Lagos, Nigeria – The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, is set to deliver a keynote lecture in Lagos on Thursday, October 3, where he will highlight the role of innovation in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and financial stability.
The lecture, titled “Innovation as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation”, is expected to gather policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and financial experts at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island. According to the organisers, the event aims to foster dialogue on how Nigeria can harness technology, creativity, and forward-looking policies to address economic challenges and build sustainable growth.
Cardoso, who assumed office as CBN Governor in 2023, has consistently emphasised the importance of innovation in monetary policy, financial inclusion, and banking reforms. Under his leadership, the apex bank has pushed for measures to strengthen digital payments, support fintech growth, and expand access to credit for businesses and households.
In a statement ahead of the lecture, the CBN Governor noted that innovation is no longer optional but essential for Nigeria’s progress. “If Nigeria is to thrive in today’s competitive global economy, we must embrace innovation across every sector — from finance and technology to agriculture and manufacturing,” he said.
The lecture is expected to explore topics such as digital finance, the role of central banks in fostering innovation, public-private partnerships, and strategies for positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s emerging knowledge economy.
Distinguished guests from the banking sector, technology firms, academic institutions, and government agencies are expected to attend, while discussions will also feature panel sessions with leading voices in finance, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Analysts say the timing of the lecture is significant, as Nigeria continues to face inflationary pressures, currency volatility, and slow growth. Stakeholders will be keen to hear how the CBN plans to balance stability with innovation in shaping the country’s economic future.
The October 3 Lagos lecture is part of a wider series of engagements aimed at promoting policy dialogue and knowledge exchange between government institutions, the private sector, and the public.
