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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has outlined five key priorities that will shape the next phase of fintech development in the country, stressing the need for a digital financial ecosystem that is secure, inclusive and sustainable.
CBN Governor, Mr. Yemi Cardoso, made this known in a goodwill message delivered at the 3rd Business Journal Fintech and Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 in Lagos. Represented by the Director of Payments System Supervision, Dr. Rakiya Yusuf, he said Nigeria's fintech industry must provide digital financial services that are reliable, secure, fair and accessible to all users.
According to Cardoso, customers should be able to carry out transactions with confidence, even during periods of heavy demand. He added that service charges must be transparent, customer complaints handled promptly and failed transactions resolved without causing unnecessary hardship.
The governor also stressed the importance of strengthening cybersecurity and fraud prevention, noting that financial institutions must continue investing in secure technology, effective internal controls and customer education. Speaking on Yusuf's behalf, Assistant Director, Mr. Babatunde Ajiboye, said competition within the sector must remain open and fair, with all qualified operators enjoying equal access to critical payment infrastructure.
The apex bank maintained that achieving these objectives would require strong collaboration among banks, fintech firms, mobile money operators, payment processors, telecommunications companies, consumer groups and relevant government agencies.
Cardoso expressed confidence in the future of Nigeria's digital financial ecosystem, citing the country's youthful population, growing connectivity and innovative financial sector. He reaffirmed the CBN's commitment to supporting responsible innovation while taking decisive action against poor governance, unfair market practices and operational risks, urging stakeholders to work together in building a safer, more inclusive and globally competitive fintech industry.
