The Central Bank of Nigeria wants secondary school students to treat money management as a core life skill, not an optional extra, as the country's economy continues to shift and change.
Aisha Isa Olatinwo, the CBN's Director of Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion, made the push at the 2026 Global Money Week in Abuja. She told students and educators that understanding how money works has become non-negotiable for young Nigerians who want to secure their futures.
"In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, financial literacy is no longer optional; it is essential," Olatinwo said. She argued that the ability to make smart financial decisions early shapes not just individual lives but family stability and the nation's economic health.
The CBN has rolled out practical tools to help. The Bank Consumer Education Series and a platform called "Sabi Money" offer young people straightforward lessons in budgeting, saving, and managing money. Both tools use peer-to-peer learning to reach students where they already are.
But Olatinwo stressed that the real work happens when families and communities start talking openly about money. She said breaking the silence around finances kills the myths and builds the confidence young people need to make better choices.
"When we talk about money, we break down misconceptions, build confidence, and prepare ourselves for a more secure financial future," she explained.
Olatinwo also challenged how Nigerians think about money itself. Rather than seeing cash as something to burn through, she urged young people to treat it as an investment tool. "Let's not see money merely as something to spend. View it as a tool for investment. When you invest, the returns can then be spent. That is how wealth is built," she said.
The CBN's Consumer Education and Evaluation Division Head, Amuwa Nelson, described Global Money Week as a chance for young people to get hands-on with real financial decisions. The fair this year gives students chances to talk directly with banks, learn about products built for young savers, and ask the questions that matter to their future.
Nelson said the theme, "Smart Money Talks," sits at the heart of the work. Asking questions, sharing experiences, and learning from others are how young Nigerians build financial confidence now and make smarter choices for years ahead. This year's campaign will spread beyond school gates to reach parents, traders, and grassroots communities across the country.
