By PROVIDENCE OBUH

The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) said it is engaging the National Assembly, regulators, Bank CEOs, relevant Government agencies, Ministers and State Governors on how to boost its activities in the banking sector.

Also to maintain global relevance, the CIBN said it undertook a study tour to leading banking institutions in some countries of the world. Some of the countries include: Ireland, Scotland, India, Canada and Malaysia.

Speaking at the 46th Annual Bankers’ Dinner, President/Chairman of Council, CIBN, Mr. Segun Aina said “In-line with the mandate of the new council, the institute has embarked on a series of stakeholder engagements and dialogue with the National Assembly, regulators, Bank CEOs, relevant Government agencies, Ministers and State Governors, tertiary institutions, CIBN Branches, etc all aimed at strengthening existing and creating new ties and relationships. We also embarked on a number of new initiatives aimed at rejuvenating the Institute and providing the much desired value- adding services to its members and other stakeholders while ensuring that high ethical standards and professionalism are maintained and sustained.

“As one of the means aimed at pursuing its vision of becoming a world class institution in banking and finance education, ethics and professionalism, the Institute has undertaken benchmarking study tours of some successful  and leading banking Institutes in the world.

The tour which resulted in an extensive review of the curricula and examinations structure to be in line with local requirements as well as meet global standards, also helped in creating four different paths/routes to Chartered Banker qualification, and a number of achievements.

Aina expressed commitment to the repositioning of the Institute to meet and exceed expectations of all critical stakeholders, urging stakeholders to continue to co-operate, collaborate, partner and support the Institute.

According to him, “the banking community in 2012, as you are aware confronted the challenges it was faced with, coming out stronger and even more resilient thus restoring depositors’ confidence in the system. Regulators and operators are also working together to make the industry more efficient, more socially responsible and responsive and ready to withstand any future global financial crisis.

“The annual bankers’ dinner provides an informal, warm and relaxed forum for stakeholders in the banking industry to discuss issues peculiar to the industry and the Nigerian economy in general.