{"id":125872,"date":"2026-02-25T09:12:33","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T08:12:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=125872"},"modified":"2026-02-25T09:12:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T08:12:33","slug":"recapitalization-banks-raise-over-%e2%82%a64tn-capital-ahead-of-deadline-cbn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/news\/recapitalization-banks-raise-over-%e2%82%a64tn-capital-ahead-of-deadline-cbn\/","title":{"rendered":"Recapitalization: Banks Raise Over \u20a64tn Capital Ahead of Deadline – CBN"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Daniel Adaji<\/div>\n
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Nigeria\u2019s banking sector has successfully raised over \u20a64 trillion in its ongoing recapitalisation drive, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has confirmed, as institutions rush to meet regulatory requirements ahead of the March 31, 2026, deadline.<\/div>\n
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Governor of the CBN, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, disclosed this progress at the close of the 304th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) media briefing on Tuesday, noting that the recapitalisation programme is proceeding \u201cin accordance with the approved regulatory timetable, with activity accelerating as the March 31, 2026, deadline nears.\u201d<\/div>\n
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According to Governor Cardoso, 20 banks have fully met the new minimum capital requirements, while a further 13 banks are at advanced stages of capital raising and are expected to complete the process within the stipulated timeframe.<\/div>\n
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\u201cInstitutions still finalising their plans are assessing a variety of strategic options, including consolidation where suitable, as part of efforts to meet compliance within the remaining timeframe,\u201d he explained.<\/div>\n
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As of February 19, 2026, the total verified and approved capital raised under the programme stood at \u20a64.05 trillion, with \u20a62.90 trillion (71.67%) mobilised domestically and US$706.84 million, estimated at \u20a61.15 trillion (28.33%), reflecting foreign participation. Governor Cardoso highlighted that \u201cthis balanced mix signals broad investor engagement and growing confidence in the sector.\u201d<\/div>\n
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The CBN Governor also addressed the status of banks under regulatory intervention, noting that \u201cspecific legal and structural factors influence the order of recapitalisation measures for these banks.\u201d<\/div>\n
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He reassured stakeholders that depositor funds remain secure and that operations continue under strict regulatory oversight, adding that the CBN remains actively engaged with relevant stakeholders \u201cto ensure orderly and credible outcomes while maintaining financial stability.\u201d<\/div>\n
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The current pace of compliance, coupled with ongoing capital-raising activity, has prompted optimism that \u201cthe market would see substantial alignment with the new capital requirements by the cut-off date,\u201d Governor Cardoso said.<\/div>\n
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The recapitalisation drive began in March 2024, when the CBN formally directed banks to raise fresh capital in line with Nigeria\u2019s evolving economic realities and ambition to build a $1 trillion economy. At the time, the apex bank announced a 24-month compliance window, setting March 31, 2026, as the deadline for banks to meet the revised minimum capital thresholds.<\/div>\n
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Under the new framework, commercial banks with international authorisation are required to raise their minimum capital to \u20a6500 billion, national banks to \u20a6200 billion, and regional banks to \u20a650 billion. Merchant banks must meet a \u20a650 billion threshold, while non-interest banks are required to maintain \u20a620 billion for national operations and \u20a610 billion for regional licences.<\/div>\n
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The policy is designed to strengthen the resilience of Nigeria\u2019s banking sector, enhance shock absorption capacity, and position lenders to support larger-scale economic activities amid ongoing reforms and macroeconomic adjustments.<\/div>\n
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