CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso Engages British International Investment Delegates to Boost Nigeria’s Financial Sector
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, welcomed a delegation from British International Investment (BII) in a high-level meeting aimed at deepening financial sector reforms and attracting long-term investment into Nigeria. The visit included BII Chair Ms. Diana Layfield and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, reflecting the UK’s ongoing interest in Nigeria’s growing financial landscape.
Governor Cardoso reiterated the CBN’s commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability, implementing credible monetary policies, and fostering a transparent, data-driven regulatory framework. He emphasized that these measures are central to strengthening the resilience of Nigeria’s banking system while enhancing financial intermediation across the economy.
The discussions focused on the financial services sector, exploring BII’s investment outlook and identifying opportunities to deploy patient capital to support banking sector stability, financial inclusion, and sustainable private-sector growth. The governor highlighted the pivotal role of Direct Foreign Investments (DFIs) in providing long-term capital and governance expertise crucial to Nigeria’s reform agenda.
Ms. Layfield expressed BII’s continued interest in Nigeria’s financial services sector, stressing the importance of regulatory clarity and ongoing collaboration. She emphasized that consistent engagement between BII and Nigerian regulators would be key to driving inclusive growth and ensuring that investments deliver long-term benefits for the economy.
The meeting brought together BII’s board and executive management, including CEO Leslie Maarsdorp, Non-Executive Directors Andrew Alli and Simon Rowlands, Managing Director and Head of Africa Chris Chijiutomi, and West Africa Regional Director Benson Adenuga. Senior officials of the British High Commission were also in attendance, reinforcing the UK’s support for Nigeria’s financial sector development.
source: leadership