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Know Your Regulators – Central Bank of Nigeria

CBN means Central Bank of Nigeria. CBN was established by the CBN Act of 1958, the Act has been amended over the years to accommodate newer policies and regulations, the most recent being the CBN Act of 2007. The Act charges the Bank with the overall control and administration of the monetary and financial sector policies of the Federal Government.

Central Bank of Nigeria


Consequently, the Bank is charged with the responsibility of administering the Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Act (1991) as amended, with the sole aim of ensuring high standards of banking practice and financial stability through its surveillance activities, as well as the promotion of an efficient payment system. This puts the CBN in charge of all financial institutions in Nigeria and their operations.

A quick guide to doing business in Nigeria

What is the role of the Central Bank of Nigeria?

The CBN is charged with the following responsibilities as provided under the Act:

  1. Ensure monetary and price stability.
  2. Issue legal tender currency in Nigeria.
  3. Maintain external reserves to safeguard the international value of the legal tender currency.
  4. Promote a sound financial system in Nigeria.
  5. Act as banker and provide economic and financial advice to the federal government.

Who is the Head of CBN?

The current Governor of the CBN is Godwin Emefiele. He resumed office on 3rd June, 2014, he was the Chief Executive officer and Group Managing Director of Zenith Bank Plc prior to his appointment.

Structure of the CBN

CBN is headed by the Chief Executive Official who is the Governor of the central bank. There are 28 (Twenty Eight) Departments in the Central Bank of Nigeria grouped in order of related performance and job descriptions (JDs) to facilitate smooth operations and management of those department. The formation of these directorates also reduces the pressure that would have brought to bear on the chief executive (the Governor CBN). Each directorate is headed by a deputy governor (D/G).

Management of the Central Bank of Nigeria

The management of the Central bank approved the establishment of 5 (five) directorates:

  1. Corporate Services Directorate
  2. Economic Policy Directorate.
  3. Financial System Stability Directorate
  4. Governors’ Directorate
  5. Operations Directorate

What sector does the Agency regulate?

CBN is the apex monetary regulator in Nigeria. The agency regulates the financial sector

What activities does the Agency regulate?

The Central Bank of Nigeria is responsible for ensuring high standards of banking practice and
financial stability through its surveillance activities, as well as the promotion of an efficient payment
system.

  • Website: https://www.cbn.gov.ng
  • Head Office: Plot 33, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Way, Central Business District, Cadastral Zone, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory,Nigeria.
  • Phone Number: +234 700 225 5226
  • Email Addresses: contactcbn@cbn.gov.ng

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