Economy
How Nigerian banks plan to meet recapitalisation conditions
By Taofik Salako
More details were gathered at the weekend on how banks plan to achieve the new minimum capital requirements ahead of tomorrow’s deadline for banks to submit their implementation strategies for the recapitalisation to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Many of the banks are expected to submit their final strategies between today and tomorrow, although a subtle lobby for extension is ongoing.
Outlines of the strategic plans by the banks showed that the first set of offers under the current dispensation may hit the market in early third quarter, with a slight cluster of offers expected in the last four months of the year.
According to the plans, banks may raise more than N7 trillion in multiple offerings to existing shareholders, general investing public, private high networth individual and institutional investors and foreign strategic investors.
Under the recapitalisation plan, banks are required to submit step-by-step activities, transactional details, instruments and other options for their recapitalisation to the apex bank not later than April 30 (tomorrow). The plans will cover the two-year compliance period ending March 31, 2026.
The CBN recapitalisation framework gives banks three broad options of injection of new equity capital, mergers and acquisitions and upgrade or downgrade of licence authorisation.
In the ongoing recapitalisation, CBN uses a distinctive definition of the new minimum capital base for each category of banks as the addition of share capital and share premium, as against the previous use of shareholders’ funds. While many banks have shareholders’ funds in excess of the new minimum capital base, their share premium and share capital significantly fall short of the new minimum definition.
Industry sources, who preferred anonymity because of the roles they are playing, said directors of most banks have signed off on the strategic work plans for submission to the CBN, noting that such documents do not require notification of statutory board meeting before the board could approve the plan.
The implementation strategies indicated that most banks, currently more than two-thirds, plan to undertake equity capital raising, with rights issue the first option as existing major investors seek to protect their controls. There were few considerations for dividend conversion option, an existing practice that allows shareholders to elect to convert their cash dividends to equities, subject to regulatory approval.
There is a groundswell of optimisms in the sector, with most banks outlining substantial capital raising that could make them to continue as standalone entities.
An investment banking adviser said there were preliminary feelers of mergers and acquisitions noting that business combinations may play big in the second half of 2025 and in the first quarter of 2026.
A mid-tier commercial bank, which recently acquired a United Kingdom subsidiary, plans a three-step recapitalisation to raise nearly N380 billion needed to retain its international banking licence. The bank expects to roll out a combined rights and public offering, which may hit the market as early as June. It will thereafter seek funds from private investors under a special placement arrangement. Where there is any remaining gap, the bank will round off with a new public offer in a multi-layered issuance plan expected to culminate in first quarter 2026 ahead of the March 31, 2026 deadline for the recapitalisation.
Nigeria’s five largest banks-Access Holdings, Guaranty Trust Holdings Company (GTCO), Zenith Bank, and United Bank for Africa (UBA), are raising about N5 trillion, although half of that size will be more than enough for the banks to meet their minimum capital requirements. All the banks in this category falls under the N500 billion international authorisation category.
Large banks are raising more funds to play in competitive acquisitions market, when the recapitalisation hits a heat in the second half of 2025.
Already, shareholders of Access Holdings have approved the company’s plan to raise $1.5 billion and N365 billion in a multi-tranche, multi-currency and multi-instrument capital raising plans.
Access Holdings is expected to lead with the rights issue of N365 billion, which allows the company to surpass its target of N500 billion new minimum capital base.
The board of FCMB Group Plc said it has approved a roadmap for the recapitalisation of the group’s commercial banking subsidiary-FCMB Limited.
FCMB Group, which emerged from a core base of investment banking and successful history of fund raising, plans to raise equity funds and retain its brand. An informed source however said the group is opened to business combination that does not undermine its brand essence.
Zenith Bank has indicated it was on course to receiving the needed shareholder’s approval, which will kick-start its capital raising effort. Shareholders of the bank are scheduled to meet next week to consider multiple resolutions on the share offering and recapitalisation plan.
Zenith Bank, which at the weekend rounded off conversion to holding company structure, is creating new 34 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each for a multi-layered capital raising process that could see the bank with nearly N1 trillion.
Shareholders of UBA are also scheduled to meet next month at their annual general meeting to consider and approve a multi-tranche, multi-instrument capital raising programme that allows UBA to substantially raise more than necessary to surpass the new minimum capital base. The bank plans to increase its share capital from N17.1 billion of 34.2 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each to N22.5 billion of 45 billion shares through the creation of 10.8 billion new ordinary shares of 50 kobo each. The broad mandate will empower the board to create additional shares, determine appropriate combination of instruments and markets, underwrite the offers and waive the rights of shareholders in offering unallotted shares to new investors.
