The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has called for stronger collaboration with the Lagos State government to boost SME growth, financial inclusion and banking innovation.

The president and chairman of Council of CIBN, Dele Alabi, made the call in a statement by Taofik Sanni, CIBN’s acting head, corporate communications and brand management, on Monday in Lagos.

Mr Alabi spoke during a courtesy visit to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.

He said stronger collaboration between CIBN, banks and the state would support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through capacity development, financial inclusion and improved access to finance.

He described MSMEs as the engine of economic growth and called for the establishment of MSME hubs in strategic locations to promote enterprise development, innovation and inclusive growth.

The CIBN president also unveiled plans to transform the Institute’s Learning Centre in Yaba into a Digital Learning Resource Centre and Innovation Hub.

He said the proposed facility would provide digital learning infrastructure, simulation laboratories, virtual classrooms and collaborative spaces for banking professionals, fintech firms, researchers and technology partners.

Mr Alabi said the initiative aligned with the Technology, Automation and Innovation pillar of CIBN’s IMPACT Vision.

He commended Mr Sanwo-Olu’s administration for creating an enabling environment for financial services, entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development in Lagos.

The CIBN delegation included members of its Governing Council, body of past presidents and management, underscoring the importance the Institute attached to the partnership.

The CIBN delegation invited Mr Sanwo-Olu to its Generation Next Forum 4.0 on August 12 and the 19th Annual Banking and Finance Conference on September 8 and 9.

They also invited the governor to the Institute’s 61st Annual Bankers’ Dinner scheduled for November 27.

Mr Alabi said the engagement would strengthen professional excellence, banking innovation and sustainable economic development.

He said CIBN would continue to deepen partnerships with government, regulators, financial institutions, academia and the innovation ecosystem.

He said that the Institute’s IMPACT Vision focused on collaboration, innovation, advocacy, professional development and institutional transformation within Nigeria’s banking and financial services industry.

Mr Sanwo-Olu described the meeting as a reaffirmation of the relationship between Lagos and the banking profession.

“Our financial sector remains the backbone of economic growth across Lagos, and strong partnerships with professional institutions like CIBN are essential,” he said.

The governor said that the state would continue to create an environment where financial institutions could thrive and serve the public effectively. 

(NAN)