Dr. Kingsley Obiora Joins Ranks of Nigeria’s Top Economists with NES Fellowship Honour

Dr. Kingsley Obiora, a prominent economist and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Fellowship of the Nigerian Economic Society (FNES) in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth. This is the highest professional award from the NES, and it highlights Dr. Obiora’s influence and potential.

Dr. Obiora’s journey includes over two decades of experience in economic policy analysis and research at both national and international levels. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, and Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Monetary and International Economics from the University of Ibadan. He also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Managerial Finance from the London School of Economics (LSE) and has completed an advanced management course at Harvard Business School.

His international career began at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2007. There, he dealt with complex economic issues like exchange rate assessments and debt sustainability across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Before the IMF, he worked at the West African Monetary Institute and the Centre for Econometric and Allied Research.

Dr. Obiora has been a key figure in shaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. From 2011 to 2014, he served as a Technical Advisor to Nigeria’s National Economic Management Team and Special Assistant to the Chief Economic Advisor to President Jonathan, where he influenced policies on everything from energy subsidies to economic diversification.

From 2014 to 2018, he was a Special Advisor on Economic Matters to the CBN Governor, offering critical insights to help navigate external economic shocks. In 2020, at just 43, he made history as the youngest person to head Nigeria’s economic policy directorate as Deputy Governor of the CBN. In this role, he was tasked with ensuring the stability of the Nigerian economy and played a key part in advancing the digitalisation of money, including the eNaira, to boost financial inclusion.

Beyond his central banking duties, Dr. Obiora has shown leadership by chairing influential financial institutions such as the African Finance Corporation (AFC), the FMDQ Group, and the Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank. He has advised three Nigerian Presidents and a CBN Governor and has published numerous works on macro, monetary, and international economics.

Dr. Kingsley Obiora’s impressive path and commitment to economic development position him for a future with the same kind of impact as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s career, which includes two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, where she spearheaded debt relief and economic reforms that helped make Nigeria Africa’s largest economy, is a powerful example of what a dedicated Nigerian economist can accomplish globally.

Both Dr. Obiora and Dr. Okonjo-Iweala share a commitment to public service and have received high-level recognition from prestigious bodies. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is also an honorary fellow of the Nigerian Economic Society, the same honour Dr. Obiora is now receiving. Dr. Obiora’s diverse international experience, significant influence on national policy, and leadership in key financial institutions mirror the breadth and depth of Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s career, suggesting he is well-prepared to make a similarly far-reaching global impact.

As Dr. Kingsley Obiora builds on his already impressive record, his recent NES Fellowship is a testament to his dedication and profound contributions to Nigeria’s economic landscape. With his strong academic background, diverse experience, and policy influence, Dr. Obiora remains a key resource for economic growth and stability in Nigeria and across Africa, signalling a future filled with even greater achievements.

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