CBN Deputy Governor Advocates for Women’s Financial Inclusion

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s Deputy Governor of Corporate Services, CBN, Ms. Emem Usoro, delivered a compelling address where she championed the urgent need for the financial sector to embrace inclusivity. She emphasized that this should involve actively dismantling barriers and creating opportunities for women and other marginalized groups who have historically been underrepresented or excluded from the financial landscape.

During Citibank’s first Women in Central Banking event in London, United Kingdom, which was held in honor of International Women’s Day, Usoro presented “Accelerating Women’s Financial Inclusion: Unlocking Opportunities for Growth and Investment” and urged for faster action to promote women’s financial inclusion.

During her presentation, Usoro reiterated the apex bank’s commitment to driving bold, data-driven policies that accelerate access to finance, drive investment, and foster a more inclusive, dynamic economy.

Addressing the forum featuring female Central Bank Deputy Governors from Kenya, Turkey, Israel, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom, Ms. Usoro expressed confidence that the bank’s strategic initiatives, under the leadership of the Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, will drive higher financial inclusion for women and other underserved groups and unlock economic value.

She added that the central bank’s efforts will fuel entrepreneurship, expand market participation, and strengthen financial resilience.

She said, “With macroeconomic stabilisation taking hold, the Central Bank is shifting focus to broader financial sector reforms, including financial inclusion—an area of particular importance to Governor Cardoso.

Whether for women-led businesses seeking capital, professionals securing their financial futures, or rural communities accessing banking for the first time, inclusion is a catalyst for sustainable growth.

“It is undeniable that when women thrive, economies prosper, and opportunities multiply.”

To mark 2025 IWD, Usoro went on to share the CBN’s targeted policies and strategies to accelerate women’s financial inclusion and reduce the gender gap in access to finance.