President Bola Tinubu on Friday conferred one of Nigeria’s highest national honours on the President of the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), Professor Benedict Oramah, in recognition of his decade-long contribution to Africa’s trade and economic development.
The honour was bestowed during the 32nd Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2025), held in Abuja, where Oramah was lauded for his transformational leadership as he prepares to step down after 10 years as President and Chief Executive of the continental bank.
In a ceremony held at the AAM2025 plenary, Tinubu announced Oramah’s elevation to Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), describing the honour as both a national and international recognition of service to Africa’s economic integration.
“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.
The president praised Oramah’s legacy of bold, visionary leadership, crediting him with shaping Africa’s financial future and playing a strategic role in driving the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Under Oramah’s watch, Afreximbank’s total assets rose from $5 billion to over $37 billion, and the bank mobilised over $150 billion for trade and development across Africa.
“Africa must remember those who chose to shape its destiny,” Tinubu stated.
The president added that Nigeria alone benefited from more than $52 billion in Afreximbank support, channelled into critical sectors such as energy, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, and the creative industry.
Tinubu also highlighted flagship projects supported under Oramah’s tenure, including the Dangote Refinery, the African Medical Centre of Excellence, and the African Quality Assurance Centre, as landmark achievements that reflect Africa’s potential and Nigeria’s growing economic confidence.