10% for regional and national banks and 15% for banks with international licences.
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The recapitalisation exercise coincided with a gradual exit from regulatory forbearance, a move the CBN said has improved asset quality, strengthened balance sheet transparency, and enhanced overall stability.
To preserve these gains, the apex bank said it has reinforced its risk-based supervision framework, mandating periodic stress tests and adequate capital buffers for banks. Supervisory and prudential guidelines will continue to be reviewed regularly to strengthen governance, risk management, and resilience across the sector.
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“The successful completion of the programme establishes a stronger and more resilient banking system, better positioned to support lending, mobilise savings, and withstand domestic and global shocks,” the statement added.
The CBN’s recapitalisation drive was part of broader efforts to bolster the banking sector amid economic challenges. Earlier reports showed that foreign capital inflows into Nigeria’s banking sector rose by 93.25% year-on-year to $13.53 billion in 2025, up from $7.00 billion in 2024, largely driven by the recapitalisation activities.
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However, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) recently raised concerns that, despite the reforms, credit flows to small businesses have remained weak, and the benefits are yet to fully translate into meaningful support for the real economy.
DDNewsOnline – Lagos
By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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