GTCO is seeking shareholders’ approval for a $750 million multi-tranches, multi-instrument capital raising. The group is creating new 15 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each for its new share issuance programme.
Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc has launched a N550 billion capital raising process, including a rights issue of N150 billion and a N400 billion debt capital raising. Shareholders of the company will meet next month to authorize the board “to raise additional equity capital of up to N150 billion by way of a rights issue or offer for subscription on such terms, tranches, conditions and dates as may be determined by the directors”.
The company, which had in many instances dividend-equity conversion, is also seeking shareholders’ approval to reaffirm the company’s dividend conversion scheme under which shareholders may be permitted to elect to receive new ordinary shares in the company, credited as fully paid, instead of the whole or any part of any cash dividends declared by the company.
Following the completion of the additional equity capital raise, the issued and paid up share capital of the company will be increased from N6.478 billion divided into 12.957 billion ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each to a maximum of up to N8.25 billion by the creation of up to 3.54 billion ordinary shares of 50 Kobo each.
FBN Holdings, which had secured earlier approval to raise some N150 billion, had cancelled an extraordinary general meeting called to consider a N300 billion capital raising plan. Market analysts had said they expected FBN Holdings to review its recapitalisation plan upward.
The CBN last month released its circular on review of minimum capital requirement for commercial, merchant and non-interest banks.
The apex bank increased the new minimum capital for commercial banks with international affiliations, otherwise known as mega banks, to N500 billion; commercial banks with national authorisation, N200 billion and commercial banks with regional license, N50 billion.
Others included merchant banks, N50 billion; non-interest banks with national license, N20 billion and non-interest banks with regional license will now have N10 billion minimum capital.
The 24-month timeline for compliance started yesterday and ends on March 31, 2026.
Continue Reading
Tier-one Lender, Fidelity Bank Plc., has announced the resumption of international transactions on its Naira Debit Cards.
This recommencement gives customers the freedom to make seamless payments abroad, online, and at ATMs outside the country.
The Divisional Head of eBanking, Fidelity Bank, Ifeoma Onibuje, shed light on the development.
Onibuje said: “We are delighted to inform the public that Fidelity Naira Cards are now enabled for global use.
“This means that our travelling customers can now utilize their Naira Debit cards outside the country to shop, spend and withdraw internationally without hassles.”
“Consequently, our customers can now spend up to $1,000 quarterly for international POS and online transactions; and withdraw up to $500 quarterly on international ATMs.”
The announcement offers Fidelity Bank customers another way to complete international transactions, in addition to the Bank’s existing foreign currency debit and credit cards.
The bank stated that it further reinforces its commitment to delivering solutions that fit seamlessly into customers’ lifestyles.
With Fidelity Bank’s VISA and Mastercard Naira Debit Cards, Nigerians can now enjoy effortless global access.
Beyond payments, Fidelity VISA cardholders, one of the variants of the bank’s card offerings, also enjoy premium travel and lifestyle benefits.
The benefits range from airport lounge and spa access via the Visa Airport Companion App, to fast-track immigration lanes and 20% discounts on SIXT car rentals worldwide.
This move, the bank said, also reflects its commitment to provide secure, convenient, and reliable banking services that empower customers in Nigeria and beyond.
The bank noted that it has deliberately made the process of getting a Fidelity Naira card seamless.
It stressed that customers can easily apply for their Fidelity VISA or Mastercard Naira Debit card via the Fidelity Mobile App or simply visit the nearest Fidelity bank branch to request for one and they can start transacting globally with ease.
Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The Bank is the recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine.
Additionally, the Bank was recognized as the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.
A Nigerian TikTok sensation known as “Geh Geh” has stunned the internet after pulling in over $30,000 from a single live session that attracted more than 177,000 viewers.
The young entertainer, who calls his platform the “University of Wisdom and Understanding,” has quickly built a cult following with his raw and unfiltered lectures about women, money, and survival in Nigeria.
During the live broadcast on Thursday, August 21, viewers showered him with virtual gifts that he later calculated to be worth over $30,000.
The milestone instantly pushed him into the spotlight as one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising online personalities.
Reacting in disbelief after the stream, Geh Geh said:
“More than 177,000 people watch my lectures today. Jesus! University of wisdom and understanding, the only university where once you graduate, woman go fear to ask you for money.”
