Zainab Ahmed, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning has commended the Abba Bello –led Management of Nigeria Export – Import Bank (NEXIM), for returning the bank to profitability and reduction in its stock of non- performing loans.
The Minister gave the commendation while inaugurating two newly appointed Non – Executive Directors- Mallam Kabiru Hassan and Ede Dafinone- into the Board of the Bank, in her office.
She also noted that the bank’s return to profitability and reduction in her non – performing loans had impacted positively on the bank’s statutory mandate adding that she was delighted with the bank’s Intra – African Trade Initiatives in readiness of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).
Mrs. Ahmed commended the President for finding the appointees worthy to serve on the board, stating that the appointees were joining the board with diverse private sector background and assured the board of her Ministry’s support.
In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Aliyu Ahmed congratulated the new appointees, stating that it was customary for officials appointed to high and sensitive positions to be formally inaugurated, signifying their assumption of office.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, the Managing Director, NEXIIM Bank, Abba Bello, said he was delighted that the new appointees were coming to the board with vast and relevant experiences and would add value to the bank, noting that, with the continued support of the Ministry, NEXIM bank would deliver on her mandates.
Mallam Hassan has been in the business of commodity sourcing, trading and distribution since 2012, after a stint with Union Bank while Chief Dafinone has been in the private sector and is currently Chairman of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Export Promotion Group as well as member, National Council of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.