The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has intensified efforts to promote financial literacy among young Nigerians, urging secondary school students to develop strong money management skills in response to the country’s evolving economic landscape.
Speaking in Abuja at the 2026 edition of Global Money Week, the CBN’s Director of Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion Department, Aisha Isa Olatinwo, said financial knowledge has become a critical life skill for today’s youth.
“In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, financial literacy is no longer optional; it is essential,” she said, noting that informed financial decisions are key to personal growth, family stability, and national development.
Olatinwo stressed the importance of equipping young people early with the knowledge needed to navigate economic realities, adding that open conversations about money help dispel misconceptions and build financial confidence.
She also highlighted key initiatives introduced by the apex bank, including the Bank Consumer Education Series and the “Sabi Money” e-learning platform, both designed to provide practical financial education and encourage peer-to-peer learning among youths.
According to her, activities planned for this year’s campaign are aimed at instilling responsible financial habits, with outreach extending beyond students to parents, traders, and grassroots communities across the country.
She encouraged participants to rethink their perception of money, urging a shift from consumption to investment. “Let’s not see money merely as something to spend. View it as a tool for investment. When you invest, the returns can then be spent. That is how wealth is built,” she advised.
Earlier, the Head of Consumer Education and Evaluation Division at the CBN, Amuwa Nelson, described Global Money Week as a global initiative aimed at equipping young people with the skills and confidence to make sound financial decisions.
He said this year’s financial literacy fair was designed to offer practical, hands-on experience in budgeting, saving, and responsible spending, while also exposing participants to available financial opportunities.
Speaking on the theme, “Smart Money Talks,” Nelson emphasised the importance of open dialogue about finances, noting that asking questions, sharing ideas, and learning from others are vital steps toward building a secure financial future.
He added that participants would also have 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 years ahead.
