The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has successfully concluded its banking sector recapitalisation programme, with Nigerian banks raising a total of ₦4.65 trillion to strengthen the resilience and stability of the financial system.
The 24-month exercise, which commenced in March 2024, attracted robust participation from both domestic and international investors, underscoring sustained confidence in the country’s banking industry.
According to the apex bank, 72.55 per cent of the capital was sourced locally, while 27.45 per cent came from foreign markets.
CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said the programme has significantly reinforced the capital base of banks, positioning them to better support economic growth and withstand both local and global shocks.
The central bank disclosed that 33 banks have met the revised minimum capital requirements, while a few others are still undergoing regulatory and judicial processes within established supervisory frameworks.
Despite this, the CBN assured that all banks remain fully operational, with uninterrupted access to financial services for customers nationwide.
The recapitalisation exercise also improved capital adequacy ratios across the sector, with banks maintaining levels above international Basel benchmarks. The minimum ratio remains 10 per cent for regional and national banks, and 15 per cent for those with international licences.
The apex bank noted that the programme was implemented alongside a phased exit from regulatory forbearance, resulting in enhanced asset quality, improved balance sheet transparency, and stronger financial system stability.
To consolidate these gains, the CBN said it has strengthened its risk-based supervisory framework, mandating routine stress testing and adequate capital buffers for banks under varying economic conditions.
It added that prudential guidelines and supervisory tools would continue to be reviewed to enhance governance, risk management, and overall sector resilience.
The CBN emphasised that the recapitalisation was executed without disrupting banking operations, ensuring seamless service delivery throughout the period.
With the programme now completed, the apex bank said Nigeria’s banking sector is better positioned to support lending, mobilise savings, and absorb economic shocks, while reaffirming its commitment to maintaining a stable and transparent financial system.
