The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the operating licences of 46 microfinance banks (MFBs) for failing to meet the regulatory conditions required to remain in operation.In a statement issued on Wednesday, the apex bank’s Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi-Ali, said the revocation took effect from July 1, 2026, in accordance with Sections 12 and 13 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), 2020.
The CBN noted that the decision was approved by its Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, as part of broader efforts to strengthen financial system stability, safeguard depositors’ funds, and enforce compliance with existing regulations.
“According to the revocation order, the action became necessary because of one or more of the circumstances: Insufficient assets to meet liabilities, closure of operations without the CBN approval, inactivity and cessation of financial intermediation, failure to commence operations within 12 months of licence approval, and failure to maintain minimum capital funds unimpaired by losses,” the statement said.
“The revocation of the licences is part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the stability of the financial sector, protect depositors, and ensure that licensed institutions comply with current laws and regulatory requirements,” it added.
The apex bank further reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe, sound, and resilient financial system, noting that it will continue to take necessary supervisory and regulatory measures to sustain public confidence in Nigeria’s financial sector.
Here are the 46 microfinance banks affected by CBN
1 Minji-Se Churchill MFB (Tier 1) Rivers
2 Merchant MFB (Tier 2) Abia
3 Janmaa MFB (Tier 1) Kwara
4 Busu MFB (Tier 2) Niger
5 Gold MFB (Tier 1) Lagos
6 Zain MFB (formerly Dawakin Tofa MFB) (Tier 2) Kano
7 Bompai MFB (Tier 1) Kano
8 Ajwa MFB (formerly Gezawa MFB) (Tier 2) Kano
9 NOW NOW DIGITAL MFB (Tier 2) Kano
10 Crystabel Microfinance Bank (Tier 1) Bayelsa
11 Chanelle MFB (State-based) Lagos
12 Abia SME MFB (Tier 1) Abia
13 Kamba MFB (Tier 2) Kebbi
14 Iwade MFB (Tier 2) Ogun
15 Winview MFB (Tier 1) Abuja (FCT)
16 Zuru MFB (Tier 2) Kebbi
17 Minjibir MFB (Tier 1) Kano
18 Shanono MFB (Tier 2) Kano
19 Sumaila MFB (Tier 2) Kano
20 Rimin Gado MFB (Tier 2) Kano
21 Mwaghavul MFB (State-based) Plateau
22 Sycamore MFB (Tier 2) Kano
23 TOFA MFB (Tier 2) Kano
24 Safegate MFB (Tier 1) Lagos
25 Creekline MFB (Tier 2) Delta
26 Bestar MFB (Tier 1) Oyo
27 Livingspring MFB (Tier 1) Cross River
28 Apple MFB (Tier 2) Ogun
29 Stanford MFB (State-based) Uyo*
30 Frontline MFB (Tier 2) Anambra
31 Zafec MFB (Tier 2) Kaduna
32 Supreme MFB (Tier 1) Lagos
33 Bejin-Doko MFB (Tier 2) Niger
34 Kanopoly MFB (Tier 1) Kano
35 Bellbank MFB (formerly Tsanyawa MFB) (Tier 2) Kano
36 Yeneng MFB (Tier 2) Plateau
37 Creditville MFB (Tier 1) Lagos
38 MBAG MFB (Tier 1) Lagos
39. Straight Sahara MFB (tier 1) in Benue40. Our Pass MFB (tier 2) in Ondo
41. VERDANT MFB (tier 1) in Lagos
42. Basawa MFB (tier 2) in Kaduna
43. Casha MFB (tier 2) in Abuja
44. Esteem MFB (tier 2) in Kano
45. Entrepreneur MFB (tier 1) in Lagos
46. Avantus MFB (tier 2) in Osun
