The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has stepped up efforts to promote financial literacy among young Nigerians, urging secondary school students to see money management as an essential life skill in a rapidly evolving economy.
Speaking in Abuja during the 2026 edition of Global Money Week, the bank’s Director of Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion, Aisha Isa Olatinwo, emphasized that understanding how money works is no longer optional.
“In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, financial literacy is no longer optional; it is essential,” she said, noting that informed financial decisions are key to personal development, family stability, and national economic growth.
Olatinwo highlighted the importance of equipping young people early with financial knowledge, saying it would better prepare them to navigate economic realities. She also stressed the need for open conversations about money to dispel misconceptions and build confidence.
“When we talk about money, we break down misconceptions, build confidence, and prepare ourselves for a more secure financial future,” she added.
She pointed to initiatives such as the Bank Consumer Education Series and the “Sabi Money” e-learning platform, both aimed at improving financial awareness and encouraging peer learning among youths.
According to her, this year’s campaign includes activities designed to instill responsible financial habits, with outreach extending beyond students to parents, traders, and grassroots communities nationwide.
Olatinwo also encouraged a shift in mindset—from spending to investing. “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 advised.
Earlier, CBN’s Head of Consumer Education and Evaluation, Amuwa Nelson, described Global Money Week as a worldwide initiative focused on equipping young people with the skills and confidence to make sound financial decisions.
He said this year’s theme, “Smart Money Talks,” encourages open dialogue about finances as a pathway to better decision-making, adding that participants would gain practical experience in budgeting, saving, and responsible spending, while also exploring financial opportunities available to them.
