The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has intensified efforts to promote responsible financial behaviour among young Nigerians, urging students to embrace financial literacy as a critical life skill in today’s rapidly evolving economy. The push formed part of activities marking the 2026 edition of Global Money Week, during which the apex bank hosted a financial literacy fair and exhibition on Tuesday at its Head Office in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion Department, Mrs. Aisha Isa Olatinwo, said understanding how money works is no longer optional but essential for navigating modern financial systems.
Olatinwo noted that equipping young people with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions would not only benefit individuals but also strengthen families and support national economic growth.
“In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, financial literacy is no longer optional; it is essential. The ability to make informed financial choices is a critical life skill that not only empowers individuals and strengthens families but also supports national economic growth,” she stated. She encouraged students to engage in open discussions about money, stressing that such conversations help to dispel misconceptions, build confidence and prepare them for a more secure financial future.
Highlighting the bank’s initiatives, she disclosed that programmes such as the Bank Consumer Education Series and the “Sabi Money” e-learning platform have been introduced to improve public understanding of financial management, particularly among youths.
According to her, activities lined up for this year’s Global Money Week are designed to instill a culture of financial responsibility, especially among younger people.
She further revealed that the campaign would extend beyond students to parents, traders and communities across the country as part of efforts to deepen financial inclusion.
Olatinwo also urged Nigerians to adopt a new mindset about money, advising that it should be seen as a tool for investment rather than mere consumption.
“Let’s not see money as an instrument to spend. Look at money as an instrument for investment, and the yield from that investment, you can spend. That way, you build a rich future,” she said.
Earlier, the Head of Consumer Education and Evaluation Division at the CBN, Mr. Amuwa Nelson, described Global Money Week as a global initiative aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to make responsible financial decisions.
He said the financial literacy fair was structured to provide participants with practical experience in managing money, saving and spending wisely, while exposing them to financial opportunities available to them.
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 edition, “Smart Money Talks,” Nelson said it encourages open discussions about money as a way of improving financial understanding and decision-making.
He added that participants had the opportunity to engage directly with financial institutions, explore youth-focused financial products and gain insights to guide their financial decisions now and in the future.
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