CHAPTER ONE

1.0                         INTRODUCTION

1.1       BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Credit management in our banking sector today has taken a different dimension from what it used to be. The banking industry has adopted a lot of strategies in checking credit management in order to stay in business. Thu the banking industry in Nigeria has lost large amount of money as a result of the turning source of credit exposure and taken interest rate position. Nigerian banks are being required in the market because of their competence to provide transaction efficiency, market knowledge and funding capability. To perform these roles, the banks act as the most important participants in their transaction process of which they use their own balance sheet to make it easier and making sure that their associated risk is absorbed.  Credit extension is essential function of banks and the bank management strive to satisfy the legitimate credit needs of the community it tends to serve. This credit advances by banks as a debtor to the depositor requires exercising prudence in handling the funds of depositors. The Central Bank of Nigeria established a credit act in 1990 which empowered banks to render returns to the credit risk management system in respect to its entire customers with aggregate outstanding debit balance of one million naira and above (Ijaiya G.T and Abdulraheem A (2000). This made Nigerian banks to universally embark on upgrading their control system and risk management because this coincidental activity is recognized as the industry physiological weakness to financial risk. The researcher, a New yolk-based, said that 40% of Nigerian banks that made up exchange rate value in west Africa, has reduced the operating lending as a result of bad debts which hit more than $10 billion in 2009 and this has led to a tied-up questioning asset that is holding almost half of Nigerian banks. The central bank of Nigeria fired eight chief executive officers and set aside $ 4.1 billion in order to bail out almost 10 of the country‟s lenders. The reform which was introduced by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2010 has made Nigerian banks resume lending supporting assets management companies and set up  the requirement which will allow Nigerian  banks make full provision for bad debts that will boost the market. The banks identify the existence of destructive debtors in the banking system whose method involved responding to their debt obligations in some banks and tried to have contract of new debts in other banks. Banks are trying to make the database of credit risk management system more open for them to be more functional and recognized as to enable banks to enquire or render statutory returns on borrowers. There are some banking practices which increase the risks in the bank and cannot be easily changed. This result still leads to the question: what are the possible ways that will help make Nigerian banks manage their credit risks? Credit risk management helps credit expert to know when to accept a credit applicant as to avoid destroying the banks reputation and making decision in order to explore unavoidable credit risk which gives more profit. Controlling a risk results in encouraging rewards that give internal audit more technical support service and customized training in banks or financial institutions. This research is presented to outline, find, investigate and report different state of techniques in risk management in the banking industry  

1.2       STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM 

In the history of development of the Nigerian banking industry, it can be seen that most of the failures experienced in the industry prior to the consolidation era were results of imprudent lending that finally led to bad loans and some other unethical factors (Job, A.A Ogundepo A and Olanirul (2008)). Also the problem of poor attention given to distribution of loans has its effect on the bank‟s performance. Most of the people collected loan from the banks and diverted the money to unprofitable ventures. Some bankers are not actually considering the necessary criteria for disbursement of loans to the customer. This work therefore intends to outline, explain these problems identify the causes and suggests lasting solutions to the problems associated with credit management and consequently banks debts.  

1:3       OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The objectives of this study is as follows1.      To examine how feasibility study affect loan repayment in the banking industry. 2.      To highlight the extent in which diversion of bank loans to unprofitable ventures affect loan repayment. 3.      To examine how distribution of loans affect banks performance if banks give proper attention.  

1.4       RESEARCH QUESTIONS

Bank lending is said to be effective if it successfully achieves the banker‟s obligation of maximum liquidity to the depositors. The questions here are 1.     To what extent does feasibility study affect loan repayment in the banking industry? 2.     To what extent does diversion of bank loans to unprofitable venture affect loan repayment? 3.     Does distribution of loans have effect on banks performance if given proper attention?

1.5 STATEMENT OF HYPOTHESES

A reputable credit management system enhances good control on lending and proper keeping of credit account. HYPOTHESES 1 Ho. Inadequate feasibility study does not affect loan repayment in banking industry.  Hi. Inadequate feasibility study affects loan repayment in banking industry. HYPOTHESES 2 Ho. The diversion of bank loans to unprofitably ventures does not affect loan repayment. Hi. The diversion of bank loans to unprofitably ventures affects loan repayment. HYPOTHESES 3 Ho. The problem of poor attention given to distribution of loans does not have effect on banks performance. Hi. The problem of poor attention given to distribution of loans has effect on banks performance.  

16. SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study is aimed at analysing the credit management in the banking industry in Nigeria with a particular reference to First Bank of Nigeria plc. The study intends to analyse the credit facilities in banking industry. It also reviews the various concepts procedures for efficient and effective credit management. It examines the success and failure (if any) as well as recommending corrective measure. 

1.7       SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY  

This study will be useful to the executive and managers in the banking industry and other financial institutions. This is because it provides guidance which will enhance effect and efficient credit management aimed at attaining and boosting maximum profitability and liquidity in their banks. The depositor (public) on the other hand will be more enlightened on the need to be honest and fulfil the responsibilities in credit transaction with the banks so that they can look up to improve service from the banks. Finally to the researcher, this is an eye opener because as a potential manager it will guide one in future on how to manage credit facilities.