Revised Microfinance Policy Framework For Nigeria

CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
MICROFINANCE POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR NIGERIA
REVISED - APRIL 29, 2011
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF ACRONYMS...................................................................……3

1.0	INTRODUCTION 4
2.0	OVERVIEW OF MICROFINANCE ACTIVITIES (2006 - 2010) 5
3.0	JUSTIFICATION FOR MICROFINANCE POLICY 7
3.1	Weak Institutional Capacity 7
3.2	Absence of Technological Platform…………………………………..7
3.3	Weak Capital Base 7
3.4	The Existence of a Huge Un-Served Market 7
3.5	Poor Banking Culture and Low level of Financial Literacy 8
3.6	Economic Empowerment of the Poor 8
3.7	The Need for Increased Savings Opportunity 8
3.8	The Increasing Interest of Local and International Investors in Microfinance 9
3.9	Urban Bias in Banking Services 8
4.0	THE MICROFINANCE POLICY 9
4.1	Policy Objectives……………………………………………………..9
4.2	Policy Targets 10
4.3	Policy Strategies 10
4.3.1	Licensing and Supervision 10
4.3.2	Continuous Professional Development 10
4.3.3	Savings Mobilisation 10
4.3.4	Government Participation 10
4.3.5	NGO-based Microfinance Institutions 11
4.3.6	Collaboration with Development Partners 11
4.3.7	Definition of Stakeholders" Role 11
4.3.8	Submission of Disaggregated Data 11
4.3.9	Institutional Linkages…………………………………………12
	4.4	Microfinance Policy Measures 11
4.4.1	Microfinance Bank Categorization 11
4.4.2	Ownership of Microfinance Banks 13
5.0	PARTICIPATION OF EXISTING FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN MICROFINANCE ACTIVITIES 13
5.1	Deposit Money Banks: 13

5.2 Non-Governmental Organization - Micro Finance Institutions (NGOMFIs): .......................................................................................13 5.3 Apex Association of Microfinance Institutions/Banks:..................13 6.0 FRAMEWORK FOR THE SUPERVISION OF MICROFINANCE SUBSECTOR....................................................................................14 6.1 Licensing and Supervision of Microfinance Banks ......................14 6.2 Revised Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Microfinance ..

Banks ..................................................................................14 6.3 Minimum Operational Standards/Template for Microfinance .

Banks in Nigeria...................................................................14 6.4 Establishment of a National Microfinance Policy Consultative Committee.................................................................................14 6.5 Credit Reference Bureau ...........................................................15 6.6 Rating Agency...........................................................................15 6.7 Deposit Insurance Scheme........................................................15 6.8 Capacity Building Programme .................................................... 16 6.8.1 Microfinance Certification Programme…………………………... 16 6.8.2 Staff Development Programme………………………………….. 16 6.8.3 Microfinance Development Fund and Capacity Building……… 16 6.8.4 Apex Association and Capacity Building………………………... 16 6.9 Linkage Programme ..................................................................16 6.10 Establishment of Microfinance Development Fund (MDF)...........16 6.11 Prudential Requirements ...........................................................16 6.12 Disclosure of Sources of Funds .................................................17 6.13 Corporate Governance for Microfinance Institutions....................17 6.14 Apex Association of Microfinance Institutions/Banks ................ 17

7.0 Regulatory Incentives For Mfbs.................................18

8.0 THE ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STAKEHOLDERS ..18 8.1 Government ..............................................................................18 8.2 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) ...................................................18 8.3 Apex Associations of Microfinance Institutions and Banks ..........19 8.4 Public Sector Poverty Alleviation Agencies.................................19 8.5 Donor Agencies and Development Partners ...............................20 9.0 CONCLUSION ...........................................................................20

