Banking
Investors Reject CBN Directive on Dividend Payment by Banks, Threaten Lawsuit
By Dipo Olowookere
Shareholders in the nation’s capital market have condemned recent directive by the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN), to Deposit Money Banks (DMB), not to pay dividend on its shares until all its expenses have been completely written off, saying the decision is a disincentive to investors; promising to challenge this in court if necessary, Guardian Newspaper is reporting.
The shareholders, who argued that the market is information-driven, said with the little signs of recovery and capital appreciation witnessed recently, government at all levels must be cautious, and avoid any actions and decisions that could send wrong signals, and erode investors’ confidence in the market.
According to them, expectations are that the relatively low interest rates in the money market, and sell-off in the bond market will boost inflow into the stock market, as fund managers play earnings season for quick returns in high dividend paying stocks.
The shareholders however argued that the decision by the apex regulator on dividend payout would definitely erode the optimism and confidence on huge investment inflow into the equity market, which has trailed it since the beginning of the year.
Furthermore, they added that there are possibilities of some hasty sell-off reactions by investors especially in stocks that are affected by the dividend payment restrictions.
Specifically, the President, Proactive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, Taiwo Oderinde, in an interview with The Guardian, said: “CBN is only interested in protecting the banks’ depositors at the expense of the shareholders. Every bank has its own board that has the prerogative to decide to pay dividend.”
“It is not CBN’s responsibility to decide when or when not to pay dividend to their investors. It is an anti-investors policy and directive, and we will challenge it in court,” he said.
Also speaking, the Publicity Secretary of Independence Shareholder Association, Moses Igbrude, described the CBN directive to banks with huge non-performing loans not to pay dividend to shareholders as most unfortunate, noting that the decision would have negative effects on the market.
“Why would CBN wait until the loans go bad before issuing now, who are these borrowers, what has CBN done to those serials borrowers, who take loans from one bank to the other without paying? What sanctions or punishment have they imposed on them, why are they afraid of them?
“We, shareholders, are not happy about this directive, and it is going to affect us seriously in this harsh economic period. Though we are going to question and ask bank managements at the AGMs who are these people owing the banks, the regulator should address the issue of non-performing loan in all its form by sanctioning the borrowers, and the givers of the loans before punishing the shareholders.”
The President, Progressive Shareholders Association, Boniface Okezie, said the CBN has failed to do what is expected of it as an apex financial regulator abnitio.
“Where was the CBN when the banks’ non-performing loans hit the roofs? CBN should not pass the buck to the investing public, my advice to CBN is that they must reverse this policy; it is not going to help the Investors at all.
“They should allow the banks that have made a lot of recovery from their bad loans whose shareholders’ funds are strong to be allowed to go ahead to pay dividends to their shareholders. If any bank has weak capitals, it should not contemplate paying any dividend whatsoever, and those banks must be given marching orders to go after the defaulters to pay back their loans with the assistants of CBN.”
The Co-Founder, Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association (NSSA), Gbadebo Olatokumbo, described the decision as a bomb shell, saying it is contrary to investors’ expectations of huge dividend payout in the current financial year.
He pointed out that the managements and directors of any bank that fails to pay dividend to shareholders must be held accountable.
He added that any bank that failed the dividend-payment test, should not pay emoluments to their directors, while the management should lose their bonuses and welfares, and be responsible for the payment on any sanction from the apex bank forthwith.
“Really, it was a bomb-shell to the expectations of shareholders on returns on investments, but CBN has a job to do, and it must be done effectively.
“We will have to hold the managements and directors of our banks liable, if they were unable to pay dividend. The committee of bank that approved those unpaid loans should have questions to answer, while insider defaulters, who are the managements and directors, must be made to face the music.”
CBN had released an update on an earlier circular issued October 8, 2014, on, “Internal Capital Generation and Dividend Pay-out Ratio of Nigerian Banks.”
The major focus of the circular is on the capital reserves of the banks as well as the proportion of non-performing loans in a bid to forestall any threats to customer deposits in the system.
Source: The Guardian
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Senate has demanded detailed explanation from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) over the alleged non-remittance of N1.44 trillion in operating surplus.
The Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, chaired by Mr Tokunbo Abiru, opened its statutory briefing with a firm call for transparency at the apex bank, noting that the Auditor-General’s query on the unremitted funds required a full, clear and documented response, insisting that public trust in monetary governance depended on strict accountability.
While acknowledging the CBN’s achievements in stabilising the foreign exchange market and reducing inflation, Mr Abiru underscored that such progress must be accompanied by institutional responsibility.
He stated the Senate expected the CBN to explain the circumstances surrounding the query, outline corrective steps taken and reveal safeguards against future lapses.
This came as the Governor of the central bank, Mr Yemi Cardoso, appeared before the senate committee and offered an extensive review of economic conditions, asserting that Nigeria was experiencing renewed macroeconomic stability across major indicators.
Mr Cardoso attributed the progress to bold monetary reforms, foreign-exchange liberalisation and disciplined liquidity management implemented since mid-2025.
According to him, headline inflation had declined for seven consecutive months, from 34.6 per cent in November 2024 to 16.05 per cent in October 2025, marking the steepest and longest disinflation trend in over a decade.
Food inflation accruing to him also slowed to 13.12 per cent, supported by improved supply conditions and exchange-rate predictability.
