By Ahmad Tijjani
Copyright independent
KANO – The Central Bank Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, on Tuesday said his policies have yielded positive outcomes over time, driving productivity, enhancing financial inclusion, and fostering monetary and price stability.
Represented by the Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, at the CBN Fair in Kano, said the Governor’s policies and reforms are already yielding positive results, citing rising foreign investment inflows, improved trade balances, and significant progress in financial inclusion.
Olayemi Cardoso explained that the fair was designed as a platform to engage the public on the apex bank’s policies for sustainable economic growth and development.
The CBN Fair, with the theme “Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development,” highlighted the role of SMEs and innovation in achieving price stability.
Cardoso said, “Since assuming office two years ago, the Governor has spearheaded several key policies to strengthen the financial system,” she said. These include exchange rate unification to reduce volatility in the forex market, clearing of over $7 billion verified FX backlog, and the ongoing bank recapitalisation programme aimed at strengthening resilience and competitiveness in line with the Federal Government’s $1 trillion economy target.”
He further listed other initiatives such as the introduction of the non-resident BVN to connect Nigerians abroad with domestic banking, the launch of the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028 to accelerate digital transformation, and the Unified Complaints Tracking System (UCTS) to streamline consumer complaint management. In addition, a USSD code (*959#) was introduced to verify licensed financial institutions, enhancing transparency in the sector.
The CBN Boss urged Nigerians to respect the Naira, warning against spraying, mutilating, or counterfeiting the currency, which she described as a critical national symbol.
The CBN Fair attracted stakeholders including POS operators, microfinance institutions, business leaders, students, and youth corps members.
One of the participants, communication expert Abdullateef Abubakar Jos, commended the initiative, saying it came at a time when Nigerians, especially in the North, needed clarity on the apex bank’s policies. “With the explanations given by CBN officials, many people are now more satisfied and see the policies as among the most important steps for Nigeria’s economic progress,” he said.
