Banking
Panic as CBN Probes Bank MDs, Directors over Huge Non-Performing Loans
Heads may soon roll in the nation’s financial sector as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) investigates chief executive officers and directors of banks in the country over allegations of insider related loans and other offences, Sundiata Post is reporting.
Already, the CBN has constituted a team to investigate the 21 commercial banks in the country to certain their level of solvency.
The move followed revelations that directors and chief executives of four banks in the country are using their positions to award loans running into billions of naira to themselves and their cronies, which eventually end up been classified as bad debts.
A reliable source in the banking sector told our correspondent on the condition of anonymity that CBN is embarking on the investigation of the commercial banks to forestall the possibility of failure of any of the existing bank.
The source, who is close to the CBN top management, disclosed that, “CBN is always investigating to see how directors are spending depositors funds and from investigation available, some of the bank directors may end up with severe sanctions like what happened in the past.
“Some maybe stripped of their positions and banned from holding any position in the financial sector while others maybe arrested and prosecuted.”
The source however disclosed that “no particular bank is being targeted and that the apex bank was looking at all the banks to see how financially stable they are.
“If you recalled what happened in the past where some bank directors where just stealing depositors money, you will understand why the CBN is increasing its policing roles in the banking sector.
“It was a sad and terrible experience that no country would like to pass through again. The CBN has said it would not allow any bank to fail again in Nigeria,” the source was quoted by the online journal.
The source further explained that the CBN was beaming the search light on the commercial banks because of the present economic situation in the country.
He disclosed that during economic recession, the rate of non-performing loans increased, stressing that, “When there is economic crisis, the purchasing powers of household drop. The ability to pay for goods and services drop and when this happens, even those who have borrowed money to pay for goods and services don’t make sales and as a result, sales drop and profit and cash flow decline, making it even more difficult to repay loans.”
The source stated further that “non-performing loans are part and parcel of economic crisis,” adding that “the fact that some banks have high non-performing loans doesn’t make them distress.”
The source revealed that at the moment, there is no distressed or distressing bank in the country as a result of the huge non-performing loans.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Foremost Nigerian real estate lending institution, Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc, has rebranded to Abbey Bank Plc.
This is to reflect its new status as a full-fledged financial institution as against its previous status as a bank for only the real estate sector.
The company, which trades its securities on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, informed the investing community of its transformation.
This was in line with the approval granted by shareholders to the board of the organisation to change the name at an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in January 2025.
The NGX Regulation Limited last week confirmed the name change via a circular signed by Bonaventure Onwuji on behalf of its Head of Issuer Regulation Department.
“Trading license holders and the investing public are hereby notified that the change of name of Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc to Abbey Bank Plc has been implemented by Nigerian Exchange Limited.
“This is in line with the approval obtained from the shareholders of the bank at its Extraordinary General Meeting held on January 24, 2025, and the receipt of a new certificate of incorporation from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
“Please note that the company’s trading symbol has also been changed from ABBEYBDS to ABBEYBANK,” the notice read.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
In recognition of its outstanding performance, operational excellence, and commitment to delivering superior Institutional Cash and Trade Finance services, Ecobank Nigeria has clinched the Client Excellence Award.
The accolade was given to the subsidiary of the leading pan-African financial services group, Ecobank Group, by Deutsche Bank.
It recognises Ecobank Nigeria’s consistent achievement of high standards in transaction processing, service delivery, operational efficiency, and collaboration within the global trade finance ecosystem.
It further reinforces the lender’s position as a leading financial institution providing innovative financial solutions that support corporates, financial institutions, and businesses engaged in domestic and international trade.
“The Client Excellence Award recognises institutions that consistently demonstrate outstanding quality, efficiency, and reliability in transaction banking operations.
“Ecobank Nigeria distinguished itself through its commitment to excellence, strong operational controls, and customer-focused service delivery that has created measurable value for clients and counterparties alike,” the Managing Director for Global Head of TFFI and Regional Head of Trade & Lending for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) at Deutsche Bank, Mr Anand Jha, said.
“We are pleased to recognise Ecobank Nigeria’s achievements and appreciate the strong partnership we have built over the years. We look forward to continuing our collaboration in supporting trade, payments, and financial flows that drive economic development across Africa and beyond,” Mr Jha added.
In his remarks, the Coverage Head of Corporate and Investment Bank at Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Segun Anjorin, thanked Deutsche Bank for the recognition, noting that the award reflects the bank’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer-centric service delivery.
“We are honoured to receive the Deutsche Bank Client Excellence Award. This recognition is a testament to our commitment to delivering seamless and innovative solutions that enable our clients to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global marketplace.
“At Ecobank Nigeria, we remain focused on leveraging our extensive pan-African network, digital capabilities, and strategic partnerships to facilitate trade, improve transaction efficiency, and support economic growth across Nigeria and the African continent. We value our longstanding relationship with Deutsche Bank and look forward to further strengthening our collaboration in the years ahead,” Mr Anjorin said.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced the process of paying insured deposits to customers of the 46 microfinance banks whose operating licences were revoked by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of Communication and Public Affairs Department, Mrs Hawwau Gambo, the corporation said it had been appointed the official liquidator of the failed banks following the CBN’s revocation of their licences, which took effect on July 1, 2026.
The NDIC said its appointment was in line with the provisions of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and the NDIC Act 2023.
The organisation said the affected banks have ceased to operate as licensed financial institutions and are no longer authorised to carry out banking business in Nigeria.
“The NDIC has commenced the process of the orderly closure of the failed banks with their immediate takeover, verification and payment of insured sums to eligible depositors,” the statement said.
It added that depositors and the general public would be informed of subsequent steps in the liquidation process, warning members of the public against conducting transactions with any of the affected banks following the revocation of their licences.
It also cautioned individuals against removing, concealing or tampering with the assets, records or properties of the failed institutions, noting that such actions could amount to a breach of the law and attract sanctions.
Business Post earlier reported that the CBN revoked the operating licences of the 46 microfinance banks after determining that they no longer met the regulatory conditions required to continue operations.
According to the apex bank, the affected institutions were sanctioned for various regulatory breaches, including insufficient assets to meet liabilities, operating without approval, prolonged inactivity, failure to commence business within the stipulated period and failure to maintain the minimum capital required by law.
The apex bank said the action forms part of its efforts to strengthen financial sector stability, protect depositors and ensure compliance with banking regulations.
The affected institutions are spread across several states, including Lagos, Kano, Abia, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ogun, Niger, Plateau, Rivers, Delta, Benue, Cross River, Ondo, Osun, Anambra, Oyo, Bayelsa, Abuja and Akwa Ibom.
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