The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has conferred fellowship honours on 687 professionals in recognition of their contributions to the growth and stability of Nigeria’s banking and financial services sector. The 2025 fellowship investiture, held in Lagos, was themed “Banking Beyond Boundaries: Leveraging Technological Innovations for Enhanced Performance in the Nigerian Banking Industry.”
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the new fellows comprise 21 Honorary Fellows, 440 Elected Fellows, and 225 Honorary Senior Members. The ceremony drew leaders from banking, technology, and regulatory institutions who have made significant contributions to strengthening the country’s financial system.
Among the elected fellows was Precious Ekezie, Managing Director of Airvend Payment Services Ltd, who was recognised for his work in expanding access to digital payment solutions and driving financial inclusion across Nigeria.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Ekezie said the fellowship reflects the growing synergy between banks, fintechs, and regulators in expanding financial services to underserved communities.
“My area is financial technology, which builds on the foundations laid by traditional finance,” Ekezie said. “There’s a continuous partnership among banks, fintechs, PTSPs, and super agents — all integral to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion strategy. This effort goes beyond reaching remote areas; it also aims to foster gender equity and ensure equal participation across the industry.”
Ekezie described the fellowship as both a professional milestone and a platform for deeper industry collaboration.
“Being a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria is a privilege for me as an individual, for my career, and for my company,” he said.
He also highlighted Airvend’s innovations designed to support Nigeria’s digital payment infrastructure.
“We operate with a three-in-one licence that covers PTSP, PSSP, and Super Agency services. Our innovations include a dynamic virtual account system, advanced payment processing, and strong regulatory compliance. These initiatives are aimed at simplifying digital transactions and strengthening the entire banking ecosystem,” Ekezie said.
Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, CIBN President, commended the new fellows and other stakeholders for their commitment to professionalism and innovation. He said the awardees had shown leadership and integrity in advancing the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.
“The Central Bank’s proactive monetary policies and regulatory reforms have reinforced financial sector resilience, attracting foreign direct investment and boosting investor confidence,” Olanrewaju said. “Nigerian banks continue to play a pivotal role by expanding credit access, supporting key sectors like agriculture and technology, and fostering financial inclusion through innovative digital solutions.”
Olanrewaju noted that Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.23 per cent year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, driven partly by the financial sector’s performance. He emphasised that sustaining progress requires consistent collaboration among the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), banks, fintechs, and other stakeholders.
“To move forward, we must deepen financial inclusion through digital technologies, ensuring everyone has access. Robust regulatory frameworks and transparent practices will safeguard our financial system’s integrity and global confidence,” he said.
He added that the 2025 theme was timely, reflecting the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s banking industry from physical operations to a more technology-driven system.
Olanrewaju revealed that electronic payment transactions reached ₦384 trillion in July 2025, with mobile and Point of Sale (PoS) transactions increasing by over 200 per cent year-on-year, underscoring the nation’s accelerating transition toward a cashless economy.
He also noted that the ongoing bank recapitalisation process has strengthened sector resilience, with several banks meeting new capital requirements ahead of the 2026 deadline.
For Ekezie, the CIBN fellowship is not only a recognition of past achievements but also a call to contribute more actively to the industry’s future.
“Being part of this network allows us to learn from those who have built the industry and to collaborate with others who are driving innovation,” he said. “It’s about building connections that will advance Nigeria’s financial ecosystem for years to come.”
