The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the approval for a pivotal financial accommodation to support the proposed merger between Unity Bank Plc and the Providus Bank Limited.
The apex bank, in a statement by its Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, said the move is designed to bolster the stability of the nation’s financial system and avert potential systemic risks.
The CBN maintained that the merger is contingent upon the financial support from the CBN while the fund will be instrumental in addressing Unity Bank’s total obligations to the Central Bank and other stakeholders.
The action is in line with the provisions of Section 42 (2) of the CBN Act, 2007. This arrangement is crucial for the financial health and operational stability of the post-merger organisation. It added that it is important to emphasise that no Nigerian bank currently faces a precarious situation comparable to that of Heritage Bank, which was recently liquidated.
The CBN said it remains committed to safeguarding depositors’ interests and ensuring the smooth functioning of the banking sector through proactive measures and strategic interventions.
