With just over two and a half months left until the recapitalization deadline, Nigerian lenders are edging toward a defining moment, with consolidation increasingly viewed as unavoidable for several lenders. As of January 2026, approximately 22 out of 34 licensed commercial banks have reached or surpassed the apex bank’s benchmark, which is roughly 65 percent compliance rate. While the largest banks have completed their recapitalization programmes, the pressure has pivoted to Tier-2 and Tier-3 banks. DataPro’s recent outlook points to at least three potential mergers among mid-tier banks.................................….......READ MORE