The Central Bank of Nigeria has said that Nigerians have fully embraced the introduction of Islamic banking years after speculations made the round that it was an attempt to Islamise the country.
CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, stated this at a reception organised to honour the Secretary-General, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Arbitration Centre, Dr Umar Oseni in Abuja.
Cardoso, who was represented by the CBN Director of Legal Services, Kofo Salam-Alada, pointed that more shariah-compliant banks are being considered due to the immense benefits it has brought to the citizens, especially those into small and medium-scale businesses.
The apex bank governor further noted that the Islamic financial institutions have performed impressively haven stood the test of time since their establishment.
Cardoso, while noting that the Islamic banking system was never an attempt to islamise Nigeria, said the Central Bank of Nigeria started the journey for the introduction of the Islamic Banking and Financing spearheaded by a pastor of the church.
Reacting, Dr Oseni appreciated the audience who turned up at the event to celebrate his new appointment, saying they are the reason he has come far in life.
The OIC chief also expressed conviction that Islamic banking has come to stay in the country, urging Nigerians to leverage on the opportunities the system has to offer for the overall benefit of the country.