Book Description

The Nigerian banking sector was highly oligopolistic with remarkable features of market concentration and leadership. The CBN reforms to consolidate the banking sector through drastic increase to N25 billion as minimum capital base has led to a remarkable reduction in number of banks changed their mode of operation and their contribution to the economy. This study through review of literature and data analysis explores the profound effects of consolidation/mergers on bank recapitalization: issues and challenges in the Nigeria banking industry and found that, the CBN decision has changed the market structure of the banking sector, increased the efficiency and reliability of the banks, created opportunities for financial institutions and market participants, and raised their intermediation potentials. It also became evident that for such strategy to be effective, Central Bank of Nigeria needs to make banks recapitalization a continuous exercise at interval of 5-10 years to catch up with inflation and happenings in other parts of the world. It is equally important to establishing branches by mega banks in the rural areas of the country so as to ensure adequate access to credit facilities and other services.