Women now make up 35 per cent of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directors and half of its non-executive board.
Speaking at the grand finale of the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations at the CBN Head Office, Governor Olayemi Cardoso said the bank remained focused on achieving gender-balanced leadership.
The event marked the conclusion of a month-long programme celebrating IWD across the institution and reflects the institution’s commitment to inclusive and representative leadership.
“Increasing women’s representation in leadership is not just ethical; it is a strategic necessity; the rise of women in leadership at the CBN mirrors a global shift, where skilled and visionary female leaders are reshaping governance.”
We at the CBN are proud to be part of this progress,” Cardoso said.
The appointment of six new female directors sets a record for the CBN, strengthening efforts to ensure diverse perspectives at the top.
The CBN governor acknowledged the contributions of women across the institution, “particularly the newly appointed directors, as well as his Advisers – Dr. Daphne Dafinone, Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, and Ms. Shola Phillips – whose expertise and dedication have played a role in shaping CBN policy direction” he said.
Cardoso also recognised the leadership of existing female directors who continue to drive the Bank’s progress.
Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Ms. Emem Usoro, described this year’s IWD programme as a reflection of the Bank’s shared commitment to equity, inclusion, and institutional progress.
She spoke on the urgency of the IWD 2025 theme, Accelerate Action, citing a World Economic Forum report that projects full gender parity may not be achieved until 2054. She called on institutions to remove structural barriers and create opportunities for women to sustain momentum in the pursuit of gender equity.
The event also featured the Inspiring Women Award, an initiative of the Change and Culture Transformation Unit (CCTU), aimed at recognising outstanding female staff across the CBN’s branches.
Out of 806 nominations submitted nationwide, 28 winners were selected through a rigorous evaluation process. Awardees came from branches across Nigeria, including Awka, Dutse, Yola, Gombe, Osogbo, Kaduna, Enugu, and Birnin Kebbi.
Deputy Governor Emem Usoro received the Amazon Award from Mr. Cardoso for her outstanding leadership since assuming office. Ten female directors were celebrated as Trailblazers, while 18 others were honoured for their exceptional contributions across the Bank.
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