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‘No Cause For Alarm In Banks’

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Lamido Sanusi

Being address by Mallam Lamido Sanusi, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, on developments in the banking system in Nigeria
As we are all aware, the world economy has been hit by the repercussion of the financial meltdown that started with the sub-prime mortgage crisis in the United States of America and spread to Europe and other parts of the world. This crisis has led to the collapse of many banks and other financial institutions, and even rendered an entire nation bankrupt.
In Nigeria, the banking system appears to have weathered the storm due to a number of factors. Among these are the facts that our financial system is not strongly integrated into the international financial system, as well as the relatively simple nature of financial products and strong capitalisation and liquidity of Nigerian banks.
However, there are many who have been aware for a while now that whereas the system in general is likely to absorb and survive the effects of crisis, the effects vary from bank to bank. A few Nigerian banks, mainly due to huge concentrations in their exposure to certain sectors (capital market and oil and gas being the prominent ones ) but due to a general weakness in risk management and corporate governance, have continued to display signs of failure.
As far as October last year, some of the banks showed serious liquidity strain and had to be given financial support by the Central Bank in the form of an “Expanded Discount Window” (EDW), where the CBN extended credit facilities to these banks on the basis of collateral in the form of Commercial Paper and Bankers’ acceptances, sometimes of un doubtful value
As at June 4, 2009, when I assumed office as governor of the CBN, the total amount outstanding at the Expanded Discount Window was N256.571 billion, most of which was owed by the five banks.
A review of the activity in the EDW showed that four banks had been almost permanently locked in as borrowers and were clearly, unable to repay their obligations. A fifth bank had been a very frequent borrower when its profile ordinarily should have placed it among the net placers of funds in the market. Whereas the five banks were by no means the only· ones to have benefited from the EDW, the persistence and frequency of their demand pointed to a deeper problem and the CBN identified them as probable source of financial instability, most likely suffering from deeper problems due to non­performing loans.
The impact of the situation of these banks was being felt by the market in different negative ways. Because of this strain in their balance sheets, the banks pushed up the interest rate paid to private sector deposits and their competitors had to follow suit. They also contributed to the destabilisation of the interbank market as many of their competitors were unwilling to take an unsecured risk on them. It was primarily because of these banks, or at least some of them, that the CBN took the step of guaranteeing the inter-bank market when it stopped granting new lines under the EDW. Without that guarantee, almost four banks would not have been able to borrow in the inter-bank and would probably have collapsed.
As you are aware, we guaranteed the inter-bank market to give us the time to conduct thorough diagnostic of the’ banks and ensure that appropriate remedial action is taken. At least, four of the banks in question have since the guarantee came into force either remained heavy users of funds at the EDW or drawn heavily from other banks under cover of the CBN guarantee to wind-down at this window. In all events, it is clear that they do not have the ability to meet their obligations to depositors and creditors as they are in a grave situation.
In view of the aforementioned circumstances, I instructed the Director of Banking Supervision of the CBN to carry out a Special Examination of the following five banks: Afribank Plc Finbank PIc, Intercontinental Bank Plc, Oceanic Bank Plc and Union Bank Plc.
The examination was conducted by a joint team of CBN and NDIC officials. The major findings on the five banks included:
Excessively high level of non­performing loans in the five banks which was attributable to poor corporate governance practices, lax credit administration processes and the absence or non-adherence to the bank’s credit risk management practices. Thus the percentage of non-performing loans to total loans ranged from 19 per cent to 48 per cent. The five banks will therefore need to make additional provision of N539.09 billion.
The total loan portfolio of these five banks was N2,801.92 billion.
Margin loans amounted to N456.28 billion and exposure to Oil and Gas was N487.02 billion.Aggregate non­performing loans stood at N 1,143 billion representing 40.81 per cent.
From 1 and 2 above, it is evident that the five banks accounted for a proportionate component of the total exposure to Capital Market and Oil and Gas, thus reflecting heavy concentration to high risk areas relative to other banks in the industry. The huge provisioning requirements have led to significant capital impairment. Consequently, all the banks are undercapitalised for their current levels of operations and are required to increase their provisions for loan losses, which impacted negatively on their capital. Indeed one is technically insolvent with a Capital Adequacy Ratio of (1.01 per cent). Thus, a minimum capital injection of N204.94 billion will be required in the five banks to meet the minimum capital adequacy ratio of 10 per cent.
