L-R: Nigerian First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, President Bola Tinubu and Afreximbank President, Prof. Benedict Oramah
By DAVID IORJA, Abuja-
President Bola Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Professor Benedict Oramah, President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Africa’s financial and trade landscape.
The prestigious award was conferred on Oramah at the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings 2025 (AAM2025) in Abuja, as he prepares to step down after 10 years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the bank.
Tinubu praised Oramah’s leadership, describing him as a pivotal figure in shaping Africa’s financial resilience and support for the African Continental Free Trade Area. “Africa must remember those who chose to shape its destiny,” Tinubu remarked.
“I have the honour and privilege to recognise the outstanding contribution of Prof. Benedict Oramah, by conferring you with one of Nigeria’s highest honours, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger,” Tinubu said.
Under Oramah’s leadership, Afreximbank’s assets grew significantly from $5 billion to over $37 billion, and the bank mobilized over $150 billion for trade and development in Africa over the last decade.
Nigeria has benefited from over $52 billion in support directed to energy, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, and the creative industry.
“Nigeria has proudly benefited from over 52 billion dollars in support directed to energy, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, and the creative industry,” Tinubu added.
Oramah has played a critical role in driving sustainable development across Africa by channeling essential funding into major oil, gas, and infrastructure projects.
Under his leadership, Afreximbank has facilitated the mobilization of over $70 billion to support Africa’s energy sector, including over $5 billion for refineries in Nigeria, Angola, and Senegal.
Tinubu highlighted projects like the Dangote Refinery, the African Medical Centre of Excellence, and the African Quality Assurance Centre as symbols of the confidence in Nigeria’s future and Africa’s potential.
