30 Banks Clear CBN Recapitalisation Threshold
Nigeria’s banking industry is edging closer to a major regulatory milestone as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) confirms that 30 commercial banks have successfully met the new minimum capital requirements introduced under the ongoing recapitalisation programme.
Three other banks, the apex bank revealed, are currently undergoing final regulatory verification before their compliance status is formally confirmed.
The development signals steady progress in the sector-wide effort to strengthen financial institutions and prepare them for larger economic roles. In a statement released by the CBN’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, the regulator noted that the recapitalisation process has gained momentum as banks explore multiple avenues to boost their capital bases.
According to the CBN, 33 banks in total have successfully raised fresh funds through a mix of rights issues, initial public offerings (IPOs), and private placements. These strategies, the bank explained, have enabled financial institutions to shore up their balance sheets in line with the new regulatory thresholds designed to enhance stability across the banking system.
The apex bank added that the three banks yet to be fully confirmed are currently passing through routine regulatory checks. These verification procedures are meant to ensure that the capital raised meets all prudential and compliance standards before the banks are officially recognised as having satisfied the new requirements.
The recapitalisation policy, introduced in 2024, gave banks a 24-month window to strengthen their capital structures, with the deadline set for March 31, 2026. Under the revised framework, commercial banks with international authorisation must maintain a minimum capital base of ₦500 billion. Those with national licences are required to hold at least ₦200 billion, while regional banks must meet a ₦50 billion threshold.
The CBN says the policy is aimed at building a more resilient banking sector capable of absorbing economic shocks, financing large-scale investments, and supporting Nigeria’s broader economic growth ambitions. As the deadline approaches, the regulator has reassured depositors and investors that the country’s financial system remains stable, well-supervised, and on track for a stronger future.
