Banks must turn recapitalisation into stronger economy- CIBN

Nigeria’s banking industry must convert the gains from recapitalisation into a stronger, more resilient financial system capable of financing economic growth, absorbing global shocks and protecting businesses and consumers from rising technological and systemic risks, Nigeria’s banking industry must convert the gains from recapitalisation into a stronger, more resilient financial system capable of financing economic has said.

Alabi said the financial sector must strengthen its resilience as Nigeria and the global economy contend with geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption, cyber threats, climate risks, changing customer expectations and an evolving regulatory environment.

He spoke ahead of the 19th Annual Banking and Finance Conference of the CIBN, scheduled for September 8 and 9, 2026, at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, where more than 10,000 delegates are expected to participate physically and virtually.

The conference, themed “Building a Resilient Economy in an Era of Disruptions: Strategic Imperatives for the Banking and Financial Services Industry,” is expected to bring together policymakers, regulators, bank executives, investors, development partners, technology firms, academics and business leaders to consider how the financial system can support Nigeria’s economic ambitions amid growing disruptions.

Alabi said resilience had become a defining requirement for successful financial systems and that the banking industry must strengthen institutional capacity, embrace innovation and maintain the professional and ethical standards required for sustainable growth.

The conference’s strategic focus is particularly relevant as Nigerian banks emerge from a major recapitalisation exercise and prepare for a new phase in which stronger balance sheets are expected to support deeper financing of the real economy.

According to the CIBN, the conference will serve as a platform for developing practical solutions to contemporary challenges in banking and the broader economy, with resolutions to be documented and forwarded to policymakers and other relevant stakeholders for consideration.

The economic significance of the gathering is reflected in the three business sessions scheduled for the conference.

The first will examine “Shaping the New Financial System for Nigeria’s Prosperity: The Role of Recapitalisation, AI and Geopolitical Dynamics,” placing the banking sector’s stronger capital position alongside the disruptive forces that could determine how effectively banks finance future growth.

The third session will focus on cyber and systemic risks in an AI-driven banking environment, reflecting concerns that rapid digitisation is creating new vulnerabilities even as it expands financial access and efficiency.

Chairman of the conference’s Consultative Committee and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, said the event had been designed to move beyond discussions towards practical and actionable recommendations capable of strengthening the financial system and supporting sustainable economic growth.

Oseni said the conference would provide a platform for stakeholders to share experiences and develop responses to the financial, technological and macroeconomic pressures confronting the industry.

The conference will feature World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mathew Verghis, as keynote speaker, alongside senior officials from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Ghana, NITDA, Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre, PwC West Africa and KPMG.

The participation of regulators and international development institutions is expected to bring a broader perspective to the question of how Nigeria can build a financial system capable of supporting growth while remaining resilient to external shocks.

The CIBN’s IMPACT vision under Alabi’s administration also emphasises inclusion, professionalism and ethical conduct, accountability and financial performance, competencies and skills development, and technology, automation and innovation.

These priorities reflect the changing role of banks in Nigeria’s economy, where lenders are increasingly expected not only to mobilise deposits and extend credit but also to drive digital payments, financial inclusion, innovation and investment while maintaining financial stability.

The conference will also feature a women-focused business session on “Inclusive Leadership, Stronger Systems: The Strategic Role of Women in Building Resilient Financial Ecosystems,” alongside a Next Generation programme designed for young professionals, entrepreneurs, fintech innovators and students.

The CIBN said the women-focused programme represents a new initiative for the Institute and is intended to highlight the contribution of women to a more resilient and inclusive economy.

For the banking industry, however, the core economic challenge remains clear: stronger banks must translate resilience into productive financing, innovation and broader economic participation.

As Nigeria seeks to strengthen growth and deepen private-sector investment, the capacity of banks to manage emerging risks while continuing to provide credit and financial services will remain critical.

The CIBN conference is therefore positioned not simply as an industry gathering but as a major platform for shaping the next phase of Nigeria’s financial system, particularly as banks confront the combined pressures of recapitalisation, technological change, cybersecurity threats and global economic uncertainty.

This version uses Alabi as the primary authority, then brings in Moruf Oseni as the banking-industry voice, while making recapitalisation, AI, cyber risk and economic resilience the core business angle rather than treating the conference as an event announcement.