Les banques doivent gagner la confiance du public Oyedele

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has called on banking sector regulators and operators in Nigeria to work together to restore and maintain public confidence in the financial system. Speaking at the 2026 International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) Africa Regional Committee (ARC) workshop in Abuja, Oyedele emphasized that confidence in the banking industry cannot be mandated or bought, it must be built through strong institutions, transparency, and consistent action. Oyedele highlighted the importance of resilience in the face of global economic uncertainties. He pointed to recent efforts to recapitalize Nigerian banks as a strategic move aimed at strengthening the sector's ability to withstand shocks. According to him, a better-capitalized banking system is more capable of absorbing economic stress without relying heavily on deposit insurance funds. This, he argued, reinforces the credibility of the financial system globally and encourages depositors to place their money in banks with confidence. The minister underscored the link between deposit insurance and financial inclusion. He explained that when people trust financial institutions, they are more inclined to save, which in turn allows banks to lend more. Increased lending leads to business investment and job creation, contributing to broader economic prosperity. Oyedele also acknowledged the rapid evolution of Africa's financial landscape, marked by cross-border banking, fintech innovations, and digital payments. He stressed that these changes demand closer cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure banking stability across the continent. In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Thompson Sunday, affirmed that safeguarding depositors' interests is the organization's top priority. He described the workshop's theme, “Safeguarding Stability: Public Awareness and Crisis Readiness for a Stronger Future”, as particularly relevant given the current dynamics in the global financial environment. Sunday noted that technological advancements such as digital innovation, fintech, artificial intelligence, and growing cross-border financial activity are reshaping how deposit insurance systems operate. These developments, according to Sunday, offer opportunities to enhance financial inclusion and service delivery but also introduce new challenges requiring coordinated responses from all players in the financial safety net. He warned that while trust in financial systems can take years to build, it can be quickly undermined by perceived instability or uncertainty. Sunday emphasized that the role of deposit insurers, central banks, supervisors, and resolution authorities goes beyond creating protective mechanisms. It involves ensuring that the public fully understands and trusts these mechanisms during both stable and volatile periods. He added that public awareness is crucial for the effectiveness of deposit insurance systems, helping depositors make informed decisions and reducing panic during crises. Oyedele reiterated the need for seamless coordination among all entities involved in maintaining financial stability. He listed key players including the central bank, deposit insurers, supervisors, the finance ministry, resolution authorities, and the media, stressing that each has a distinct yet interconnected role. His message was clear: no single entity can preserve financial stability alone. The discussions at the workshop focused on adapting deposit insurance systems to modern financial realities. Participants examined strategies to enhance public understanding of deposit insurance and its role in fostering confidence. They also explored ways to prepare for potential crises, ensuring that the financial system remains resilient amid ongoing transformations. Authorities in Nigeria continue to monitor the performance of the banking sector closely, implementing policies designed to reinforce stability and promote long-term growth. As the financial landscape evolves, so too must the approaches used to manage risk and maintain public trust.