The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the successful conclusion of its banking sector recapitalisation programme, revealing that Nigerian banks raised a total of N4.65 trillion in fresh capital, with all 33 lenders meeting the revised minimum capital requirements.
The recapitalisation exercise, which commenced in March 2024 and closed on March 31, 2026, saw strong participation from both domestic and international investors, reinforcing confidence in the country’s financial system.
In a statement jointly signed by the Director of Banking Supervision, Dr. Olubukola A. Akinwunmi, and Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, the apex bank disclosed that 72.55 per cent of the capital was sourced locally, while 27.45 per cent came from international markets.
Commenting on the development, CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, said the exercise has significantly strengthened the banking sector.
“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,” Cardoso stated.
The CBN confirmed that all 33 banks met the new capital thresholds, although it noted that a few institutions are still undergoing regulatory and judicial processes being handled within established legal frameworks.
Despite the transition, the apex bank assured that all financial institutions remain fully operational, guaranteeing uninterrupted access to banking services for individuals and businesses throughout the exercise.
The regulator further disclosed that the programme has improved key financial indicators, including Capital Adequacy Ratios (CAR), which remain above international Basel benchmarks. Minimum CAR thresholds were maintained at 10 per cent for regional and national banks, and 15 per cent for banks with international licences.
According to the CBN, the recapitalisation—implemented alongside a phased exit from regulatory forbearance—has enhanced asset quality, strengthened balance sheet transparency, and bolstered overall financial system stability.
To sustain these gains, the bank said it has reinforced its risk-based capital framework, mandating periodic stress testing and the maintenance of adequate capital buffers by financial institutions.
It added that prudential guidelines and supervisory frameworks would continue to undergo periodic reviews to strengthen governance, risk management, and resilience across the sector.
The apex bank emphasised that the entire exercise was carried out without disruption to banking operations, positioning the industry to better support lending, mobilise savings, and withstand both domestic and global economic shocks.
The CBN reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a stable, transparent, and resilient financial system that inspires confidence among depositors, investors, and the wider public, while advancing the sustainability of Nigeria’s financial architecture.
