The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has instructed banks to limit access to certain banking services for large-ticket borrowers with non-performing loans, aiming to protect the stability of the financial system and enforce stricter credit discipline
In a letter to all banks dated March 12, 2026, signed by Olubukola Akinwunmi, Director of Banking Supervision, the CBN stated that borrowers whose loan facilities are classified as non-performing in the Credit Risk Management System (CRMS) or any licensed private credit bureau will no longer be eligible for new credit.
The apex bank said the move is intended to reduce risks posed by large borrowers whose loan defaults could threaten the banking sector’s stability.
“Effective immediately, all financial institutions shall restrict further credit access: Any large-ticket obligor with a non-performing facility recorded in the CRMS and/or any licensed private credit bureau shall not be granted additional credit facilities. For the purpose of this restriction, credit facilities include loans and other forms of direct credit. In addition, such obligors shall not be granted banking facilities or contingent liabilities such as bankers’ confirmations, letters of credit, performance bonds, or advance payment guarantees,” the CBN stated.
These restrictions will apply to borrowers meeting the definition of large-ticket obligors as outlined in Clause 3.2(d) of the Prudential Guidelines for Deposit Money Banks.
Banks have also been directed to obtain additional realisable collateral from affected borrowers to better secure existing exposures.
According to the CBN, large-ticket obligors are those whose combined exposure across banks exceeds the Single Obligor Limit and whose obligations significantly affect a bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio or pose systemic risks to the financial system. The determination of such exposures will rely on data from the CRMS and licensed private credit bureaus.
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