Banks That Have Met the CBN N500 Billion Recapitalisation Threshold Ahead of Deadline

With fewer than 100 days to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) recapitalisation deadline, 16 Nigerian banks have already met the new minimum capital requirements, underscoring growing financial strength and regulatory compliance within the country’s banking sector.

The development marks a major milestone in the CBN’s ongoing efforts to stabilise the financial system, improve risk absorption capacity, and position Nigerian banks to better support large-scale economic growth and infrastructure financing.

Industry data indicates that the following banks have successfully met the new capital requirements:

Zenith Bank

Access Bank

United Bank for Africa (UBA)

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank)

Ecobank Nigeria

Stanbic IBTC Bank

Wema Bank

Jaiz Bank

Lotus Bank

Providus Bank

Greenwich Merchant Bank

Premium Trust Bank

Sterling Bank

Globus Bank

Citibank Nigeria

Nova Merchant Bank

Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria

New CBN Minimum Capital Requirements

Under the recapitalisation framework introduced by the CBN, banks are now required to meet the following minimum paid-up capital thresholds:

International Commercial Banks: ₦500 billion

National Commercial Banks: ₦200 billion

Regional & Merchant Banks: ₦50 billion

Non-Interest Banks: ₦10–20 billion (based on licence category)

What This Means for Nigeria’s Banking Sector

Analysts say early compliance by top-tier banks reflects strong capital buffers, effective fundraising strategies, and sustained investor confidence in Nigeria’s financial institutions. The recapitalisation drive is expected to lead to increased lending capacity, improved financial stability, and potential mergers and acquisitions among weaker banks.

With the deadline fast approaching, attention is now shifting to mid-tier and smaller banks racing to raise capital through rights issues, private placements, and strategic partnerships.

The CBN has reiterated that sanctions will apply to banks that fail to meet the new capital thresholds within the stipulated timeframe.

TechTV Business will continue to monitor developments as Nigeria’s banking sector enters a new phase of consolidation and growth.