Banking
CBN Stress Test Shows Weak Capital Signs in Banks
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) stress test has shown that only large banks will stay above the regulator’s capital adequacy ratio threshold if the non-performing loans levels of the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) should rise by 50 percent, Punch is reporting.
The results of the stress test were contained in the CBN’s latest Financial Stability Report posted on its website on Thursday.
According to the report, the end-June 2017 banking industry stress test, which covered 20 commercial and four merchant banks, was conducted to evaluate the resilience of the banks to credit, liquidity, interest rate and contagion risks (shocks).
The banking industry was categorised into large banks (those with assets up to N1tn or above); medium banks (those with assets more than N500bn but less than N1tn); and small banks (those with assets up to N500bn or below).
The stress test results stated, “The stress test showed that only large banks could withstand a further deterioration of their NPLs by up to 50 per cent. However, none of the groups withstood the impact of the most severe shock of a 200 per cent increase in the NPLs as their post-shock CARs fell below the 10 per cent minimum prudential requirement.
“The impact of the severe shocks on the banking industry, large, medium and small banks will result in significant solvency shortfall of 15.21, 9.78, 93.42 and 17.53 percentage points from the regulatory minimum of 10 per cent CAR, amounting to N2.77tn, N1.54tn, N0.98tn and N0.25tn, respectively.”
According to the CBN report, the average baseline Capital Adequacy Ratios for the banking industry, large, medium and small banks at the end of June 2017 stood at 11.51, 13.13, -6.71 and 13.54 per cent, respectively.
These represented a decline of 3.27, 2.34 and 19.46 percentage points for the banking industry, large and medium banks, respectively from the position as at end-December 2016.
However, the small banks group grew by 10.40 percentage points from 3.14 to 13.54 per cent
The CBN said the decline in the CARs was attributable to the challenges in the oil and gas sector coupled with the slow recovery in the domestic economy, which resulted to a rise in the NPLs and capital deterioration.
In the sectoral credit concentration risk stress test, the breakdown of banking industry’s total credit by sector showed that, oil and gas sector accounted for 28.83 per cent of the industry credit, while manufacturing, general, information and communications, government and others accounted for 13.76, 8.82, 4.94, 8.53 and 35.12 per cent, respectively at end-December 2016.
The report added, “The results of the stress test of default in exposure to oil and gas sector showed that the banking industry and peered groups, with the exception of medium banks, withstood up to 20 per cent default as their post-shock CARs remained above 10.00 per cent – industry (10.74 per cent), large banks (12.30 per cent) and small banks (13.34 per cent).
“Under a more severe shock of 50 per cent default, only small banks had CARs above 10.00 per cent (12.30 per cent). This showed that banking industry, large and medium banks were more exposed to the credit risk in the oil and gas sector than the small banks.”
The CBN liquidity stress test showed that after a one-day run, the liquidity ratio of the industry declined to 31.5 per cent from the 48.1 per cent pre-shock position, and to 11.8 and 7.9 per cent after a five-day and cumulative 30-day run, respectively.
According to the report, the asset quality of commercial banks declined in the first half of 2017.
The ratio of the NPLs to gross loans increased by 2.2 and 4.3 percentage points to 15.0 per cent at end-June 2017 compared with the levels at end-December 2016 and end-June 2016, respectively.
In his reaction under the Governor’s Statement on the FSR, the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, said, “Reflecting the recession in the first half of 2017, there was noticeable deterioration in banks’ loan portfolios, especially exposures to the oil and gas sector and foreign currency denominated credit.
“To maintain financial system stability, efforts have been intensified to proactively engage operators to effectively manage the associated risks. Also, a framework for the establishment of private asset restructuring companies to acquire non-performing loans from banks and other financial institutions will be released in due course.”
The Deputy CBN Governor, Financial System Stability, Dr. Joseph Nnanna, stated that the regulatory attention was currently focused on ensuring an improvement in the quality of banks’ assets as well as ensuring that the banks contribute effectively to the real sector.
“The disruptions experienced in the economy with declining oil prices and government revenue resulted in an increase in the non-performing loans in the banking industry. The CBN will continue to monitor developments and initiate measures to limit contagion and ensure that financial institutions remain safe and sound,” he added.
The results of the CBN’s stress test were in line with the Article IV Consultation report by the International Monetary Fund, which highlighted the risks the banking sector faced, particularly with regards to solvency ratios of “four small and medium-sized undercapitalised banks,” Afrinvest, a Nigeria-based investment and research firm, said in a research note.
It noted that some of the “small and medium-sized banks are kept afloat through continuous recourse to the CBN’s lending facilities”
The IMF report stated that banks needed to raise their capital buffers hence, the CBN’s directive on dividend payment was a welcome development, while also calling for a broad review of asset quality to unmask potential capital needs.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A Côte d’Ivoire subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc will be launched on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, after obtaining an operating licence in December 2025 from the country’s Ministry of Finance and Budget.
The country’s subsidiary will operate from its headquarters at SCI Wall Street, Avenue Noguès, Plateau, Abidjan.
Zenith Bank is in Côte d’Ivoire to deepen its presence in Francophone West Africa and strengthen financial intermediation within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).
Positioned as a gateway for cross-border trade and investment, Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire will focus on corporate banking, trade finance, local and offshore banking services, and structured financial solutions tailored to businesses operating across Africa and internationally.
Expected at the official opening ceremony tomorrow are senior government officials and regulators from Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, continental business leaders, and members of the diplomatic community, highlighting the strategic economic ties and investment opportunities between the two markets.
The Côte d’Ivoire launch forms part of Zenith Bank’s broader continental growth strategy. In addition to the Anglophone countries where it currently operates, and in line with the expansion into the Francophone market, the bank has commenced its entry process into the CEMAC (Central African Economic and Monetary Community) region, with Cameroon as the focal point.
