The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has outlined five strategic priorities aimed at driving the next phase of fintech development and deepening financial inclusion across the country.
Speaking at the 3rd Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable 2026 held in Lagos, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, represented by Dr. Rakiya Yusuf, Director of Payments System Supervision, said Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem must evolve to deliver services that are secure, reliable, transparent, inclusive, and customer-focused.
The governor stressed that while Nigeria has recorded remarkable progress in financial technology, the next stage of growth must prioritize building public trust and improving the quality of digital financial services.
Five Priorities for Nigeria’s Fintech Ecosystem
According to the apex bank, the country’s fintech industry should focus on the following key areas:
1. Reliable and Accessible Digital Financial Services
The CBN said Nigerians must have access to digital payment services that remain dependable even during periods of high transaction volumes. Consumers should be able to carry out financial transactions with confidence and minimal disruptions.
2. Greater Transparency and Customer Protection
The regulator emphasized that service charges must be transparent, customer complaints handled promptly, and failed transactions resolved quickly without creating unnecessary hardship for users.
3. Stronger Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention
The CBN identified cybersecurity as a shared responsibility among financial institutions, fintech companies, payment operators, and customers. It urged industry players to invest in stronger security infrastructure, internal controls, and continuous customer education to combat fraud.
4. Fair Competition Across the Industry
Another major priority is ensuring equal opportunities for qualified operators. The CBN said banks, fintech firms, mobile money operators, payment processors, telecom companies, and other stakeholders should enjoy fair access to critical payment infrastructure to encourage innovation and healthy competition.
5. Collaboration Among Industry Stakeholders
The apex bank noted that achieving these goals requires close collaboration between regulators, financial institutions, fintech companies, telecom operators, consumer groups, and government agencies to create a stronger and more inclusive financial ecosystem.
Nigeria Positioned to Lead Africa’s Digital Finance Revolution
Looking ahead, the CBN expressed optimism about Nigeria’s fintech future, citing the country’s youthful population, entrepreneurial spirit, expanding internet penetration, and growing appetite for digital financial services.
According to the bank, with sound regulation, responsible innovation, and sustained investment, Nigeria has the potential to become a leading digital finance hub not only in Africa but globally.
CBN Pledges Continued Support for Innovation
Cardoso reaffirmed the CBN’s commitment to supporting innovations that solve real economic challenges, expand financial inclusion, and strengthen the Nigerian economy.
However, he warned that the regulator would continue to act decisively whenever poor corporate governance, unfair market practices, operational failures, or systemic risks threaten consumer confidence or financial stability.
“Innovation is welcome, fair competition is essential, and public trust must remain at the centre of everything we do,” the governor stated.
He also commended the organisers of the Business Journal Fintech & Financial Inclusion Roundtable for creating a platform for industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop practical solutions that will strengthen Nigeria’s digital financial services landscape.
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