SUN OCT 11 2026-theGBJournal| The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, has completed a series of high-level engagements in Singapore to strengthen Nigeria’s financial connectivity with Asia.
The programme included discussions with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on financial-sector development, regulation, market connectivity and innovation.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), establishing a framework for collaboration on financial innovation; and the Nigeria–Asia Financial Connectivity Dialogue, convened by the CBN with J.P. Morgan, Nigerian Exchange Group and FMDQ Group.
Speaking at the Dialogue, hosted at J.P. Morgan’s Singapore offices and opened by Managing Director of J.P. Morgan West Africa, Mr Dapo Olagunju, Governor Cardoso set out Nigeria’s ambition to build deeper, more liquid and internationally connected financial markets.
“The real test of reform is not whether you can attract capital once; it is whether you create the confidence for capital to stay, return and grow,” Cardoso said.
Mr Cardoso reiterated that foreign-exchange reforms aim to remove distortions, restore transparency, and strengthen confidence in the rules governing market participation.
He said stabilisation is not an end in itself, but a foundation for long-term institutional capital, stronger market infrastructure, and closer ties to international markets.
Cardoso also flagged fintech and AI as growing forces in financial services, risk management, inclusion, and regulatory capability, as well as opportunities in payments, settlement, and links between Nigerian and Asian banks.
Cardoso said Nigeria’s Asia engagement goes beyond attracting investment flows. He noted that it is about durable relationships between institutions, markets, businesses, and people, including Nigerians living and working across the region.
The engagements are part of a wider Asia programme that includes further meetings in Beijing.
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