The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering young Nigerians by rolling out targeted credit policies and skill-enhancement programs designed to drive economic progress and innovation.
Speaking at the Youth Action Event in Abuja on Friday, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, represented by Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, Muhammad Abdullahi, underscored the apex bank’s commitment to equipping the younger generation with essential financial resources.
“We will harness our economic policies to create opportunities for youth to thrive as entrepreneurs, innovators, and key drivers of economic development.
“Initiatives such as youth-friendly credit policies and capacity-building programmes will be enhanced to equip young Nigerians with the tools they need to succeed, especially in emerging sectors like the green economy and digital transformation,” Cardoso stated.
These newly introduced programs will grant young Nigerians access to both funding and training, particularly in rapidly expanding industries such as digital innovation and sustainable business ventures.
Cardoso emphasized that the role of young people extends beyond future leadership, as they are already actively shaping Nigeria’s economic framework. He reiterated the CBN’s resolve to close financial accessibility gaps by crafting inclusive policies that uplift and empower youth, especially those in underserved communities.
To strengthen the effectiveness of these youth-focused policies, the CBN is seeking collaborations with international organizations, the private sector, and civil society. These alliances are expected to stimulate job creation, fuel innovation, and promote sustainable growth on both national and global scales.
Additionally, the apex bank aims to create platforms that allow young Nigerians to have a voice in economic policymaking, ensuring their perspectives and aspirations are reflected in national development strategies.
Highlighting the significance of the Youth Action Event, Cardoso encouraged participants to go beyond discussions and translate their ideas into actionable solutions by setting clear, measurable goals for youth-driven initiatives.
Jamilu Ado, Vice President of the Joint Consultative Council of the CBN, emphasized the event’s contribution to advancing the Pact for the Future, fostering greater youth involvement in economic progress.
Ado further stressed that collaboration is key to achieving long-term development, stating that unlocking the potential within the CBN while working alongside civil society organizations, passionate individuals, and critical stakeholders would lead to meaningful progress.
He described the CBN’s involvement in the United Nations General Assembly’s Pact for the Future summit as a landmark achievement, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to nurturing a dynamic and empowered workforce.
As the institution undergoes leadership and strategic transformations, Ado noted that enabling staff to engage with global economic discussions is not just an advantage but a crucial step toward Nigeria’s economic evolution.
Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing youth welfare by prioritizing policies that create economic opportunities for Nigeria’s young population.
