Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has been honoured as Central Bank Governor of the Year at the 2025 African Banker Awards, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The prestigious accolade, conferred by African Banker magazine during a high-level gala on Wednesday, recognised Cardoso’s “bold and strategic” monetary and regulatory reforms that have restored confidence and stability in Nigeria’s financial system.
In a statement issued by the CBN on Thursday, the Awards Committee credited the recognition to Cardoso’s leadership in stabilising the naira, improving transparency in the foreign exchange market, and rebuilding policy credibility.
“These efforts have laid the groundwork for long-term macroeconomic resilience and renewed investor confidence,” the statement read.
READ ALSO: CBN Gov Cardoso Vows to Combat Inflation Using All Tools
Accepting the award on behalf of the CBN Governor was Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, Adviser on Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Communication. She was joined on stage by top CBN officials including Victor Oboh, Director of Monetary Policy; Olubukola Akinwumi, Director of Banking Supervision; and Aloysius Uche Ordu, a member of the Monetary Policy Committee.
“The award reflects the Committee’s recognition of Governor Cardoso’s recent achievements and the Central Bank’s critical role in addressing market imbalances and repositioning the Nigerian economy for sustainable growth,” the organisers stated.
Now in its 19th year, the African Banker Awards are held annually in partnership with the African Development Bank Group. The event draws senior government officials, commercial banking leaders, and development finance stakeholders from across the continent to honour excellence in African finance.
Governor Cardoso’s recognition comes amid sweeping financial reforms aimed at curbing inflation, unifying Nigeria’s exchange rate, and restoring fiscal discipline — reforms that have drawn commendation from international institutions including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.