The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has marked the global celebration of the International Day of Banks with a significant new commitment. The institute has announced the creation of an Annual Ethics and Professionalism Summit, set to be held every 4th of December in alignment with the United Nations-designated day.
A New Platform for Ethical Leadership
This major initiative was confirmed in a statement released on Wednesday by the President and Chairman of Council of the CIBN, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju. He stated that the summit is designed to reinforce the banking sector's dedication to high ethical standards, professionalism, and the growing field of sustainable finance.
The announcement strategically coincides with the worldwide observance of the International Day of Banks. The UN established this day to acknowledge the critical role banking institutions play in fostering economic development, promoting financial inclusion, and ensuring long-term stability.
Aligning with Global Sustainable Development Goals
The United Nations has indicated that the 2025 observance focuses on how various financial institutions, from multilateral development banks to domestic systems, can bolster sustainable development, climate action, and the improvement of living standards globally.
This year's theme, "Empowering Sustainable Development Through Finance," is built on three interconnected priorities:
- Financing initiatives for a liveable planet.
- Addressing the significant financing gap for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Strengthening financial systems to be both resilient and inclusive.
Prof. Olanrewaju emphasized the CIBN's pride in joining the global community for this occasion. "This year’s theme emphasises the fundamental role of trust, innovation and ethical leadership in shaping the future of banking," he said.
Foundations for a Future-Ready Banking Industry
Olanrewaju further highlighted that sustainable finance is gaining prominence, with Nigerian banks actively supporting projects that deliver long-term social and economic value. He firmly stated that "Professionalism and integrity remain the enduring foundations of the sector’s strength and reliability."
The newly instituted annual summit will serve as a dedicated platform to promote these ethical standards across Nigeria's financial industry. The CIBN President reaffirmed the institute's "unwavering commitment to championing excellence, promoting sustainable finance and strengthening the professional values that anchor a stable, trusted and future-ready banking industry."
He issued a call to action for all banking professionals, urging them to uphold the highest ethical and service standards. He reminded them that the decisions made today will directly shape the financial system inherited by future generations.
The International Day of Banks itself, observed every December 4th, commemorates a 2019 UN General Assembly resolution. It recognizes the substantial contributions of national and multilateral financial institutions to global development, particularly in financing infrastructure, social programs, and innovative projects that drive sustainable growth.
By linking its flagship ethics summit to this important global date, the CIBN aims to firmly position ethical leadership and professional standards as core components of Nigeria's contribution to worldwide sustainable finance and development efforts.