LIST OF ACRONYMS ACGS Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme BOA Bank of Agriculture BOFIA Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act BOI Bank of Industry CAC Corporate Affairs Commission CAMA Companies and Allied Matters Act CBN Central Bank of Nigeria CBs Community Banks CSOs Civil Society Organisations DFIs Development Finance Institutions DMB Deposit Money Bank EFInA Enhanced Financial Innovation and Access FCT Federal Capital Territory FIRS Federal Internal Revenue Service FEAP Family Economic Advancement Programme GDP Gross Domestic Product IDP Interest Drawback Programme IT Information Technology LGA Local Government Area MCPE Mandatory Continuing Professional Education MDAs Ministries, Departments and Agencies MDF Microfinance Development Fund MFB Microfinance Bank MFIs Microfinance Institutions MCP Microfinance Certification Programme MSMEs Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises NAIC Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation NAPEP National Poverty Eradication Programme NDE National Directorate of Employment NDIC Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation NEEDS National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy NGO Non-Governmental Organization NGO-MFIs Non-Governmental Organization-Microfinance Institutions NMFPCC National Microfinance Policy Consultative Committee PBN Peoples" Bank of Nigeria RoSCAs Rotating Savings and Credit Associations RRF Refinancing and Rediscounting Facility SHGs Self-Help Groups SMEEIS Small and Medium Enterprises Equity Investment Scheme VAT Value Added Tax SMEDAN Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria

1.0 Introduction

1.1 In December 2005, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduced a Microfinance Policy Framework to enhance the access of microentrepreneurs and low income households to financial services required to expand and modernize their operations in order to contribute to rapid economic growth. The rationale was that no inclusive growth can be achieved without improving access of this segment of the economic strata to factors of production, especially financial services.

1.2 The basis of this bold initiative in 2005 is still valid. With the benefit of experience spanning over five years of operating the Microfinance Policy, the CBN believes that a review of the Policy to reflect lessons from experience, global economic trends and the envisioned future for small business development in Nigeria has become auspicious.

1.3 Microfinance services refer to loans, deposits, insurance, fund transfer and other ancillary non-financial products targeted at low-income clients. Three features distinguish microfinance from other formal financial products: (i) smallness of loans and savings, (ii) absence or reduced emphasis on collateral, and (iii) simplicity of operations.

1.4 Before the emergence of Microfinance Banks (MFBs) under the Microfinance Policy, the people that were unserved or under-served by formal financial institutions usually found succour in non-governmental organization-microfinance institutions (NGO-MFIs), moneylenders, friends, relatives, credit unions, etc. These informal sources of funds have helped to partially fill a critical void, in spite of the fact that their activities were neither regulated nor supervised by the CBN. This revised policy framework continues to take cognisance of this category of institutions, which have now become key players in the Nigerian microfinance landscape. However, more emphasis would be placed on MFBs because they are under the regulatory and supervisory purview of the CBN.

1.5 The envisioned microfinance sub-sector under the policy regime recognises the existence of informal institutions and provides for their mainstreaming into the national financial system. The policy also seeks to harmonize operating standards and provide a strategic platform for the evolution of microfinance institutions particularly MFBs. Existing non-deposit taking service providers, which continue to operate outside the purview of regulation and supervision of the CBN, would be encouraged to make periodic returns on their operations for statistical purposes to the CBN.

1.6 This document therefore, presents a revised National Microfinance Policy Framework for Nigeria that would enhance the provision of diversified microfinance services on a sustainable basis for the economically active poor and low income households. It also provides appropriate machinery for tracking the activities of development partners and other non-bank service providers in the microfinance subsector of the Nigerian economy.

1.7 This revised policy is prepared in exercise of the powers conferred on the CBN by the provisions of Section 33 (1) (b) of the CBN Act No. 7 of 2007 and in pursuance of the provisions of Sections 56-60 (a) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act [BOFIA] No. 25 of 1991 [as amended]. It should be read in conjunction with the MFB Operating Template and the revised Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for Microfinance Banks (MFBs) in Nigeria.

2.0 Overview Of Microfinance Activities (2006 - 2010)

2.1 The microfinance industry in Nigeria had been confronted by numerous challenges since the launch of the Microfinance Policy Framework in December, 2005. Coming on the heels of the banking sector consolidation, many of those adversely affected found their way into microfinance. Thus, a significant number of the newly licensed MFBs were established or operated like "mini-commercial banks". Also, the erstwhile community banks (CBs) that converted to MFBs did not fare any better.

2.2 An assessment of the microfinance sub-sector, following the launching of the policy however revealed some improvements. These include increased awareness among stakeholders such as governments, regulatory authorities, investors, development partners, financial institutions and technical assistance providers on microfinance. Specifically, a total of 866 microfinance banks have been licensed, Microfinance Certification Programme (MCP) for operators of microfinance banks put in place and the promotional machinery beefed up. Accordingly, entrepreneurs are taking advantage of the opportunities offered by increasingly demanding for financial services such as credit, savings, payment services, financial advice and non financial services.

