Ahead of its 19th Annual Banking and Finance Conference in Abuja, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has called on financial institutions to redirect their newly expanded capital bases toward funding micro, small, and medium-scale enterprises. Highlighting MSMEs as the primary engine for economic growth and job creation, CIBN President Dr. Dele Alabi pointed out that while recent recapitalisation efforts have effectively shielded banks from market volatility, this fresh capital needs to actively fuel the productive economy rather than sitting in government securities or low-margin corporate loans. Bridging this gap will require institutions to rethink traditional lending practices, especially since many smaller enterprises struggle with weak governance and missing financial records. However, with robust risk-management tools in place, financing this sector can prove both secure and highly profitable. To accelerate this transition, the CIBN is establishing dedicated MSME forums to turn negotiations into signed deals, launching capacity-building clinics for small business owners, partnering with the Lagos State Government on a regional SME hub, and fostering young entrepreneurs through its "Generation Next" program. These initiatives lead directly into the institute's upcoming conference, themed "Building a Resilient Economy in an Era of Disruptions: Strategic Imperatives for the Banking and Financial Services Industry," where over 10,000 physical and virtual attendees ranging from tech leaders to policy makers will gather to address pressing risks like climate change, cyber threats, and shifting regulations. To ensure these discussions lead to real-world results, the CIBN will monitor its post-conference recommendations using structured progress trackers, building on past successes such as improving alignment between Nigeria's fiscal and monetary authorities.
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