Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso has stated Nigeria will pursue stronger cross-border fee preparations with China throughout an upcoming go to to Beijing, as each international locations search to deepen monetary cooperation and assist bilateral commerce and funding.
Cardoso disclosed this at a information briefing following Nigeria’s participation within the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group in Bangkok, Thailand.
He stated he had met with Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People’s Bank of China, to talk about methods to strengthen monetary cooperation between the 2 international locations.
Focus on payments, commerce and monetary expertise
According to Cardoso, the discussions lined cross-border payments, settlement preparations, monetary expertise and commerce finance.
- “Nigeria would build on the discussions during an upcoming visit to Beijing, with emphasis on facilitating cross-border payments, supporting trade and investment, and strengthening financial intermediation between the two countries,” he stated.
The deliberate go to is anticipated to present a chance to advance the discussions and discover preparations that would make transactions between Nigerian and Chinese companies simpler.
Improved cross-border fee methods might additionally assist bilateral commerce by addressing a few of the challenges related to worldwide settlements, though the CBN has not disclosed particular implementation plans or timelines.
Nigeria discusses investment-grade rankings with companies
Cardoso additionally stated his engagements with worldwide credit standing companies, together with Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s, centered on Nigeria’s financial outlook and the prospects of attaining investment-grade rankings over the medium time period.
He stated the discussions highlighted the significance of constant financial insurance policies, credible establishments and efficient coordination between fiscal and financial authorities.
The CBN governor additionally participated in IMF discussions on the worldwide economic system, the place he shared Nigeria’s expertise and classes for rising economies, notably in Africa.
- “Emerging economies must look beyond surviving crises and focus on building productive, competitive and resilient economies capable of withstanding future shocks,” he stated.
Cardoso requires higher African participation in AI
On synthetic intelligence, Cardoso stated African international locations should transfer past being passive members within the technological revolution and develop the capability to form its alternatives and seize the financial worth it generates.
He additionally participated in an IMF seminar on central financial institution decision-making beneath uncertainty, the place he mentioned the CBN’s expertise in strengthening financial coverage choices, transparency and communication.
Cardoso cited the September discount within the financial coverage charge (MPR) from 26.5% to 23% as an instance of the significance of credible establishments and clear communication.
The 350-basis-point discount marked a shift within the CBN’s financial coverage stance amid altering financial situations.
CBN prioritises value and monetary stability
Looking forward, Cardoso acknowledged the persistence and resilience of Nigerians throughout a troublesome interval of financial adjustment, saying the precedence was to consolidate current features and translate them into larger funding, productiveness and sustainable development.
He stated the CBN would preserve its deal with value stability, financial self-discipline and safeguarding the soundness of the monetary system, with single-digit inflation remaining its medium-term goal.
The governor additionally thanked the Minister of Finance, different members of Nigeria’s delegation and worldwide companions for his or her collaboration throughout the conferences.
He expressed optimism that the engagements would strengthen Nigeria’s monetary system and assist the nation’s long-term financial ambitions.
Nigeria deepens monetary engagement with Asia
Beyond China, Nigeria’s delegation engaged the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a part of efforts to strengthen the nation’s monetary relationships with Asian markets.
Cardoso stated the delegation additionally signed a memorandum of understanding with a worldwide monetary expertise community, though he didn’t determine the community within the assertion.
The delegation additionally convened the Nigeria-Asia Financial Connectivity Dialogue in collaboration with JPMorgan, Nigerian Exchange Group and FMG Group.
The engagements type a part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen monetary connectivity, facilitate cross-border transactions and deepen financial relationships with worldwide companions.
