ABSTRACT

 This study, which is captioned The Role and Importance of the Central Bank in the Prevention of Bank Failure in Nigeria has revealed the types, causes, effects, recognition and prevention of bank failure in Nigeria. Some of the findings indicated that banking failure was mainly as a result of poor portfolio management and inadequate capital basis; a majority of the population interviewed acknowledge the fact that bank failure can be prevented. The study also pointed that the Central Bank of Nigeria has not relented in it effort in this light against distress within the Nigeria financial system, illustrating the role banks have to play in the growth of the economy for the well being of the country. Some other causes were identified which were discussed in details encompassing all other causes not mentioned as separate cause of bank failure. These major causes include macroeconomic instability, poor portfolio management, fraudulent activities by directors, the incompetent and unqualified staff, last but not the least, inadequate capital base. The study concludes its findings by commanding that the Central bank of Nigeria should ensure that banks adhere strictly to the prudential guidelines. The tribunals that have been set-up for the purpose of debt recovery should not relent in their effort. Workshop should be conducted from time to time to discuss changing economic issues that affect the banking industry either positively or negatively so the bank failure will be curtailed to a large extent without causing havoc to the nation's economy.