Nigeria’s banking sector is getting into 2026 with stronger liquidity buffers and an bettering working surroundings, setting the stage for elevated lending, supplied credit score development is managed prudently.
That is in keeping with the CEO of First Bank of Nigeria Ltd., Olusegun Alebiosu, on the Nigeria Financial Outlook 2026 on Tuesday in Lagos.
The discussion board, themed “The Nice Calibration: Mastering Resilience in an Period of Asynchronous Progress,” examined Nigeria’s macroeconomic prospects amid international uncertainty.
What the CEO is saying
Alebiosu stated Nigeria was getting into a brand new section of macroeconomic stability, supported by easing inflation, bettering manufacturing output and renewed investor confidence.
He famous that decrease rates of interest and the continuing banking sector recapitalisation would considerably enhance credit score growth in 2026.
“Banks now have extra liquidity, and the surroundings is bettering. Lending will naturally enhance, supplied we keep away from reckless credit score choices,” he stated.
Based on Alebiosu, the outlook factors to a gradual however clear financial recalibration pushed by coverage self-discipline, financial-sector reforms and renewed momentum in productive sectors.
Alebiosu stated financial reforms had been starting to stabilise markets, enhance investor confidence and unlock new development alternatives throughout key sectors of the economic system.
Regardless of persistent inflationary pressures, foreign money realignments and exterior shocks, he stated Nigeria had demonstrated resilience by way of innovation and structural reforms, positioning the economic system for a sustained restoration.
FirstBank reaffirms dedication to nationwide growth
Alebiosu described the annual financial outlook discussion board as a strategic platform for shaping concepts, sharing insights and figuring out pathways for inclusive and sustainable development.
He reaffirmed FirstBank’s dedication to nationwide growth, noting that the establishment’s 131-year legacy stays anchored on robust capital buffers, digital transformation and efficient monetary intermediation.
“Nigeria’s competitiveness will depend upon disciplined reforms, funding in human capital, scalable infrastructure and powerful public-private collaboration,” he stated.
He added that deeper partnerships between the private and non-private sectors could be essential to unlocking development alternatives, whereas the discussion board would supply sensible steering on managing volatility and figuring out growth-driving sectors.
Alebiosu urges diaspora Nigerians to rethink FX holdings
The FirstBank CEO additionally urged Nigerians within the diaspora to rethink holding financial savings in foreign currency, noting that returns on naira-denominated property had been more and more outperforming overseas holdings.
“With an appreciating naira, retaining cash overseas is a waste of time,” he stated.
Alebiosu recognized rising industrial exercise and the decentralisation of energy technology as key catalysts for real-sector development.
He added that declining meals and gas costs signalled easing market distortions, whereas stronger exterior reserves and rising overseas inflows had improved Nigeria’s resilience to risky capital actions.
“If 10 billion {dollars} in sizzling cash leaves right now, we are able to pay and never blink,” he stated.
Progress outlook: As much as 10% in 2026
Trying forward, Alebiosu projected financial development of between 7% and 10% in 2026, together with in the course of the election interval.
“There will likely be no disaster. The economic system is racing, and after the election, you will note accelerated development far greater than we’ve got ever seen,” he stated.
What you must know: First HoldCo Plc had introduced on Monday that First Bank of Nigeria Restricted (FirstBank) has efficiently met the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) minimal regulatory capital requirement of N500 billion, reinforcing the lender’s monetary power forward of the March recapitalisation deadline.
The announcement comes as Nigerian industrial banks speed up efforts to adjust to the apex bank’s new capital thresholds.
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