CBN Showcases Reform Progress, Investment Opportunities In New York

As global financial leaders gather ahead of the 2025 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with J.P. Morgan and the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), hosted a high-level investment forum at the Nasdaq MarketSite, focusing squarely on Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook and reform agenda.

Themed “The Nigeria Investment Agenda: Pathways for Growth & Global Partnerships,” the forum that held on Wednesday brought together international investors, diaspora leaders, and senior financial stakeholders to examine recent economic developments in Nigeria and explore opportunities for deeper global partnerships.

Governor Olayemi Cardoso led discussions on the CBN’s reform efforts over the past 18 months, outlining key policy shifts that include monetary tightening, enhanced foreign exchange (FX) market transparency, and strengthened financial sector governance.

The actions, Cardoso said, are laying a foundation for macroeconomic stability while restoring both investor confidence and institutional credibility.

“This has been about returning to orthodoxy, rebuilding trust, and setting a clear, transparent policy course,” said Cardoso during a fireside chat with Nobel Prize-winning economist and director of the Pearson Institute at the University of Chicago, Dr. James Robinson. “We inherited a crisis of confidence, but we chose a different path. We’re not turning back.”

Participants at the forum engaged in open dialogue on Nigeria’s economic trajectory and the structural reforms underway.

Central to the discussions was the importance of restoring trust in public institutions and ensuring a predictable policy environment capable of attracting long-term capital.

CBN deputy governor Muhammad Sani Abdullahi provided a macroeconomic update during the CBN’s meetings with Bretton Woods institutions. He reported that foreign exchange market turnover had risen sharply, early signs of disinflation were emerging, and Nigeria’s external reserves were strengthening.

According to Abdullahi, these trends are supported by a market-determined exchange rate and a transparent, rules-based policy framework that is helping to restore investor confidence.

A central panel discussion titled “Repricing Nigeria: Assessing the Scope for Sustained Change” brought together global financial experts including Joyce Chang, Chair of Global Research at J.P. Morgan Chase; Jason Rekate, Global Co-Head of Corporate Banking at Citi; Razia Khan, Chief Economist for Africa and the Middle East at Standard Chartered; and Ahmad Zuaiter, Co-founder and CIO of Jadara Capital Partners. The panel was moderated by Gavin Serkin, Founder of Frontier Intelligence.

Panellists acknowledged Nigeria’s reform momentum and highlighted renewed investor interest in the country, attributing this to improved economic fundamentals, stronger institutional governance, and greater clarity in policy implementation.

The event was opened by Nasdaq President Tal Cohen and anchored by adviser on stakeholder engagement at the CBN, Dr. Nkiru Balonwu. Group CEO of NGX, Temi Popoola moderated the investor question and answer session, while director of the CBN’s banking supervision department, Dr. Olubukola Akinniyi Akinwunmi, delivered closing remarks.

Significantly, members of the CBN board and Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) —  Robert Agbede, Prof. Melvin Ayogu, and Dr. Aloysius Ordu — all of whom are based in the U.S., were present at the forum.

A statement that was posted on the X handle of the apex bank described their participation underscored the CBN’s effort to broaden its global engagement and tap into the Nigerian diaspora’s expertise.

The Nigeria-focused event aimed not only to showcase recent reform progress but also to stimulate global dialogue around future economic partnerships.

The CBN reaffirmed its commitment to a rules-based approach, transparent operations, and stable macroeconomic management as the country continues to position itself for sustainable growth and increased foreign investment.