The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has outlined five critical priorities that will shape the next phase of Nigeria’s fintech evolution, stressing that the industry must now focus on delivering sustainable and inclusive growth.
Speaking in a goodwill message at the 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 in Lagos, the Governor of the CBN, Mr. Yemi Cardoso, said the future of Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem should be anchored on providing digital financial services that are reliable, secure, fair, and accessible to all Nigerians.
Represented by Dr. Rakiya Yusuf, Director of Payments System Supervision, Cardoso emphasised that the country’s digital payment infrastructure must inspire public confidence by ensuring seamless transactions, even during periods of peak demand.
“Charges should be clear, complaints resolved promptly and failed transactions addressed without unnecessary hardship to customers. Cybersecurity and fraud prevention must remain a shared responsibility; institutions must continually invest in secure technology, effective controls and practical customer education.”
Mr. Babatunde Ajiboye, Assistant Director at CBN, who stood in for Yusuf, said another major strategy is to ensure that “competition must also remain open and fair, with qualified participants having equal access to essential payment infrastructure.”
The apex bank said it cannot achieve these strategies alone, saying that banks, fintech companies, mobile money operators, switches, processors, telecom companies, consumer groups and government institutions all have important roles to play to realise the outcomes.
Looking ahead, the CBN said: “The future of Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem is promising. Our population is young, entrepreneurial and increasingly connected. Our financial institutions have demonstrated a strong capacity for innovation. With appropriate regulation, responsible conduct and sustained investment, Nigeria can build a digital financial system that serves as a model for Africa and the wider world.”
The CBN governor promised that the apex bank will continue to support innovation that solves real problems, expands access and strengthens the economy.
“We will also continue to act where market conduct, concentration, weak governance or operational risks threaten customers or the stability of the system. Our message is simple: innovation welcome, fair competition is essential, and public trust must remain at the centre of everything we do.”
He commended the Business Journal Media Group for organising the Roundtable. He encouraged participants to engage openly and develop practical recommendations that will advance a safer, fairer and more inclusive digital financial ecosystem in Nigeria.
