CBN says 33 banks complete recapitalisation programme after raising N4.65 trillion

The two-year exercise lifted paid-up capital across the banking system, with the regulator saying every affected lender chose a route to compliance.

Musa Abdullahi

Finance Correspondent4 min read

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The Central Bank of Nigeria concluded its banking recapitalisation programme with 33 banks meeting their applicable capital requirements and N4.65 trillion raised across the industry over 24 months.

The programme raised minimum paid-up capital to N500 billion for commercial banks with international authorisation, N200 billion for national banks and N50 billion for regional banks. Merchant banks also face a N50 billion minimum, while national and regional non-interest banks have thresholds of N20 billion and N10 billion respectively.

How banks met the test

Lenders were allowed to raise fresh equity, merge with other institutions or adjust their licence category. Public offers, rights issues and private placements became the dominant route, widening share counts at several listed banks.

More capital improves loss-absorbing capacity, but it does not automatically translate into stronger asset quality or cheaper credit. Investors will still judge banks on returns earned on the enlarged equity base, risk management and their ability to grow productive lending.

Sources

Central Bank of Nigeria, banking-sector recapitalisation framework and 2026 completion statement; Premium Times, “CBN concludes recapitalisation exercise as Nigerian banks raise N4.65 trillion” (1 April 2026).

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