Nigeria’s mid-tier lenders are under mounting pressure to scale up operations or face mergers as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) enforces its 2026 recapitalisation programme, a new report has revealed.

The report, released by SBM Intelligence and titled “Capital, Competition, and Consolidation: How Nigeria’s Tier-2 banks are responding to the CBN’s 2026 recapitalisation order,” examined the financial health and capital-raising efforts of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Sterling Bank, and Wema Bank.

In March 2024, the CBN directed banks to increase their minimum capital base by 2026. Under the new rule, international banks must raise ₦500 billion, national banks ₦200 billion, and regional banks ₦50 billion. The apex bank said the measure will boost financial stability and prepare lenders to support the government’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.

Share price rally

The SBM report highlighted how some tier-2 banks have outperformed expectations in recent years. Fidelity Bank’s share price rose from ₦1.65 in 2020 to over ₦21.20 by mid-2025, representing more than 1,100 percent growth. Wema Bank also recorded a surge from ₦1.50 to nearly ₦15.00 over the same period.

FCMB and Sterling Bank posted steady gains, while Stanbic IBTC maintained resilience despite macroeconomic volatility.

Capital-raising strategies

To meet the recapitalisation target, FCMB has embarked on a three-phase plan to raise ₦400 billion through public offers, divestments in subsidiaries, and offshore placements. Fidelity Bank has already secured over ₦270 billion from an oversubscribed rights issue and public offer, with plans to complete the process ahead of schedule.

Sterling Financial Holdings is pursuing a mix of rights issues, private placements, and a $400 million public offering, while Wema Bank has combined a ₦150 billion rights issue with a ₦50 billion private placement after an earlier ₦40 billion issue in 2023.

Mergers expected

SBM predicted that consolidation in the banking sector will intensify as the 2026 deadline approaches, with mergers and alliances likely among mid-tier lenders.

“The financial performance of these banks in 2025 underscores their capacity to compete and thrive, even as Tier-1 institutions consolidate their dominance,” the report noted.

It added that the ability of tier-2 banks to adapt to regulatory demands, strengthen technology adoption, and implement bold capital strategies will determine their future in Nigeria’s evolving financial sector.

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, in collaboration with Mastercard, Tuesday announced the launch of the Mastercard prepaid card to further accelerate financial inclusion and expand access to digital payment solutions across Africa.

The card, which does not require a traditional bank account, is designed to serve individuals who have historically lacked access to formal financial services, particularly young adults, gig workers, and low-income earners. It enables users to top up funds easily, transact both locally and internationally, and manage spending with flexibility and security.

With more than 28.9 million adults in Nigeria remaining unbanked, and digital-first tools increasingly demanded by youth and freelancers, the prepaid card directly addresses pressing gaps in the financial ecosystem.

Mastercard’s Country Manager, West Africa, Dr Folasade Femi-Lawal and Group Head, Retail & Digital Banking, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Shamsideen Fashola, during the the launch of the Mastercard Prepaid Card to further accelerate financial inclusion and expand access to digital payment solutions across Africa, held at the Bank’s headquarters in Lagos on Monday.

Group Head, Retail & Digital Banking, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Shamsideen Fashola, who noted this is a demonstration of the bank’s customer-first approach, stated that the bank is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian is banked and gets the best service.

“This collaboration with Mastercard is yet another demonstration of our customer-first approach. We are committed to providing practical solutions that meet the everyday needs of Nigerians, and this card will make payments simpler, safer, and accessible to all”

Mastercard’s Country Manager, West Africa, Dr Folasade Femi-Lawal, said: “At Mastercard, we are relentlessly committed to advancing financial inclusion through innovative and secure digital payment solutions that serve both banked and unbanked Nigerians. Collaborating with UBA enables us to unlock endless possibilities by connecting individuals across all income levels, demographics, and social strata. Together, we are empowering Nigerians with the tools they need to confidently participate in the global economy and shape a more inclusive digital future.”

The prepaid card offers distinct benefits for different user groups. Cardholders can use it as a convenient budgeting tool; freelancers and gig workers gain a flexible expense solution; and the unbanked are empowered through a secure, reloadable allowance card. The product is globally accepted and supported by Mastercard’s trusted infrastructure, providing users with peace of mind and seamless digital payment experiences.

This collaboration aims to pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable financial future in Africa, by striving to break down long-standing barriers, enable underserved communities, and advance economic growth.

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc is a leading pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than 45 million customers across 20 African countries, as well as in the United Kingdom, the United States, France, and the United Arab Emirates. With a strong focus on innovation, financial inclusion, and customer service, UBA provides retail, commercial, and institutional banking solutions, empowering individuals, businesses, and governments through cutting-edge digital platforms and inclusive financial products.

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared that his administration has achieved its annual revenue target ahead of schedule, driven largely by non-oil income, and will no longer resort to borrowing from domestic banks.

Speaking at the State House while hosting a delegation of The Buhari Organization (TBO), made up of members of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) led by former Nasarawa State governor, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, Tinubu said the country’s economy has stabilised.

“There is a guarantee that I know. Many of you had to suffer the initial abuse and the fear of where we were going. But today, I can brag that Nigeria is no longer borrowing a dime from local banks,” the President said.

He disclosed that the Federal Government had met its entire 2025 revenue target by August, stressing that the achievement was an indication of strong performance in non-oil revenue collection.

“What we need now is to create jobs for the people. I have just signed up for a huge mechanisation programme, with centres in every region, to drive agricultural production and ensure food security. If we remove hunger, we defeat poverty,” Tinubu added.

The President commended CPC stalwarts who have remained with the All Progressives Congress (APC) despite not securing appointments, promising to accommodate them in ambassadorial positions.

Reaffirming his commitment to continue the legacy of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu told his visitors not to be intimidated ahead of the 2027 elections. “Don’t let anybody threaten you with uncertainty. The path to Nigeria’s recovery is clear, and we are confident of success,” he said.

Earlier, Al-Makura pledged the CPC bloc’s loyalty to the President, assuring that the group would mobilise nationwide to secure APC’s victory in 2027. “We are with you in loyalty, in person, and in purpose,” he said.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who was part of the delegation, also reaffirmed the bloc’s solidarity. He dismissed claims of disunity within the CPC family, insisting that over 90 percent of its pioneer leaders remained committed to Tinubu’s leadership.

The visit was attended by several prominent CPC members, including former ministers, party executives, and stalwarts of the Buhari Support Organisation.