CBN Governor dedicates prestigious honour to staff, says reforms are restoring confidence in Nigeria’s financial system…
Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has been named Central Bank Governor of the Year, earning international recognition for the institution’s reform agenda and efforts to stabilise Africa’s largest economy.
Cardoso received the award at the Central Banking Awards ceremony held in London, where global policymakers, financial regulators and industry leaders gathered to celebrate excellence in central banking and financial governance.
Accepting the honour, the CBN governor dedicated the award to the board, management and workforce of the apex bank, describing it as a collective achievement rather than a personal accolade.
According to him, the recognition reflects the commitment, professionalism and resilience of the institution’s employees, many of whom work behind the scenes to maintain financial stability and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
“This recognition belongs to the dedicated men and women of the Central Bank of Nigeria whose expertise, integrity and service continue to drive meaningful change,” Cardoso said during his acceptance speech.
The award comes at a time when Nigeria’s monetary authorities have embarked on some of the most significant financial sector reforms in recent years, aimed at addressing inflationary pressures, restoring investor confidence and strengthening the country’s economic foundations.
Cardoso noted that central banks around the world have faced extraordinary challenges in recent years, ranging from inflation shocks and geopolitical tensions to financial market volatility.
He said Nigeria has not been immune to those pressures, requiring policymakers to make difficult decisions designed to protect long-term economic stability.
Among the key measures highlighted by the governor were reforms in the foreign exchange market, efforts to curb inflation and investments in critical digital and financial infrastructure intended to support economic growth and inclusion.
The CBN chief also pointed to major milestones achieved during the reform process, including Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list and the ongoing recapitalisation of the banking sector.
According to him, these achievements were made possible through collaboration among government institutions, regulators, financial market participants and international development partners.
Cardoso explained that the central bank’s reform strategy has been driven by a clear objective: rebuilding trust in monetary policy, strengthening institutional credibility and creating a more resilient financial system capable of supporting sustainable economic expansion.
While acknowledging that significant challenges remain, he expressed confidence that recent policy measures are beginning to produce positive results and improve perceptions of Nigeria’s economic outlook.
He also credited the Federal Government, development partners and private-sector stakeholders for supporting the reform agenda, while praising Nigerians for their patience and resilience during a period of economic adjustment.
“We accept this recognition with humility,” he said. “It serves as motivation to continue pursuing reforms that strengthen confidence, stability and long-term prosperity.”
Cardoso reaffirmed the Central Bank’s commitment to maintaining monetary and financial stability, safeguarding public trust and executing its mandate with transparency, professionalism and accountability.
The latest recognition adds to growing international attention on Nigeria’s economic reform efforts as authorities seek to stabilise the macroeconomic environment, attract investment and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth in the years ahead.
