Bank Assets Rises Over N64.32tn In One Year

The Central Bank of Nigeria has recorded a rise of N11.15 trillion to N64.32tn in banks’ total assets in one year as of the end of April 2022.

According to a personal statement of a member of the Monetary Policy Committee, Kingsley Obiora, which was released by the CBN, the assets of commercial banks rose from N53.17 trillion in the corresponding period of 2021. The 2022 numbers showed a 21 per cent increase over the period.

Obiora added that the growth was driven by balances with CBN/banks, OMO bills, and credit to the real sector of the economy

He said, “The banking system remained sound, stable and resilient. Total assets of the banking industry grew by 20.97 per cent from N53.17tn in April 2021 to N64.32tn in April 2022, driven by balances with CBN/banks, OMO bills, and credit to the real sector of the economy.

“As a result, the total flow of credit to the economy, increased to N26.10tn in April 2022 from N21.45tn in April 2021, representing an increase of 21.66 per cent.”

He said some sectors with the increased credit included: manufacturing, consumer credit, general commerce, information and communication, and agriculture.

According to the CBN, the non-performing loans ratio stood at 5.31 per cent at the end of April 2022, slightly above the prudential threshold of 5.00 per cent.