RT - JOURNAL TY - JOUR YR - 31-07-2023 JF - Journal of Business Strategy Finance and Management JO - SP - OP - VO - 16 IS - 18 UL - jbsfm.org/article/62/ DO - 10.12944/JBSFM.05.01.04 N2 - Banks have significant difficulties in recovering debt, especially when consumers are no longer available following loan disbursement. This study carefully examines the effects of debt management and recovery on bank performance, paying particular attention to the applicability of the credit theory of money. The study's main goals are to thoroughly comprehend the various debt recovery strategies used in Nigeria's banking industry and investigate the connections between outstanding debt, recovered funds, loan client retention, and bank performance. To evaluate the given hypotheses and determine the relationships between these variables, the Chi-Square test was used. The data show that outstanding debt has a considerable influence on bank performance, supporting the credit theory of money. Additionally, a positive correlation between bank performance and loan client retention is discovered and the study finds a link between bank profitability and client relationships. The development of strong, dependable, and good customer connections improves the bank's reputation by increasing client satisfaction, loyalty, and confidence in the bank's dependability as a lender. Credit officers are advised to constantly monitor ongoing debt to avoid payment defaults as part of the study's recommendations. Finally, credit officers should pay frequent visits to borrowers to make sure the money from the loan is being used for what it was intended. ER -