Eromosele Abiodun and Nume Ekeghe in Washington DC Nigeria has stepped up efforts to host the African Union (AU) African Monetary Institute (AMI), signalling a renewed push toward deeper monetary cooperation and financial integration across the continent, as preparations intensify for the institute’s planned take-off in September 2026.
The renewed commitment was reinforced on the sidelines of the ongoing IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC, where the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, speaking on behalf of the federal government, assured of Nigeria’s readiness to deliver on its host country obligations and ensure the timely operationalisation of the institute.
Speaking at a high-level engagement focused on advancing the operationalisation of the AMI, the Nigerian authorities said the country has moved from expressions of support to concrete implementation, positioning Abuja as the hub for the institution that is expected to play a central role in Africa’s evolving financial architecture.
The AMI, adopted by AU Heads of State and Government in February 2026, is designed to strengthen macro economic convergence, promote monetary policy coordination, and lay the groundwork for a more integrated and resilient continental financial system.
Speaking at the engagement, Cardoso who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Economic Policy at the CBN, Muhammad Sani Abdullahi said: “The African Monetary Institute is an important moment for our continent’s financial architecture, and it is also a moment that calls for clarity on where we are, what has been achieved, and what remains to be done to ensure that the AMI takes off on schedule.
“Nigeria remains fully committed institutionally, politically, and operationally, to supporting the timely establishment of the AMI.
Following the adoption of the AMI at the level of our Heads of State and Government in February 2026, Nigeria has intensified the “last‑mile” actions required to translate that milestone into a functioning institution, not merely a signed statute.” He noted that Nigeria has moved beyond statements of support to practical delivery.
In line with host country obligations, the Central Bank of Nigeria has identified and made available a dedicated office facility for the AMI in Abuja, and have opened it for inspection by the African Union Commission as part of demonstrating tangible preparedness.
He added: “Beyond the facility itself, our engagement has remained active and structured.
Nigeria stands ready to sustain the momentum through to September 2026.
We are committed and eager to....
