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 today’s fast-changing economic environment.
Speaking in Abuja during the 2026 edition of Global Money Week, the CBN’s Director of Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion, Aisha Isa Olatinwo, emphasized that understanding how money works is no longer optional.
According to her, financial literacy is critical for making informed decisions that support personal development, family well-being, and overall economic growth. She noted that exposing young people to sound financial knowledge early in life would better prepare them to handle real-world financial challenges.
Olatinwo also stressed the importance of open discussions about money, explaining that such conversations help correct misconceptions, boost confidence, and encourage better financial habits.
She highlighted several initiatives introduced by the CBN to promote financial awareness, especially among youths. These include the Bank Consumer Education Series and the “Sabi Money” e-learning platform, both designed to provide practical guidance on managing money and to support peer learning.
The programme’s activities for this year are structured to encourage responsible financial behaviour among young people. The outreach, she added, will not only target students but also extend to parents, traders, and grassroots communities across the country.
Olatinwo further advised participants to rethink how they view money, urging them to shift from a spending mindset to an investment-focused approach. She explained that wealth is built by investing first and spending returns, rather than the other way around.
Earlier, the Head of Consumer Education and Evaluation Division at the CBN, Amuwa Nelson, described Global Money Week as a worldwide initiative aimed at equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make responsible financial decisions.
He explained that this year’s financial literacy fair offers practical experiences in budgeting, saving, and responsible spending, while also introducing participants to available financial opportunities.
Speaking on the theme “Smart Money Talks,” Nelson said the campaign encourages open conversations about finances as a pathway to better decision-making. He noted that asking questions, sharing ideas, and learning from others are key steps toward achieving long-term financial security.
He added that participants would also engage directly with financial institutions, explore youth-focused financial products, and gain insights to guide their financial decisions now and in the future.