2.3 Despite the above development, a large percentage of Nigerians are still excluded from financial services. A study carried out by Enhancing Financial Innovation and Access (EFInA) in August, 2010 revealed that 39.2 million representing 46.3 per cent of the adults in Nigeria, were excluded from financial services. Out of the 53.7 per cent that had access, 36.3 per cent derive their financial services from the formal financial institutions, while 17.4 per cent exclusively patronized the informal sector. Also, the results of the survey revealed that Nigeria was lagging behind South Africa, Botswana and Kenya with 26 per cent, 33 per cent and 32.7 per cent in financial exclusion rate, respectively.

2.4 Several factors have accounted for the persisting gap in access to financial services. For instance, the distribution of microfinance banks in Nigeria is not even, as many of the banks are concentrated in a particular section of the country, which investors perceived to possess high business volume and profitability. Also, many of the banks carried over the inefficiencies and challenges faced during the community banking era. In addition, the dearth of knowledge and skills in microfinancing affected the performance of the MFBs. Furthermore, there are still inadequate funds for intermediation owing to lack of aggressive savings mobilization, inability to attract commercial capital, and the non establishment of the Microfinance Development Fund.

2.5 In order to redress this unintended development, the Bank commenced a programme of capacity building, sensitization and awareness on the appropriate model for microfinance banking in December 2007. Maiden, Routine and Target Examinations, as well as nurturing and mentoring of the MFBs were also embarked upon during the same period to inculcate the microfinance concept and assist them to stabilize.

2.6 The impact of the global financial crisis of 2007/2008 on MFBs was more severe than anticipated. Credit lines dried up, competition became more intense and credit risk increased to the extent that many clients of MFBs were unable to pay back their loans owing to the hostile economic environment.

2.7 The banking sector reform of 2009 did not leave the MFBs unscathed as many of them experienced panic withdrawals by clients who were under the notion that if the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) could have challenges, the MFBs would not fare better. The run on some of the MFBs was so severe that they had to close shop.

2.8 The combination of these factors significantly weakened the microfinance sub-sector and its ability to achieve its objectives. It is against this background that the 2005 Microfinance Policy was reviewed.

3.0 Justification For Microfinance Policy

The justifications for the introduction of the Microfinance Policy are as follows:

3.1 Weak Institutional Capacity

The prolonged sub-optimal performance of many erstwhile community banks, microfinance and development finance institutions is due to incompetent management, weak internal controls and lack of deposit insurance schemes. Other factors are poor corporate governance, lack of well defined operations, restrictive regulatory and supervisory requirements, among others.

3.2 Absence Of Technological Platform

The absence of appropriate network platform for information communication technology (ICT) to drive down cost and achieve economies of scale is a major impediment to profitable operations.

3.3 Weak Capital Base

The weak capital base of existing microfinance institutions could not adequately provide cushion for the risk of lending to micro clients.

3.4 The Existence Of A Huge Un-Served Market

The size of the un-served market by the existing financial institutions is large. EFInA, in its Access to Finance Survey in Nigeria in 2008, alluded to the fact that 79 per cent of the total population in Nigeria is unbanked out of which 86 per cent are rural dwellers. Also in 2005, the aggregate microcredit facilities in Nigeria accounted for about 0.2 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and less than one per cent of total credit to the economy. This revealed the existence of a huge gap in the provision of financial services to a large number of the economically active poor and low income households. The effect of not addressing this situation appropriately would further accentuate poverty and slow down growth and development.

3.5 Poor Banking Culture And Low Level Of Financial Literacy

The primary aim of the microfinance initiative includes promoting inclusive financial system which entails creating sustained financial awareness. Therefore, the target clients for change are those people that equate microfinance with micro-credit and see banks and other fund providers not as partners in business, but mere sources of loans and advances.

3.6 Economic Empowerment Of The Poor

Globally, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are known to contribute to poverty alleviation through their employment generating potentials. In Nigeria, however, the employment generation potentials of small businesses have been seriously constrained by lack of access to finance, either to start, expand or modernise their present scope of economic activities. Delivering on employment generation and poverty alleviation by MSMEs, would require multiple channels of financial services, which an improved Microfinance framework should provide.

3.7 The Need For Increased Savings Opportunity

Poor people can and do save, contrary to generally held notions. However, owing to the inadequacy of appropriate savings opportunities and products, savings have continued to grow at a very low rate, particularly in the rural areas of Nigeria. The microfinance policy provides the window of opportunity and promotes the development of appropriate (safe, less costly and easily accessible) savings products that would be attractive to rural clients and improve the savings level in the economy.

