23 financial system, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has confirmed that 23 banks have successfully met the newly introduced minimum capital requirements under its ongoing recapitalization exercise.Read original..
The directive, announced as part of broader reforms to enhance financial stability and resilience, requires all banks operating in the country to comply with updated capital thresholds by March 31, 2026.
New Minimum Capital Requirements
International Banks: ₦500 billion
National Banks: ₦200 billion
Regional Banks: ₦50 billion
The recapitalization policy is designed to strengthen banks’ balance sheets, improve their ability to absorb economic shocks, and position Nigeria’s banking sector for sustainable growth in a competitive global environment. Read original
Full List of 23 Compliant Banks
The following banks have already met the CBN’s recapitalization requirements:
Access Bank Plc
Zenith Bank Plc
First Bank of Nigeria Limited (First HoldCo)
Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO)
United Bank for Africa (UBA)
Fidelity Bank Plc
Wema Bank Plc
Citibank Nigeria
Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria
Ecobank Nigeria
Globus Bank
Stanbic IBTC Bank
PremiumTrust Bank
Providus Bank (including its merged entity)
FSDH Merchant Bank
Greenwich Merchant Bank
Nova Bank
Rand Merchant Bank
Jaiz Bank
Lotus Bank
TAJBank
Sterling Bank
Alternative Bank (AltBank)
Strengthening Financial Stability
Industry analysts say the early compliance by these banks signals strong investor confidence and strategic positioning ahead of the 2026 deadline. The recapitalization is expected to encourage mergers, acquisitions, and fresh capital injections across the sector.
The CBN maintains that the policy is aimed at building a more resilient banking industry capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic growth ambitions while safeguarding depositors’ funds.
With over a year left before the deadline, attention now turns to other financial institutions yet to meet the new capital benchmarks.
