The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has intensified its drive for early financial literacy, urging secondary school students to adopt money management as a core life skill in an increasingly complex economic environment.
Speaking in Abuja at the 2026 edition of Global Money Week, the CBN’s Director of the Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion Department, Mrs. Aisha Olatinwo, said financial literacy has become essential for young people navigating today’s economy.
She stated, “In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, financial literacy is no longer optional; it is essential,” noting that the ability to make informed financial decisions plays a key role in personal development, family stability, and broader economic growth.
Olatinwo emphasised that exposing young Nigerians to financial knowledge early would better prepare them to manage real-life economic challenges as they grow.
She added that open discussions about money remain necessary to correct misconceptions and build confidence among young people.
The CBN director said, “When we talk about money, we break down misconceptions, build confidence, and prepare ourselves for a more secure financial future.”
She also pointed to several initiatives introduced by the central bank to strengthen financial awareness, especially among youths.
These include the Bank Consumer Education Series and the “Sabi Money” e-learning platform, which she said were designed to provide practical financial knowledge and encourage peer-to-peer learning.
According to her, activities planned for this year’s campaign are structured to promote responsible financial habits among students and young adults.
She added that the outreach would not be limited to schools but would also extend to parents, traders, and grassroots communities across the country.
Olatinwo urged participants to rethink their attitude toward money, advising a shift from consumption-driven behaviour to investment-focused thinking.
“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 said.
Earlier, the CBN Head of Consumer Education and Evaluation Division, Mr. Amuwa Nelson, described Global Money Week as an international initiative aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to make sound financial decisions.
He explained that this year’s financial literacy fair was designed to offer practical exposure to budgeting, saving, and responsible spending, while also introducing participants to available financial opportunities.
Speaking on the theme “Smart Money Talks,” Nelson said it encourages open conversations around money as a way of improving financial decision-making.
He noted that asking questions, exchanging ideas, and learning from others remain key steps toward building a secure financial future.
He added that participants would also engage directly with financial institutions, explore youth-oriented financial products, and gain insights that could guide their financial decisions both immediately and in the long term.
