The Central Bank of Nigeria is 66 years and there is a seeming one-sided leadership structure happening there. Ever since its establishment, no woman has ever emerged as the CBN governor.
Do you also know that over the years, the CBN has had 11 governors?
In case you do not know, the Central Bank of Nigeria is two years older than Nigeria.
Africa’s most populous nation was granted independence on October 1, 1960, by Britain, her colonial master.
But before the independence, a Central Bank had been established in March 1958, to perform a supervisory role to other banks.
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At that time the colony’s official currency was the British pounds and shillings. it was not until 1973 that Nigeria adopted the Naira, as its legal tender.
The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, coined Naira out of Nigeria while serving as federal commissioner for finance.
At least 10 Nigerians and one foreigner have served as the governor of the CBN in the last 66 years.
But it will amaze you that no woman has been found fit for an appointment in this office.
Could this be considered unfair or is it because no worthy woman has been found to chair the affairs of the nation’s apex bank?
Maybe, just maybe, a time will come in future when a female would lead Nigeria’s apex bank.
Unfortunately, it is rare to find a woman leading the apex bank of a nation. Could there be a reason behind this decision the cuts across nations?
Well, while you think about that, here are the names of all the past governors of the CBN.
Names Of All CBN Governors That Ever Served In Nigeria
The first ever Governor of the CBN was Roy Pentelow Fenton a Briton. He served between July 24, 1958 – July 24, 1963.
Next came Aliyu Mai-Bornu, the first Nigerian to occupy the exalted position between July 25, 1963 – June 22, 1967.
After him, was Clement Nyong Isong who reigned from August 15, 1967 – September 22, 1975.
Adamu Ciroma served from September 24, 1975 – June 28, 1977, then Ola Vincent took over between June 28, 1977 – June 28, 1982.
After that Abdulkadir Ahmed emerged as the CBN governor, from June 28, 1982, to September 30, 1993. He i about the longest serving CBN governor.
Paul Agbai Ogwuma was appointed on October 1, 1993, and served till May 29, 1999, his exit led to the appointment of Joseph Oladele Sanusi on May 29, 1999, till May 29, 2004.
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Charles Chukwuma Soludo served in the office from May 29, 2004, to May 29, 2009, followed by Sanusi Lamido Aminu Sanusi between June 3, 2009, and February 20, 2014
Godwin Emefiele came in on June 3, 2014, serving till June 9, 2023, when he was suspended from office.
Currently serving as the CBN governor is Olayemi Cardoso who was appointed on September 26, 2023.
Interim CBN Governors
However, the first person to be appointed in an interim capacity is Sarah Alade. She was the first Acting governor of the CBN and the first and only woman to reach that height.
Sarah Alade served between February 20, 2014, to June 3, 2014.
Folashodun Adebisi Shonubi is the second-ever person appointed to act as the CBN governor.
He served from June 9, 2023, to September 26.
