Banks raised N4.65trn as CBN concludes recapitalisation programme
…It will strengthen financial system resilience – Cardoso
Omeiza Bilal
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Nigerian banks raised a total of ₦4.65 trillion in new capital, strengthening the resilience of the financial system and enhancing its capacity to support the economy.
In a statement Wednesday signed by Director, Banking Supervision, Olubukola A. Akinwunmi, and Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali (Mrs.) respectively, it brings to a successfully conclusion of the banking sector recapitalisation programme initiated in March 2024.
The programme recorded strong participation from both domestic and international investors, with 72.55% of capital sourced locally and 27.45% from international markets, reflecting sustained confidence in the country’s banking sector.
Commenting on the programme, the Apex Bank 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 confirms that 33 banks have met the revised minimum capital requirements established under the programme.
“A limited number of institutions remain subject to ongoing regulatory and judicial processes, which are being addressed through established supervisory and legal frameworks.
“All banks remain fully operational, ensuring continued access to banking services for customers.
“The programme has strengthened capital adequacy ratios (CAR), with the sector maintaining levels above international Basel benchmarks. Minimum CAR thresholds remain at 10% for regional and national banks and 15% for banks with international authorization.
“The recapitalisation, implemented alongside an orderly exit from regulatory forbearance, has improved asset quality, reinforcing balance sheet transparency and overall financial system stability,” it said.
The regulator stated that to safeguard these gains, it has strengthened its risk-based capital adequacy framework, requiring banks to conduct regular stress testing across defined scenarios and maintain appropriate capital buffers.
It also stated that the programme would further enhance prudential oversight and risk-based supervision.
“Key regulatory measures, including prudential guidelines and the supervisory framework, are subject to periodic review to support ongoing strengthening of governance, risk management, and sector resilience,” it said.
Overall, the Bank said the programme would ensure the banks continue their operations just as it will lead to system stability.
“The recapitalisation programme was carried out without disruption to banking services, ensuring continuous access for individuals and businesses throughout the process.
“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,” it added.
“The Central Bank of Nigeria remains committed to maintaining a stable, transparent, and resilient financial system that inspires confidence among depositors, investors, and the broader public, and to advancing the sustainability of the nation’s financial architecture,” the Apex bank stated.
