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CBN Closes 31 Banks In Lagos, 72 Microfinance Banks Nationwide

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As part of a larger effort to strengthening the banking sector in Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently announced the closure of 31 banks in Lagos, and 72 Microfinance Banks.

The apex Bank said the action was taken as a result of the banks’ inability to meet minimum regulatory requirements, and the CBN has emphasized that the closures are necessary to protect depositors and maintain stability in the financial system.

The CBN’s decision to close these banks is part of a broader effort to clean up the banking sector in Nigeria and ensure that banks comply with regulatory standards. In addition to closing these 31 banks in Lagos, the CBN also announced the closure of 72 microfinance banks across the country, bringing the total number of banks closed to 103.

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READ ALSO: Dormant Accounts: CBN Slams N2m Fine On Erring Banks

While the closure of these banks may be disruptive in the short term, it is expected to have a positive impact on the Nigerian banking sector in the long term.

By removing banks that are unable to meet regulatory requirements, the CBN is sending a clear message that it will not tolerate non-compliance and that banks must operate within the law. This, in turn, is likely to strengthen confidence in the Nigerian banking sector and attract more foreign investment.

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In addition to closing banks that fail to meet regulatory requirements, the CBN has also taken other measures to strengthen the banking sector in Nigeria. For example, the CBN has established a credit registry to improve access to credit for small and medium-sized enterprises, and it has also introduced new regulations aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in the banking sector.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: CBN Raises Interest Rate To 18%

Overall, while the closure of these 31 banks in Lagos may be seen as a harsh measure, it is likely to have a positive impact on the Nigerian banking sector in the long term. By ensuring that banks comply with regulatory standards, the CBN is helping to promote stability and growth in the financial sector, which is essential for the overall health of the Nigerian economy.

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JUST IN: CBN Removes Cash Deposit Limits, Raises Weekly Withdrawal To N500,000

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has removed cash deposit limits and also increased the weekly cash withdrawal limit from N100,000 to N500,000.

The CBN made this known in a circular to all banks and other financial institutions, signed by Dr Rita Sike, Director, Financial Policy and Regulation Department.

Sike said that the revisions formed part of ongoing efforts to moderate the rising cost of cash management and address security concerns.

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According to her, it will also curb money laundering risks associated with heavy reliance on cash.

She said that the cash-related policies previously issued in response to evolving circumstances were aimed at reducing cash usage and promoting the adoption of electronic payment channels.

READ ALSO:CBN Directs Nigerian Banks To Withdraw Misleading Advertisement

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However, with time, the need to streamline and update these provisions to reflect present-day realities became necessary,” she said.

She said that with effect from Jan. 1, 2026, the cumulative deposit limit would be removed and the fee previously charged on excess deposits would no longer apply.

The director said that the cumulative weekly withdrawal limit across all channels has been reviewed to N500,000 for individuals and five million Naira for corporates.

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READ ALSO:CBN Issues Directive Clarifying Holding Companies’ Minimum Capital

Withdrawals above these thresholds will attract excess withdrawal charges as specified,” she said. “The special monthly authorisation that allowed individuals to withdraw five million Naira and corporates N10 million once a month has been abolished.”

She said that for Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), daily withdrawal remains capped at N100,000 per customer, with a maximum of N500,000 weekly.

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She said that this formed part of the overall weekly withdrawal limit applicable to all channels, including point-of-sale (POS) transactions.

Sike said that excess withdrawals above the stipulated limits would attract three per cent for individuals and five per cent for corporate customers.

READ ALSO:Court Convicts Two National Assembly Staff Over CBN, FIRS Job Scam

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According to her, this will be shared in the ratio of 40 per cent to the CBN and 60 per cent to the operating bank or financial institution.

She directed banks to load all currency denominations in ATMs, while the existing limit on over-the-counter encashment of third-party cheques remains pegged at N100,000.

Sike said that such withdrawals would be counted as part of the cumulative weekly limit.

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The director said that banks were also required to render monthly returns to the relevant supervisory departments.

READ ALSO:CBN Sets POS Maximum Transactions In Fresh Guidelines

She listed the departments to include the Banking Supervision Department, Other Financial Institutions Supervision Department, and the Payments System Supervision Department.

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Sike said that revenue-generating accounts of federal, state, and local governments were exempted from the new withdrawal rules.

She said that accounts of microfinance banks and primary mortgage banks held with commercial and non-interest banks are also exempted from the new rules.

She, however, said that the long-standing exemption previously enjoyed by embassies, diplomatic missions, and aid-donor agencies had been removed.

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Naira Records Depreciation Against US Dollar Across Official, Black Markets

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The naira depreciated against the dollar at the official and parallel foreign exchange markets on Monday to begin the new month on a bearish note.

Central Bank of Nigeria’s data showed that the Naira weakened to N1,448.44 on Monday, down from N1,446.74 traded on Friday last week.

READ ALSO:Naira Records First Depreciation Against US Dollar Across Official, Black FX Markets

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This means that the naira dropped by N1.7 against the dollar on Monday when compared to Friday.

Similarly, at the black market, the Naira declined by N5 to N1,475 on Monday from N1,470 at the close of work last week.

The development comes as Nigeria’s foreign reserves stood at $44.61 billion as of November 27th, 2025.

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NNPCL Revenue, Profit Soar To N5.08tn, N447bn In October

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has announced a significant revenue increase to N5.078 trillion for October 2025.

The state-owned firm disclosed this in its monthly financial report released on Saturday.

According to the financial report, from N5.078 revenue in October, the company posted a N447 profit after tax.

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READ ALSO:N5bn Damage: NNPCL Secures Appeal Court Victory Against Ararume

The figure represents a significant 19.2 percent increase in revenue from N4.26 trillion and a 106 percent rise in PAT from N216 billion in September 2025.

The report stated that from January to September, NNPCL paid N11.150 trillion in statutory payments to the federation.

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Four days ago, NNPCL posted a total of N45.1 trillion as total revenue for the 2024 financial year.

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