5. The five banks were either perennial net-takers of funds in the inter-bank market or enjoyed liquidity support from the CBN for long periods of time, a clear evidence of illiquidity. In other words, these banks were unable to meet their maturing obligations as they fall due without resorting to the CBN or the inter-bank market. As a matter of fact, the outstanding balance on the EDW of the five banks amounted to N 127.85 billion by end of July 2009, representing 89.81 per cent of the total industry exposure to the CBN on its discount window while their net guaranteed inter-bank takings stood at N253.30 billion as at August 02, 2009. Their Liquidity Ratios ranged from 17..65 per cent to 24 per cent as at May 31, 2009. (Regulatory minimum is 25 per cent).
It is important to note that at least three of the banks are systemically important (accounting for more than 5 per cent of Assets and Deposits in the Banking System) and together, the five banks account for 39.93 per cent of loans, 29.99 per cent of deposits, and 31.47 per cent of total assets as at May 31, 2009.
Given the extent of the asset quality problem leading to liquidity stresses, and the variety of stress points on the banks’ balance sheets, failure to act to secure the financial health of these banks will clearly place the system at risk. The Central Bank has a responsibility to act to protect all depositors and creditors and ensure that no one loses money due to bank failure. The bank also needs to move decisively to remove this principal cause of financial instability and restore confidence in the banking system.
Consequently, having reviewed all the reports of the examiners and the comments of the Directors and Deputy Governors, 1 am satisfied that these 5 institutions are in a grave situation and that their managements have acted in a manner detrimental to the interest of their depositors and creditors. Therefore, in exercise of my powers as contained in Sections 33 and 35 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 1991, as amended, and after securing the consent of the Board of Directors of the CBN, I hereby remove the Managing Directors and the Executive Directors of the following banks from office with effect from Friday, August 14, 2009.
1. Afribank Plc
2. Intercontinental Bank Plc
3. Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
4. Oceanic International Bank-Plc
5. Finbank Plc
These persons forthwith cease to be directors and officers of their respective banks.
The Board of the Central Bank of Nigeria has also appointed the following as the MD/CEOs of the affected banks:
1. Mr John Aboh – MD/CEO Oceanic International Bank Plc.
2. Mr Mahmud L. Alabi – MD/CEO Finbank Plc
3. Mr Nebolisa Arah – MD/CEO Afribank Plc
4. Mrs. Suzanne Iroche – MD/CEO Finbank Plc.
5. Mrs. Funke Osibodu – MD/CEO Union Bank Plc.
Each of the above will head a management team that will include executive directors and Chief Financial Officers to be appointed by the CBN. This team is tasked with continuing the business of the banks as a going concern. I, therefore, appeal to the Boards of the affected banks, in their own of interest, to cooperate with the newly appointed executive management.
We are conscious of the fact that changing management alone will not resolve this problem. Consequently, the CBN is injecting a total of about N400 billion into these five banks with immediate effect in form of Tier 2 Capital to be repaid from proceeds of capitalisation in the near future. This injection is sufficient to resolve and stabilise all the institutions and enable them continue normal business. The injection of fresh capital by the CBN is temporary measure as government does not intend to hold the shares for long and shall divest its holdings as soon as new investors recapitalise these banks.
Let me also advise all debtors of Nigerian banks, that the CBN and all government agencies are united in our commitment to support the recovery efforts of the banks. Debtors who do not pay shall have their names published in national newspapers” in due course and we will solicit the support of law enforcement agencies in recovery.
Let me reassure especially the customers of the affected banks and all the banks in general that there is no cause for alarm. They should continue to transact their normal business in the banks where their accounts are domiciled as this exercise is meant to further strengthen the banking industry and recapitalise the affected banks.
I should also state at this point that the scope of the Special III Examination was widened to cover all 24 banks. So far, we have Id concluded the audit of 10 banks at including these five, the others being Diamond Bank, First Bank, United Bank for Africa, Guaranty a Trust Bank and Sterling Bank. We have also commenced the next s. batch of 11 banks and hope to conclude them by end of August. i5 All in all, we expect to conclude the al audit in mid-September. The Central d, Bank is requiring all banks “to make appropriate provisioning for non-performing loans and disclose them.
We hope that by the end of this quarter, all banks would have ;e cleaned up their Balance Sheets. On 4, the basis of the information available to us so far, we are confident that the banking system is safe and sound and we have dealt with the major sources of systemic risk.
I will conclude by restating that, to going forward, the CBN will not waiver in its desire to ensure that public confidence in the Nigerian of banking system is maintained through appropriate disclosures le and the reinvigoration of its policy of zero tolerance on all professional and unethical conducts.
We will not allow any bank to fail. However, we will also ensure that officers of banks and debtors who contribute to bank failures are brought to book to the full extent of the law and that all proceeds of infraction are confiscated where legally feasible.
Thank you.

