CIBN recommits to partnerships for economic growth

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The President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Dele Alabi, has reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to building strategic partnerships that will accelerate banking innovation, strengthen professional excellence, and deepen economic development.

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He stated this during a high-level courtesy visit to the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

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The strategic engagement, held in Ikeja, forms part of the CIBN president’s broader IMPACT Vision, a deliberate strategy aimed at strengthening collaboration with key public and private sector leaders whose decisions shape the future of Nigeria’s banking and financial services industry.

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In a statement on Sunday, CIBN noted that Alabi commended Sanwo-Olu for his visionary leadership and the transformative developmental strides by his administration, adding that Lagos State continues to provide an enabling environment for financial services, innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.

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Discussions during the visit explored several strategic initiatives with long-term value for the banking profession, the Lagos State Government, and the wider Nigerian economy. These included how collaboration among the CIBN, Nigerian banks, and the state government could support the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises through capacity development, financial inclusion, and improved access to finance.

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Emphasising that MSMEs are the engine of growth in any economy, the CIBN president advocated the establishment of MSME hubs in strategic locations across the country as a catalyst for enterprise development, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.

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Alabi also unveiled plans to transform the institute’s Learning Centre at 7 Turton Street, Yaba, into a world-class Digital Learning Resource Centre and Innovation Hub. The proposed facility will feature modern digital learning infrastructure, simulation laboratories, virtual classrooms, and collaborative innovation spaces designed to serve banking professionals, fintech companies, researchers, academic institutions, and technology partners.

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According to him, the initiative aligns directly with the Technology, Automation, and Innovation pillar of the institute’s IMPACT Vision.

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As part of efforts to deepen collaboration, Sanwo-Olu was invited as the Special Guest of Honour to three flagship CIBN programmes including, Generation Next Forum 4.0 on 12 August 2021; the 19th Annual Banking and Finance Conference scheduled for 8 to 9 September 2026; and the 61st Annual Bankers’ Dinner on 27 November 2026.

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Speaking after the meeting, Alabi expressed appreciation to Sanwo-Olu for the warm reception accorded to the delegation and his positive disposition towards the institute’s strategic vision.

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“The discussions were engaging, insightful, and reassuring. We are encouraged by His Excellency’s favourable disposition towards our IMPACT Vision and his commitment to initiatives that will strengthen professional excellence, banking innovation, and sustainable economic development,” Alabi said.

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Reacting to the visit, Sanwo-Olu described the meeting as a reaffirmation of the strong ties between the state and the banking profession.

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“Our financial sector remains the backbone of economic growth across Lagos, and strong partnerships with professional institutions like the CIBN are essential,” the governor said, adding that Lagos would continue to create an environment where financial institutions thrive and serve the public effectively.

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The governor thanked Alabi and the institute for their commitment to building a stronger economy for the state and the country.

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Alabi led a high-level CIBN delegation comprising members of the Governing Council, the Body of Past Presidents, and management. The team included the 2nd Vice President, Dr Peter Ashade; Registrar/Chief Executive, Mr Akin Morakinyo; Chairman of the Body of Past Presidents, Mr Ralph Osayameh; and former CIBN presidents, Dr Ken Opara and Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju.

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Other council members present were Dr Emmanuel Emefienim, Mr Kola Adeleke, Dr Bose Ogundimu, and Ms Kikanwa Akpenyi.

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Established in 1963 and chartered by Act No. 5 of 1976 (now CIBN Act No. 12 of 2007), the CIBN is Nigeria’s foremost professional body for the banking and financial services industry, tasked with driving capacity development, ethics, and innovation across the sector.

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