Cardoso, Edun Meet Nigerian IMF, World Bank Experts on Sidelines of 2026 Spring Meetings

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has reiterated that recent monetary and financial sector reforms are strengthening Nigeria’s macroeconomic fundamentals and restoring confidence in the country’s economic framework.

Cardoso made the remarks during a meeting with the Nigeria Forum of Experts working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., United States.

The meeting was attended by Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the CBN Deputy Governor (Economic Policy), Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, alongside Nigerian professionals working with the Bretton Woods institutions.

Speaking during the engagement, Cardoso highlighted ongoing reforms implemented by the apex bank aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening Nigeria’s financial architecture.

According to him, policy measures undertaken by the CBN in recent months—including reforms in the foreign exchange market, improved monetary operations, enhanced data transparency, stronger banking supervision, better liquidity management, and modernisation of the country’s payment systems—have significantly reinforced macroeconomic stability.

He noted that the reforms were carefully designed to address structural weaknesses while improving investor confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.

“These reforms were not only necessary but have also proven protective,” Cardoso said.

Nigeria’s Strategic Role in Africa

The CBN governor further emphasised Nigeria’s strategic role in Africa’s economic landscape, stressing that the country remains a pivotal economy with far-reaching influence across the region.

According to him, Nigeria’s economic performance has significant spillover effects on neighbouring countries and plays a crucial role in maintaining stability across West and Central Africa.

Cardoso added that sustained reforms and policy coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities would remain essential in consolidating economic gains and ensuring long-term growth.

Engagement with Global Economic Experts

The meeting provided an opportunity for Nigerian experts working within the IMF and World Bank ecosystem to exchange insights with policymakers on global economic developments and Nigeria’s reform agenda.

Discussions also focused on strengthening collaboration between Nigeria and international financial institutions, as well as exploring strategies to deepen macroeconomic stability, boost investment inflows, and support sustainable development.

The IMF–World Bank Spring Meetings bring together central bank governors, finance ministers, development experts, and policymakers from around the world to deliberate on global economic trends, financial stability, and development challenges.

Nigeria’s delegation used the platform to highlight ongoing reforms aimed at stabilising the naira, strengthening the banking sector, and improving transparency within the country’s monetary and financial systems.