The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday reiterated that no bank in the country is distressed, even as it said its decision to infuse a new management into Skye Bank was a proactive one.
The apex bank also reassured the banking and general public that there is no need for panic withdrawals from any bank as their deposits remained safe in any Nigerian bank.
According to the apex 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 remained strong in spite of the global economic challenges emanating from the collapse of global commodity prices.
“The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to malicious rumours and unfounded speculations that some banks in the country may have gone or may be going into distress,” the CBN said in a statement signed by Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Isaac Okorafor.
The apex bank said “that these rumours and speculations 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.
“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.
“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,” the bank said.
