The Nigeria’s apex bank, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through the Bankers’ Committee has disclosed that not less than 57 million Nigerians, representing 66 per cent of the population, now have access to financial services.

Mrs. Tokunbo Martins, the Director, Banking Supervision Department of the CBN, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen shortly after the committee’s meeting in Abuja.

She was accompanied by the Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr Herbert Wigwe; the Managing Director,Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs Bola Adesola; and the Managing Director Diamond Bank Plc, Mr Uzoma Dozie.

“One of the major issues we discussed is the issue of financial inclusion. It is very important for 170 million Nigerians to have some form of access to financial services and so I am happy to report that there has been substantial improvement.

“You know a couple of years back, the number of Nigerians financially included was at 40 per cent but currently we have 66 per cent of Nigerians financially included which is about 57 million Nigerians.

“The target that we are working on is 68.5 per cent by the end of December 2016 and so if that target is achieved, I think we would have gone a long way in alleviating the sufferings if Nigerians ,” she said.