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Cardoso: Financial Regulators Must Work Together to Tackle Cross-Border Risks In Africa

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The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has urged African financial regulators to strengthen cooperation in managing cross-border risks.

 

He also restated the CBN’s commitment to entrenching robust corporate governance in Nigeria’s financial system.

Speaking at the fourth Annual IMF/AFRITAC West 2 High-Level Executive Forum for Financial Sector Regulation and Supervision held at the CBN headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Cardoso explained that, as African banks and financial systems become increasingly interconnected, collaboration among regulators is not optional but essential to safeguard stability and ensure shared prosperity across the continent.

The CBN governor urged African regulators to deepen cooperation in managing cross-border risks, emphasising that regional financial integration is outpacing political coordination.

He called for the adoption of shared prudential principles tailored to Africa’s realities, noting that this framework would enable regulators to respond jointly and effectively to emerging vulnerabilities while supporting inclusive growth.

Building on this continental vision, the apex bank’s governor outlined how Nigeria’s regulatory and supervisory reforms exemplified proactive leadership.

He recalled that in 2024, the CBN anticipated upcoming challenges and launched the Banking Sector Recapitalisation Programme to strengthen the resilience of Nigerian banks.

This proactive policy, he noted, inspired similar reforms across Africa, adding that Nigerian banks, despite navigating subsidy removals and exchange rate reforms, attracted ₦4.61 trillion in new capital, nearly 27 per cent from foreign investors, while even expanding their footprint across African markets.

Cardoso reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to robust corporate governance, emphasising decisive measures such as ending years of regulatory leniency and restricting banking services to chronic defaulters.

“Our stance on corporate governance is unequivocal: zero tolerance for violations. By ending years of regulatory forbearance, we have reinforced accountability, tightened supervision, and elevated compliance standards across the sector,” he declared.

“In line with this, we have implemented a restriction of banking services to non‑performing large‑ticket obligors. This decisive step underscores our commitment to credit discipline, financial integrity, and accountability.

“By curbing access to banking services for chronic defaulters, we are reinforcing the culture of repayment, protecting depositors, and safeguarding the stability of the financial system,” Cardoso added.

On the policy front, he reiterated that the CBN remains firmly anchored in orthodox monetary policy, focused on restoring price stability, strengthening policy credibility, and anchoring expectations through discipline and consistency.

Speaking further on the transformative role of financial technology, the governor outlined the bank’s deliberate strategy to engage and regulate Fintechs in a way that balances innovation with stability.

He said the CBN’s Fintech Policy Report and structural reforms were part of ongoing efforts to build supervisory capacity for a fast-evolving digital financial ecosystem.

Cardoso stated that the forum should continue to serve as a platform for collective learning and action, where regulators can analyse shared challenges, exchange insights, and develop a cohesive African response to global financial trends.

He visualised a future where collaboration among African regulators becomes the continent’s strongest defence and greatest asset, transforming its financial systems into catalysts for sustainable growth and development.

In his opening remarks, the Director, IMF/AFRITAC West 2, Ivohasina Fizara Razafimahefa, said the gathering served as a platform for open dialogue between staff of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and national financial regulators, enabling the sharing of practical experience, technical insights, and policy innovations across participating countries.

According to him, the forum concentrated on emerging and rapidly evolving risks affecting financial stability, noting that this year’s discussions centred on collective strategies to tackle challenges arising from digital finance, fintech expansion, artificial intelligence (AI), and climate-related financial risks.

These issues, he observed, would demand regional coordination, proactive regulation, and ongoing dialogue among stakeholders to protect the resilience of Africa’s financial systems.

The IMF AFRITAC West 2 High-Level Executive Forum, which attracted senior representatives, including Central Bank Deputy Governors, from six member countries, reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration and shared learning in addressing the region’s evolving financial stability challenges.

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Chris Kolade Leadership Award Loading As KMEN Sets for MegaSummit 2026

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Kingdom Men Global Network aka KMEN has formally announced the programmes of the 13th edition of its flagship annual gathering for men, Mega Summit.

 

This year’s event will open on Thursday May 14 and end on Sunday May 17 with an all-men musical concert.

The 2026 edition of Mega Summit which will hold at the Presken Hotels on Alade Avenue opposite Airport Hotel, Ikeja Lagos has as theme: Legacy…Faith. Family. Community. And for the first time Mega Summit will host an award on the opening day in memory of foremost Nigerian diplomat and integrity personified and pioneer Chairman of the Board of Trustee of KMEN, late Dr Christopher Kolade who died last year at the age of 92.

The KMEN-Christopher Kolade – Men in Leadership Award for Courageous Manhood will be heralded by the Men in Leadership Summit (MiLEADS) with the sub-theme – Building a Culture of Leadership with Integrity. And will have as speakers Archbishop John Osa-Oni of Vineyard Christian Ministries., Pastor Tunde Bakare of The Citadel Global Community Church, and renowned Pharmacist, entrepreneur and politician Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, OFR.

 

Pastor Tunde Bakare

Day two will feature another special session for Men in Church Leadership (MiCLEADS) with the sub-theme: Leaving a Legacy of Faith/Discipling for the Next Generation, and will have as speakers Bishop Sunday Onadipe, Bishop, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Badagry, Apostle Eyinnaya Okwuonu, former Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Lagos Chapter., Pastor Dominion Roberts from Liberia, and Rev Fr Matthew Ogunyase of the Catholic Mission, Lagos.

