President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020. Garba Shehu, the presidential spokesman, made the announcement in a statement on Friday, The Act repeals the extant Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 1991 as amended.

The legislation is expected to enhance the resilience of the financial system for the growth of the Nigerian economy. It updates the enabling law in response to developments and significant evolution in the financial sector.

The Presidency said the Act will increase the appetite of banks and other financial institutions to channel credit to the real sector. It also introduces a credit tribunal to improve loan recovery. Furthermore, the legislation addresses the incidence of high non-performing loans within the financial system.

The Act strengthens the regulatory and supervisory framework for the financial industry. It provides additional tools for managing failing institutions and systemic distress to preserve financial stability. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will meet stakeholders across various sectors to discuss critical aspects of the Act COVID-19: CBN defends policies, blasts NESG Senate passes bill to reform laws governing financial institutions

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