The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has outlined its key priorities for 2026, placing banking system stability, inflation control, tighter oversight of fintechs, and modern payment systems at the centre of its agenda.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso said the focus for the year is to strengthen the financial system with reforms aimed at long-term economic stability.
According to Cardoso, the CBN will continue to pay close attention to the health of the banking sector, stressing that strong supervision and good corporate governance are critical to keeping the system stable.
He added that a resilient banking sector is not just important for depositors, but also for economic growth, as banks remain central to credit creation and financial intermediation in the economy.
The Governor also made it clear that inflation control remains a core priority for the apex bank in 2026.
He said the CBN will rely more on disciplined, data-driven monetary policy decisions to anchor inflation expectations and reduce pressure on households and businesses, following a period of elevated inflation and rising living costs.
On the fast-growing fintech space, Cardoso struck a balance between encouraging innovation and tightening regulation.
He said while fintech companies have helped expand access to financial services, innovation must go hand in hand with strong consumer protection and financial integrity to avoid risks that could undermine the wider financial system.
The CBN also plans to modernise the payment infrastructure to make transactions faster, cheaper, and more inclusive, especially for underserved communities.
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