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16 banks have met new capital requirements, says CBN

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said the bank recapitalisation exercise is progressing steadily, with 16 banks already meeting the new capital requirements ahead of the March 31, 2026 deadline. Another 27 banks have also raised capital through various channels as the sector moves toward one of the most extensive reforms since 2004.

Governor Olayemi Cardoso disclosed the development on Tuesday in Abuja while briefing journalists at the end of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. He described the exercise as orderly and consistent with the regulator’s expectations.

“We are monitoring developments, and indications show the process is moving in the right direction,” he said.

As of April 2025, Nigeria had 44 deposit-taking banks, including seven commercial banks with international authorisation, 15 with national authorisation, four with regional authorisation, four non-interest banks, six merchant banks, seven financial holding companies and one representative office.

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Under the recapitalization framework issued by the CBN, banks must raise their paid-in share capital to levels proportionate to the scope of their operations. International commercial banks are required to attain N500 billion, national commercial banks must reach N200 billion, and regional commercial banks N50 billion.

For non-interest banks, the minimum is N20 billion for national operations and N10 billion for regional operations, while merchant banks with national authorisation must meet N50 billion. The apex bank has also made clear that only paid-up capital and share premium qualify toward the new thresholds, excluding reserves and retained earnings.

Cardoso said the reforms would reinforce the resilience of Nigerian banks both within the country and across the continent. “We are building a financial system that will be fit for purpose for the years ahead. Many Nigerian banks now operate across Africa and have been innovative across different markets.

These new buffers will better equip them to manage risks in the multiple jurisdictions where they operate,” he said.

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He added that the reforms would strengthen the financial sector’s support for households and businesses.

Aw“Ultimately, this benefits Nigerians—our traders, our businesses and our citizens—who operate across those regions. It should give everyone comfort to know that Nigerian banks with deep local understanding are present to support them. Commercial banks are also creating their own buffers through the ongoing recapitalization.”

Cardoso recalled that the CBN had earlier outlined the broader objectives of the programme, noting that the Bank’s Deputy Governor for Financial Systems Stability, Phillip Ikeazor, had restated the significance of the exercise during a stakeholder session at the UK-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce. Ikeazor said the apex bank was committed to building stronger, healthier and more resilient banks capable of supporting the government’s ambition of achieving a US$1 trillion economy by 2030.

According to Ikeazor’s presentation, the recapitalization programme is expected to expand banks’ lending capacity, attract more foreign direct investment, and increase foreign exchange liquidity. He also noted that the reforms would contribute to GDP growth, enhance risk management practices, strengthen credit ratings, broaden ownership structures, improve governance, and boost market value and activity in the equity market.

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“With the recapitalisation programme, our goal is to trigger the emergence of stronger, healthier and more resilient banks,” Ikeazor said.

Cardoso added that the apex bank considered several factors in determining the new capital thresholds, including prevailing macroeconomic conditions, stress test results and the need for stronger risk buffers.

He also affirmed the regulator’s commitment to strict oversight as consolidation progresses. “We will rigorously enforce our ‘fit and proper’ criteria for prospective new shareholders, senior management, and board members of banks, and proactively monitor the integrity of financial statements, adequacy of financial resources, and fair valuation of banks’ post-merger balance sheets,” he said.

The governor recalled that eight commercial banks had met the N500 billion capital requirement as of July 22, 2024, rising to 14 by September of the same year. The number has now increased to 16 as the industry continues to race toward full compliance.

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Cardoso said the CBN remained confident that the banking system would emerge stronger at the conclusion of the recapitalization exercise, with institutions better prepared to support Nigeria’s economic transformation.

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Economy

Oyedele Delivers ₦39.63bn Lifeline to 24,814 Pensioners as PTAD Clears Long-Standing DBS Liabilities

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L:R: Director General of PTAD, Mrs Tolulope Odunaiya in a warm handshake with the Minister of Finance, Mr Taiwo Oyedele in Abuja.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerian pensioners with the successful disbursement of ₦39.63 billion to 24,814 eligible Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) pensioners, ending years of anxious waiting for thousands of retirees.

