By ebosele@hotmail.com
Nigeria’s leading policymakers, financial regulators, banking executives, fintech innovators, economists and capital market operators are set to converge in Lagos on September 19 and 20, 2026, for the 36th Anniversary Annual Conference of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN).
The two-day conference, themed “Building on the Gains of Recapitalisation, Tax Reform and Fintech Revolution,” will be held at Orchid Hotels, Dreamworld Africana Way, Lekki.
The conference will examine ongoing reforms reshaping Nigeria’s financial landscape and explore strategies for translating the gains into stronger economic growth, increased investment inflows, wider financial inclusion and greater economic resilience.
Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, Deputy Governor, Corporate Services Directorate, Central Bank of Nigeria, is expected to deliver the keynote address, while Dr. Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of United Bank for Africa, will serve as guest speaker.
Panel sessions will feature representatives from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, Fintech Association of Nigeria, Opay Digital Services Limited, Providus Bank and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria.
The sessions will focus on key issues surrounding banking recapitalisation, tax reforms and the rapid growth of financial technology, including digital payments and financial inclusion.
FICAN Chairman, Chima Titus Nwokoji, described the conference as a strategic platform for assessing ongoing reforms and identifying practical measures to sustain economic growth.
Nwokoji said the conference was coming at a critical period for the Nigerian economy, noting that banking recapitalisation, tax reforms and fintech expansion were significantly changing the financial services landscape.
“Our objective is to bring together policymakers, regulators and industry leaders to assess the gains recorded so far and develop practical recommendations that will deepen financial stability, promote inclusive growth and enhance investor confidence,” he said.
He noted that FICAN, which comprises about 150 journalists and editors covering the financial sector across print, electronic and online platforms, has for 36 years promoted responsible financial journalism and informed public discourse on economic policy.
According to him, participants will examine ways of sustaining investor confidence, strengthening financial stability, accelerating digital innovation and ensuring that economic reforms translate into tangible benefits for businesses and ordinary Nigerians.
The programme will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions involving experts from banking, insurance, capital market, fintech and the public sector.
Discussions will also cover the implementation of the banking recapitalisation programme, the impact of Nigeria’s new tax regime, the evolution of fintech, the future of digital payments, financial inclusion, capital market development, insurance penetration, foreign investment and long-term economic resilience.
FICAN is expected to issue a communiqué containing recommendations for government, regulators and industry operators on sustaining reforms, attracting investment, accelerating financial inclusion and strengthening the financial sector.
Beyond the formal sessions, the conference will provide an opportunity for policymakers, regulators, investors, financial institutions, corporate executives, development partners and media practitioners to network, exchange ideas and explore collaborative solutions.
The association said Nigeria was at a pivotal stage in its economic transformation, with reforms in banking, taxation, financial technology and broader macroeconomic management creating both opportunities and policy challenges.
FICAN said sustained engagement among regulators, industry operators, investors and policymakers would be critical to consolidating reform gains and supporting sustainable national growth.
The annual conference has, over the years, evolved into one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for high-level policy dialogue on issues affecting the financial system and the wider economy.
