Mergers and acquisitions are on the horizon for Nigeria’s Deposit Money Banks as they prepare for another round of recapitalization, aligning with the country’s target of achieving a $1 trillion economy. The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, recently announced plans to recapitalize DMBs during his speech at the 50th-anniversary dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria in Lagos.
Cardoso emphasized the importance of testing the adequacy of Nigeria’s banking industry to meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic target. This move follows the floating of Nigeria’s currency, the Naira, against other currencies, resulting in a significant devaluation. The unification of the exchange rate on June 14 prompted the need for a reevaluation of banks’ capital bases.
Eighteen years ago, Nigeria’s banks were recapitalized from N2 billion to N25 billion when the exchange rate was N100/$1. The subsequent depreciation of the Naira to over N780/$1 supports the Central Bank’s decision to pursue recapitalization.
The fate of the country’s 24 commercial banks, particularly those newly established under Governor Godwin Emefiele, raises concerns. Tier 1 banks, including Access Bank, Guaranty Trust Company, Zenith Bank, and United Bank of Africa, demonstrated readiness with a combined capital base of N9.6 trillion at the end of 2022.
However, uncertainties persist about the survival of other banks. The foreign exchange market’s instability, with the Naira closing at N814.60/$1, and rising inflation at 27.33% in October, pose additional challenges to Nigeria’s economy.
Despite these concerns, the President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Ken Opara, expressed confidence in the banks’ ability to meet the recapitalization objectives. Industry experts like Idakolo Gbolade and Aminu Gwadabe acknowledge the necessity of recapitalization but suggest a realistic timeframe and careful consideration of economic factors.
Gbolade recommends a capitalization of $10 to $15 billion for banks, emphasizing the need for regional, national, and international considerations to support smaller banks. Gwadabe highlights the impact on the entire economic sector, calling for collaboration and consultation between the Central Bank and stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Prof Godwin Oyedokun from Lead City University acknowledges that bank recapitalization aims to strengthen the financial sector but notes the potential challenges for individual banks in terms of cost and time.
In summary, while the recapitalization exercise is seen as necessary for the growth and stability of Nigeria’s banking sector and overall economy, it is expected to be a complex process with implications for individual banks.