Thesis Abstract

The Role of Nigerian Commercial Banks in National Economic Recovery Abstract
The Nigerian economy has faced various challenges over the years, including fluctuations in the global oil market, political instability, and poor infrastructure, which have all contributed to economic downturns. In times of economic crisis, the role of commercial banks becomes crucial in the process of national economic recovery. This study aims to explore the specific roles that Nigerian commercial banks play in facilitating economic recovery and growth. Through a comprehensive literature review, this research examines the historical context of Nigerian commercial banks and their evolution in response to economic challenges. The study also delves into the regulatory framework governing commercial banks in Nigeria and how these regulations influence their operations in times of economic instability. Furthermore, the research investigates the strategies employed by Nigerian commercial banks to support economic recovery, such as credit provision, investment in key sectors, and financial inclusion initiatives. An analysis of the impact of commercial banks on national economic recovery is conducted, focusing on key indicators such as credit access, investment levels, and economic growth rates. The study also considers the challenges faced by commercial banks in supporting economic recovery, including non-performing loans, regulatory constraints, and external economic shocks. By identifying these challenges, the research aims to provide recommendations for policymakers and commercial banks to enhance their effectiveness in driving economic recovery. The findings of this research suggest that Nigerian commercial banks play a significant role in national economic recovery through their provision of credit to businesses, investment in strategic sectors, and promotion of financial inclusion. However, challenges such as regulatory constraints and non-performing loans impede their effectiveness in supporting economic growth. To address these challenges, the study recommends reforms in the regulatory framework to enhance the stability of the banking sector, as well as measures to improve credit risk management and promote financial literacy among borrowers. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of the role of Nigerian commercial banks in national economic recovery and provides insights for policymakers, regulators, and commercial banks to collaborate effectively in driving sustainable economic growth.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1  BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Equity Bank of Nigeria limited was incorporated sin Nigeria as a private limited company in December 1988 and commenced operations in January 1986 as meridian equity Bank of Nigeria limited, it metamorphosed into its present name (Equity bank of Nigeria limited) effective May 25 1995 after the relationship with Meridian international Bank Limited (in liquidation) was served. At its incorporation the bank was owned 60% by reputable Nigeria and 40% by the foreign bank. However, exciting reputable Nigerians and 2.95% own Nigerian intercontinental Bank now own 67.4% of the paid – up capital of the bank while 29.65% by Equity Bank staffs. The paid up capital base, which now stands at N515.3m, was achieved through injection of fresh funds to the tune of N22.14m Sam O. Obaze whop is the managing Director and chief executive officer, Mr. Chris A. Alabi Chairman leads the bank. With a number of other distinguish and experienced management teams like Adeoye G. Adewale., Iyiola S. Adegboye, Cahrles G. Ogunbona, Olayato Aribo etc.

The bank has witnessed a remarkable growth in the last financial year, one that surpassed expectations. The banks assets in the past five years have growth steadily on the average by 36% from   N 2.83 to N 3.7B. According profit before tax increased from N 108.6m to N307.5m an crease of 183% profit after tax stood at N 288. 3m compared to 104m which representing a growth of 174% as at December 31st, 1998. the bank has a track record of quality projects it has superintended using third partly funds from multilateral institutions such as the ADB and world Bank. The bank has also managed water projects in over 30 states of which 8 are in the Niger

Delta Development commission (NDDC) states.

In response to the changes in the operation of the baking environment and the changing need of the customers, the bank has invested heavily in information technology. The customers, the bank has invested heavily in information technology. The bank has converted to more sophisticated software for a better operating standard and has become more relevant as agent of economic development.  

1.2  STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Our present economic climate demand conscious and committed efforts on the part of the boards and chief executives of our banks to facilitate a speedy economic recovery. The banking sector plays a key role in the economic activities of any nation (Ijewere 2010). No economies in the world with in the present dispensation survive without banks and other financial institutions. The banking industry is reputed for the provision of a basket of inter – related, services to individuals, governments and profit as well as non-profit oriented and organization. Since independence, West African countries (Nigeria in particular) have become aware of the important roles played by the commercial banks in. the raucously of the country (Isewere 2010) step were subsequently taken to regulate the behavior of foreign owned banks first by making it compulsory for their local branches to be incorporated participation through indigenization (Ijewere 2010). In recent years in Nigeria we have had unstable economic social environment, which inhibited the banks from effectively discharging their responsibility, to the outer all sectors and the economy in general this has an effect on the recovery of our economy.Nigeria in national economic recovery needs to recover fault employment stability in the economy and solve inflationary problem that feces the economy. This project work is probably to recognize the important roles the banks are expected to play in facilitating economic recovery in Nigeria. In line with this is the need to examine the extent to which the new system and structure of government in Nigeria will positively encourage the profitability in the banking industry in sustaining? A viable economy

The purpose of the study is to:

1). To ascertain if the poor economic recovery of our economy is as a result of the inefficiency in the clearing systems of our commercial banks.

2)  To determine whether or not excess liquidity of banks has anything to do with poor economic recovery.

1.3  RATIONALE OF THE STUDY

This project work probably to recognize the important roles the banks are expected to play in facilitating economic recovery on Nigeria.

In line with this, is the need to examine the extent to which the new system and structure of government in Nigeria will positively encourage the profitability in the banking industry in sustaining a viable economy.

This study is necessary because it will examine the impact of the role the banks play in national economic recovery. It will also examine functions of commercial banks in stabilizing the economy.

It will also show the resultant effect of banks participation in gaining fall employment, increased investment and diversification of the economy to gain economic recovery.

1.4   SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY.

The commercial banks in Nigeria play a very vital role in the recovery of the national economy. The banking system plays the role of the engine of growth and development for any economy and this is supported by Bello. (2013) who said that the banks are the heart of any economic

This project work will be beneficial to.

1) Bankers: Bankers will find this work very beneficial because it will help them to understand more the impact it their activities in national economic recovery.

2) Economists: This work will be beneficial to the economists because they it will tell how relevant the banks role one in the economy

3) Government: the government needs it to ascertain how effective the role of commercial bank are economic recovery of the nation,

4) Students: The students will make reference in the course of their studies in stability in the economy.

5) Future Researcher: They will make reference to it as one of the Literatures review in the course of their research.

1.5  DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Banking sector: In this context, banking sector refers to commercial banks

2.  Agent: One who acts for another; the other being his principal

3. Allocation of resources: Any activity of government that affects the quantity and quality of goods and service being produced ecy producing public education.

4.  Open market operation (Omo): The buying and seething of government securities e.g development bonds, treasury bills etc

5.  Development plan: It is country’s collection of strategies to achieve a rapid economic growth and development.

6.  Insolvency: the condition in which a bank or firms liability exceeds it assets.

7.  regulatory supervisory Authorities these are made up of the central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and national Deposit insurance corporation (NDIC)

8.  Distressed bank: A bank that has precursor financial position. Overtime: A bank with managerial, operational and financial weakness.

9.  Treasure Bills; these are 19 days maturity short term debt instruments issued weekly by the central Bank of Nigeria to raise funds for the federal government.

10. Cheque Clearing: This is a situation where banks at specified days, assemble in banking days for purpose of exchanging debt instrument (cherques)

11. Liquidity :The conditions in which firms has adequate cash to meet its obligations in short term basis

12. NDDC –Niger Delta Development commission