Banks Struggle to Meet Capital Requirements as march 2026 deadline approaches

As the March 2026 deadline for banks to meet capital requirements approaches, journalist Zainab Iwayemi reports that ten marginal banks are still struggling to recapitalize. These banks face obstacles that could hinder their ability to reach the necessary capital threshold, potentially forcing them to merge or be acquired.

Investors are becoming wary due to uncertainties in the banking sector, leading to challenges in securing funding. The fear of forced mergers and concerns about corporate governance and risk tolerance differences among banks are also complicating the recapitalization process.

The Central Bank of Nigeria has vowed to assist banks in overcoming these obstacles, but some banks are still in the fundraising process. Despite the challenges, eight banks have already met the increased capital requirements, with more mergers expected in the coming months to meet the March 2026 deadline.