CBN Revokes Heritage Bank’s Licence, Appoints Liquidator

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the operational licence of Heritage Bank Plc following the bank’s failure to improve its financial performance.

CBN Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, who disclosed this in a statement dated Monday, June 3, 2024, said the revocation is with immediate effect, adding that the decision comes under the apex bank’s authority to maintain a healthy financial system in Nigeria.

The CBN further added that it has appointed Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) as the liquidator of the bank in accordance with Section 12 (2) of BOFIA, 2020.

The statement read, “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in accordance with its mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria and in exercise of its powers under Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Act (BOFIA) 2020, hereby revokes the licence of Heritage Bank Plc with immediate effect.

“This action has become necessary due to the bank’s breach of Section 12 (1) of BOFIA, 2020. The Board and Management of the bank have not been able to improve the bank’s financial performance, a situation which constitutes a threat to financial stability.

“This follows a period during which the CBN engaged with the bank and prescribed various supervisory steps intended to stem the decline. Regrettably, the bank has continued to suffer and has no reasonable prospects of recovery, thereby
making the revocation of the license the next necessary step.

“Consequently, the CBN has taken this action to strengthen public confidence in the banking system and ensure that the soundness of our financial system is not impaired.

“The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) is hereby appointed as the Liquidator of the bank in accordance with Section 12 (2) of BOFIA, 2020.

“We wish to assure the public that the Nigerian financial system remains on a solid footing. The action we are taking today reflects our continued commitment to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and soundness of our financial system.”