CBN Reaffirms Commitment to Stability as UK’s BII Signals Investment Interest

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, credible monetary policy, and a transparent, data-driven regulatory framework aimed at strengthening the resilience of Nigeria’s banking system.

Governor of the Bank, Olayemi Cardoso Cardoso spoke on Wednesday, while hosting a delegation from British International Investment (BII), led by its Chair, Diana Layfield, alongside the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery.

Cardoso said the Bank’s reform focus is designed to improve financial intermediation and support a more resilient financial system. Discussions during the meeting centred on developments in the financial services sector, BII’s investment outlook, and opportunities to deploy patient capital in support of banking sector stability, financial inclusion, and sustainable private-sector growth.

According to a statement by the bank, Cardoso noted that development finance institutions (DFIs) providing long-term capital and strong governance remain key partners in Nigeria’s reform agenda.

In her remarks, Layfield reaffirmed BII’s continued interest in Nigeria’s financial services sector, stressing the importance of regulatory clarity and sustained engagement to support investment and inclusive growth.

The meeting was attended by members of BII’s Board and Executive Management, including Chief Executive Officer Leslie Maarsdorp; Non-Executive Directors Andrew Alli and Simon Rowlands; Managing Director and Head of Africa Chris Chijiutomi; and Benson Adenuga, West Africa Regional Director and Head of the Nigeria Office, alongside senior officials of the British High Commission.

British International Investment is the United Kingdom’s development finance institution, wholly owned by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), with total assets of £9.9 billion supporting over 1,600 businesses across emerging markets.