The CBN governor described the foreign-exchange market as fundamentally transformed, adding that speculative attacks and arbitrage opportunities had largely disappeared.
According to him, the premium between the official and parallel markets had fallen to below two per cent, compared to over 60 per cent a year earlier. As of November 26, the naira traded at N1,442.92 per dollar at the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market, stronger than the N1,551 average recorded in the first half of 2025.
He also announced a sharp rise in external reserves to $46.7 billion, the highest in nearly seven years and sufficient to cover over ten months of imports.
Diaspora remittances, he noted, had tripled to about $600 million monthly, while foreign capital inflows reached $20.98 billion in the first ten months of 2025, 70 per cent higher than in 2024 and more than four times the 2023 figure.
Cardoso further confirmed that the CBN had fully cleared the $7 billion verified FX backlog, restoring investor confidence and strengthening Nigeria’s balance-of-payments position.
On banking-sector stability, he reported that recapitalisation efforts were progressing smoothly. Twenty-seven banks had already raised new capital, with sixteen meeting or surpassing the new regulatory thresholds ahead of the March 31, 2026 deadline, highlighting improvements in ATM cash availability, digital-payments oversight and cybersecurity compliance.
Despite the positive indicators, the Senate sought clarity on several policy decisions.
Mr Abiru pressed for explanations on the sustained 45 per cent Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), the 75 per cent CRR applied to non-Treasury Single Account public-sector deposits, FX forward settlements, mutilated naira notes in circulation, excessive bank charges, failed electronic transactions and the compliance of CBN subsidiaries with parliamentary oversight.
He also requested an update on the activities of the Financial Services Regulatory Coordinating Committee, arguing that stronger inter-agency cooperation was necessary to maintain public confidence.
The session later moved into a closed-door meeting.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
About N3.6 trillion has been repaid to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) since its inception in 2010.
This information was revealed by the chief executive of AMCON, Mr Gbenga Alade, during a media parley to update the press on the activities of the agency.
Mr Alade said at the moment, the organisation still owes the central bank about N3 trillion for toxic assets of banks in the country.
He praised the organisation for its asset recovery drive, stressing that when compared with others across the world, Nigeria has done well.
“It is important to stress that the corporation has done tremendously well, especially when compared to other notable government-owned Asset Management Corporations around the world.
“Based on the balance at purchase, AMCON outperformed other Asset Management Corporations all over the world by achieving over 87 per cent in recoveries despite the unique challenges associated with debt recovery in Nigeria.
“The Malaysian Danaharta, which is adjudged one of the best performing Asset Management Corporation’s, only achieved 58 per cent. The Chinese Asset Management Corporation, despite its stricter laws, achieved just 33 per cent.
“Only the Korean Asset Management Corporation (KAMCO), South Korea, has achieved more recoveries than AMCON, with about 100 per cent. This was due to their brute force with which they chased the obligors.
“Despite KAMCO’s recovery records, the agency is still operational to date with slight realignments in its mandate.
“Other noted Asset Management Corporations that have transitioned into a perpetual institution of the various governments include, China Asset Management Company, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) USA, and KFW Germany.
“So, gentlemen, without sounding immodest, AMCON has done well, and we will not relent until all the outstanding debts are fully realized,” Mr Alade stated.
On the financial performance of AMCON, he said last year, the firm posted a revenue of N156.25 billion and operating expenses of N29.04 billion, while for the 2025 fiscal year should be a revenue of N215.15 billion and operating expenses of N29.06 billion.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
One of the non-interest banks in Nigeria, The Alternative Bank (AltBank), has opened a new branch in Effurun, Delta State.
The new office will serve the Edo-Delta region and provide purposeful banking and real financial empowerment for individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses, a statement from the firm stated.
The lender disclosed that the Effurun branch is a bold move in its mission to reshape banking in Nigeria.
The launch was graced by key dignitaries, including the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom, Emmanuel Ekemejewa Sideso Abe I; the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government, Anthony O. Ofoni, represented his vice, Andrew Agagbo; and the Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State on Community Development, Mr Ernest Airoboyi; amongst others.
The Divisional Head for South at The Alternative Bank, Mr Chukwuemeka Agada, emphasised the institution’s commitment to Warri and its surrounding communities.
“By establishing a presence here, we are initiating a transformation in the way banking serves the people of Delta. Our purpose-driven approach ensures that customers’ financial goals are not just met but exceeded,” he stated.
“This branch represents our pledge to empower Warri’s dynamic businesses and families, providing them with the tools to grow without compromise,” Mr Agada added.
“We understand the heartbeat of this community, and we are excited to integrate our bank into the fabric of this dynamic region,” he stated further.
On his part, the representative of the Ovie, Mr Samuel Eshenake, challenged the bank to facilitate development and employment within the Effurun community.
The Regional Head for Edo/Delta at The Alternative Bank, Mr Akanni Owolabi, embraced this challenge, pledging that the bank will work sustainably to drive local commerce.
“At The Alternative Bank, we are committed to being an active partner in the development of Effurun. We see this branch as a catalyst for creating opportunities, driving employment, and supporting the growth of local businesses.
“Our mission is to empower this community, ensuring that every step forward is one of progress, prosperity, and shared success.”
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