CBN has announced the completion of its banking recapitalisation programme aimed at strengthening the resilience of Nigeria’s financial system
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the successful completion of its banking sector recapitalisation programme, with lenders raising a total of ₦4.65 trillion in fresh capital over a two-year period.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the apex bank disclosed that 33 out of 38 banks have met the revised minimum capital requirements introduced to strengthen the resilience of Nigeria’s financial system.
According to the CBN, the recapitalisation exercise attracted strong investor participation, with 72.5% of the funds sourced locally and 27.5% coming from international investors—an indication of sustained confidence in the Nigerian banking sector.
The regulator noted that the programme has significantly improved capital adequacy, enhanced asset quality, and reinforced overall financial system stability. It added that key financial ratios across the sector remain above global benchmarks set under Basel standards.
The statement, jointly signed by thenActing Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali and the Director of Banking Supervision, Olubukola Akinwunmi, highlighted that the recapitalisation was implemented alongside an orderly exit from regulatory forbearance, helping to improve transparency in banks’ balance sheets.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso said the initiative has strengthened the capital base of Nigerian banks and positioned the sector to better support economic growth.
“The recapitalisation programme has reinforced the resilience of the financial system and ensured it is well-positioned to withstand domestic and external shocks,” Cardoso said.
The CBN clarified that while a few institutions are still undergoing regulatory and judicial processes, all banks remain fully operational, with no disruption to services.
It also reaffirmed that minimum capital adequacy ratio thresholds remain at 10% for regional and national banks and 15% for internationally authorised banks, in line with global standards.
To sustain the gains, the apex bank said it has strengthened its risk-based supervisory framework, mandating regular stress testing and the maintenance of adequate capital buffers by banks. It added that prudential guidelines and supervisory processes will continue to be reviewed to improve governance and risk management.
The CBN concluded that the successful completion of the recapitalisation programme has created a stronger and more resilient banking system, better positioned to support lending, mobilise savings, and navigate both domestic and global economic challenges.