The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has pledged to strengthen its partnership with the Lagos State Government as part of efforts to promote banking innovation, professional excellence and broader economic growth.
The President and Chairman of Council of CIBN, Dele Alabi, made the commitment during a courtesy visit to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in Ikeja.
The engagement formed part of Alabi’s IMPACT Vision, a strategic agenda focused on strengthening collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders whose decisions influence Nigeria’s banking and financial-services industry.
According to the institute, discussions with the governor focused on areas where collaboration between CIBN, financial institutions and the state government could support enterprise development and improve access to finance.
A major proposal was the creation of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise hubs in strategic locations to provide capacity development, promote financial inclusion and help businesses access funding.
Alabi described MSMEs as critical drivers of economic growth and called for stronger institutional support to help enterprises expand, innovate and create jobs.
The CIBN president also unveiled plans to transform the institute’s Learning Centre at 7 Turton Street, Yaba, into a Digital Learning Resource Centre and Innovation Hub.
The proposed facility will feature modern digital learning infrastructure, simulation laboratories, virtual classrooms and collaborative innovation spaces.
It is expected to serve banking professionals, fintech companies, researchers, academic institutions and technology partners.
Alabi said the project aligns with the technology, automation and innovation pillar of the institute’s IMPACT Vision.
He expressed appreciation to Sanwo-Olu for the reception accorded the delegation and his positive response to the institute’s plans.
“The discussions were engaging, insightful, and reassuring. We are encouraged by His Excellency’s favourable disposition towards our IMPACT Vision and his commitment to initiatives that will strengthen professional excellence, banking innovation, and sustainable economic development,” Alabi said.
Sanwo-Olu described the meeting as a reaffirmation of the strong relationship between Lagos State and Nigeria’s banking profession.
“Our financial sector remains the backbone of economic growth across Lagos, and strong partnerships with professional institutions like the CIBN are essential,” the governor said.
He assured the institute of the state’s continued commitment to creating an environment where financial institutions can thrive and serve the public effectively.
The engagement also produced invitations for the governor to attend three major CIBN programmes.
They include the Generation Next Forum 4.0 on August 12, 2026, the 19th Annual Banking and Finance Conference scheduled for September 8 and 9, and the 61st Annual Bankers’ Dinner on November 27.
The Generation Next Forum is scheduled to take place at Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, while the Annual Banking and Finance Conference will focus on building a resilient economy in an era of disruptions.
Alabi led a delegation comprising members of the CIBN Governing Council, the Body of Past Presidents and management.
Among those on the delegation were the Second Vice President, Dr Peter Ashade; Registrar/Chief Executive, Akin Morakinyo; Chairman of the Body of Past Presidents, Ralph Osayameh; and former presidents Ken Opara and Pius Deji Olanrewaju.
Other council members included Emmanuel Emefienim, Kola Adeleke, Bose Ogundimu and Kikanwa Akpenyi.
The CIBN, which traces its origins to 1963, is Nigeria’s professional body for bankers and financial-services practitioners, with responsibilities spanning professional development, ethics, competence and standards within the industry.
The latest engagement reflects a broader push by the institute to position professional banking expertise as a partner in enterprise development, financial inclusion and technology-driven economic growth.
