May 30, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The Central Bank of Nigeria’s Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has been named Central Bank Governor of the Year at the 2025 African Banker Awards.
The award was presented at a gala ceremony in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on May 28, 2025. Cardoso received the award for his “bold and strategic” leadership in implementing monetary and regulatory reforms that have restored stability and confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
The African Banker Awards Committee praised Cardoso’s efforts in stabilizing the naira, improving transparency in the foreign exchange market, and re-establishing policy credibility.
These reforms have laid the groundwork for long-term macroeconomic resilience and renewed investor confidence.
The award was received on Cardoso’s behalf by Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, Adviser to the Governor on Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Communication, alongside other senior CBN officials.
The ceremony brought together senior government officials, development finance leaders, and top executives from across Africa’s banking industry.
The recognition is a testament to the Central Bank’s critical role in addressing market imbalances and repositioning the Nigerian economy for sustainable growth.
The African Banker Awards, now in its 19th year, celebrates excellence in African finance and banking.
