The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has lent its support to the proposed banking recapitalization, emphasizing the necessity for larger banks to align with Nigeria’s ambition of reaching a $1 trillion economy.
During a press briefing at the annual workshop organized for Business Editors and Finance Correspondents in Owerri, Imo State, Mr. Bello Hassan, the Managing Director of NDIC, highlighted the importance of expanding the scope of banks to correspond with the economic objectives.
Hassan acknowledged the robustness of the banking sector, citing key performance indicators such as Capital Adequacy, Liquidity, Earnings, and Asset Quality. However, he underscored the imperative for larger financial institutions to complement the country’s pursuit of a $1 trillion GDP.
“While the industry is currently demonstrating strength across vital financial benchmarks, including capital adequacy, liquidity, earnings, and asset quality, the government’s aim of elevating our GDP to $1 trillion necessitates the presence of larger banks,” Hassan remarked.
He further elucidated, “In line with the government’s agenda to boost the GDP to $1 trillion, the need for expanded banks becomes evident. I believe the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive for banks to recapitalize stems from this objective – to fortify their capital base in alignment with the economic ambitions.”
This stance by the NDIC aligns with the government’s broader economic strategies, emphasizing the pivotal role of banks in driving growth and stability within Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape.