Cardoso Courts UK Billions, Pitches Nigeria’s Banking Revival to BII

By Linda Ike

Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso hosted British International Investment (BII) Wednesday, doubling down on financial reforms to lure long-term capital amid Nigeria’s economic reset.

Cardoso welcomed BII Chair Diana Layfield, CEO Leslie Maarsdorp, and British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, stressing credible monetary policy and transparent, data-driven regulations for banking resilience and private sector growth.

Talks targeted patient capital for financial inclusion and stability, with Cardoso hailing DFIs as key partners in Nigeria’s reform agenda.

Layfield reaffirmed sustained interest, BII’s £9.9 billion assets back 1,600 and emerging market firms.

Cardoso positioned Nigeria as prime for UK development finance amid Cardoso’s reform push.