3.8 The Increasing Interest Of Local And International Investors In Microfinance

Many local and international investors have expressed interest in investing in the country"s microfinance sub-sector. Thus, the establishment of a Microfinance Policy Framework for Nigeria provides an opportunity for them to participate in financing the economic activities of low income households and the economically active poor.

3.9 Urban Bias In Banking Services

Most of the existing banks are located in urban centres, and several attempts in the past at encouraging them to open branches in the rural areas did not produce the desired results. With a high proportion of the Nigerian population still living in the rural areas, it has become imperative to develop an institutional framework to reach the hitherto unserved population with banking services.

4.0 The Microfinance Policy 4.1 Policy Objectives

The Microfinance policy provides a platform to achieve the following specific objectives:
i. Provision of timely, diversified, affordable and dependable financial services to the economically active poor; ii. Creation of employment opportunities and increase the productivity and household income of the active poor in the country, thereby enhancing their standard of living; iii. Promotion of synergy and mainstreaming of the informal Microfinance sub-sector into the formal financial system; iv. Enhancement of service delivery to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs);
v. Mobilisation of savings for intermediation and rural transformation; vi. Promotion of linkage programmes between microfinance institutions (MFIs), Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and specialized funding institutions; vii. Provision of dependable avenues for the administration of the microcredit programmes of government and high net worth individuals on a non-recourse basis; and viii. Promotion of a platform for microfinance service providers to network and exchange views and share experiences.

4.2 Policy Targets

Based on the objectives listed above, the targets of the microfinance policy are as follows:
i. To increase access to financial services of the economically active poor by 10 per cent annually; ii. To increase the share of microcredit as percentage of total credit to the economy from 0.9 per cent in 2005 to at least 20 per cent in 2020; and the share of microcredit as percentage of GDP from 0.2 per cent in 2005 to at least 5 per cent in 2020; iii. To ensure the participation of all States and the FCT as well as at least two-thirds of all the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in microfinance activities by 2015; and iv. To eliminate gender disparity by ensuring that women"s access to financial services increase by 15 per cent annually, that is 5 per cent above the stipulated minimum of 10 per cent across the board.

4.3 Policy Strategies

A number of strategies were derived from the stated objectives and targets. They include:

4.3.1 Licensing And Supervision

The Bank shall license, regulate and supervise the activities of promoters and microfinance service providers that wish to become MFBs. In the light of experiences from the system thus far, the Bank shall ensure that all such licensed MFBs are adequately capitalised and operated in a safe and sound manner.

4.3.2 Continuous Professional Development

Professionalism, transparency and good governance shall be the bedrock of the microfinance sub-sector. Therefore, efforts shall be made to strengthen the skills of regulators, operators and directors of microfinance institutions. The establishment of institutions that support the development and growth of microfinance service providers and clients would be encouraged.

4.3.3 Savings Mobilisation

Attention will be paid to the promotion of savings and banking culture among low-income households, through Financial Literacy and Consumer Protection Programmes.

4.3.4 Government Participation

The participation of Federal, State and Local Governments in the system shall be promoted. This is by encouraging the three-tier of government to devote at least one (1) per cent of their annual budgets to microcredit initiatives, through a combination of moral suasion, advocacy and enlightenment, to be administered largely through MFBs.

4.3.5 Ngo-Based Microfinance Institutions

Non-deposit taking microfinance institutions shall continue their support to micro-enterprises and will be encouraged to render regular returns on their operations to the Bank primarily for statistical purposes. Those that attain the minimum regulatory capital requirements and clientele shall be encouraged and incentivised to transform to licensed MFBs.

4.3.6 Collaboration With Development Partners

There shall be collaboration and close monitoring of donors" assistance in the area of microfinance, in line with the provisions of this policy.

4.3.7 Definition Of Stakeholders' Role

The roles of stakeholders" in the development of the microfinance subsector are clearly defined in Section 8 of the Policy and efforts towards proper harmonization of these roles would be ensured.

4.3.8 Submission Of Disaggregated Data

MFBs will be required to include disaggregated data in their periodic returns on the level of patronage of their products and services.

4.3.9 Institutional Linkages

The linkages among DMBs, DFIs, NGO-MFIs and MFBs as well as other micro-enterprise finance institutions would be institutionalized and strengthened to increase the flow of funds to clients.

