The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) updated British International Investment (BII) on ongoing financial sector reforms and attracting long-term capital to strengthen banking stability, expand financial inclusion, and support sustainable growth of the private sector.
The engagement took place on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, when the Governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, hosted a BII delegation led by its Chair, Diana Layfield, alongside the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery.
During the meeting, the Governor reaffirmed the CBN’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, credible monetary policy, and a transparent, data-driven regulatory framework aimed at enhancing the resilience of the banking system and improving financial intermediation across the economy.
Discussions centred on recent developments within Nigeria’s financial services sector, BII’s investment outlook, and opportunities to deploy patient, long-term capital to support banking sector stability, expand access to finance, and drive sustainable private sector-led growth. Cardoso emphasised that development finance institutions providing long-term funding and strong governance structures remain critical partners in the country’s reform agenda.
Layfield reiterated BII’s sustained interest in Nigeria’s financial services sector, highlighting the importance of regulatory clarity and consistent stakeholder engagement to unlock investment flows and promote inclusive economic growth.
The meeting was attended by members of BII’s Board and Executive Management, including the Chief Executive Officer, Leslie Maarsdorp; Non-Executive Directors, Andrew Alli and Simon Rowlands; the Managing Director and Head of Africa, Chris Chijiutomi; and the West Africa Regional Director and Head of the Nigeria Office, Mr. Benson Adenuga. Senior officials of the British High Commission were also present.
British International Investment is the United Kingdom’s development finance institution, wholly owned by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The institution manages total assets of £9.9 billion and supports more than 1,600 businesses across emerging markets.
