Following the recent Court-Ordered Meeting and overwhelming shareholder endorsement, the merger between Unity Bank Plc and Providus Bank Limited remains firmly on track, with integration activities now underway.
Analysts tracking the ongoing recapitalisation programme note that regulatory approvals and strong shareholder backing are key milestones in meeting the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) capital requirements within the stipulated timeline.
The CBN played a pivotal role in supporting the transaction with financial accommodations, while the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also granted a “no objection” clearance. These regulatory approvals form part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s banking system, boost capital adequacy, and mitigate systemic risks.
With the merger, the combined capital base of Unity and Providus Banks now exceeds ₦200 billion, meeting the CBN’s minimum requirement for maintaining a national banking licence. The enlarged institution positions itself among the 21 Nigerian banks that satisfy the apex bank’s new capital threshold, reinforcing financial stability and long-term competitiveness.
Following the CBN’s approval, shareholders of both banks overwhelmingly endorsed the merger at their respective Extraordinary General Meetings in September 2025, adopting the formal scheme of merger. Integration efforts are ongoing, with the final court sanction expected to conclude the process.
Managing Director and CEO of Unity Bank, Ebenezer Kolawole, described the development as a defining moment for the institution. “This milestone underscores our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient bank capable of delivering greater value to our customers and stakeholders,” he said.
Kolawole added that the merger enhances capital base, operational capacity, and strategic positioning, giving the combined entity the scale and innovation to support economic growth and deliver customer-centric financial solutions across Nigeria.
The Bank also clarified that reports suggesting the merger had stalled are inaccurate. “The transaction remains firmly on track,” a statement noted, adding that the remaining steps are largely procedural.
Once completed, the Unity-Providus merger is expected to create a more competitive, innovative, and customer-focused financial institution, set to redefine retail and SME banking in Nigeria.