H1: Recapitalisation, rising demand boost tier-2 banks’ lending by 6.5%

Tier-2 lenders recorded a 6.5 per cent expansion in their combined loan books during the first half of 2026, as fresh capital from the sector-wide recapitalisation exercise and robust demand from key economic sectors underpinned credit growth despite lingering macroeconomic headwinds.
Data from half-year financial statements show that the four banks, FCMB, Wema Bank, Sterling Bank, and ETI, collectively increased loans and advances to N6.23 trillion in June 2026 from N5.85 trillion at end-2025.
The growth reflects a strategic pivot from balance-sheet consolidation to capital deployment, following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directive that all banks meet higher minimum capital...