The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has intensified its advocacy 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 during the 2026 edition of Global Money Week, the CBN Director of Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion, Aisha Isa Olatinwo, stressed that financial literacy is no longer optional for young Nigerians.

“In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, financial literacy is essential,” she said, noting that the ability to make informed financial decisions is key to personal growth, family stability, and national development.

Olatinwo emphasized that early exposure to financial knowledge would better equip young people to navigate economic realities, while encouraging open discussions about money to break misconceptions and build confidence.

Highlighting the bank’s efforts, she pointed to initiatives such as the Bank Consumer Education Series and the “Sabi Money” e-learning platform, designed to provide practical money management skills and promote peer learning.

She also urged a mindset shift among youths, encouraging them to see money not just as a means of spending but as a tool for investment and wealth creation.

Earlier, CBN’s Head of Consumer Education and Evaluation Division, Amuwa Nelson, described Global Money Week as a platform to equip young people with the knowledge and confidence to make responsible financial choices.

He said this year’s theme, “Smart Money Talks,” promotes open dialogue about finances and offers participants hands-on experience in budgeting, saving, and exploring financial opportunities.

The CBN noted that its outreach would extend beyond students to include parents, traders, and grassroots communities nationwide, reinforcing the importance of financial literacy across all levels of society.