Yemi Cardoso, the nominee for the position of Central Bank of Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday is a former chairman of Citibank Nigeria.

Cardoso is a distinguished leader in the financial and development sectors with over 30 years experience in the private, public and not-for-profit organisations. He has diverse corporate governance experience and has also sat on the boards of Nigerian subsidiaries of Texaco and Chevron. He chaired the board of EFInA, a financial sector development organisation supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation.

Cardoso joined government in 1999 and served as the first Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget for Lagos State. As commissioner under then Governor Bola Tinubu’s administration, he championed the financial reform process which led to the development of independent tax revenues and transformation in Lagos. He also spearheaded initiatives such as the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), Security Trust Fund, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

Yemi Cardoso’s influence extended beyond Nigeria’s borders. He advised and collaborated with major international development organizations, including the World Bank, Ford Foundation, UN Habitat, World Health Organization, and the Swedish Development Foundation.

His contributions to global development initiatives helped shape policies and strategies for poverty alleviation and growth.

In his capacity as a consultant and policy expert, Yemi has advised and collaborated with major international development organisations including the World Bank, Ford Foundation, UN Habitat, World Health Organization and the Swedish Development Foundation.

Cardoso started his banking career with Citibank where he eventually rose to the position of Vice President before leaving to co-found Citizens International Bank where he was an Executive Director for eight years

He is the recipient of several awards including an honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration from Aston University, his alma mater, and the Global Distinguished Alumni award from Citi.

Mr Cardoso obtained a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School where he was a Mason Fellow.