4.4 Microfinance Policy Measures

As stated in Section 4.3.9, this Policy document recognises that there are various players in the microfinance sub-sector of the Nigerian economy. However, for deposit-taking institutions, there are strict prudential and regulatory requirements that must be complied with in order to be granted banking licence to operate as MFB.

These requirements are as follows:

4.4.1 Microfinance Bank Categorization

Microfinance Banks shall be required to be adequately capitalized, technically sound, and oriented towards lending based on cash flow and the character of clients. There shall be three categories of Microfinance Banks (MFBs).

4.4.1.1 Category 1: Unit Microfinance Bank

A Unit Microfinance Bank is authorized to operate in one location. It shall be required to have a minimum paid up capital of N20 million (twenty million Naira) and is prohibited from having branches and cash centres.

4.4.1.2 Category 2: State Microfinance Bank A State Microfinance Bank is authorized to operate in one State or the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It shall be required to have a minimum paid up capital of N100 million
(one hundred million Naira) and is allowed to open branches within the same State or the FCT, subject to prior written approval by the CBN for each new branch.

4.4.1.3 Category 3: National Microfinance Bank

A National Microfinance Bank is authorized to operate in more than one State including the FCT. It shall be required to have a minimum paid up capital of N2 billion (two billion Naira), and is allowed to open branches in all States of the Federation and the FCT, subject to prior written approval by the CBN.

4.4.1.4 Transformation Path

i. A Unit MFB that intends to transform to a State MFB shall be required to surrender its licence and obtain a State MFB licence, subject to fulfilling stipulated requirements.

ii. A State MFB that intends to transform to a National MFB
must have at least 5 branches which are spread across the Local Government Areas in the State. This is to ensure that the MFB has gained experience necessary to manage a National MFB. It shall also be required to surrender its license and fulfill other stipulated requirements.

The prescribed minimum capital requirement for each Category of MFB may be reviewed from time to time by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

4.4.2 Ownership Of Microfinance Banks

i. Microfinance Banks can be established by individuals, groups of individuals, community development associations, private corporate entities, NGO-MFIs, or foreign investors.

ii. No individual, group of individuals, their proxies or corporate entities, and/or their subsidiaries, shall own controlling interest in more than one MFB, except as approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

5.0 Participation Of Existing Financial Institutions In Microfinance Activities 5.1 Deposit Money Banks:

Deposit Money Bank (DMB) wishing to engage in microfinance services can continue to do so through a designated Department/Unit and/or offer microfinance as a financial product. Nothing prevents the Holding Company having a DMB as a subsidiary from investing in or owning an MFB.

5.2 Non-Governmental Organization-Micro Finance Institutions (Ngomfis):

This policy recognizes the existence of credit-only, membership-based microfinance institutions, which are not required to come under the regulatory and supervisory purview of the CBN. They are however supervised by the appropriate Ministry. Such institutions shall engage in the provision of microcredit to their targeted population but shall not mobilize deposits from the general public.

The registered NGO-MFIs shall be required to forward periodic returns on their activities to the CBN primarily for statistical purposes. NGOMFIs wishing to obtain operating licences as Microfinance Banks shall be required to meet the stipulated provisions in the Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for MFBs in Nigeria.

5.3 Apex Associations Of Microfinance Banks And Institutions

The CBN shall support apex associations of microfinance banks and institutions to promote self-regulation, uniform standards, transparency and good corporate practices. The associations shall also serve as platform for capacity building, product development and marketing, as well as resource sharing.

Transformation of the Existing NGO-MFIs and Financial Cooperatives:
An existing NGO-MFI or Financial Cooperative which intend to operate as MFB can either incorporate a subsidiary MFB while still carrying out its NGO operations or transform to a MFB. Such institutions must obtain operating licence and shall be required to meet the stipulated provisions in the revised Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for MFBs.

6.0 Framework For The Supervision Of Microfinance Subsector 6.1 Licensing And Supervision Of Microfinance Banks

The licensing of Microfinance Banks shall be the responsibility of the Central Bank of Nigeria. A licensed institution shall be required to add "Microfinance Bank" after its name. All such names shall be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), in compliance with the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 1990. The licence issued by the CBN will indicate whether it is a Unit, State or National MFB.

