….Reassures About Deposits’ Safety, System Resilience
The Central Bank of Nigeria has stated categorically that Heritage Bank’s case was an isolated one, adding that allegations of further revocation of licences prior to the completion of the bank recapitalisation exercise were mere fabrications aimed at creating panic within the system.
By implication, the only revocation exercise which could be envisaged at all is that which will likely arise from non-compliance with the on–going recapitalisation of banks, for those that fail to achieve the mandate upon completion of the exercise on March 31, 2026.
The Bank’s Acting Director of the Corporate Communications Department, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, on Monday, in Abuja, faulted claims that the CBN was considering revoking the operating licences of Fidelity, Polaris, Wema, and Unity Banks.
The Central Bank of Nigeria, once again, reassured the banking public of the safety of their deposits and the banking system’s resilience.
The apex bank gave the assurance to douse concerns which were stirred up by insinuations and claims being peddled in some quarters about the stability of some Nigerian banks following Heritage Bank Plc’s license revocation.
The spokesperson also clarified that a circular issued by the Bank on January 10, 2024, notifying the public about the dissolution of the Boards of Union, Keystone, and Polaris Banks, is currently being circulated as though it was issued on June 10, 2024.
She said customers, particularly those of Heritage Bank, need not worry about the safety of their deposits, adding that the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) had commenced payment to the bank’s insured depositors.
Mrs. Sidi Ali, therefore, urged the public to continue their regular banking activities without concern, dismissing any false reports regarding the health of specific Deposit Money Banks.
She confirmed that the CBN, with its robust regulatory framework, is proactively ensuring the stability of Nigeria’s financial system, thereby guaranteeing the safety of depositors’ funds in all Nigerian financial institutions.
While reiterating the assurances of the Governor (Olayemi Cardoso) that the recapitalisation of banks in Nigeria was intended to bolster the banking system and safeguard the sector against risks, Sidi Ali urged all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring the success of the process, which she noted would be for the overall growth of the Nigerian economy.
“Without prejudice to the ongoing recapitalisation process, I want to restate that the Nigerian banking industry remains resilient. Key financial soundness indicators remain within current regulatory thresholds.
“Customers are, therefore, encouraged to proceed with their transactions as usual, as the CBN is committed to ensuring the safety of the banking system,” she added.