The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has stepped up its campaign for early financial education, calling on secondary school students to see money management as a critical life skill in today’s fast-changing economy.
Speaking in Abuja at the 2026 edition of Global Money Week, the CBN’s Director of Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion, Aisha Isa Olatinwo, stressed that understanding how money works is no longer optional for young Nigerians.
“In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, financial literacy is no longer optional; it is essential,” she said, noting that the ability to make informed financial decisions is key to personal development, family stability, and national economic growth.
Olatinwo explained that exposing young people to sound financial knowledge early in life would better equip them to navigate economic realities and avoid costly mistakes. She also emphasised the importance of open conversations about money, describing them as vital for breaking myths and building confidence.
“When we talk about money, we break down misconceptions, build confidence, and prepare ourselves for a more secure financial future,” she added.
The CBN director highlighted several initiatives introduced by the apex bank to boost financial awareness, especially among youths. These include the Bank Consumer Education Series and the “Sabi Money” e-learning platform, both designed to deliver practical knowledge on saving, spending, and responsible financial behaviour while encouraging peer learning.
She noted that this year’s campaign activities are structured to instil responsible financial habits in young people, with outreach programmes also targeting parents, traders, and grassroots communities across the country.
Urging a shift in mindset, Olatinwo advised participants to move away from viewing money solely as a means of spending and instead see it as a tool for investment.
“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 said.
Earlier, the CBN’s Head of Consumer Education and Evaluation Division, Amuwa Nelson, described Global Money Week as a global 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 was designed to give participants hands-on experience in budgeting, saving, and spending wisely, while also exposing them to financial opportunities available to young Nigerians.
Speaking on the theme “Smart Money Talks,” Nelson said the campaign promotes open dialogue about finances as a pathway to better decision-making. He added that participants would have the chance to engage directly with financial institutions, explore youth-focused financial products, and gain insights that would shape their financial choices both now and in the future.