Nigeria’s financial sector reforms depend largely on sustained access to long-term capital from development finance institutions (DFIs), the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has said.
Cardoso made this known on Wednesday in Abuja while hosting a delegation from British International Investment (BII), led by its Chair, Ms. Diana Layfield. The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, was also part of the delegation.
According to a statement issued by the apex bank, the meeting was part of ongoing efforts to deepen financial sector reforms and attract patient, long-term investment into the Nigerian economy.
The statement said the CBN governor reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, credible monetary policy, and a transparent, data-driven regulatory framework. These measures, he noted, are aimed at strengthening the resilience of the banking system and improving financial intermediation.
Discussions during the meeting focused on recent developments in Nigeria’s financial services sector, BII’s investment outlook, and opportunities to deploy long-term capital to support banking sector stability, financial inclusion, and sustainable private sector growth.
“The governor noted that DFIs providing long-term capital and strong governance remain key partners in Nigeria’s reform agenda,” the statement added.
Layfield, according to the statement, reaffirmed BII’s continued interest in Nigeria’s financial services sector. She emphasised the importance of regulatory clarity and sustained engagement to support investment and inclusive economic growth.
Members of BII’s board and executive management present at the meeting included the 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 West Africa Regional Director and Head of the Nigeria Office, Mr. Benson Adenuga. Senior officials of the British High Commission were also in attendance.
British International Investment is the United Kingdom’s development finance institution, wholly owned by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The institution has total assets of £9.9 billion and supports more than 1,600 businesses across emerging markets.
The CBN has continued to take its capital inflow drive to the global stage as it intensifies efforts to reposition Nigeria’s economy for stability and long-term growth.
Under Cardoso’s leadership, the apex bank is pursuing deliberate strategies aimed at restoring discipline, strengthening investor confidence, and creating sustainable investment opportunities for both domestic and international investors.
