No plans to revoke Polaris, Fidelity Bank, others licences – CBN
…Assures of safety of bank deposits
Omeiza Bilal
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that it has no plan to revoke the licences of Polaris, Wema, Unity, and Fidelity Bank.
Bank’s Acting Director of the Corporate Communications Department, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, who faulted the claims said the circular referred to in the report was issued on January 10, 2024 and not June 10, 2024, as is being bandied about.
According to the circular, the Apex Bank had notified the public about the dissolution of the Boards of Union, Keystone, and Polaris Banks.
In a statement Monday in Abuja, Mrs Sidi Ali reassured members of the banking public of the safety of their deposits and the banking system’s resilience.
The acting Director emphasised that Heritage’s case was isolated, adding that allegations of further revocation of licences prior to the completion of the bank recapitalisation exercise were mere fabrications aimed at creating panic within the system.
She said customers, particularly those of Heritage Bank, need not worry about the safety of their deposits, adding that the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) had commenced payment to the bank’s insured depositors.
Mrs. Sidi Ali, therefore, urged the public to continue their regular banking activities without concern, dismissing any false reports regarding the health of specific Deposit Money Banks.
She confirmed that the CBN, with its robust regulatory framework, is proactively ensuring the stability of Nigeria’s financial system, thereby guaranteeing the safety of depositors’ funds in all Nigerian financial institutions.
While reiterating the assurances of the Governor (Olayemi Cardoso) that the recapitalisation of banks in Nigeria was intended to bolster the banking system and safeguard the sector against risks, Sidi Ali urged all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring the success of the process, which she noted would be for the overall growth of the Nigerian economy.
“Without prejudice to the ongoing recapitalisation process, I want to restate that the Nigerian banking industry remains resilient. Key financial soundness indicators remain within current regulatory thresholds.
“Customers are, therefore, encouraged to proceed with their transactions as usual, as the CBN is committed to ensuring the safety of the banking system,” she added.
