The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, has been bestowed with the prestigious Central Bank Governor of the Year award at the 2025 African Banker Awards. This accolade, presented at a distinguished gala event in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, recognizes Cardoso’s decisive and strategic leadership in implementing monetary and regulatory reforms that have revitalized Nigeria’s financial landscape. The African Banker magazine, organizers of the event, lauded Cardoso’s efforts in restoring confidence and stability to the nation’s financial system, marking a significant achievement for the CBN and the Nigerian economy.
Cardoso’s transformative leadership at the helm of the CBN has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of the Nigerian economy. His strategic policy interventions have focused on stabilizing the naira, a key objective in fostering economic stability. Furthermore, his efforts to enhance transparency within the foreign exchange market have been crucial in building trust and facilitating smoother operations. Coupled with these measures, Cardoso has prioritized re-establishing policy credibility, a vital component in attracting investment and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The award committee, comprising prominent figures in the African financial sector, acknowledged the significant impact of Cardoso’s policies in addressing market imbalances and setting the stage for long-term macroeconomic resilience. They highlighted the CBN’s critical role under Cardoso’s stewardship in repositioning the Nigerian economy on a path of sustainable growth, a testament to the effectiveness of the implemented reforms. The award serves as a validation of Cardoso’s vision and the collective efforts of the CBN team in driving positive change within the Nigerian financial ecosystem.
Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, Advisor to the Governor on Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Communication, accepted the award on behalf of Governor Cardoso. Her presence at the ceremony was complemented by a delegation of senior CBN officials, including Dr. Victor Oboh, Director of the Monetary Policy Department, Dr. Olubukola Akinwumi, Director of the Banking Supervision Department, and Dr. Aloysius Uche Ordu, a member of the Monetary Policy Committee. Their attendance underscored the significance of the award and the collective commitment of the CBN to fostering financial stability and growth in Nigeria.
The African Banker Awards, now in their 19th year, represent a benchmark of excellence in the African financial sector. Organized by African Banker magazine in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group, the awards ceremony serves as a platform to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions to the continent’s financial landscape. The African Development Bank Group’s patronage of the event further emphasizes its importance and credibility within the African financial community.
The annual ceremony draws a diverse and influential audience, including high-ranking government officials, leading figures from commercial banking institutions, and key players in development finance from across Africa. This gathering provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the successes and innovations driving the growth and development of the African financial sector. The recognition bestowed upon Governor Cardoso at this prestigious event underscores the significance of his leadership and the transformative impact of his policies on the Nigerian economy.
