CBN Stops Loan Defaulters from Access to Credit

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has banned banks and development banks from lending to loan defaulters of over N500 million, without its prior approval, according to circular signed by Mrs.  Tokunbo Martins, CBN’s director, Banking Supervision.

The  circular titled, “ Prohibition of Loan Defaulters from Further Access to Credit Facilities in the Nigerian Banking Industry”  the CBN said was  occasioned by, “the level of impunity with which some borrowers default on their loans in some institutions and yet are availed further credit facilities by other institutions under the same or sometimes different identity.

This according to the CBN “Could have the effect of triggering serial defaults and a build-up of non-performing loans which could negatively impact liquidity in the financial sector and ultimately hamper its stability.

“In order to proactively avert the menace of resurgence of non-performing loans and in furtherance of the CBN’s mandate of maintaining a safe and sound financial system, the Bank hereby directs as follows: ‘No institution shall, without the prior written approval of the CBN, grant a facility to a potential borrower who is in default of any existing facility to the tune of N500 million and above in the case of a deposit money banks; and N250 million and above in the case of development banks and banks in liquidation.

“’No  institution shall, except with its prior written approval grant a facility to any potential borrower who has a delinquent facility of any amount whatsoever that had been taken over by AMCON.

“’All institutions shall ensure that all returns on credit facilities granted together with their performance status are rendered on the Credit Risk Management System (CRMS) and reported to two credit bureaux in line with our circulars dated September 10, 2013 and October 21, 2013 respectively.

“All institutions are also reminded that it is mandatory to perform credit checks on potential borrower on CRMS and from at least two credit bureaux in line with our circular dated April 30, 2010, as part of the credit appraisal process.

“The prohibition threshold may be reviewed from time to time with the aim of inculcating responsible and appropriate credit culture in borrowers.

“The provision of this circular shall, in case of defaulting corporate obligors, also apply to their directors and/or related interests.”

“Any institution that contravenes the above directive shall be required to make immediate 150 per cent provision of the facility in addition to other existing regulatory sanctions that the CBN may apply.

“Where an institution fails to report a facility or status to the CRMS or at least two credit bureaux as required, it shall be considered as concealment and misrepresentation of material fact and the institution shall be penalised in accordance with relevant provision of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act. In addition, officers (or their equivalent) shall be liable to sanctions in line with the relevant provisions of the BOFIA,”