33 banks have met CBN revised minimum capital requirements, raised ₦4.65 trn in new capital

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said that 33 banks have met the revised minimum capital requirements established under the recapitalization programme.

It said “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.

“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 according to a statement signed by Olubukola A. Akinwunmi, PhD, Hakama Sidi Ali (Mrs.) Director, Banking Supervision and Ag. Director, Corporate Communications announcing the successful conclusion of the banking sector recapitalisation programme initiated in March 2024.

According to the statement 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 Nigerian banking sector.

Governor Olayemi Cardoso commented 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.”

To safeguard these gains, the CBN has strengthened its risk-based capital adequacy framework, requiring banks to conduct regular stress testing across defined scenarios and maintain appropriate capital buffers.

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.

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.

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.