Despite not having a formal education, Geh Geh proudly calls himself “the first illiterate to find a university in the history of Nigeria.” In a video after the viral live, he reminded fans of his humble background:
“I no be graduate too, but by the grace of God, I don find school. I be orphan, but now Nigerians don show me love.”
The TikTok star admitted he was overwhelmed by the generosity of his supporters.
“See gift I made over… more gift when they give me today is worth about $30,000. I no go take this love for granted, because I no really do anything for am.”
His rise has been hailed as proof of how social media is transforming lives in Nigeria. With no degree, no rich background, and no industry connection, Geh Geh has managed to build a fanbase that now calls themselves “students” of his unusual university.
Still, his controversial views on women and relationships continue to spark heated debates. While some dismiss his advice as reckless, others insist his boldness speaks directly to Nigeria’s frustrated youth.
Reflecting on his sudden fame, Geh Geh compared himself to great thinkers:
“If Nigeria be country wey value great people, by now them suppose dey compare people like me with Aristotle, Wole Soyinka, Einstein… but I thank God say people dey see my head and my own difference.”
From an orphan with no prospects to a viral star earning in dollars, Geh Geh’s story has become one of digital empowerment.
His journey shows how platforms like TikTok are creating new forms of fame, money, and influence for Nigerians especially those once written off by society.
The United Kingdom has once again cemented its position as Nigeria’s leading source of foreign capital, accounting for more than N5.5 trillion in inflows during the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Figures from the Capital Importation Report show that capital from the UK rose to $3.68bn (N5.52tn) in Q1 2025, representing 65.26% of Nigeria’s total $5.64bn inflows for the quarter.
This marked a 29.2% rise from the $2.85bn recorded in Q4 2024 and more than double the $1.81bn inflows seen in Q1 2024.
This underscores Britain’s dominance in Nigeria’s external financing profile and highlights the strong bilateral financial ties between both nations.
Breakdown of Q1 2025 Capital Inflows by Country
United Kingdom: $3.68bn (65.26%)
South Africa: $501.29m (8.88%)
Mauritius: $394.51m (6.99%)
United States: $368.92m (6.54%)
United Arab Emirates: $301.72m (5.35%)
Together, these top five countries accounted for over 92% of Nigeria’s capital inflows, reflecting both the concentration of Nigeria’s foreign investments and the risks of over-dependence on limited markets.
Other contributors included:
Cayman Islands: $114.76m (up sharply from $0.64m in Q4 2024)
Belgium: $70.54m
France: $47.33m
Netherlands: $42.68m (down significantly from $425.61m in Q4 2024)
Singapore: $36.79m
Overall, capital importation into Nigeria stood at $5.64bn in Q1 2025, up 10.9% from Q4 2024’s $5.09bn, and a remarkable 67.1% higher than the $3.38bn recorded in Q1 2024.
The NBS noted:
“Capital Importation during the reference period originated largely from the United Kingdom with $3,681.96m, showing 65.26 per cent of the total capital imported.”
A separate survey by Strategy Management Partners (UK) reveals that British companies are increasingly targeting Africa as a strategic growth frontier.
50% of UK firms with annual turnover above £20m are already operational in Africa and planning expansions.
Another 28% of executives said they are interested but remain cautious about entry strategies.
Africa’s appeal lies in its resource wealth and demographic potential:
30% of the world’s mineral reserves
8% of natural gas reserves
12% of oil reserves
65% of the world’s arable land
Projected to host 25% of the global workforce by 2035
Seven key sectors remain magnets for foreign capital inflows into Nigeria and Africa at large:
1. Technology
2. Oil & Gas
3. Power and Renewable Energy
4. Agriculture
5. Manufacturing
6. Infrastructure
7. Strategic Minerals
Analysts warn that while Nigeria’s reliance on UK-driven inflows reflects strong global confidence, the concentration of sources exposes the economy to external shocks if investor sentiment shifts in these countries.
Diversification of investment partnerships particularly within Asi
a, the Americas, and intra-African trade will be crucial to ensuring long-term resilience in capital inflows.
The United States government has said that Nigeria’s new N70,000 minimum wage has lost real value due to the sharp fall of the naira, leaving millions of workers trapped in poverty.
According to the 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, released by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labour, the wage translates to just $47.90 per month.
The report noted that currency devaluation and weak enforcement have undermined the wage increase.
The report also revealed that many states are yet to implement the new wage law. Several governors cited financial challenges as the main excuse.
Even where the law exists, compliance remains poor because of limited labor inspectors and weak oversight from authorities.
Wage Devaluation and Exclusion
The report highlighted that firms with fewer than 25 workers are excluded from the minimum wage law, leaving millions of employees without protection.