6.2 Revised Regulatory And Supervisory Guidelines For Microfinance Banks

The Bank has produced a revised Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for the operations of Microfinance Banks in Nigeria. All operators and practitioners are expected to familiarize themselves with this document and comply with its provisions accordingly.

6.3 Minimum Operational Standards/Template For Microfinance Banks

The CBN has prepared a Template to guide the operators of the MFBs. This document provides guidance on corporate governance, business planning, products, services and risk management.

6.4 Establishment Of The National Microfinance Policy Consultative Committee

The National Microfinance Policy Consultative Committee (NMFPCC) has been constituted by the CBN to give direction for the implementation and monitoring of this policy. Membership of the Committee shall be determined from time to time by the CBN. The Development Finance Department of the CBN shall serve as the Secretariat to the Committee.

6.5 Credit Reference Bureau

In view of the peculiarities of microfinance practice, operators shall be required to provide and obtain credit information from Credit Reference Bureau(x) to aid decision making and minimise credit risk.

6.6 Rating Agency

The CBN shall encourage the establishment of private rating agencies to rate microfinance institutions.

6.7 Deposit Insurance Scheme

As a means of protecting depositors" funds and reinforcing public confidence, MFBs shall qualify for the deposit insurance scheme of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC).

6.8 Capacity Building Programmes 6.8.1 Microfinance Certification Programme

In order to bridge the technical skills gap, especially among operators and the directors of MFBs, the policy recognizes the need to set up an appropriate capacity building programme. In this regard, the CBN has put in place the Microfinance Certification Programme (MCP) to ensure the acquisition of appropriate microfinance operational skills by staff and management of MFIs in general and MFBs in particular.

In addition, provisions shall be made for Mandatory Continuing Professional Education (MCPE) to update relevant skills of the staff of each MFB in microfinance banking.

6.8.2 Staff Development Programme

Each MFB shall be required to make annual budgetary provision for staff development and capacity building.

6.8.3 Microfinance Development Fund And Capacity Building

The Microfinance Development Fund, when established, shall provide funds to support capacity building for the sub-sector on an on-going basis.

6.8.4 Apex Associations And Capacity Building

Efforts shall be made to promote capacity building through the apex associations of the microfinance banks and institutions in collaboration with development partners.

6.9 Linkage Programme

The policy recognizes the importance of wholesale funds to microfinance institutions to enable them expand their outreach.

Pursuant to this, the CBN shall work out the modalities for fostering linkages between DMBs, DFIs, specialized finance institutions, Donor Agencies and the MFIs in general and MFBs in particular, to enable the MFBs and MFIs source for wholesale funds and refinancing facilities for on-lending to their clients. Furthermore, MFBs and MFIs are charged, under this policy, to foster close linkages with Entrepreneurship Development Centres (EDCs) and micro-enterprises that operate as Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

6.10 Establishment Of Microfinance Development Fund (Mdf)

In order to promote the development of the sub-sector and provide for the wholesale funding requirements of MFBs and MFIs, a Microfinance Development Fund (MDF) shall be set up by the CBN.

The Fund, which shall be professionally managed to guarantee its sustainability, will provide necessary support for the development of the sub-sector in terms of refinancing/guarantee facility, capacity building, financial education, and other promotional activities. The Fund shall be established with a seed fund to be provided by the Federal Government and the CBN and operating fund through soft facilities from international development financing institutions, as well as multilateral and bilateral institutions.

6.11 Prudential Requirements

The CBN recognizes the peculiarities of microfinance practice and shall accordingly implement appropriate regulatory and prudential regime to guide the operations and activities of the MFBs. Some of the prudential requirements are, compulsory investment in treasury bills, liquidity ratio, capital adequacy ratio, fixed assets/long-term investments, branch expansion, maintenance of capital funds, limit of lending to a single borrower and related party, maximum equity investment holding ratio, provision for classified assets, and unsecured lending limits, amongst others. The details are contained in the revised Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for MFBs in Nigeria.

6.12 Disclosure Of Sources Of Funds

MFBs shall disclose their sources of funds in compliance with the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2004.

6.13 Corporate Governance For Microfinance Institutions

All MFIs shall adhere to basic corporate governance principles. The Board of Directors of MFBs shall be primarily responsible for the corporate governance of the bank by establishing strategic objectives, policies and procedures that would guide and direct the activities and the means to attain same, as well as the mechanism for monitoring Management"s compliance.

