KEY POINTS

• 33 deposit money banks raised N4.65 trillion over 24 months, with 72.55 percent sourced from domestic investors and 27.45 percent from international markets
• Capital adequacy ratios now exceed Basel benchmarks, with minimum thresholds of 10 percent for regional and national banks and 15 percent for internationally authorized banks
• The CBN has introduced mandatory stress testing and a strengthened risk-based capital framework to sustain the gains

The Central Bank of Nigeria has wrapped up the Nigeria bank recapitalization programme, with 33 deposit money banks raising a combined N4.65 trillion in fresh capital over 24 months to strengthen balance sheets and build resilience across the financial system.

The CBN disclosed the outcome in a statement signed by Director of Banking Supervision Dr. Olubukola Akinwunmi and Acting Director of Corporate Communications Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali.

Domestic investors led the capital raise

Governor Olayemi Cardoso said the programme has reinforced the capital base of Nigerian banks, positioning the sector to support growth and absorb both domestic and external shocks.

“The recapitalization 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 said.

Of the N4.65 trillion raised, 72.55 percent came from local investors while 27.45 percent flowed from international markets, which the CBN described as a sign of sustained confidence in the Nigerian banking sector.

All 33 banks now meet the revised minimum capital requirements the programme established. Meanwhile, a limited number of institutions remain subject to ongoing regulatory and judicial processes, the CBN noted, adding that all banks continue to operate normally and customers retain full access to services.

Capital adequacy ratios across the sector now exceed international Basel benchmarks. The CBN sets minimum thresholds of 10 percent for regional and national banks and 15 percent for banks holding international authorization.

New oversight rules to protect the gains

Moreover, the CBN has rolled out a strengthened risk-based capital adequacy framework, requiring banks to conduct regular stress tests across defined scenarios and maintain appropriate capital buffers.

The programme also ran alongside an orderly exit from regulatory forbearance, improving asset quality and reinforcing balance sheet transparency across the sector.

The CBN finally added that it will periodically review prudential guidelines and its supervisory framework to drive continued improvements in governance, risk management and Nigeria bank recapitalization outcomes over the long term.