CBN: Banks Raised N4.65tn from Recapitalisation

James Emejo in Abuja

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Wednesday disclosed that Nigerian banks raised a total of 4.65 trillion in new capital within 24 months,
strengthening the resilience of the financial system, and enhancing industry capacity to support the economy.

The central bank also announced the successful conclusion of the banking sector recapitalisation programme that was initiated in March 2024.

The CBN in a statement signed by its Director, Banking Supervision, Dr. Olubukola A. Akinwunmi, and acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, stated that the programme recorded strong participation from both domestic and international investors, with 72.55 per cent of capital sourced locally and 27.45 per cent from international markets, reflecting sustained confidence in the Nigerian banking sector.

Commenting on the successs of the exercise which closed March 31, 2026, CBN Governor, Mr. 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 central bank further confirmed that 33 banks had met the revised minimum capital requirements established under the programme.

The statement however noted that a limited number of institutions remained 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 apex bank added.

The CBN further stated that the recapitalisation programme had strengthened Capital Adequacy Ratios (CAR), with the sector maintaining levels above international Basel benchmarks.

Minimum CAR thresholds remained at 10 per cent for regional and national banks and 15 per cent for banks with international authorisation.

The recapitalisation, implemented alongside an orderly exit from regulatory forbearance, had improved asset quality, reinforcing balance sheet transparency and overall financial system stability.

To safeguard these gains, the CBN had also 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 further reaffirmed its commitment 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.