Emefiele, Wigwe Get Judges Awards

CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Mr. Godwin Emefiele and Chairman, Body of Bank Chief Executive Officers, Dr. Herbert Wigwe have received the Juris Law award for promoting a sound financial system.

Wigwe, Managing Director, Access Bank was awarded the Juris Law award for his contributions to corporate governance and rule of law in the banking industry.

Emefiele was recognised for his support to the development of law for  growth.

The awards were presented by the Juris Law Office, in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) at a workshop for judicial officers on recent reforms of the banking financial services sectors in Nigeria: Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (2020) in Focus.

The workshop was entitled: ‘The role of the Judiciary in financial system stability in Nigeria’.

Wigwe said the Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 Act will promote a stronger, more transparent, and efficient financial system.

By expanding the powers of the CBN, the BOFIA 2020 Wigwe said “will help to improve the system, prevent bank failures and other systemic issues”.

Wigwe urged the lawyers, particularly judges, to look into contemporary issues in the nation’s banking sector and come up with workable ways of resolving financial disputes.

“It is my hope that my Lords will be emboldened in the future to implement the provisions of this Act, admit their errors where necessary and do inestimable good to the banking and financial sector in the country.

“I am, without doubt, that your lordships’ decisions are a vital part in determining how fast and high the economy of this country can grow. It is my hope that the future cases will be decided in tandem with the spirit of this Act and the rule of law. No nation’s economy can develop faster than its rule of law,” he stated.

The Access Bank boss urged the judiciary to use the opportunity provided by the workshop to gain the right knowledge and attitude into the contemporary issues in the financial and banking sector.