By Adedapo Adesanya
A Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Kingsley Obiora, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the board of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM).
Mr Obiora is replacing the former occupier of the position, Mr Joseph Nnanna, who he replaced at the central bank. Mr Nnanna retired from the apex bank in February as deputy governor.
A statement signed by Mr Tayo Omidiji, Head of strategy and corporate communications at NEXIM, stated that Mr Obiora is expected to use his experience to provide leadership to a team of professionals of NEXIM board toward achieving the bank’s mandate.
He listed NEXIM mandate to include promoting economic diversification and development of the Nigerian non-oil export sector.
“Obiora would bring to bear his wealth of experience as a seasoned economist and technocrat, having joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) through the globally-competitive ‘Economist Programme’ in 2007.
“He worked in both the European department as well as the strategy, policy and review department of the fund,” the statement said.
Also welcoming Mr Obiora to the bank, Mr Abba Bello, NEXIM Bank Managing Director, congratulated him and wished him a successful tenure in office.
Mr Obiora assumed office as deputy governor, Economic Policy Directorate of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in March following his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari.
President Buhari appointed Mr Obiora on January 16, 2020 and his appointment was confirmed by the Senate on January 30, 2020.
Prior to this, he was an Alternate Executive Director in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington DC, USA.
He is a graduate of economics from the University of Benin, Nigeria and also holds masters and doctorate degrees in Economics from the University of Ibadan.
Modupe Gbadeyanka 
Aduragbemi Omiyale