Cardoso meets British investors on financial sector reforms

Barbara Bako, Abuja.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has reiterated the Bank’s commitment to financial sector reforms and the attraction of long-term capital to support economic growth.

Cardoso stated this on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, while hosting a 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.

He said the CBN remains focused on maintaining macroeconomic stability through credible monetary policy and a transparent, data driven regulatory framework aimed at strengthening the resilience of the banking system and improving financial intermediation.

Discussions at the meeting centred on recent developments in Nigeria’s financial services sector, BII’s investment outlook, and opportunities to deploy long-term capital in support of banking sector stability, financial inclusion and sustainable private-sector growth.

Read also:PenCom to launch online RSA data recapture platform

The CBN Governor noted that development finance institutions providing patient capital and strong governance frameworks are critical partners in Nigeria’s ongoing reform agenda.

In her remarks, Ms. Layfield reaffirmed BII’s continued interest in Nigeria’s financial services sector, stressing the importance of regulatory clarity and sustained engagement to support investment and inclusive economic growth.

The meeting was attended by members of BII’s Board and Executive Management, including its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Leslie Maarsdorp; Non-Executive Directors, Mr. Andrew Alli and Mr. Simon Rowlands; Managing Director and Head of Africa, Mr. Chris Chijiutomi; 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 assets of £9.9 billion and supports more than 1,600 businesses across emerging markets.