CBN to Remit N69.45bn to FG as Group Profit Surges to N136.44bn

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will remit N69.45 billion to the Federal Government in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) after posting a sharp increase in Group profit after tax to N136.44 billion for the financial year ended December 31, 2025.

The bank’s audited financial statements, published on its website on Thursday, showed that Group profit after tax rose by 251.3 per cent from N38.84 billion recorded in 2024.

Group profit before tax also more than tripled to N144.78 billion, compared with N44.69 billion in the previous year, despite a marginal 2.84 per cent decline in interest income to N4.18 trillion from N4.30 trillion.

Tax expense increased by 42.62 per cent to N8.34 billion during the review period.

The CBN Group recorded a surplus of N108.13 billion, significantly higher than the N38.84 billion posted in 2024, while total assets expanded by 18 per cent to N138.86 trillion, driven largely by growth in external reserves and other assets.

On a standalone basis, however, the apex bank reported a profit of N86.81 billion, down from N165.69 billion in 2024.

In line with the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the CBN will retain 20 per cent of its standalone profit while remitting the remaining 80 per cent, amounting to N69.45 billion, to the Federal Government.

Analysts said the 2025 financial performance reflects a stronger overall position for the CBN Group, while noting that the decline in the bank’s standalone profit highlights the distinction between the performance of the consolidated Group and that of the CBN as a statutory institution.

They added that the remittance to the Federal Government underscores the bank’s fiscal contribution while allowing it to retain part of its earnings to strengthen reserves.

In a statement accompanying the 2025 Annual Report and Financial Statements, CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, said the bank remained committed to reducing inflation, strengthening the financial system and sustaining exchange rate stability.

He described improved exchange rate stability, greater market predictability and moderating inflation as major achievements during the year, attributing the gains to renewed confidence in policy reforms and the effectiveness of the bank’s monetary policy measures.

Cardoso also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council, the CBN Board, management and staff, development partners and other stakeholders for their support.

According to the report, liquidity management throughout 2025 focused on maintaining optimal banking system liquidity to support the bank’s price stability mandate. Market conditions were influenced by the maturity and redemption of Federal Government of Nigeria and CBN securities, coupon payments and statutory disbursements.