President Bola Tinubu on Friday conferred the national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Professor Benedict Oramah, President and Chief Executive Officer of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank).
The honour was bestowed during the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2025) held in Abuja, marking a historic moment as Oramah prepares to step down after a decade of leading the continent’s foremost trade finance institution.
In his remarks, President Tinubu described Oramah’s leadership as “transformative” and “pivotal” in shaping Africa’s trade and financial resilience, especially through the advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“I have the honour and privilege to recognise the outstanding contribution of Prof. Benedict Oramah by conferring on you one of Nigeria’s highest honours — the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger,” Tinubu said.
Highlighting Oramah’s legacy, the President noted that under his tenure, Afreximbank’s assets grew exponentially from $5 billion to over $37 billion, while the bank mobilised more than $150 billion to support trade and development across Africa.
Tinubu praised Afreximbank’s contributions to Nigeria’s development, stating that the country benefited from over $52 billion in financial support directed toward energy, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, manufacturing, and the creative sector.
He further pointed to landmark projects such as the Dangote Refinery, the African Medical Centre of Excellence, and the African Quality Assurance Centre as proof of growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s future and Africa’s economic potential.
Concluding his tribute, Tinubu said,
“Africa must remember those who chose to shape its destiny. Professor Oramah is one of such leaders whose vision and commitment have left an enduring mark on our continent.”