Abstract:
Within the framework of this project “Perceived impact of Prudential Guidelines on the services and performance of Commercial Banks in Nigeria”, the researcher has attempted to reiterate the importance of prudential guidelines in helping banks to improve on their performance. The study set out to examine its impact on bank safety and confidence of Nigerians especially depositors among others. The researcher employed both primary and secondary sources of data from samples derived from the populations of selected commercial banks. The researcher adopted the use of structured questionnaire as the main instrument of data collection. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square (X2) analytical technique. Findings from the study revealed that there is increased need for bank supervision from the regulatory bodies. The guidelines have been welcomed as a step in the right direction as they have helped to check the mismatch between banks’ reported and actual profits and also checked the early detection of fraud, distress and deterioration of banks credit portfolio. In conclusion, prudential guidelines have also helped to check non-performing loans and ensure proper scrutiny of loan proposals and enhanced regulatory activities in the banking industry most especially the commercial banks. Several recommendations were made in a bid to alleviate the difficulties banks encounter in implementation of the provision of the prudential guidelines. These include encouragement of management effectiveness via enlightenment programe seminars, periodic review of the guidelines to meet prevailing national and international banking trend. It is recommended that further research be conducted to improve on existing ones.
