The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has urged residents of Bauchi State to support efforts to expand digital payments, deepen financial inclusion and strengthen economic growth by providing ideas that can improve access to financial services.
The call was made on Thursday, August 6, 2026, during the CBN Fair in Bauchi, a nationwide engagement programme designed to educate Nigerians on the Bank’s policies and gather public feedback.
Deputy Director Michael Dalyop, who represented the Acting Director of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations, Mrs Hakama Sidi Ali, said the fair was created to bridge communication between the CBN and citizens while identifying ways to make financial services more accessible.
He said the engagement was part of the Bank’s strategy to promote sustainable development through improved financial literacy, wider banking access and increased use of alternative payment channels.
Held under the theme, “Driving Alternative Payment Channels as Tools for Financial Inclusion, Growth and Accelerated Economic Development,” the event focused on innovations in Nigeria’s payment system, consumer protection, microfinance, foreign exchange reforms, monetary policy and currency management.
Dalyop encouraged participants to engage CBN officials, raise concerns and provide suggestions that could help improve financial policies and services.
The Bank also reiterated its warning against naira abuse, cautioning Nigerians against spraying, mutilating, hawking or counterfeiting the currency, while urging the public to rely only on verified CBN communication channels.
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The Bauchi fair is part of Nigeria’s broader financial inclusion drive, which gained momentum with the launch of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy in 2012 to expand access to banking services, payments, savings and credit facilities, especially among underserved communities.
The initiative has since supported the growth of agent banking, mobile financial services and digital payment platforms, helping reshape how Nigerians access and use financial services.
Earlier, the Bauchi Branch Controller of the CBN, Michael Dalyop, represented by Assistant Director Salahu Bello Mohammed, said the Bank’s 2024–2028 Strategy was focused on maintaining monetary, price and financial system stability to support inclusive growth.
He said the framework was designed to empower individuals, small businesses and corporate organizations through improved access to financial services.
Dalyop said foreign exchange reforms had enhanced transparency and confidence in the market, adding that external reserves had risen above $50 billion while inflation was gradually easing as the CBN pursues price stability.
He also noted that the recapitalization of banks had strengthened financial institutions and improved their ability to support businesses and economic expansion.
The CBN official urged Nigerians to embrace formal banking channels and avoid keeping large amounts of cash outside the financial system.
The Bauchi CBN Fair brought together financial institutions, regulators, government agencies, businesses, students, youths and other stakeholders as part of efforts to accelerate financial inclusion and promote a more digital-driven economy.