The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, held a significant discussion on Friday with esteemed Nobel Prize-winning economist, Dr. James Robinson. Dr. Robinson, who serves as the Reverend Richard L. Pearson Professor at the University of Chicago and Director of the Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts in the United States, engaged in a thought-provoking conversation that centered on the direction of Nigeria's monetary policy.

According to an official statement released by the apex bank on its X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, the high-level interaction underscored the CBN's current strategies and future outlook.

During the discussion, Governor Cardoso reaffirmed the CBN's unwavering dedication to the principles of transparency, consistency, and the crucial task of restoring public confidence in the nation's financial system through orthodox monetary policy reforms.

"We inherited a crisis of confidence, but we chose a different path. We’re not turning back," Governor Cardoso emphatically stated during the conversation. His resolute declaration resonated with the audience, which comprised a diverse group of economic stakeholders, policymakers, and prominent financial experts, eliciting applause.

The CBN's statement further highlighted the significance and reach of the event. "The event was opened by Tal Cohen, President of Nasdaq, and featured a strong representation of Nigerian professionals and global financial leaders," the statement noted, underscoring the international interest in Nigeria's economic trajectory.



The session was expertly anchored by the CBN’s Adviser on Stakeholder Engagement, Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, ensuring a focused and engaging dialogue. The subsequent Question and Answer segment was moderated by the Group CEO of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Temi Popoola, facilitating a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives. The Director of the CBN’s Banking Supervision Department, Dr. Olubukola Akinniyi Akinwunmi, provided insightful closing remarks, summarizing the key takeaways from the discussion.

Beyond the immediate dialogue, the fireside chat also served to emphasize the CBN's expanding global outreach and its strategic collaborations with the Nigerian diaspora. Notably, members of the CBN Board and the Monetary Policy Committee — including Mr. Robert Agbede, Prof. Melvin Ayogu, and Dr. Aloysius Ordu — were in attendance.

Their presence underscored the apex bank’s increasing engagement with Nigerian professionals residing abroad and its commitment to actively leveraging homegrown talent and expertise to drive meaningful economic transformation within the country. The conversation with Dr. Robinson signifies the CBN's proactive approach to engaging with leading global economic thinkers as it navigates the complexities of shaping Nigeria's monetary policy and fostering a stable and confident economic environment.