With macroeconomic stabilisation taking hold, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is shifting its focus toward broader financial sector reforms, with financial inclusion as a key priority.
Deputy Governor, Corporate Services Directorate of the CBN, Ms. Emem Usoro, made this known during her presentation titled “Accelerating Women’s Financial Inclusion: Unlocking Opportunities for Growth and Investment” at Citibank’s inaugural Women in Central Banking event in London, United Kingdom.
A statement from the CBN said the event held in celebration of International Women’s Day, brought together female deputy governors from the central banks of Kenya, Türkiye, Israel, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom.
According to Usoro, financial inclusion remains a central concern for CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso. She noted that inclusion plays a transformative role in economic growth, particularly for women-led businesses, professionals planning their financial futures, and rural communities gaining access to banking services for the first time.
“It is undeniable that when women thrive, economies prosper and opportunities multiply,” she said.
Usoro stated that the CBN, in partnership with development organizations, conducted an assessment of women’s financial inclusion in Nigeria. The study identified key barriers such as low trust in financial service providers and limited financial literacy, revealing a nine percent gender gap in access to finance.
In response to the findings, the CBN established a Gender Desk within its Financial Inclusion Unit to address these challenges. Usoro expressed confidence that the bank’s strategic initiatives under Governor Cardoso’s leadership will significantly improve financial inclusion for women and other underserved groups, thereby unlocking economic potential.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the current CBN management team upon assuming office, Usoro outlined critical reforms aimed at realigning the bank with its core mandate. She noted that the bank’s efforts will support entrepreneurship, expand market participation, and enhance financial resilience.
“The Bank remains committed to bold, data-driven policies that accelerate access to finance, drive investment, and foster a more inclusive, dynamic economy,” she said.
