19 Banks Meet CBN Capital Rules Ahead of March Deadline

At least 19 Nigerian banks have already met the CBN capital requirements, months before the March 31 deadline.

Market data shows that early compliance was achieved as of January 6, 2026. It signals growing momentum behind the banking sector recapitalisation drive.

The exercise forms part of wider reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The aim is to strengthen financial stability and improve banks’ ability to absorb economic shocks.

Under the new policy, banks are required to raise their paid-in capital based on licence type. Regulators believe the move will support stronger lending and align Nigeria’s banking system with global standards.

Big Lenders Move Early

Banks holding international licences were among the first to comply with the CBN capital requirements. Access Bank, Fidelity Bank, First Bank of Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa and Zenith Bank have all crossed the ₦500 billion mark.

These lenders dominate cross-border banking and systemically important transactions. As a result, regulators see their early compliance as critical to sector confidence.

Nationally licensed banks have also made strong progress. Citibank Nigeria, Ecobank Nigeria, Globus Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Sterling Bank, Wema Bank, PremiumTrust Bank and Providus Bank have all met the ₦200 billion threshold.

Merchant banks were not left behind. FSDH Merchant Bank, Greenwich Merchant Bank and Nova Merchant Bank have reached the ₦50 billion requirement set by the apex bank.

Non-interest lenders Jaiz Bank and LOTUS Bank have also complied. Their revised thresholds range between ₦10 billion and ₦20 billion. Analysts say this reflects the growing role of ethical and Shariah-compliant banking in Nigeria.

Fidelity Bank became the most recent international lender to meet the benchmark. The bank raised between ₦250 billion and ₦270 billion through a private placement on December 31, 2025. With an existing share capital and premium of about ₦306 billion, it now sits comfortably above the ₦500 billion requirement.

The CBN capital requirements are expected to reshape the banking landscape before the deadline. Regulators believe stronger balance sheets will support credit growth and long-term economic stability.