Background of the Study
Credit risk management is a cornerstone of effective banking operations, particularly in environments characterized by economic volatility and uncertain market conditions. In Nigeria, banks have increasingly turned to sophisticated credit risk management practices to safeguard their portfolios and to enhance overall performance. These practices encompass techniques such as risk grading, collateral evaluation, and the use of advanced quantitative models to predict borrower default probabilities (Emeka, 2023). The adoption of these techniques is critical given the historically high levels of non-performing loans in the Nigerian banking sector, which have had adverse effects on profitability and financial stability.
Over time, banks in Nigeria have invested in modern risk management systems that integrate real-time data analytics and machine learning to better predict and mitigate credit risk. These innovations have been instrumental in improving credit decision-making, reducing loan losses, and ultimately enhancing the resilience of the banking sector. However, challenges persist as differences in technological capabilities and risk culture across banks lead to variable outcomes (Folashade, 2024). Moreover, the dynamic nature of global economic conditions and domestic market fluctuations require continuous adaptation of credit risk management strategies, posing further challenges for Nigerian banks.
This study seeks to examine the relationship between credit risk management practices and banking performance in Nigeria by analyzing both quantitative performance metrics and qualitative insights from banking professionals. The objective is to determine how effective credit risk management can improve overall bank stability and to identify best practices that can be standardized across the sector. The findings are expected to contribute to the refinement of credit risk frameworks and to promote sustainable growth in the Nigerian banking industry.
Statement of the Problem
Despite significant investments in credit risk management, many Nigerian banks continue to experience challenges with non-performing loans and related losses. A primary issue is the inconsistent implementation of risk management practices across banks, with some institutions relying on outdated methods that fail to capture the evolving risk profile of borrowers (Emeka, 2023). This variability undermines the potential benefits of risk management, leading to uneven financial performance across the sector. Additionally, the rapid pace of economic change and market disruptions has outstripped the capacity of some banks to update their risk models, resulting in misjudged credit exposures and elevated default rates (Folashade, 2024).
Furthermore, gaps in data quality and limited technological infrastructure in smaller banks compound these challenges, making it difficult to achieve a uniform standard of risk assessment and control. The overall impact is a banking sector that is vulnerable to shocks and that experiences frequent episodes of financial instability. These issues not only affect individual bank performance but also have broader implications for economic growth and investor confidence. There is a pressing need to evaluate the effectiveness of current credit risk management practices and to propose strategies that can help banks better manage credit risk, thereby enhancing overall performance and stability.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on a sample of commercial banks in Nigeria, drawing data from financial statements, regulatory reports, and interviews with credit risk managers. Limitations include differences in reporting standards and evolving economic conditions.
Definitions of Terms
• Credit Risk Management: The process of identifying, evaluating, and mitigating the risk of borrower default.
• Non-performing Loans: Loans in which the borrower is not making interest payments or repaying principal.
• Banking Performance: The overall financial health and operational efficiency of banks.
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