Nigerian Banks attract N4.61trn as investor confidence rises
Despite ongoing economic reforms such as subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments, Nigerian banks have attracted about ₦4.61 trillion in fresh capital, with nearly 27 per cent coming from foreign
- By Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)
Despite ongoing economic reforms such as subsidy removal and exchange rate adjustments, Nigerian banks have attracted about ₦4.61 trillion in fresh capital, with nearly 27 per cent coming from foreign investors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has said.
Cardoso disclosed this at the IMF AFRITAC West 2 High-Level Executive Forum held in Abuja, noting that the strong capital inflow reflects growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s banking sector even in a challenging economic environment.
He explained that the performance followed the launch of the Banking Sector Recapitalisation Programme in 2024, which was introduced by the apex bank to strengthen the resilience of financial institutions and prepare them for future risks.
According to him, the policy has not only supported Nigerian banks but has also influenced similar reform efforts in other African countries.
Providing further details from the most recent Monetary Policy Committee meeting, Cardoso said that as of February 19, 2026, total verified and approved capital raised by banks stood at ₦4.05 trillion.
“As of February 19, 2026, total verified and approved capital gains recorded by Nigerian banks stand at 4.05 trillion Naira. Of this, 2.90 trillion, which is 71.6 per cent, have been mobilised domestically, with 706.84 million dollars, which is 1.15 trillion, representing 28.33 per cent foreign,” he said.
He noted that the mix of local and foreign investments shows broad participation by investors and signals confidence in the sector.
Cardoso also recalled earlier engagements with international investors, saying their interest in Nigerian banks has now translated into real investments.
“I did mention that when I went abroad, and I met with some of the investor communities, they had a very, very strong interest in investing in banks. So I’m glad that that has come out in a very, very positive way,” he said.
The CBN Governor, however, acknowledged that some financial institutions are still undergoing regulatory intervention and may not follow the same recapitalisation timeline as others.
He explained that such institutions face legal and structural considerations that affect how quickly they can raise new capital.
According to him, the apex bank is working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth and credible outcome without putting the financial system at risk.
“We remain, as the Central Bank of Nigeria, actively engaged with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that they have an orderly and credible outcome while maintaining financial stability,” he said.
Cardoso assured depositors that their funds remain safe in banks currently under regulatory intervention.
“Depositor funds in these institutions remain secure and operations continue under close supervisory and regulatory oversight of the Central Bank,” he added.
Speaking further at the forum, the CBN Governor restated the bank’s tough stance on corporate governance, saying stronger measures have been introduced to improve discipline and accountability in the sector.
“Our stance on corporate governance is unequivocal: zero tolerance for violations. By ending years of regulatory forbearance, we have reinforced accountability, tightened supervision, and elevated compliance standards across the sector,” he said.
He also disclosed that the CBN has restricted access to banking services for large borrowers who fail to meet their repayment obligations, as part of efforts to enforce credit discipline.
“In line with this, we have implemented a restriction of banking services to non-performing large-ticket obligors. This decisive step underscores our commitment to credit discipline, financial integrity, and accountability. By curbing access to banking services for chronic defaulters, we are reinforcing the culture of repayment, protecting depositors, and safeguarding the stability of the financial system,” Cardoso added.
He said the combined effect of these reforms is expected to strengthen the banking sector, restore confidence, and position Nigerian banks for sustained growth within Africa and beyond.
