President Tinubu Confer's Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger on Professor Oramah

Strategic Insights -

President Bola Tinubu has recognised the outstanding contributions of Professor Benedict Oramah, outgoing President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), by conferring the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). This prestigious award was announced during the 32nd Annual Afreximbank Meetings in Abuja, where President Tinubu highlighted Oramah's transformative leadership in expanding intra-African trade, driving regional integration, and facilitating critical development projects across the continent.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Tinubu has conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Professor Benedict Oramah for his outstanding contributions to Africa's financial and trade development.
  • Under Oramah's leadership, Afreximbank grew its assets from $5 billion to over $37 billion, and supported projects like the Dangote Refinery and other landmark ventures in Nigeria.
  • Nigeria has benefited from over $52 billion in interventions from Afreximbank, with investments spread across energy, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, manufacturing, and the creative industries.
  • President Tinubu highlighted the Board's critical role in positioning Nigeria as Africa's fertiliser hub, with an annual capacity target of 7.5 million tonnes.
  • The African Export-Import Bank has mobilised over $250 billion for trade and development since 1993, including $140 billion in the last decade alone.
  • Nigeria's partnership with Afreximbank is expanding, with plans for the new $5 billion Africa Energy Bank, and the Bank's role in empowering African entrepreneurs and expanding SMEs in the creative and export sectors.
  • President Tinubu reviewed Nigeria's economic performance, citing key milestones achieved under his Renewed Hope Agenda, including a 3.4% GDP growth rate, oil production rebound, and easing inflation.

Statistics:

  • Over $52 billion in interventions from Afreximbank for Nigeria
  • $37 billion growth in Afreximbank's assets under Oramah's leadership
  • 400 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines coordinated by Afreximbank
  • $250 billion mobilised by Afreximbank for trade and development since 1993
  • $140 billion mobilised by Afreximbank in the last decade alone
  • 7.5 million tonnes target annual capacity for Nigeria's fertiliser production

Sources:

  • "President Tinubu Confers Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger on Professor Oramah"
  • African Export-Import Bank Website
  • "Renewed Hope Agenda"