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NCAA Certifies Elin Group Aircraft Maintenance

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The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has certified Elin Group Limited to operate as an approved aircraft maintenance organization (AMO).
Elin Group Limited confirmed the certification in a Statement released at the Weekend.
The Executive Director, Elin Group Limited, Engr. Dr. Benedict Adeyileka, noted the significance of the certification, stating that it recognizes the company’s commitment to upholding high maintenance standards.
Adeyileka also stated that “the issuance of the AMO Certificates and OPSPEC by the NCAA is a landmark for both Elin Group and Nigeria’s aviation industry. This approval empowers us to maintain our fleet and extend services to other operators, thereby supporting the sector’s growth.
“It affirms the standards we have upheld over the years and places on us the responsibility to expand services that strengthen the aviation ecosystem. We thank the NCAA for their confidence in our capabilities.
“This recognition inspires us to keep striving for excellence and innovation in building a stronger, safer, and more sustainable aviation industry.”
The certification follows the company’s recent completion of a 7,800 landings maintenance check on its Bombardier Challenger 604 aircraft and Agusta A109E helicopter.
This type of inspection, similar to a D-check in commercial aviation, was conducted entirely in Nigeria for the first time.
With the NCAA approval, Elin Group is authorized to maintain its own fleet and provide maintenance services to other operators.
The certification is expected to contribute to the growth of local aviation maintenance capabilities.
“PenCom Raises Capital Requirement For PFAs To N20b
…Sets December 2026 Deadline
The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has announced a sweeping revision to the capital requirements for Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs), raising the minimum threshold for PFAs tenfold, from N2 billion to N20 billion.
The move, aimed at strengthening financial stability and operational resilience, marks one of the most significant regulatory shifts in Nigeria’s pension industry in over two decades.
In a circular titled “Revised Minimum Capital Requirements for Licensed Pension Fund Administrators and Pension Fund Custodians”, PenCom stated that PFAs with Assets Under Management (AUM) of N500b and above must now maintain a capital base of N20 billion plus 1% of the excess AUM beyond N500 billion.
The revised capital requirements for both PFAs and PFCs would take effect immediately for new licenses, while existing operators have until December 31, 2026, to comply.
PenCom would monitor compliance every two years based on audited financial statements, and any shortfall must be rectified within 90 days.
PenCom emphasized that the review is anchored in Sections 60(1)(b), 62(b), and 115(1) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014. It aims to support the long-term viability of pension operators, improve service delivery, and ensure the sustainability of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which has now been in operation for 21 years.
“PFAs are therefore required to maintain adequate capital to sustain the achievements of the CPS, support ongoing pension reform initiatives, and deploy adequate resources to effectively fund operations,” PenCom stated.
PFAs with AUM below N500b are also required to meet the new N20 billion minimum. Special Purpose PFAs, such as NPF Pensions Limited, must hold N30 billion, while the Nigerian University Pension Management Company Limited is required to maintain N20 billion.
“The capital requirement was reviewed in line with global best practice, which ensures that capital is proportionate to the risk exposure of the Pension Fund Operator. The new model aligned the capital requirement with the Pension Asset Under Management (AUM) and Assets Under Custody (AUC) of the PFAs and PFCs respectively”, the circular stated.
For Pension Fund Custodians (PFCs), the minimum capital requirement has been raised from N2 billion, unchanged since 2004, to N25 billion plus 0.1% of AUC.
The Commission cited the exponential growth in assets under custody and the increasing complexity of operations, including technology deployment, cybersecurity, and staff welfare, as key drivers of the revision.
“The operating landscape of PFC business has evolved significantly over 21 years,” the circular noted. “These developments underscore the need to reassess the adequacy of the existing capital threshold to ensure continued financial stability and effective risk management”, it stated.
The announcement signaled PenCom’s commitment to aligning Nigeria’s pension industry with global standards, ensuring that operators are well-capitalized to navigate macroeconomic pressures and deliver secure retirement benefits to millions of Nigerians.
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SMEDAN, CAC Move To Ease Business Registration, Target 250,000 MSMEs

