The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria has elected new leaders, ushering in a fresh phase aimed at strengthening its influence in Nigeria’s financial sector.
The election, conducted online, was confirmed during the institute’s 2026 Annual General Meeting held at the Bankers House in Victoria Island, Lagos.
Dr Oladele Alabi was elected as the 24th President of the institute. He will serve alongside Dr Mojisola Asiru-Sweet as First Vice President and Dr Peter Ashade as Second Vice President. Dr Haruna Musa, Managing Director/CEO of Jaiz Bank, emerged as National Treasurer.
Outgoing President, Prof. Pius Deji Olanrewaji, highlighted key achievements of his administration, noting the successful execution of a “Legacy Agenda” focused on elevating standards within the institute. According to him, the tenure was marked by notable financial growth, major infrastructural upgrades, and improved technological capacity, enabling approximately 20,000 members to participate virtually in the AGM.
He also revealed that membership had increased by nearly 7,000, while the number of examination cycles had been expanded to four annually. The introduction of remote examinations now allows candidates to sit for tests from anywhere globally.
Olanrewaji acknowledged initial resistance to reforms but said stakeholders eventually embraced the changes as necessary for growth. He further emphasized the institute’s role in a national initiative to train 10 million Nigerians—especially women and youths—in financial literacy and digital skills, in partnership with the federal government and other professional bodies.
In his remarks, Alabi described his emergence as part of a continuous leadership process, pledging to build on past achievements while driving transformation.
“Leadership at CIBN is a continuum. This is not just a transition of leadership, it is a transition into transformation,” he said.
He outlined plans to expand the institute’s global relevance, promote inclusion—particularly for women and young professionals—and strengthen the role of bankers in supporting economic growth.
Alabi also pledged to grow membership and invest in capacity development, stressing that a robust financial system remains vital to Nigeria’s overall development.
