CBN champions financial dialogue at global investment forum

Ahead of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) Spring meetings set to begin on Monday, April 21, 2025, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) joined forces with J.P. Morgan, the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), and the Africa Private Capital Association (AVCA) to host an influential global forum at Nasdaq MarketSite in New York on Thursday, April 17, 2025.

Titled “The Nigeria Investment Agenda: Pathways for Growth & Global Partnerships,” the forum brought together global investors, diaspora leaders, and key financial stakeholders to explore Nigeria’s macroeconomic prospects and the progress of its ongoing reforms.

Governor Olayemi Cardoso delivered a commanding address, outlining a comprehensive reform strategy that includes monetary tightening, foreign exchange market transparency, and enhanced financial governance. He stressed that these initiatives are laying the foundation for sustainable macroeconomic stability, marking the start of a new era of transparency and confidence.

Governor Cardoso reiterated the CBN’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding trust through orthodox monetary policy, transparency, and consistency. “We inherited a crisis of confidence but chose a different path. We are not turning back,” he declared confidently.

In a powerful fireside chat with Nobel Prize-winning economist Dr. James Robinson, Reverend Richard L. Pearson Professor at the University of Chicago, Governor Cardoso elaborated on his vision to reposition the CBN as a credible and globally respected institution rooted in domestic excellence.

Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor for Economic Policy at the CBN, delivered an insightful macroeconomic update, highlighting notable increases in foreign exchange turnover, emerging signs of disinflation, and strengthening external reserves. “With a market-determined exchange rate and a transparent, rules-based policy framework, confidence is steadily being restored in Nigeria’s economy,” he said.

Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, adviser to the CBN governor on stakeholder engagement and strategic communication, welcomed attendees, framing the forum as a key milestone in the CBN’s broader engagement strategy. “Today is more than just a conversation. It’s about revealing the facts of the CBN’s transformation under Governor Cardoso and collaborating on the next steps to build sustainable partnerships and attract long-term capital,” she explained.

A significant moment of the event was the panel discussion titled “Repricing Nigeria: Assessing the Scope for Sustained Change,” moderated by Gavin Serkin, Founder of New Markets Media & Intelligence. The panel featured global financial experts, including Joyce Chang, Chair of Global Research at JPMorgan Chase; Jason Rekate, Global Co-Head of Corporate Banking at Citi; Razia Khan, Chief Economist for Africa & Middle East at Standard Chartered; and Ahmad Zuaiter, Co-Founder & CIO of Jadara Capital Partners. Each expert shared insights on Nigeria’s evolving investment landscape, noting a renewed international interest driven by stronger fundamentals, better governance, and clearer policy direction.

The CBN Board and Monetary Policy Committee were represented by diaspora members Mr. Robert Agbede, Prof. Melvin Ayogu, and Dr. Aloysius Ordu, highlighting the bank’s global outreach and commitment to leveraging Nigerian talent worldwide. Temi Popoola, group CEO of NGX, moderated the Q&A session, while Dr. Olubukola Akinniyi Akinwunmi, director of banking supervision at the CBN, delivered the closing remarks.

Ahead of the 2025 IMF & World Bank Group Spring Meetings, the Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with J.P. Morgan and the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), hosted a high-level global forum at the Nasdaq MarketSite in NYC on April 17th.

Titled “The Nigeria Investment Agenda:… pic.twitter.com/CZ5DdXNouZ

— Central Bank of Nigeria (@cenbank) April 19, 2025

The forum focused on fostering substantial dialogue about the future, evaluating progress, and identifying opportunities to establish lasting partnerships and attract long-term capital. At the heart of this initiative is the goal of re-establishing the CBN as a trusted, credible institution with global respect and a commitment to excellence at home.