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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
To foster economic growth and innovation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has restated its resolve to empower young Nigerians through youth-friendly credit policies and capacity-building programmes.
CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, made the pledge at the Youth Action Event held in Abuja recently.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Muhammad Abdullahi, Cardoso stated that the apex bank will continue to provide young people with the necessary financial tools to succeed, particularly in emerging sectors such as the green economy and digital transformation.
According to him, “We will harness our economic policies to create opportunities for youth to thrive as entrepreneurs, innovators, and key drivers of economic development.
“Initiatives such as youth-friendly credit policies and capacity-building programmes will be enhanced to equip young Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed, especially in emerging sectors like the green economy and digital transformation.”
Cardoso said that Nigerian youths are not just the leaders of tomorrow but key stakeholders in shaping economic policies and transformations today.
He noted that financial inclusion remains central to the bank’s mission, adding that it would continue to implement policies that bridge financial access gaps, particularly for young people and underserved communities.
According to him, these policies would empower youths to actively contribute to a sustainable future by ensuring they have access to financial services that support their aspirations and economic participation.
He also disclosed plans to strengthen partnerships with civil society, international organisations, and the private sector to achieve this aim, noting that fostering collaboration would enhance economic policies targeted at young people and create an environment conducive to sustainable development. Describing the Youth Action Event as more than just a forum for discussion, Cardoso called it a call to action.
He urged participants to take concrete steps towards turning ideas into tangible outcomes, stressing the importance of setting measurable targets and timelines for youth-focused initiatives.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Vice President of the Joint Consultative Council of the CBN, Jamilu Ado, described the Youth Action Event as a crucial step toward advancing the goals outlined in the Pact for the Future.
He noted that the summit provided an opportunity to share valuable insights, inspire greater participation, and mobilise Nigerians toward achieving these ambitious targets.
Reiterating the CBN’s commitment to empowering its workforce, Ado emphasized that the bank remains dedicated to providing staff with platforms to showcase their skills, ideas, and leadership on the global stage, an effort he said was essential in inspiring Nigerian youth toward meaningful global action.
Ado also described the CBN’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly’s Pact for the Future summitas a historic milestone which demonstrates the bank’s commitment to fostering an empowered and dynamic workforce.
He noted that as the bank navigates changes in leadership and strategic direction, empowering staff to engage with global platforms is not just beneficial but essential to shaping Nigeria’s economic transformation.
On his part, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving youth welfare across the country.
