Cardoso Women constitute 35% of CBN’s directors, half of non-executive board – Cardoso

Women now make up 35% of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directors and half of its non-executive board, marking a significant milestone in gender representation within the nation’s banking sector.

Speaking at the grand finale of the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations at the CBN Head Office, CBN governor, Olayemi Cardoso, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to gender-balanced leadership, noting that the rise of women in key positions reflects a global shift towards inclusive governance.

“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 stated.

The appointment of six new female directors sets a record for the CBN, further strengthening the governor’s push for diverse perspectives at the top. He acknowledged the contributions of women across the institution, particularly the newly appointed directors and his advisers—Dr. Daphne Dafinone, Dr. Nkiru Balonwu, and Ms. Shola Phillips—whose expertise and commitment have been instrumental in shaping policy direction. He also commended existing female directors for their continued leadership.

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Deputy Governor for Corporate Services, Ms. Emem Usoro, highlighted the collective effort behind this year’s IWD programme, describing it as a reflection of the Bank’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and institutional progress. She stressed the urgency of the IWD 2025 theme, Accelerate Action, citing a World Economic Forum report projecting that full gender parity may not be achieved until 2054.

She urged institutions to dismantle structural barriers and create sustained opportunities for women to drive progress toward gender equity.

The event also featured the Inspiring Women Award, an initiative of the Change and Culture Transformation Unit (CCTU) to recognise outstanding female staff across CBN branches. Out of 806 nominations received nationwide, 28 winners emerged following a rigorous selection process.

Awardees were drawn from branches in Awka, Dutse, Yola, Gombe, Osogbo, Kaduna, Enugu, and Birnin Kebbi.

Among the honourees, Deputy Governor Emem Usoro received the prestigious Amazon Award from Governor Cardoso for her outstanding leadership, while ten female directors were recognised as Trailblazers alongside 18 other women celebrated for their exceptional contributions across the Bank.

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