The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has restated its commitment to driving financial inclusion, safeguarding price stability, and promoting economic development in line with efforts to build a $1 trillion economy.
CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Kaduna in a keynote address delivered on his behalf by Mrs. Hakama Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications, during the opening of the CBN Fair.
The two-day programme, held at Hotel 17 with the theme “Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development,” brought together stakeholders across the financial sector, government, and civil society.
Cardoso said the apex bank, under his leadership, remains focused on stimulating productivity, fostering inclusiveness, and delivering reforms that strengthen the economy.
He highlighted key achievements including the unification of exchange rates to reduce market volatility, clearance of over $7 billion in verified foreign exchange forwards, and the ongoing recapitalisation of Nigerian banks to boost sector resilience.
Other reforms include the rollout of a Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (BVN) for Nigerians abroad, the launch of the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028, and the introduction of the Unified Complaints Tracking System (UCTS) to protect financial consumers.
“These reforms are already yielding results in terms of improved foreign investment inflows, positive trade balances, and expanded access to financial services. We will continue to protect the stability that has been re-established in the financial system,” Cardoso said.
He also urged Nigerians to uphold the integrity of the Naira. “Do not spray, hawk, mutilate, or counterfeit the Naira. It is our national symbol,” he cautioned.
Earlier, the Kaduna Branch Controller of CBN, Mr. Ahmad Dalhatu, described the fair as a flagship public enlightenment programme designed to bridge the communication gap between the apex bank and citizens.
Dalhatu said the event was crucial for building trust and transparency, noting that it enables Nigerians to understand policy directions while offering feedback that could shape future interventions.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mallam Hayatudeen Mohammed, commended the theme of the fair, saying it aligned with the state’s financial inclusion and empowerment programmes.
She said the state government remained committed to supporting women, children, and persons with special needs, who also benefit from CBN’s interventions.
In her goodwill message, the Women Leader of the Market Women Association of Nigeria, Mrs. Sera Ayuba, thanked the CBN for extending financial literacy to grassroots traders.
“This programme gives us the opportunity to learn more about financial services and policies. We appeal for empowerment through grants and small loans to strengthen our businesses and support families,” she said.
The fair also featured interactive sessions with CBN officials on monetary policy, consumer protection, digital payments, microfinance, and Nigeria’s evolving foreign exchange market.