6.14 Apex Associations Of Microfinance Banks And Institutions

7.0 Incentives For Mfbs

The new window of opportunity to bring financial services to the underserved and un-banked in the rural areas shall require the support of government and the regulatory authorities.

7.1 Microfinance Development Fund will be established by the Government, CBN and other stakeholders to support the MFBs in rendering financial services to their clients on a sustainable basis. The Fund shall comprise two windows - Commercial and Social.

7.2 Subsidized training/capacity building programmes would be made available to staff of the MFBs.

7.3 The Interest Drawback Programme (IDP) of the CBN would be extended to the MFBs clients in agriculture and allied businesses.

7.4 The CBN in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as other stakeholders would provide enabling environment for MFBs/MFIs to operate.

8.0 The Roles And Responsibilities Of Stakeholders

The roles and responsibilities of respective stakeholders shall include, but not limited to, the following:

8.1 Government

Government shall be responsible for:
i. Ensuring a stable macro-economic environment, providing basic infrastructure (electricity, water, roads, telecommunications, etc),
political and social stability; ii. Creating an efficient land administration system to facilitate ease of transfer of land titles and other property rights to serve the collateral needs of borrowers and financial institutions; iii. Promoting policy in support of consumer protection and financial literacy for microfinance clients; iv. Setting aside an amount not less than one (1) per cent of its annual budgets at Federal, State and Local Governments levels for microcredit initiatives.

8.2 Central Bank Of Nigeria (Cbn)

The CBN shall:
i. Continue to oversees the operations of the National Microfinance Policy Consultative Committee; ii. Ensure the implementation of the Microfinance Policy Framework to achieve the stated objectives, targets and strategies; iii. Ensure the emergence of a sustainable microfinance sub-sector through appropriate institutional and regulatory and supervisory framework; iv. Establish the Microfinance Development to provide wholesale funding for on-lending activities of Microfinance Institutions; v. Develop and support appropriate capacity building programmes for regulators, directors, operators and practitioners in the sub-sector, in collaboration with other stakeholders; vi. Promote financial literacy and consumer protection in partnership with relevant public and private sector development institutions as well as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs); and vii. Undertake periodic reviews of the Microfinance Policy and the Regulatory Guidelines to address emerging issues.

8.3 Apex Associations Of Microfinance Banks And Institutions

The Apex Associations of MFBs and MFIs shall:
i. Promote self-regulation; ii. Ensure uniform standards, transparency and good corporate governance practices among their members; iii. Provide platform for peer review, capacity building, generic product development and marketing, as well as resource sharing; iv. Ensure that members render returns on their operations to the CBN; and v. Work with other stakeholders for the promotion of financial literacy and consumer protection.

8.4 Public Sector Poverty Alleviation Agencies

This Microfinance policy framework recognises the roles of public sector MFIs and poverty alleviation agencies such as the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), National Directorate of Employment (NDE) etc. in the development of the subsector. They shall be encouraged to play the following roles:
i. Provide non-commercial (social security) resources targeted at difficult-to-reach clients and the vulnerable group; ii. Support capacity building for stakeholders; iii. Nurture new MFIs to sustainable levels; and iv. Collaborate or partner with other relevant stakeholders to achieve the objectives of this policy.

8.5 Donor Agencies And Development Partners

Donor Agencies and Development Partners that provide capital and support for the development of the microfinance industry in Nigeria shall be required to operate within the relevant provisions of this policy.

9.0 Conclusion

9.1 There exists a huge untapped potential for financial services at the micro level of the Nigerian economy. Attempts by Government in the past to fill this gap did not achieve the desired result.

9.2 The Microfinance Policy was therefore developed in 2005 to further address the observed gaps. The policy provides for the establishment of a private sector driven microfinance banks.

9.3 Achievements recorded in the microfinance sub-sector since 2005 have been mixed. While outreach by formal financial institutions increased from 35.0 per cent to 36.3 per cent, occasioned by the coming on stream of MFBs, the institutions have been confronted with numerous challenges, including, poor corporate governance and asset quality, weak internal control and risk management, amongst others. It is against this background, that the revision of the 2005 microfinance policy was undertaken.

9.4 The revised microfinance policy framework provides that MFBs shall be required to be adequately capitalized, better managed, run on low cost structure and be operated in a safe and sound manner.

9.5 The CBN shall continue to monitor and ensure a conducive policy environment for the conduct of microfinance activities and businesses in Nigeria.