Nigerian Banks' Reserves with CBN Rise to N6.9 Trillion

As of December 31, 2025, Stanbic IBTC, FCMB, and three other banks' reserves with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) increased to N6.9 trillion, marking a 6.5% rise from N6.5 trillion in 2024. This increase underscores the ongoing impact of the CBN's tight monetary policy aimed at controlling inflation and managing excess liquidity in the banking system.

Stanbic IBTC's reserves rose sharply by 48% to N1.06 trillion, while FCMB reported a 17% decline in reserves to N1.02 trillion. Other banks, including Wema Bank and Sterling Financial Holdings, also experienced fluctuations in their mandatory reserves.

The CBN has adjusted the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) multiple times, with the latest being a reduction to 45% in February 2024, which further increased to 50% in August 2024. The current monetary environment has raised concerns among bank shareholders regarding the cost of maintaining high CRR levels, which locks a significant portion of deposits without interest.