While day three will open with a Special Town Hall discussion on Family with the sub-theme – The Father’s Role in Shaping Legacy and is the only mixed gender panel for Mega Summit 2026 featuring foremost life change coach, Mrs. Yemisi Lagunju and Rev David Abraham, who is the managing director of Managing Business for Christ (MBFC).

On Saturday is a Special Town Hall on Resisting an Emerging Legacy of Addictions. This segment will feature a presentation by Dr Dokun Adedeji on the ravage of Drug Addictions, alongside Abiose Akolade Ladipo, Co-Founder of GamblePause, a Lagos-based NGO in the fight against Gambling Addictions.

Later in the afternoon on Saturday is a second Town Hall session on Business and Economy with the sub-theme: Building Sustainable/Generational Businesses, and will feature notable panelists like Rev Professor Biodun Adedipe Founder of BA and Associates, and Rev Dr Abba Peter, Managing Director of Best Practices Limited, among others.Other Town Hall segments at Mega Summit 2026 include that on Politics/Governance with the sub-theme: Swimming Against the Tide – National Transformation through Service, and another Town Hall on Media featuring Mr. Mustapha Isah Osikhekha, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Omoba Deji Irawo and others as they navigate best way to Reclaim the Narrative: Legacy in Digital Spaces.

An extra-ordinary edition, the 13th edition of Mega Summit will also have segments designed to equip leaders in men’s ministry through the instrument of KMEN’s School of Men’s Ministry/ISI Training. Each day of Mega Summit 2026 is divided into three segments – morning starting at 9 am, afternoon session and evening climaxing with an impartation service.KMEN is an uncompromisingly Bible-based, independent ministry to men. Established nearly two decades ago, the ministry’s objective is to assist men, irrespective of their church affiliations, in their Christian Walk, that they may become better sons, brothers, husbands, fathers and leaders.

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Ikeja Electric Explains Epileptic Power Supply

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The Ikeja Electric Plc has given reasons for the  ongoing power outages experienced by cudtomers, attributing the situation to reduced electricity allocation from the national grid.

‎In a statement posted on its X handle at , the company apologized for the disruption, noting that some parts of its network were experiencing supply constraints due to reduced power allocation from the grid.

‎‎It added that, to manage the shortfall and maintain grid stability, it had introduced temporary load shedding across affected feeders.

The Ikeja Electricity company said as part of efforts to maintain grid stability and ensure equitable distribution of available power, temporary load shedding is being implemented across affected feeders and locations. The company said it was working with relevant stakeholders to improve supply and minimise the impact on customers.

‎The latest notice follows months of unstable electricity supply in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, driven largely by a drop in generation linked to gas shortages.

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ALAT at 9: Wema Bank Celebrates Nine Years of Redefining Digital Banking in Nigeria

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Wema Bank Plc is celebrating the 9th anniversary of ALAT by Wema, Africa’s first fully digital bank, marking nine years of transforming how Nigerians experience banking.

 

Launched in 2017, ALAT by Wema was introduced as a bold response to the limitations of traditional banking, long queues, physical barriers, and slow processes. By eliminating these constraints, Wema Bank redefined banking as a fully digital, instant, and accessible experience, enabling customers to open accounts, transact, and manage their finances seamlessly from anywhere.

Over the past nine years, ALAT has evolved beyond convenience into a comprehensive digital ecosystem designed to meet the changing needs of individuals, businesses, and a new generation of financially aware users. From enabling structured savings through features like ALAT Goals to simplifying payments and expanding access to financial services, the platform has consistently delivered solutions that empower users and drive financial inclusion at scale.

This journey of continuous innovation has positioned ALAT not just as a digital banking product, but as a platform that adapts, grows, and evolves alongside its users.

To commemorate this milestone, Wema Bank has launched the ALAT at 9 campaign, a series of customer-focused activities, rewards, and interactive experiences designed to celebrate users while deepening engagement.

As part of the anniversary celebration, customers can access their personalized ALAT Wrapped, offering a simple, visual summary of their journey on the platform, which can be downloaded and shared across social media.

Customers can also participate in the 9 Features in 9 Days experience by engaging with a designated feature each day. Completing all nine activities unlocks rewards, encouraging consistent and active use of the platform.

In addition, customers who complete their 9th transaction at exactly 9:00am or 9:00pm will receive instant rewards.

The celebration also features the ALAT Evolution Jingle Challenge, inviting customers to create and submit the second verse of the ALAT jingle for a chance to win rewards.

Speaking on the milestone celebration, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said;

“ALAT at 9 is not just a celebration of time. It is a reflection of how far we have come and a clear indication of where we are going. Over the years, we have continued to evolve with our customers, building a platform that is not only functional but also engaging and rewarding. This campaign is designed to give back to our users while reinforcing our commitment to innovation and customer experience.”

Also commenting, Chief Digital Officer of Wema Bank, Olusegun Adeniyi, noted that the anniversary campaign was designed to merge everyday banking with meaningful engagement.

“With ALAT at 9, we are transforming routine banking into an interactive experience. By combining personalized insights, gamified missions, and real rewards, we are creating a platform that responds to users in a more dynamic and rewarding way. This reflects our vision to build a digital bank that is intuitive, adaptive, and centered around the customer,” he said.

The anniversary activities will run from May 2 to May 31stwith customers encouraged to log into the ALAT app to participate, complete tasks, and unlock rewards.

Existing customers can access the experience by updating the ALAT app via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and signing in with their existing details. New customers can download the app and get started in minutes to enjoy the full range of features and anniversary benefits.

With ALAT at 9, Wema Bank continues to reinforce its leadership in digital banking, delivering not just financial services, but a platform that continue to evolve with its users and rewards them at every stage of their journey.

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