CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso Receives Central Bank of the Year Award
By Patience Ikpeme
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, formally received the Central Bank of the Year Award at the prestigious Central Banking Awards ceremony in London on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
The international honor marks a significant moment of global recognition for Nigeria’s financial regulator at a time when monetary and financial sector reforms remain central to the country’s economic recovery and long-term growth agenda.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Cardoso expressed deep appreciation to Central Banking Publications and the award judges for the recognition, while offering congratulations to the other institutions and individuals honored at the event. He dedicated the award to the board, management, and staff of the apex bank, pointing out that the milestone belongs to the entire institution rather than any single individual.
The Governor stated that the award serves as a testament to the collective efforts of professionals whose dedication, integrity, and expertise—often exercised away from public attention—have strengthened the bank and reinforced confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
“I accept this award on behalf of the Board, Management and staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria,” Mr. Cardoso said. “Above all, it belongs to the many dedicated professionals who serve our institution with integrity, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.”
Reflecting on the global economic landscape, Mr. Cardoso noted that recent years have presented significant challenges for central banks worldwide, with Nigeria navigating its own share of intense economic pressures and policy tests.
To steer the nation through these turbulent times, the CBN implemented several difficult but necessary measures. The Governor spoke on the bank’s targeted efforts to address elevated inflation, execute major structural reforms in the foreign exchange market, and invest heavily in critical digital and financial infrastructure designed to support the country’s long-term economic development.
These deliberate policy shifts led to key milestones for the nation’s financial system. Mr. Cardoso pointed to major achievements during this period, including Nigeria’s successful removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list and the completion of the banking sector recapitalization exercise. He remarked that these accomplishments reflect the collaborative spirit of multiple institutions and stakeholders working toward a common goal.
According to the Governor, the bank’s rigorous reform agenda has been guided by a clear, unyielding objective: restoring market confidence, strengthening institutional resilience, enhancing policy credibility, and laying a solid foundation for sustainable economic growth.
While acknowledging that significant work remains on the horizon, Mr. Cardoso expressed strong optimism about the progress recorded so far and the renewed confidence visibly emerging across the domestic economy. He attributed these early gains to the steady support of the Federal Government, market participants, development partners, and the resilience of the Nigerian public.
“We receive this recognition with humility,” the Governor said. “We see it not as a destination, but as encouragement to continue the important work ahead.”
Looking forward, the CBN leadership maintains its focus on preserving public confidence, safeguarding financial and monetary stability, and fulfilling its core mandate with integrity, professionalism, and strict accountability.
