The Association of Corporate Communication and Marketing Professionals in Banks (ACAMB) has reaffirmed its role as “gatekeepers” of Nigeria’s banking industry, seeking deeper institutional collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) to strengthen reputation management, professional integration, advocacy and youth engagement within the financial ecosystem.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the CIBN leadership, President of ACAMB, Babajide Sipe, said the association’s decision to make the CIBN its first point of call after its inauguration a month ago was deliberate, describing the institute as its primary constituency and stakeholder.
He said that because the banking industry plays a central role in Nigeria’s economy, negative perceptions about banks could impact the entire financial system.
ACAMB, Sipe said, exists to shape narratives, safeguard institutional reputation and ensure accurate dissemination of information about the sector.
“You know that we are the face of banks, we are image makers,” he said, noting that the association reinforces its position as gatekeepers who help to communicate banking issues across Nigeria, support government policies and promote the work of regulators and stakeholders.
Sipe disclosed that ACAMB plans to facilitate the registration of its members with CIBN so they are not seen solely as marketing professionals but as banking professionals who understand core banking. He requested support in creating an easy process for such integration.
The association also outlined plans to intensify advocacy and stakeholder engagement, including visits to managing directors of banks and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, while seeking CIBN’s assistance in facilitating access where necessary.
Sipe said ACAMB would continue proactive media engagement on issues affecting the banking sector to prevent misinformation and correct false narratives. He referenced a recent instance in which false information about bank recapitalisation circulated online, prompting action to protect the industry.
Beyond advocacy, the association said it intends to engage universities, particularly mass communication departments, to introduce students to banking, finance and corporate communication within the sector.
ACAMB appealed for the CIBN’s support in gaining access to institutions, noting that early engagement would help integrate young professionals into the banking industry and ACAMB.
The CIBN President and Chairman of Council, Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaju, commended ACAMB’s measurable contributions to the banking ecosystem, particularly in reputational management, media engagement, professionalisation and capacity building.
He noted that the institute’s strong brand equity has been reinforced in part by ACAMB’s strategic communication role and assured the delegation of support across its requests, including advocacy collaboration, executive outreach, university engagement and infrastructural improvements within the building.
The CIBN president also highlighted ongoing reforms within the institute, including building upgrades, improvements to its examination system, proctor-based assessments, curriculum reviews and collaborations with Bangor University and Lagos Business School. He added that the institute currently offers 60 certifications and continues to expand professional development opportunities.
While institutional collaboration dominated discussions, ACAMB also announced plans for its 30th anniversary celebration scheduled for September. Sipe described the milestone as significant, noting that the association still has founding members actively involved alongside younger professionals, creating what he called a mix of “the wisdom of the old” and “the energy of the young”.