This also explained that about 70 to 80 percent of Nigeria’s workforce operates in the informal sector, where wage and labor rights are almost never enforced.
This means a majority of Nigerians continue to earn far below the national benchmark, despite the government’s approval of N70,000 as the new minimum wage.
The U.S. report stressed that the naira’s sharp decline, trading above N1,500 to the dollar, had worsened the wage erosion. This has left workers unable to afford basic needs, pushing many deeper into poverty.
Human Rights and Labor Challenges
The document pointed out that weak enforcement of labor laws contributes to worsening poverty levels in the country.
Workers in the informal sector, such as street vendors, artisans, and small traders, rarely benefit from labor protections.
The report also noted that Nigeria’s minimum wage is rarely sufficient to cover basic food, housing, and transport needs.
This has further exposed structural gaps in the government’s approach to economic reforms and poverty reduction.
Governors Push Investment Platform
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has launched a new investment initiative called NGF Investopedia.
The platform seeks to attract capital flows into bankable projects across all 36 states, with the goal of tackling Nigeria’s annual $100 billion infrastructure financing deficit.
The launch event in Abuja gathered governors, international partners, and investors. The forum described the platform as a long-term strategy to unlock growth opportunities across states and strengthen Nigeria’s subnational economies.
NGF Chairman and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, said Nigeria must urgently leverage its human and natural resources to address poverty and joblessness.
“Here is Africa’s largest economy, endowed with abundant human and natural resources,” he said, stressing that state governments must play a bigger role in attracting investments and supporting local industries.
A Widening Gap
The contrast between the U.S. report on wage decline and the governors’ push for investment highlights Nigeria’s economic paradox.
While authorities promote foreign capital inflow, millions of workers continue to survive on wages that have lost most of their value.
With inflation rising, food prices soaring, and the naira weakening, the gap between earnings and cost of living keeps widening.
Unless enforcement improves and the informal sector is integrated into wage protections, the N70,000 benchmark may remain symbolic rather than effective.
Fidelity Bank may have hit another milestone the Fidelity Naira Card is now accepted globally.
This was disclosed in a message sent to Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) via email on Monday.
According to the statement entitled “Your Fidelity Naira Card Now Works Globally; Shop, Pay and Withdraw with Ease!“, customers can buy favourite global brands online using their Fidelity Naira Card.
The band also stated that they can equally pay at POS terminals abroad and make cash withdrawals at ATMs as they travel.
The message reads:
“We’re excited to let you know that your Fidelity Naira Card is now enabled for global use — so you can shop, spend and withdraw internationally with confidence.
“Here’s what you now enjoy every quarter:
|
Channel |
Transaction Limit |
| ATM Withdrawal abroad | $500 |
| Online/Web & POS Payments | $ 1,000 |
“What does this mean for you?
- Shop your favourite global brands online
- Pay at POS terminals abroad with ease
- Withdraw cash at ATMs when you travel.”
The statement, however, noted that the $1,000 quarterly limit applies to all international transactions combined, including ATM withdrawals, online purchases, and POS payments.
The bank urged customers who may need assistance with setting card limits or activating their cards for global use, to contact the bank’s customers care “Centre Trueserve”, which is available round the clock, whether in Nigeria, or outside the country.
“Your world, your card — spend smart, spend globally with Fidelity,” the message concludes.
-
Featured4 days agoYour Attacks on Peter Obi Are Petty, Stop It! Chekwas Rebukes Soludo
-
News4 days agoTension in Anambra community as senior police officer shoots kinsman dead
Colleagues, others try cover-up; victim's family fights back
-
News7 days agoAnambra South Bye-Election: APC Chief Rescues Deputy Gov Caught In Vote Buying From Angry Youths
By Chuks Collins, Awka
-
Celebrity/Entertainment1 day agoHow Nigerian TikToker Geh Geh Made ₦45 Million in One Night
-
News5 days agoNigerian visa applicants must provide 5-yr social media history — US embassy
-
Analysis6 days agoSystemic Sabotage: How APC, INEC Colluded To Undermine Amamgbo’s Senatorial Bid
By Arthur Ezechukwu
-
News3 days agoTerrorist Organisation: APC, PDP Members in US, UK, France Risk Deportation
-
Celebrity/Entertainment5 days agoWhy single mothers can’t raise boys into proper men — Jim Iyke
-
News7 days agoBREAKING: Troops arrest Nigeria’s most wanted terror kingpin
-
News2 days agoVandal electrocuted while vandalizing Aba power infrastructure