The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced time-bound measures for a small number of banks still completing their transition from the temporary regulatory support provided, mostly in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CBN’s Ag. Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali who announced the development in a statement issued late on Tuesday, said the step was part of the CBN’s broader, sequenced strategy to implement the recapitalisation programme announced in 2023.
She also stated that the programme designed to align with Nigeria’s long-term growth ambitions, has already led to significant capital inflows and balance sheet strengthening across the sector.
“Most banks have either completed or are on track to meet the new capital requirements well before the final implementation deadline of March 31, 2026,” she added.
Mrs. Sidi Ali, however, disclosed that the measures announced apply only to a limited number of banks.
“These include temporary restrictions on capital distributions, such as dividends and bonuses, to support retention of internally generated funds and bolster capital adequacy,” she said.
The Ag. Director said that all the affected banks have been formally notified and remain under close supervisory engagement. Noting that to support a smooth transition, the CBN has allowed limited, time-bound flexibility within the capital framework, consistent with international regulatory norms.
“Nigeria generally maintains Risk-Based Capital requirements that are significantly more stringent than the global Basel III minimums. These adjustments reflect a well-established supervisory process consistent with global norms.
“Regulators in the U.S., Europe, and other major markets have implemented similar transitional measures as part of post-crisis reform efforts,” Mrs. Sidi Ali noted.
She said the CBN remains fully committed to continuous engagement with stakeholders throughout this period via the Bankers’ Committee, the Body of Bank CEOs, and other industry forums. Saying that the goal was to ensure a transparent, predictable, and collaborative regulatory environment.
While noting that Nigeria’s banking sector remains fundamentally strong, Sidi Ali said these measures are neither unusual nor cause for concern, but a continuation of the orderly and deliberate implementation of reforms already underway.
She said the CBN would continue to take all necessary actions to safeguard the sector’s stability and ensure a robust, resilient financial ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth.
