Cardoso Reaffirms Commitment to Financial Sector Reform
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has reaffirmed the apex bank’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, credible monetary policy and regulatory reforms aimed at attracting long-term capital and strengthening Nigeria’s financial system.
Cardoso gave the assurance on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, while hosting a high-level delegation from British International Investment (BII), led by its Chair, Ms. Diana Layfield, alongside the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, in Abuja.
The meeting formed part of ongoing engagements by the CBN to deepen financial sector reforms and strengthen partnerships with development finance institutions capable of deploying patient capital to support sustainable economic growth.
According to the CBN Governor, the Bank remains focused on building a transparent, data-driven regulatory framework that enhances banking sector resilience, improves financial intermediation and supports inclusive growth.
Discussions at the meeting centred on recent developments in Nigeria’s financial services sector, BII’s investment outlook, and opportunities to channel long-term financing into areas such as banking sector stability, financial inclusion and private-sector expansion. Cardoso noted that development finance institutions with strong governance structures and long-term investment horizons remain critical partners in Nigeria’s reform agenda.
In her remarks, Ms. Layfield reaffirmed BII’s continued interest in Nigeria’s financial services sector, stressing that regulatory clarity, policy consistency and sustained engagement are essential for unlocking investment and driving inclusive economic growth.
The meeting was attended by members of BII’s Board and Executive Management, including Mr. Leslie Maarsdorp, Chief Executive Officer; Mr. Andrew Alli and Mr. Simon Rowlands, Non-Executive Directors; Mr. Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa; and Mr. Benson Adenuga, West Africa Regional Director and Head of the Nigeria Office. Senior officials of the British High Commission were also present.
British International Investment is the United Kingdom’s development finance institution, wholly owned by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The institution manages total assets of £9.9 billion, supporting more than 1,600 businesses across emerging markets.
