Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, on Friday, held a pivotal exchange with renowned economist and Nobel laureate, Dr. James Robinson, at a policy forum focused on Nigeria’s monetary direction and global financial integration.
Robinson, the Reverend Richard L. Pearson Professor at the University of Chicago and Director of the Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts, joined Cardoso in a fireside chat that examined the future of economic reforms in Nigeria. The discussion, which brought together top policymakers and financial experts, was detailed in a statement released via the CBN’s official X handle on Saturday.
Addressing the audience, Cardoso reaffirmed the CBN’s resolve to adopt a disciplined and transparent approach to monetary policy.
“We inherited a crisis of confidence, but we chose a different path. We’re not turning back,” Cardoso said, drawing nods from participants, including global finance leaders and members of the Nigerian diaspora.
The session opened with remarks by Nasdaq President Tal Cohen and featured contributions from a cross-section of Nigerian professionals and international economic stakeholders. Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, the CBN’s Adviser on Stakeholder Engagement, served as the session anchor, while the Q&A was moderated by Temi Popoola, Group CEO of the Nigerian Exchange Group.
In closing, Dr. Olubukola Akinniyi Akinwunmi, Director of the CBN’s Banking Supervision Department, offered reflections on the institution’s evolving priorities.
Also in attendance were CBN board and Monetary Policy Committee members — Mr. Robert Agbede, Prof. Melvin Ayogu, and Dr. Aloysius Ordu — whose presence underscored the bank’s intent to tap into the expertise of Nigerians abroad.
The central theme of the conversation was Nigeria’s ongoing monetary reforms and the CBN’s effort to re-establish trust through what Cardoso described as “orthodox policy choices” aimed at long-term economic stability.
