By The Ameh News
The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) is set to host the 2026 Annual Meeting and Workshop of the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) Africa Regional Committee (ARC) in Abuja, bringing together top financial regulators and deposit insurance experts from across Africa to strengthen financial system resilience and depositor confidence.
The four-day conference, scheduled for July 20 to 23, 2026, will be held under the theme: “Safeguarding Stability: Public Awareness and Crisis Readiness for a Stronger Future.”
According to a statement issued by Hawwau Gambo, Head of Communication and Public Affairs Department, NDIC, the event will assemble chief executives, directors and senior officials of deposit insurance institutions, central banks, financial regulators and other members of the financial safety-net from Africa and other regions.
The workshop is expected to examine practical strategies for strengthening public awareness, improving crisis preparedness and reinforcing deposit insurance systems in line with the revised IADI Core Principles.
The organisers said discussions will focus on enhancing depositor confidence through effective public communication, improving collaboration among financial safety-net institutions, and equipping deposit insurers with practical tools for managing financial crises and bank resolutions.
Participants will also deliberate on emerging threats facing financial systems, including financial technology (FinTech) innovations, cyber risks and evolving banking sector challenges, with the aim of developing stronger regional frameworks for crisis prevention and response.
The conference programme includes technical committee meetings, plenary sessions, interactive panel discussions and simulation exercises designed to test institutional preparedness and improve coordinated responses during periods of financial stress.
Key sessions will examine public awareness strategies during normal banking operations and crisis situations, crisis management frameworks, financial system-wide response mechanisms and cross-border cooperation among African deposit insurers.
The event will be formally declared open by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, while the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Taiwo Oyedele, is expected to deliver the keynote address.
Other distinguished participants expected at the meeting include Ms. Eva Hüpkes, Secretary General of the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI), and Ms. Julia Oyet, Chairperson of the IADI Africa Regional Committee.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of NDIC, Mr. Thompson Oludare Sunday, will serve as the Chief Host.
Why the Meeting Matters
The annual IADI Africa Regional Committee meeting is regarded as one of the continent’s leading deposit insurance forums, providing an opportunity for regulators to exchange knowledge, strengthen policy coordination and enhance financial sector stability.
For Nigeria, hosting the conference underscores the country’s growing role in promoting financial stability and protecting depositors while supporting reforms aimed at building a more resilient banking sector.
Expert Reactions
Celestine Ukpong, Economist, said the conference comes at a crucial period when African financial systems are navigating rapid technological changes and increasing cyber risks.
He noted that stronger collaboration among deposit insurers would improve crisis management capabilities, deepen public trust in banks and reinforce financial stability across the continent.
Peter Adebayo, FCA, observed that depositor confidence remains one of the pillars of financial system stability.
According to him, greater public awareness of deposit insurance schemes will encourage financial inclusion and reduce panic during periods of economic uncertainty, while coordinated crisis simulation exercises will help regulators respond more effectively to banking sector shocks.
Dr. Ejike Nduilo, Public Relations and Corporate Communication Expert, described the conference theme as timely, stressing that effective communication is essential during financial crises.
He said transparent and proactive engagement with the public can help prevent misinformation, reduce panic withdrawals and strengthen confidence in the banking system.
The Ameh News Analysis
As African economies continue to embrace digital finance and cross-border banking, regulators are increasingly focusing on crisis preparedness and depositor protection. The Abuja meeting is expected to produce recommendations that will strengthen deposit insurance frameworks, improve regional cooperation and enhance the resilience of Africa’s financial safety net against future economic and technological risks.
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