By Bassey Udo
Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) remain key partners in Nigeria’s reform agenda, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, said on Wednesday.
Mr Cardoso who spoke while paying host to a delegation from British International Investment (BII) led by its Chair, Ms. Diana Layfield, said the provision of long-term capital and strong governance were key support to Nigeria’s effort to build a strong and virile economy.
The CBN governor told the head of the delegation who was accompanied the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Montgomery, that the partnership with DFIs was part of ongoing efforts by the apex bank to deepen financial sector reforms and attract long-term investment.
He reaffirmed the CBN’s commitment to macroeconomic stability, credible monetary policy, and a transparent, data-driven regulatory framework aimed at strengthening the resilience of the banking system and improving financial intermediation.
Discussions during the visit focused on developments in the financial services sector, BII’s investment outlook, and opportunities to deploy patient capital in support of banking sector stability, financial inclusion, and sustainable private-sector growth.
On her part, Ms. Layfield reaffirmed BII’s continued interest in Nigeria’s financial services sector, emphasising the importance of regulatory clarity and sustained engagement to support investment and inclusive growth.
The meeting was attended by members of BII’s Board and Executive Management, including the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Leslie Maarsdorp; Non-Executive Directors, Mr. Andrew Alli and Mr. Simon Rowlands; Managing Director and Head of Africa, Mr. Chris Chijiutomi, and West Africa Regional Director and Head of the Nigeria Office, Mr. Benson Adenuga, alongside senior officials of the British High Commission.
British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution, wholly owned by the UK Government through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), with total assets of £9.9 billion supporting over 1,600 businesses across emerging markets.