Working under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) carried out the payments following the Minister’s directive to prioritise the settlement of verified pension liabilities, bringing relief to beneficiaries across the country.

Mr. Oyedele said the payment reflects the administration’s determination to ensure that retired public servants receive the benefits they earned through decades of dedicated service.

“A nation that values service must also honour those who gave their productive years in its service. This payment is about people, not just figures. It is about restoring confidence, rewarding sacrifice and giving thousands of pensioners and their families the reassurance that they have not been forgotten.”

The Minister explained that the disbursement covered three categories of outstanding pension obligations that had accumulated over the years.

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According to him, PTAD paid ₦25,053,703,604.12 to clear the outstanding 35-month pension liability owed to 9,675 eligible Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners of the defunct NITEL/MTEL.

The Directorate also disbursed ₦9,481,886,576.53, representing the initial 50 per cent payment of the Back End Computation (BEC) arrears due to 3,959 eligible PHCN Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners.

In addition, PTAD paid ₦5,094,784,054.27, representing the outstanding 50 per cent balance of the 10.66 per cent and 12.95 per cent pension increment arrears due to 11,180 eligible Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners of the defunct Assurance Bank, NICON Insurance, NITEL and People’s Bank of Nigeria.

For many of the beneficiaries, the payments mark the end of years of uncertainty. They provide the means to meet pressing family needs, pay medical bills, support loved ones and enjoy retirement with greater peace of mind.

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Mr. Oyedele said government remains mindful of the real lives behind every pension payment.

“Behind every approved payment is a retiree who served this country faithfully, a family that has waited patiently and a story that deserves a positive ending. We will continue to support measures that improve the lives of our senior citizens while maintaining fiscal discipline and accountability.”

The Minister commended the management and staff of PTAD for the prompt implementation of the directive, describing the successful disbursement as evidence of what can be achieved when institutions work together in the public interest.

“PTAD has demonstrated professionalism in implementing this exercise. The Ministry will continue to provide the policy direction and support required to strengthen pension administration and ensure that verified obligations are settled as resources become available.”

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The Director-General of PTAD, Mrs. Tolulope Odunaiya, said the Directorate remained focused on delivering efficient pension administration and expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister for his leadership and support, which made the release and prompt disbursement of the funds possible.

The latest payment represents another important step in the Federal Government’s efforts to improve the welfare of retirees and ensure that public institutions deliver meaningful outcomes for Nigerians under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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Economy

See Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today 3rd July 2026

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The Black Market Dollar-to-Naira Exchange Rate for 3rd July 2026 Can Be Accessed Below.

NOTE: The exchange rate changes hourly. It depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demand. This means…you can buy or sell 1 dollar at a certain rate, and the price can change (high or low) within hours.

The official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today, including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates.

Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market.

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What’s the dollar to naira black market today, 3rd July 2026?
The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1408 and buy at ₦1396 on Friday, 3rd July, 2026, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate ₦1408
Buying Rate ₦1396
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1373
Lowest Rate ₦1360

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Economy

See Black Market Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today 1st July 2026

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The Black Market Dollar-to-Naira Exchange Rate for 1st July 2026 Can Be Accessed Below.

NOTE: The exchange rate changes hourly. It depends on the volume of dollars available and the Demand. This means…you can buy or sell 1 dollar at a certain rate, and the price can change (high or low) within hours.

The official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today, including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates.

Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market.
What’s the dollar to naira black market today, 1st July 2026?

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The exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players sell a dollar for ₦1400 and buy at ₦1390 on Wednesday, 1st July, 2026, according to sources at Bureau De Change (BDC).
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Selling Rate ₦1400
Buying Rate ₦1390
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Highest Rate ₦1385
Lowest Rate ₦1376

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