The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the reign of Governor Yemi Cardoso has embarked on the path of enthroning an inclusive, innovative and secure financial ecosystem that will benefit the economy and boost investors confidence in the Nigerian financial sector.
The apex bank’s latest effort is the unveiling and launch of the development of a new strategic framework for the country’s payment ecosystem known as the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028 (PSV 2028), thereby setting the stage for a more inclusive, innovative, and globally competitive digital financial system.
At the inaugural meeting of the PSV 2028 Project Committee held in Lagos, on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the CBN Director of Payments System Policy Department (PSPD), Mr. Musa Jimoh, described the initiative as a “national assignment” with the potential to transform how individuals, businesses, and governments interact within the financial ecosystem.
Reflecting on the journey by the CBN from the early reforms of 2006 through the milestones of PSV 2020 and PSV 2025, Mr. Jimoh highlighted that the new vision will build on past achievements to deepen financial inclusion, improve infrastructure interoperability, and promote innovation across Nigeria’s financial services sector.
He observed that while Nigeria’s payment system has made significant progress over the past two decades, just as the speed of technological advancement and innovation continues to grow. PSV 2028, he explained, presents the country with a unique chance to develop a future-ready framework that is secure, efficient, and globally competitive.
The director further explained that the framework would be developed through an inclusive, stakeholder-led process that unites regulators, banks, fintechs, payment service providers, consumer advocacy groups, and other key players. He highlighted that this collaborative approach will ensure the strategy reflects real-world needs, fosters policy acceptance, and promotes innovation through shared responsibility.
To facilitate its implementation, five thematic working groups were established, concentrating on infrastructure and interoperability, digital financial inclusion, consumer protection and financial literacy, innovation, digital identity and emerging technologies, cross-border payments and CBDC integration; and regulation, risk management and fybersecurity.
A sixth group on strategic communications and stakeholder engagement was also proposed.
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Participants at the event welcomed the initiative, praising the CBN’s inclusive approach and highlighting the pivotal role of PSV 2028 in promoting digital innovation, financial inclusion, and economic resilience.
By sharing expertise and resources, the.participants committed to creating a forward-looking document that would strengthen Nigeria’s position in Africa’s payments landscape while making progress globally.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Ajao Niyi, former Chief Executive of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), praised the CBN for establishing a new standard for stakeholder engagement and urged all parties to unite in support of the initiative.
The PSV 2028, which succeeds the soon-to-expire PSV 2025, is expected to serve as the guiding blueprint for Nigeria’s digital payments ecosystem over the next three years, aligning the country’s financial system with global best practices and ensuring sustainable growth. It marks a bold step forward in Nigeria’s digital financial transformation, setting the stage for a more connected, innovative, and inclusive economy.
Dr. Ibrahim Modibbo, a public affairs analyst writes from Abuja.
