The Inception of the Central Bank of Nigeria
The establishment of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) finds its roots in a historical journey that began with the G. D. Paton Report. This report marked a pivotal moment in the history of Nigerian banking, spanning the period from 1892 to 1952 when Nigeria was under colonial rule. During this time, a comprehensive inquiry was commissioned by the colonial administration to investigate and assess the banking practices in the country.
The G. D. Paton Report, born from this inquiry, served as the bedrock upon which the first Banking Ordinance of 1952 was constructed. This ordinance’s primary aim was to introduce a sense of order and organization into the realm of commercial banking, as well as to prevent the emergence of financially unviable banks.
The inception of the Central Bank of Nigeria took a significant step forward in March 1958 when a draft legislation proposal for its creation was formally presented to the House of Representatives. This momentous event culminated on July 1, 1959, when the Central Bank of Nigeria commenced full-fledged operations. At that time, it was inaugurated with an initial capital of £17 million and initially focused on activities related to banking and currency operations.
The Evolution of CBN’s Legal Framework
The legal framework governing the Central Bank of Nigeria has undergone a series of transformations over the years to accommodate the changing landscape of Nigeria’s financial sector:
Central Bank Act, 1958: The Central Bank Act of 1958, along with subsequent amendments and the Banking Decree of 1969, provided the initial legal structure within which the CBN was established and entrusted with the responsibility of regulating banks.
Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Decrees 24 and 25 of 1991: These pivotal decrees were enacted to enhance the CBN’s powers, extend its regulatory reach to encompass new financial institutions, and strengthen its role in the realms of monetary policy, regulation, and supervision.
The 1997 Amendments: In 1997, significant legislative amendments were introduced, resulting in the Central Bank of Nigeria coming under the purview of the Ministry of Finance. This shift diminished the CBN’s autonomy and significantly constrained its role in monitoring financial institutions.
The 1998 Amendments: The year 1998 witnessed the repeal of the 1997 amendments with the introduction of the CBN (Amendment) Decree No. 37. This decree restored a degree of operational autonomy to the CBN, enabling it to fulfill its traditional functions more effectively.
The CBN Act, 2007: The current legal framework for the CBN is the CBN Act of 2007, which replaced the 1991 CBN Act and all its previous amendments. This Act grants the CBN complete autonomy in the execution of its functions and expands its mandate to include ensuring monetary and price stability, along with offering economic advice to the Federal Government.
The BOFI (Amendment) Decree, 1998: This decree further fortified the regulatory powers of the CBN, enabling it to modify, revoke, or impose new conditions on banking licenses, while also granting it authority over distressed banks.
The 1999 Amendment: The BOFI (Amendment) Decree No. 40 of 1999 extended the provisions pertaining to failing banks to encompass other financial institutions. It also empowered the Governor of the CBN to remove managers or officers from failing institutions.
The Influence of Mr. Loynes
It’s noteworthy that Mr. Loynes, an advisor to the Bank of England, played a pivotal role in championing the establishment of the Central Bank of Nigeria. His insights and recommendations laid the foundation for the legislative proposal that eventually led to the creation of the CBN.
In summary, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s inception is a result of a rich historical narrative that evolved over time, shaping its legal framework and responsibilities. The pivotal role of individuals like Mr. Loynes underscores the significance of visionaries in the establishment and growth of financial institutions.
