In recognition of a decade of visionary and transformational leadership, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the outgoing President and Chairman of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Professor Benedict Oramah.
Speaking at the opening of Afreximbank’s Annual Meetings in Nassau, The Bahamas, President Tinubu praised Prof. Oramah’s legacy, describing it as one of “generational impact.”
“I have the honour and privilege of conferring on you one of the highest recognitions of our country, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON),” President Tinubu said.
Highlighting the theme of this year’s meeting, “Building the Future on Decades of Resilience,” the President noted its timeliness, adding that Oramah’s leadership had epitomised resilience, innovation, and dedication to Africa’s economic transformation.
Under Prof. Oramah’s stewardship, Afreximbank’s assets grew exponentially—from $5 billion to over $37 billion. The Bank played a crucial role in Africa’s pandemic response, particularly by facilitating funding for 400 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, ensuring access across the continent at a critical time.
Beyond emergency responses, Oramah is credited with positioning Afreximbank as a strategic catalyst for industrialisation, intra-African trade, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Bank also made key interventions in supporting Africa’s creative economy and expanding access to finance across sectors.
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Prof. Oramah, a founding staff member of the institution since its inception in 1993, served as President and Chairman of the Board for 10 years. His tenure has been widely lauded for deepening Afreximbank’s impact and relevance across the continent.
President Tinubu’s national recognition of Prof. Oramah underscores Nigeria’s acknowledgment of African-led institutions driving real progress and continental resilience.
