CBN: No Nigerian bank in distress… not even Skye

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says no bank in the country is currently in financial distress.

In a statement released on Wednesday by Isaac Okorafor, acting director, corporate communications of the CBN, the apex bank said the rumours and speculations of distress are “untrue and do not reflect the actual health of the individual banks and indeed, the entire banking industry”.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the infusion of a new Board and Management for Skye Bank PLC is a proactive regulatory action meant to ensure that the bank does not continue to fail in its relevant prudential ratios. Neither Skye Bank nor any other bank in the industry is in distress,” read the statement.

“Therefore, the CBN would like to request the general public to ignore speculations or rumours to the contrary as they could only be the handiwork of mischief makers who do not mean well for the Nigerian banking system and its economy.

“As the regulator of the industry, the CBN hereby reassures the banking and general public that their deposits remain safe in any Nigerian bank.

“There is, therefore, no need for panic withdrawals from any bank. Going by both the CBN’s Examination Reports as well as analysis from market watchers, International Credit Rating Agencies, and Development Finance Institutions, the Nigerian banking industry remains strong in spite of the global economic challenges emanating from the collapse of global commodity prices.

“We therefore urge the banking public to remain calm and go about their normal businesses without panic. It is important that we do not create problems when none exists.”