The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening financial inclusion by promoting alternative payment channels across the country.
The apex bank said wider adoption of digital payment systems will support economic growth, strengthen financial stability and improve access to financial services for millions of Nigerians.
Speaking at the CBN Fair in Gombe State, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, delivered the opening remarks on behalf of the CBN Governor.
The event, themed “Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development,” forms part of the Bank’s efforts to educate Nigerians on its policies, programmes and reforms while encouraging greater participation in the financial system.
Ali said expanding the use of digital payment platforms would improve access to banking services, stimulate economic activities and support the CBN’s mandate of maintaining monetary, price and financial system stability.
She stated that under the leadership of CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, the Bank remains committed to implementing reforms that promote inclusive economic growth and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
According to her, recent policy measures introduced by the apex bank are beginning to produce positive results.
She cited a gradual decline in inflation, sustained growth in Nigeria’s foreign reserves and improved stability in the foreign exchange market as indicators of progress.
Ali also highlighted key initiatives introduced to modernise Nigeria’s payment infrastructure and expand financial access.
These include the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028, the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) initiative and the B-Match foreign exchange trading platform.
She urged Nigerians to rely only on information published through the CBN’s verified communication channels to avoid misinformation.
Ali also appealed to members of the public to protect the integrity of the national currency.
She warned against spraying, hawking, mutilating or counterfeiting the naira, stressing that preserving the value and integrity of the currency is a shared national responsibility.
Earlier, the Branch Controller of the CBN Gombe Branch described the CBN Fair as an annual public engagement platform created to educate citizens about the Bank’s policies and provide an avenue for public feedback.
The Branch Controller welcomed participants from government institutions, security agencies, financial institutions, civil society organisations, the organised private sector and the general public.
Participants were encouraged to actively engage in the interactive sessions by asking questions and offering suggestions that would improve the delivery of the Bank’s services and strengthen its financial inclusion agenda.
