CIBN recommits to partnerships for economic growth

The President and Chairman of Council for the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Dele Alabi, has reiterated the organization's dedication to forging strategic alliances that will spur banking innovation, elevate professional standards, and bolster economic development. Alabi made these remarks during a high-level meeting with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in Ikeja.

This encounter is a part of CIBN's overarching IMPACT Vision, a calculated approach to fostering alliances with pivotal public and private sector leaders whose choices will mold Nigeria's banking and financial services realm.

In a statement, CIBN highlighted Alabi's praise for Sanwo-Olu's forward-thinking leadership and his administration's impactful developmental initiatives. The governor, in turn, lauded the institute for its commitment to augmenting the state's economic environment conducive to financial services, innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth.

The discussions in Ikeja revolved around several long-term strategic initiatives, focusing on how collaboration between CIBN, Nigerian banks, and the state could bolster the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through capacity building, financial inclusion, and enhanced access to finance. Alabi emphasized the significance of MSMEs as the driving force behind economic growth, proposing the establishment of MSME hubs in key locations nationwide as a catalyst for enterprise expansion, creativity, and equitable economic advancement.

Additionally, Alabi announced plans to upgrade CIBN's Learning Centre at 7 Turton Street, Yaba, into a state-of-the-art Digital Learning Resource Centre and Innovation Hub. This new facility will house advanced digital learning resources, simulation laboratories, virtual classrooms, and collaborative innovation spaces aimed at serving banking professionals, fintech companies, researchers, academia, and technology partners.

This initiative aligns with the Technology, Automation, and Innovation pillar of CIBN's IMPACT Vision.

During the meeting, Sanwo-Olu was honored as the Special Guest of Honour at three pivotal CIBN programs: the Generation Next Forum 4.0 on August 12, 2021; the 19th Annual Banking and Finance Conference from September 8 to 9, 2026; and the 61st Annual Bankers’ Dinner on November 27, 2026. Post-meeting, Alabi commended Sanwo-Olu for his welcoming reception and his favorable outlook towards CIBN's IMPACT Vision, expressing confidence in the institute's strategic direction and Sanwo-Olu's support for initiatives that would enhance professional excellence, banking innovation, and sustainable economic growth.