Nigerian Banks Non-Performing Loans Hit N1.21tn

The banking sector based on statistics recorded a total of N1.21 trillion in non-performing loans as of the end of February 2022 amid the devastating economic situation in the country.

The sector noted that credit recorded within the period under review rose from 19.53 per cent to N25.25n in February 2022, a little leap from N21.13tn in February 2021.

The sector according to data obtained from the Monetary Policy Committee stated that the non-performing loans reflected the case-by-case review of regulatory forbearance, effects of the Global Standing Instruction policy, and sound industry risk management practices.

Speaking on the records, a member of the MPC, Kingsley Obiora, said the banking system maintained its resilience amid economic recovery.

He said, “Overall, the industry credit increased by 19.53 per cent to N25.25n in February 2022 from N21.13tn in February 2021. The industry NPL ratio continued to trend below the prudential threshold of five per cent.

“It decreased to 4.80 per cent at the end of February 2022 compared with 6.38 per cent in February 2021. The downward trend was attributable to recoveries, restructuring of facilities and sound management practices by DMBs (Deposit Money Banks).”

Giving her remark on the growing credit in the sector, the Deputy Governor, Financial Systems Stability Directorate, CBN, Aishah Ahmad, said, “Total credit also increased by N4.13tn between end February 2021 and end-February 2022 with significant growth in credit to manufacturing, general commerce, and oil and gas sectors.”

She noted that the non-performing loans ratio declined further to 4.8 per cent in February 2022, from 4.94 per cent in December 2021.

A member of the MPC, Robert Asogwa believed the financial sector remained strong similar to the position at the last MPC meeting especially looking at the banking and capital market developments.

Asogwa was optimistic that the banking sector appeared sound and resilient with a considerably high Capital Adequacy Ratio and Liquidity Ratio in February 2022, in line with prudential requirements.

With a persistently lowering non-performing loan ratio since 2021 despite the shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the asset quality of the banking system was now one of the strongest in Sub-Sahara Africa.

He said, “Bank intermediation continued to improve in February 2022 with industry total credit increasing from N24.6tn in January 2022 to N25.25tn in February 2022.”

“The extension of the moratoria on bank loans up to the middle of 2022 as part of the COVID-19 relief measures continues to alleviate the burden on the borrowers impacted severely by the pandemic.”

This article was originally published on Naija News

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