The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening financial inclusion, enhancing price stability, and promoting economic development without compromising monetary stability.
The CBN Governor, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Kaduna in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by the acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mrs Hakama Ali, at the opening of the CBN Fair.
The two day event, held at Hotel 17,was themed: ‘Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development’.
Cardoso said the bank, under his leadership, remained focused on stimulating productivity, fostering inclusiveness, and delivering impactful reforms that strengthen Nigeria’s financial system and economy.
He stated that the bank’s initiatives were already yielding results, citing improved foreign investment inflows, positive trade balances, and expanded access to financial services.
“Since assuming office, we have unified exchange rates to reduce market volatility, cleared over $7 billion in verified FX forwards.
“We have embarked on recapitalisation to boost the resilience of the banking sector as we move towards a $1 trillion economy,” he said.
Other key reforms highlighted included the introduction of a Non-Resident BVN for Nigerians abroad, the unveiling of the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028, and the launch of the Unified Complaints Tracking System (UCTS) to protect financial consumers.
Cardoso also urged Nigerians to rely only on verified information disseminated via official CBN channels, and to treat the Naira with respect.
“Do not spray, hawk, mutilate, or counterfeit the Naira. It is our national symbol,” he cautioned.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Mr Ahmad Dalhatu, Branch Controller of CBN Kaduna, described the fair as one of the bank’s flagship public enlightenment programmes.
He said the event fostered two-way communication between the bank and the public, enabling deeper understanding of policies while also gathering feedback from stakeholders.
“As we navigate current economic realities, this platform is crucial in building trust, promoting transparency, and ensuring that every Nigerian feels part of the financial system,” he said.
Dalhatu praised stakeholders from deposit money banks, microfinance institutions, the organised private sector, fintechs, academia, and security agencies for their continued collaboration.
In a goodwill message, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mallam Hayatudeen Mohammed, described the fair’s theme as timely.
She said that it was aligned with the state’s policies on financial inclusion and economic empowerment.
Salisu said that the state government remained committed to empowering women, children, and persons with special needs, many of whom benefit from CBN’s interventions.
Also speaking, the Women Leader of the Market Women Association of Nigeria, Mrs Sera Ayuba, expressed gratitude to the CBN for organising the fair.
“This programme gives us the opportunity to learn about financial services and policies.
“As market women who are the backbone of the economy, we appeal for financial empowerment through grants and small loans,” she said.
Ayuba emphasised that even modest support can greatly enhance their capacity to grow businesses, support families, and contribute to national development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the fair featured interactive sessions with CBN officials on monetary policy, consumer protection, digital payments, microfinance activities, and the evolving foreign exchange market.
