The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) facilitated the remittance of approximately $600 million through International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) in one year, the apex bank Governor, Olayemi Cardoso broke the news yesterday.
He spoke at a ‘fireside’ event at the ongoing Nigeria Economic Summit (NES30), organized by the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG).
Policymakers, economists, and industry stakeholders were in attendance.
Cardoso noted the substantial growth in remittance volumes since the CBN’s focused initiatives began. He said: “When we started, the volumes going through remittances from overseas were about $200 million, and as of the end of September, we are almost at $600 million.”
He attributed the increase to a direct result of the CBN’s concerted efforts to strengthen foreign exchange inflows through IMTOs.
The Governor detailed the CBN’s strategic engagement with international operators, which he claimed was crucial for overcoming operational hurdles.
Cardoso recounted his meetings in Washington during the spring sessions, where he interacted with various IMTOs from around the world.
“We engaged them extensively, understood their problems, and overhauled operations to make it easier for them to get their licenses and operate,” he said.
‘’This initiative, aimed at streamlining processes for IMTOs, has evidently fostered a substantial uptick in remittance volumes, benefiting the Nigerian economy with much need foreign exchange.
Widening the discussion, Cardoso noted the need to tackle foundational economic issues in Nigeria. “There is no substitute for the fundamentals of the economy,” he said, stressing that for Nigeria to attain sustainable growth, efficient functioning of key economic engines is now imperative. He maintained that building robust institutions is vital, alongside balancing demand and supply to ensure a stable economic environment.
Diversification also remains a focal point of Cardoso’s economic vision.
He urged stakeholders to wholeheartedly commit to this cause, acknowledging the importance of monetary policy in stabilising the economy.
However, he argued that such policies must not be viewed as replacements for solid economic fundamentals.
“Taming inflation is key because it significantly reduces purchasing power and deters investment,” he noted, reiterating that controlling inflation is essential for engendering robust economic growth and stimulating productive sector activities.
On the topic of the ongoing recapitalization process within the banking sector, Cardoso expressed optimism, stating: “The road towards recapitalization seems to be going in the proper direction.”
He acknowledged that some institutions are still working to raise capital but expressed confidence in their eventual success.
The CBN, he added, is enhancing its banking supervision capabilities to ensure that banks can navigate the prevailing economic challenges while maintaining stability.
Cardoso restated his commitment to bolstering the CBN’s institutional capacity, adding that the necessity is building an efficient central bank recognized globally.
“We need to build capacity within the bank, give responsibility, and ensure that the CBN is an institution that can compete with the best central banks worldwide,” he said.
This goal, he argued, aligns with his vision of focusing more on policy development rather than routine operations.
Addressing the CBN’s past interventions, Cardoso remarked that some initiatives require completion and a careful allocation of resources.
He said: “The pool of intervention money is not infinite,” he explained, noting that existing programmes must be finalised before the launch of new initiatives. The CBN is collaborating with development banks, such as the Bank of Industry (BOI), to cultivate the necessary capabilities for managing future interventions effectively.
Cardoso reaffirmed the CBN’s unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth while ensuring the resilience of Nigeria’s financial system.
“With time, we will find the appropriate model that will ensure sustainable economic progress without jeopardizing the stability of the financial system,” he stated.
