The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Tuesday said it is implementing result-driven policies to strengthen digital payment systems in rural communities to deepen financial inclusion and promote economic growth.

The CBN governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, stated this at a stakeholders’ fair in Lafia.

The theme of the fair was “Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development.”

Represented by the acting director, Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali said the fair was strategically designed to engage the public on the bank’s policies and initiatives. 

He noted that the fair, previously held in Lagos, Abeokuta, Kano, Kaduna, Uyo, Calabar, Enugu, Awka, Gombe and Bauchi, aims to promote sustainable economic growth and harness practical ways to improve Nigerians’ lives and livelihoods.

He stated the need to strengthen the policy framework through the National Financial Inclusion Strategy.

The CBN governor also said the recently launched Payment System Vision 2028 would help build a secure, innovative and inclusive payment ecosystem for Nigerians.

Cardoso called for collective efforts to continuously expand digital payment infrastructure in rural and underserved communities, while improving financial and digital literacy, cybersecurity and consumer protection.