Nigeria's bank recapitalisation closed with ₦4.65 trillion raised
The CBN's April 2026 recapitalisation announcement reported ₦4.65 trillion raised and 33 banks meeting revised capital requirements. Domestic investors supplied most of the funds, with further regulatory processes continuing for some institutions.
The April 2026 milestone
On 1 April 2026, the Central Bank of Nigeria announced the conclusion of its banking recapitalisation programme, reporting ₦4.65 trillion in new capital and 33 banks meeting the revised requirements. This is a historical account of that announcement.
A subsequent Securities and Exchange Commission review corroborated the capital total and said 72.55% came from domestic sources, with 27.45% from international investors.
A larger capital base
The programme followed revised minimum capital requirements introduced in March 2024, with a compliance deadline of 31 March 2026. The thresholds included ₦500 billion for international commercial banks, ₦200 billion for national commercial banks and ₦50 billion for regional commercial banks.
In its completion statement, the CBN said some institutions remained in regulatory or judicial processes and that banking services continued.
Possible implications
Additional equity could improve banks' capacity to absorb losses and finance business activity. It does not guarantee stronger earnings, cheaper borrowing or an immediate increase in lending. Shareholders also need to consider dilution when new shares are issued. For the wider economy, the important question is how effectively the enlarged capital supports productive investment.
FXRates
Nigeria first. Economics in context.
