The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the successful completion of its banking sector recapitalization programme, which ended on March 31, 2026, with 33 financial institutions raising a total of N4.65 trillion in fresh capital over two years.

The initiative, designed to strengthen the resilience and stability of Nigeria’s financial system, attracted strong investor confidence, with 72.5% of the funds sourced locally and 27.5% coming from international markets.

This balance reflects both domestic commitment and sustained global confidence in Nigeria’s banking sector and its growth prospects.

CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso stated that the recapitalization has significantly strengthened the capital base of Nigerian banks, positioning them to better withstand economic shocks and support national growth.

According to the apex bank, 33 out of 38 banks successfully met the revised minimum capital requirements, while Capital Adequacy Ratios (CAR) across the sector improved and remained above international Basel Committee on Banking Supervision benchmarks.

The CBN reaffirmed minimum CAR thresholds of 10% for regional and national banks and 15% for internationally authorized banks, aligning Nigeria’s banking system with global financial stability standards.

The recapitalization also coincided with an orderly exit from regulatory forbearance, resulting in improved asset quality, stronger balance sheet transparency, and enhanced financial system stability.

While a few institutions remain under regulatory and judicial review, the CBN confirmed that all banks remain operational and customer services uninterrupted.

To sustain these gains, the apex bank has strengthened its risk-based supervisory framework, including mandatory stress testing and enhanced capital buffers.

These measures, alongside ongoing prudential reviews, aim to foster improved governance, stronger risk management, and a more resilient banking system capable of supporting lending, mobilizing savings, and driving Nigeria’s long-term economic development.