The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has outlined five key priorities that will shape the next phase of fintech development in the country, stressing that the sector must focus on delivering reliable, secure, fair and accessible digital financial services.
CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, disclosed this in a goodwill message delivered at the 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 in Lagos.
Cardoso, who was represented by the Director of Payments System Supervision, Dr. Rakiya Yusuf, said the future of Nigeria’s fintech industry depends on building a financial system that inspires confidence among users.
He noted that Nigerians should be able to carry out digital transactions seamlessly, including during periods of high transaction volumes.
According to the CBN governor, transaction charges must be transparent, customer complaints should be resolved promptly, and failed transactions must be addressed without placing unnecessary hardship on users.
He also emphasised that cybersecurity and fraud prevention should remain a shared responsibility among stakeholders.
According to him, financial institutions must continue investing in secure technology, effective internal controls and practical customer education to strengthen confidence in digital financial services.
Speaking on behalf of Yusuf, CBN Assistant Director, Babatunde Ajiboye, said another key priority is ensuring fair and open competition across the fintech ecosystem.
He stated that qualified participants should have equal access to essential payment infrastructure to promote innovation and healthy competition.
The apex bank noted that achieving these objectives would require collaboration across the financial services ecosystem.
It said banks, fintech companies, mobile money operators, payment switches, processors, telecommunications companies, consumer groups and government institutions all have critical roles to play in building a more resilient digital financial system.
Looking ahead, the CBN expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem, citing the country’s youthful population, growing entrepreneurial culture and increasing digital connectivity.
The apex bank said Nigeria’s financial institutions have consistently demonstrated a strong capacity for innovation and that, with effective regulation, responsible business practices and sustained investment, the country can build a digital financial system that serves as a model for Africa and the rest of the world.
Cardoso reaffirmed the CBN’s commitment to supporting innovations that solve real-world problems, expand financial inclusion and strengthen the economy.
He also stressed that the regulator would continue to take action whenever poor market conduct, excessive market concentration, weak corporate governance or operational risks threaten consumers or the stability of the financial system.
“Our message is simple: innovation is welcome, fair competition is essential and public trust must remain at the centre of everything we do,” he said.
The CBN governor also commended the Business Journal Media Group for organising the fintech roundtable and encouraged participants to engage constructively in developing practical recommendations for a safer, fairer and more inclusive digital financial ecosystem in Nigeria.
