President Bola Tinubu has conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger on outgoing African Export-Import Bank President Benedict Oramah, highlighting Nigeria’s $52 billion partnership with the continental lender.
Speaking at Afreximbank’s 32nd Annual Meeting in Abuja on Friday, Tinubu praised Oramah’s decade-long leadership, which saw the bank’s assets grow from $5 billion to over $37 billion.
The president announced that over 100,000 Nigerians have accessed the new national consumer credit scheme, with 400,000 more queued for the next phase. He also highlighted infrastructure achievements including 279 completed roads and N45.9 billion spent upgrading 8,800 primary health centres.
“Nigeria has proudly benefited from over $52 billion in support, directed into energy, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, and creative industries,” Tinubu stated.
Major projects supported include the Dangote and BUA refineries, whilst the new Africa Energy Bank headquartered in Abuja launches with $5 billion initial capital.
Tinubu reported positive economic indicators, including 3.4 per cent GDP growth in 2024, oil production recovering to 1.5 million barrels daily, and debt servicing declining from 96 per cent to below 65 per cent of revenue.
The ceremony was attended by former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Nana Akufo-Addo, and other African leaders.