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The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) are deepening partnership to ease business registration for small business owners in the country.
The agreement would provide the framework for free registration of 250,000 Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country.
The Registrar-General, CAC, Hussaini Magaji, revealed this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both organisations, in Abuja, at the Weekend.
Magaji said that the framework provided under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration would eliminate cost barriers by waiving all statutory fees.
According to him, entrepreneurs would now be able to obtain certificates seamlessly, without delays or middlemen, through the CAC portal.
He said, “Formalising a business is more than obtaining a certificate.
“It provides entrepreneurs with a legal identity, improves access to finance and markets, enhances record keeping and strengthens compliance with tax or regulatory obligations.
“For the government, it expands the tax base, improves policy design and reflects the two sides and contribution of our MSME sector.
“By formalising an additional 250,000 enterprises under this initiative, we are helping to create jobs, foster innovation and build a more inclusive economy,” he said.
The registrar-general, while commending SMEDAN on the partnership, urged the MSMEs to take advantage of this opportunity to formalise their businesses, access new opportunities and become part of Nigeria’s growth story.
Magaji also appealed to the media to Partner in amplifying this message to ensuring that every deserving entrepreneur is carried along.
On his part, the Director-General of SMEDAN, Charles Odii, hailed the initiative as a milestone for small businesses, describing it as one of the “big wins” of the current administration.
Odii explained that SMEDAN would mobilise, profile and guide eligible businesses for registration through its dedicated online portal.
He insisted that the platform would eliminate the role of middlemen, who previously inflated registration costs, sometimes charging between N30,000 and N100,000 against the official CAC rate of about N11,000.
Odii said the initiative would complement the President’s N200 billion economic assistance programme, which provides N50 billion in grants for nano businesses, N75 billion in single-digit loans for SMEs and N75 billion for manufacturers.
He said that the interventions demonstrated the resolve of government to ease the cost of doing business and expand opportunities for entrepreneurs.
The director-general said that the MoU was timely, especially as CAC prepared to review its fees by October, reiterating that the initiative ensures 250,000 businesses will benefit from free registration before the review.
According to Odii, many businesses collapse within their first five years due to a lack of structure, noting that registration was the first step to building resilience.
The SMEDAN boss assured that beyond registration, SMEDAN would continue to support entrepreneurs through business clinics, advisory services and linkages.
He said this would be done in collaboration with other agencies such as the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
Odii also commended the President’s move to raise the tax exemption threshold for small businesses with N25 million to N50 million annual turnover, saying it will reduce the burden on enterprises and encourage compliance.
He thanked the Registrar-General of CAC, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Chief of Staff to the President for their support in bringing the initiative to fruition.
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Blue Economy: Minister Seeks Lifeline In Blue Bond Amid Budget Squeeze

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Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is seeking new funding to implement its ambitious 10-year policy, with officials acknowledging that public funding is insufficient for the scale of transformation envisioned.

Coordinating Minister of the Ministry,
Adegboyega Oyetola, said finance is the “lever that will attract long-term and progressive capital critical” and determine whether the ministry’s goals take off.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olufemi Oloruntola, stressed that the funding gap  must be closed to move from policy to practice.

“Resources we currently receive from the national budget are grossly inadequate compared to the enormous responsibility before the ministry and sector,” he warned.

He described public funding not as charity but as “seed capital” that would unlock private investment adding that without it, Nigeria risks falling behind its neighbours while billions of naira continue to leak abroad through freight payments on foreign vessels.

Oloruntola argued that the sector’s potential goes beyond trade, pointing to the surge of diaspora spending every festive season. With the right coastal infrastructure, he said, the marine economy could capture a slice of those inflows as foreign exchange and revenue.

The Chief Executive, Nigerian Exchange (NGX), Jude Chiemeka, said blue bonds, which are loans raised through the capital market, but tied specifically to projects that protect or develop marine projects, could unlock huge sums of much-needed capital.

He said “We have N24.6 trillion in pension assets, with 5 percent set aside for sustainability, including blue and green bonds,” he told stakeholders. “Each time green bonds have been issued, they have been oversubscribed. The money is there. The question is, how do you then get this money?”

The NGX reckons that once incorporated into the national budget, the Debt Management Office could issue the bonds, attracting both domestic pension funds and international investors.

Seychelles, he pointed out, raised $15 million from a blue bond to support its fisheries industry, a scale Nigeria, with over 853 km of coastline and significant freshwater bodies, could surpass.

Yet even as officials push for creative financing, Oloruntola stressed that the first step remains legislative.

“Even the most innovative financial tools and private investments require a solid public funding base to thrive.

“We therefore call on the relevant authorities, most especially the National Assembly, to prioritise the marine and green economy sector.”

“Nigeria must match ambition with resources” and “strategy into execution”, he said

It would be noted that with government funding inadequate, the ministry and capital market operators see bonds as alternative financing.

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