It was gathered that the new subsidiary will be headed by Mr Cédric Tano, a seasoned banking executive with over two decades of experience.
“We are proud to establish Zenith Bank’s presence in Côte d’Ivoire at a time of strong economic growth in the country and increasing regional integration.
“Our focus is to showcase the Zenith brand as a customer-centric institution that combines global best practices with deep local insight.
“We are well-positioned to support businesses with innovative financing solutions, facilitate cross-border trade, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of the Ivorian economy and the wider WAEMU region,” Mr Tano commented.
Also speaking, the chief executive of Zenith Bank, Ms Adaora Umeoji, said, “From the very beginning, our founder and chairman, Mr Jim Ovia, set out to build a truly global brand with a strong presence across Africa and key international markets.
“The launch of Zenith Bank Côte d’Ivoire is a bold step in realising that vision; opening a strategic corridor into Francophone West Africa and reinforcing our commitment to facilitating trade, investment, and enterprise growth across the continent.
“As we continue to expand thoughtfully and strategically, we remain focused on delivering world-class banking solutions that connect African businesses to global opportunities.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Some entrepreneurs across diverse sectors recently completed a three‑week intensive capacity‑building programme organised by Ecobank Nigeria, in partnership with DHL.
The event was put together to equip Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with the skills, tools, and insights required to scale beyond local markets and compete globally.
The focus was on critical growth enablers such as cross‑border trade, e‑commerce opportunities, logistics, customs procedures, and international shipping—key pillars for sustainable expansion in today’s increasingly connected global marketplace.
In one of the sessions, titled Trade and Grow Beyond Borders: Welcome to E‑commerce, the Relationship Channel Manager for DHL Customers/Global Express, Mr Charles Eke, underscored logistics as a critical success factor for SMEs, identifying key challenges such as access to finance, markets, and efficient logistics.
He also provided practical guidance on customs processes, international shipping, documentation, and shipment tracking, while emphasising the immense opportunities e‑commerce presents for cross‑border expansion.
According to him, international markets often offer greater growth potential than domestic markets for well‑positioned SMEs.
The Head of SMEs, Partnerships and Collaborations at Ecobank Nigeria, Mrs Omoboye Odu, described the programme as a catalyst for meaningful growth and mindset change.
“Over the past three weeks, something truly powerful has taken place. This programme has gone far beyond knowledge sharing—it has inspired new thinking and unlocked fresh possibilities for our SMEs. The message is clear: no business should be limited by geography,” she said.
Mrs Odu reiterated Ecobank’s deliberate focus on SMEs as key drivers of Africa’s economic development, saying, “Beyond building capacity, we are intentionally opening doors by connecting businesses to new markets and opportunities. With our presence in over 30 African countries, coupled with integrated payment, trade finance, and e‑commerce solutions, Ecobank is uniquely positioned as the Pan‑African bank enabling seamless cross‑border trade.”
One of the participants, Ms Dolapo Fatoki of Debsfray, a Lagos-based fashion brand, described the initiative as impactful, practical, and transformative.
“The sessions were highly informative. I gained a deeper understanding of documentation and pricing, two areas that previously posed major challenges for me. The collaboration between DHL and Ecobank has been exceptional and truly beneficial,” she noted.
Similarly, the Creative Director of FC Accessories, Mr Tosin Olukuade, described the programme as “an eye‑opener,” adding that it reshaped his approach to business growth.
“The insights I gained will help me scale my business exponentially. I am grateful to Ecobank and DHL for creating this opportunity,” he said.
Reflecting on the programme’s digital focus, the chief executive of Needle Point, Mrs Theresa Onwuka, highlighted how the sessions broadened her outlook on growth and innovation.
“The class was so good—it got my mind thinking of possibilities. My main takeaway is clear: digitalisation is the way forward,” she remarked.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed banks and other financial institutions to submit monthly reports on failed electronic transactions across digital channels, as part of new compliance measures introduced in its revised Guide to Charges.
The directive was contained in a circular titled Exposure Draft of the Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria, 2026 (The Guide) and signed by the Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Mrs Rita Sike.
According to the apex bank, Chief Compliance Officers and Heads of Information Technology in financial institutions are required to jointly render electronic reports of all failed transactions conducted via Automated Teller Machines, Point of Sale terminals, mobile channels, web platforms, and other electronic systems.
The circular read, “The Chief Compliance Officer and Head Information Technology shall jointly render monthly reports electronically, of all failed electronic transactions via various e-channels (ATM, PoS, mobile, web/internet and related channels) that originate or terminate in the institution.”
The reports are to be submitted to designated CBN email addresses, reinforcing the regulator’s push for stricter monitoring of service failures across the banking system.
Beyond the reporting requirement, the CBN also introduced broader accountability measures, placing responsibility on top management of financial institutions to ensure strict adherence to the new guide.
Executive Compliance Officers or Managing Directors are mandated to cascade compliance expectations across all business units and ensure that banking systems are configured to apply only approved charges.
Specifically, the regulator directed that Heads of Information Technology must ensure that “all systems configurations only capture and allow posting of charges as permitted and described in this Guide,” while Chief Compliance Officers are to monitor strict compliance with the framework.
The revised guide, effective May 1, 2026, replaces the 2020 version and provides a comprehensive framework for charges across banking and other financial services.
The CBN explained that the review was aimed at promoting a safe and sound financial system, encouraging innovation, and expanding financial inclusion through lower tariffs on micropayments and transactions.
It added that the revised framework would strengthen oversight and accountability, encourage the adoption of electronic payment channels, and accommodate new industry participants.
Business Post also reported that the regulator has raised ATM card fees by 50 per cent to N1,500 and scrapped the monthly maintenance charge.
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