The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the operating licences of 46 microfinance banks across the country over their failure to meet key regulatory requirements for continued operation.

The apex bank announced the decision in a statement issued by its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Sidi-Ali Hakama, stating that the revocation took effect from July 1, 2026.

According to the CBN, the action was approved by Governor Olayemi Cardoso in accordance with Sections 12 and 13 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), 2020.

The regulator explained that the affected institutions failed to satisfy critical conditions required of licensed financial institutions, prompting the withdrawal of their licences.

The CBN said the affected banks were found to have committed one or more regulatory infractions, including inadequate assets to meet liabilities, prolonged inactivity, closure of operations without regulatory approval, failure to commence business within 12 months of licence issuance, and inability to maintain the minimum capital requirement prescribed by law.

“The revocation of the licences is part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the stability of the financial sector, protect depositors and ensure that licensed institutions comply with current laws and regulatory requirements,” the statement said.

The apex bank reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe, sound and resilient financial system through strict supervision and enforcement of regulatory standards.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria remains committed to promoting a safe, sound and resilient financial system and will continue to take appropriate supervisory and regulatory actions where necessary to maintain public confidence in the Nigerian financial system,” it added.

Among the affected institutions are Minji-Se Churchill Microfinance Bank (Rivers State), Merchant Microfinance Bank (Abia State), Gold Microfinance Bank (Lagos State), Crystabel Microfinance Bank (Bayelsa State), Creditville Microfinance Bank (Lagos State), OurPass Microfinance Bank (Ondo State), Entrepreneur Microfinance Bank (Lagos State) and Avantus Microfinance Bank (Osun State).

A significant number of the affected institutions are based in Kano State, including Zain Microfinance Bank, Bompai Microfinance Bank, Ajwa Microfinance Bank, NOW NOW Digital Microfinance Bank, Minjibir Microfinance Bank, Shanono Microfinance Bank, Sumaila Microfinance Bank, Rimin Gado Microfinance Bank, Sycamore Microfinance Bank, Tofa Microfinance Bank, Kanopoly Microfinance Bank, Bellbank Microfinance Bank and Esteem Microfinance Bank.

Industry analysts say the move reflects the CBN’s determination to strengthen regulatory compliance, improve financial sector stability and eliminate weak institutions that pose risks to depositors and the broader banking ecosystem.

The development marks one of the largest single licence revocations in the microfinance banking sector in recent years as the regulator intensifies efforts to sanitise Nigeria’s financial services industry.

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First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has announced the appointment of Bismarck Rewane as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of its Board of Directors following regulatory approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The appointment brings one of Nigeria’s most recognized economists and financial analysts into a key leadership position at the bank as it seeks to strengthen its governance framework and strategic direction.

Rewane has over 40 years of experience spanning macroeconomic research, investment banking, financial advisory services, and corporate strategy. He currently serves as the Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, a leading economic research and financial consulting firm.

Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions within the financial services industry, including roles at International Merchant Bank Nigeria Limited and First National Bank of Chicago. His expertise has made him a respected voice in economic policy discussions and financial market analysis.

A graduate of Economics from the University of Ibadan, Rewane is a Fellow of the Nigerian Economic Society and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. He is also an Associate of the Institute of Bankers in England and Wales.

His boardroom experience extends across several major corporations and multinational organizations. Over the years, he has served on the boards of companies including Guinness Nigeria Plc, British American Tobacco, Henkel Nigeria Limited, Top Feeds Nigeria Limited, and Africa Infrastructure Plus Partners.

Rewane also served as a member of the Presidential Steering Committee established to address the global economic crisis. In addition, he has completed executive management programmes at internationally recognized institutions, including Oxford International Capital Markets Programme, the Euromoney Institute of Finance, and IMD Lausanne in Switzerland.

FCMB stated that the appointment reflects its commitment to strong corporate governance and sustainable growth. The bank expressed confidence that Rewane’s experience in macroeconomics, strategic management, and corporate governance will support its long-term objectives and enhance value creation for shareholders and other stakeholders.

According to the bank, his appointment comes at a significant period in its growth journey and is expected to strengthen leadership oversight while supporting future expansion plans.

First City Monument Bank Limited operates as a member of FCMB Group Plc, a diversified financial services group with interests in banking, consumer finance, investment management, pensions, and financial technology services.

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all Domestic Systemically Important Banks (DSIBs) to publicly announce the appointment of a new Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) at least three months before the current officeholder steps down.

In a circular signed by Rita I. Sike, Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department, the apex bank said the measure is part of efforts to guarantee smooth leadership transitions and minimise disruptions at the helm of major financial institutions.

The directive also requires banks to secure regulatory approval for a successor’s appointment no later than six months before the outgoing MD/CEO’s tenure ends.

“This requirement is aimed at minimising disruptions at the top management level, enabling appointees to adequately prepare for their new roles, and mitigating risks associated with abrupt leadership changes,” the circular stated.

The CBN cited Section 2.14 of its 2023 corporate governance guidelines, which obliges boards of commercial, merchant, non-interest, and payment service banks to approve succession plans for top executives, including MD/CEOs, executive directors, and senior management staff.

The apex bank emphasised that DSIBs play a critical role in maintaining financial system stability and urged strict compliance with the new succession planning rules.

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