Themed “Fintech and Financial Inclusion: The Opportunities and Challenges for Nigeria,” the roundtable underscored how technology continues to transform the nation’s financial services landscape.

Delivering his remarks, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, group chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, represented by Afeez Ramoni, chief information officer, emphasized that the rise of mobile payments, digital lending, and wealth management apps represents an opportunity for growth rather than a disruption.

“Fintech provides us with a once-in-a-generation chance to unlock inclusive economic growth. Digital platforms can support SMEs in raising capital and empower millions of Nigerians to build wealth through market participation. Fintech inclusion is not just about technology; it is about people,” Kwairanga stated.

Dr. Abiodun Adedipe, chief consultant/CEO of B. Adedipe & Associates Limited, identified persistent hurdles limiting financial inclusion despite Nigeria’s vast population and technological potential.

He highlighted challenges such as inadequate policies, poor internet and power infrastructure, overlapping regulations, and gaps in reaching underserved populations, particularly women and rural dwellers.

During the panel session, Prince Babatunde Oguntade, represented by Mrs. Bukola Ifemade, stressed the role of insurance brokers in advancing inclusion.

He noted that brokers are partnering with organizations such as the UNDP to fund financial literacy campaigns and broaden access to insurance services in rural communities.

Panelists further emphasized the importance of trust-building within the insurance sector through prompt claims settlement, transparency, and visible customer protection.

They also called for deeper collaboration between fintech innovators, regulators, and insurance professionals to bridge Nigeria’s financial inclusion gap.

The roundtable concluded with consensus that strategic collaboration, enabling policies, and customer-centric solutions are critical to achieving inclusive growth in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

The event would be Chaired by Mr. O. S. Thomas, the Commissioner for Insurance/CEO, National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) while renowned economist and financial expert, Dr. Biodun Adedipe will review the preview edition of Business Journal newspaper.

Mr. Tim Akano, Managing Director/CEO, New Horizons Limited will also deliver a paper on: Digital Challenge: Media in the Age of AI, Cloud and Robotics.

Danbatta will deliver a paper on: The Media in National Development: A Case Study of the Telecom Revolution in Nigeria.

Commenting on the development, Prince Cookey, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Business Journal said:

“The decision of Professor Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to deliver the keynote address as Distinguished Guest Speaker at the Business Journal newspaper public presentation event represents a positive milestone in our journey to become the leading business/financial Media Group in Africa. The newspaper segment joins the already existing online and magazine segments on a tripod of value creation for stakeholders across key sectors of the Nigerian economy-for the benefit of decision-makers in the public sector and professionals in the Organised Private Sector (OPS).

The NCC remains a key stakeholder in media engagement in Nigeria through robust partnership and professional capacity development. And since assumption of office, Danbatta has continued to provide strategic leadership for the telecom industry as a regulator to the benefit of the government, network operators and subscribers. The trajectory of his impressive and impeccable career is anchored on humility, progress and professionalism. We are indeed grateful to him for this great honour.”

The theme of the Business Journal newspaper public presentation is: The Media in National Development: Successes, Challenges & Prospects.”