Cardoso To Unveil Policy Outlook At CIBN Bankers’ Dinner

By FIDELUS ZWANSON

CENTRAL Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso is expected to outline key monetary and regulatory priorities when he addresses financial sector leaders at the 2025 Annual Bankers’ Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) on 28 November.

The event, now in its 60th edition, is regarded as a major platform for shaping the financial sector’s agenda for the coming year. Cardoso’s keynote is anticipated to attract strong interest from bank executives, policymakers and investors, especially as Nigeria navigates FX reforms, elevated credit risks and persistent inflation.

CIBN President, Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju, said the dinner highlights the industry’s commitment to strengthening financial intermediation, boosting system resilience and supporting sustainable growth. He noted that Cardoso will review economic developments, discuss policy actions taken this year and present an outlook for 2026.

Planning committee chairman and CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Emefienim, said the event will feature engaging activities and attract participants from commercial banks, development finance institutions, fintechs, regulators and the diplomatic community. Past editions have seen significant policy announcements, reinforcing the dinner’s importance.

There is growing expectation that Cardoso will address key concerns, including liquidity pressures, the bank recapitalisation timeline, inflation trends and the state of Nigeria’s external reserves. He is also expected to clarify regulatory priorities for 2026, particularly around recapitalisation compliance, payment system reforms and reducing rising loan defaults.