The President and Chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dele Alabi, has reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to building strategic partnerships that will accelerate banking innovation, strengthen professional excellence and support economic development.
Alabi made the commitment during a high-level courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Ikeja.
The engagement formed part of Alabi’s broader IMPACT Vision, a strategy focused on strengthening collaboration with public and private sector leaders whose decisions influence the future of Nigeria’s banking and financial services industry.
In a statement on Sunday, CIBN said Alabi commended Sanwo-Olu for his leadership and the developmental strides recorded by his administration.
He said Lagos continued to provide an enabling environment for financial services, innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Discussions during the meeting focused on strategic initiatives with potential long-term benefits for the banking profession, the Lagos State Government and the wider Nigerian economy.
Among the areas discussed was collaboration between CIBN, Nigerian banks and the Lagos State Government to support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises through capacity development, financial inclusion and improved access to finance.
Alabi described MSMEs as an engine of economic growth and advocated the establishment of MSME hubs in strategic locations across the country.
He said the hubs could serve as catalysts for enterprise development, innovation and inclusive economic growth.
The CIBN president also unveiled plans to transform the institute’s Learning Centre at 7 Turton Street, Yaba, into a Digital Learning Resource Centre and Innovation Hub.
The proposed facility will feature modern digital learning infrastructure, simulation laboratories, virtual classrooms and collaborative innovation spaces.
It is expected to serve banking professionals, fintech companies, researchers, academic institutions and technology partners.
According to Alabi, the project aligns with the Technology, Automation and Innovation pillar of the institute’s IMPACT Vision.
As part of efforts to strengthen the relationship between the institute and the Lagos State Government, Sanwo-Olu was invited as Special Guest of Honour to three CIBN programmes.
These include the Generation Next Forum 4.0, the 19th Annual Banking and Finance Conference scheduled for September 8 and 9, 2026, and the 61st Annual Bankers’ Dinner scheduled for November 27, 2026.
Speaking after the meeting, Alabi thanked Sanwo-Olu for the reception accorded to the delegation and his positive response to the institute’s strategic vision.
He said the discussions were engaging and reassuring, adding that the institute was encouraged by the governor’s support for initiatives aimed at strengthening professional excellence, banking innovation and sustainable economic development.
Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks, described the meeting as a reaffirmation of the strong relationship between Lagos State and the banking profession.
He said the financial sector remained a key driver of economic growth in Lagos and that partnerships with professional institutions such as CIBN were essential.
The governor added that Lagos would continue to create an environment where financial institutions could thrive and effectively serve the public.
Alabi led a high-level CIBN delegation comprising members of the Governing Council, the Body of Past Presidents and management.
The delegation included CIBN 2nd Vice President Dr Peter Ashade, Registrar and Chief Executive Akin Morakinyo, Chairman of the Body of Past Presidents Ralph Osayameh, and former CIBN presidents Dr Ken Opara and Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju.
Other council members present included Dr Emmanuel Emefienim, Kola Adeleke, Dr Bose Ogundimu and Kikanwa Akpenyi.
Established in 1963 and chartered by Act No. 5 of 1976, now CIBN Act No. 12 of 2007, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria is the country’s professional body for the banking and financial services industry.
The institute is responsible for promoting professional capacity development, ethical standards and innovation across Nigeria’s financial services sector.
