**Closing the Infrastructure Gap: How the CBN Aims to Include 26% of Nigerians in the Financial System** Nigeria's digital payment landscape is one of the most advanced globally, with an astonishing 11 billion transactions processed in 2024. However, beneath the surface, a significant challenge persists: nearly a quarter of Nigerian adults lack access to financial services, with the numbers rising to over a third in rural areas and nearly half in the north. According to the Central Bank of Nigeria's (CBN) Fintech Policy Insight Report, released in February 2026, the country's financial exclusion problem is more pronounced in rural and northern Nigeria. This disparity highlights a pressing need for the CBN to focus on building the infrastructure that will enable innovation in the fintech sector to reach those who need it most. Nigeria's payment rails are already among the world's most impressive. The NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP) platform, launched in 2011, has become the backbone of everyday financial activity, facilitating a growing share of Nigeria's electronic transactions. This infrastructure has contributed significantly to the growth of the country's fintech sector, with startups attracting over $215 million in venture funding in 2025. However, despite the progress made in payments, structural bottlenecks continue to limit the reach of digital financial services. For instance, the report highlights issues with: 1. **Agent Banking**: The scarcity of agents in rural areas, making it difficult for people to access financial services. 2. **Financial Literacy**: Limited awareness of digital financial products and services. 3. **Regulatory Framework**: Complexity and lack of clarity in regulations, hindering innovation. 4. **Cybersecurity**: Risks associated with online transactions and data breaches. Closing the infrastructure gap will require a coordinated effort from the CBN, fintech companies, and other stakeholders. By addressing these challenges, Nigeria can unlock one of Africa's most significant untapped markets and bring financial inclusion to the millions of Nigerians who currently lack access to essential financial services.