Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, also known as Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, is a prominent Nigerian economist, banker, and traditional ruler. Born on July 31, 1961, in Kano, Nigeria, he has had a distinguished career in both the financial sector and traditional leadership. Sanusi is best known for his tenure as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from June 2009 to February 2014. During his time at the CBN, he implemented significant reforms aimed at stabilizing the Nigerian banking sector and combating corruption.
Sanusi’s reformist approach to banking was marked by his efforts to clean up the financial sector, which was plagued by corruption and mismanagement. His policies included stringent measures to ensure the transparency and accountability of financial institutions. His tenure was characterized by a strong stance against financial malpractices, which earned him both praise and controversy. His efforts led to the recovery of billions of dollars and helped restore some confidence in Nigeria’s financial system.
After his departure from the CBN, Sanusi continued to influence Nigerian public life through his roles in various capacities. He was appointed the Emir of Kano in June 2014, a traditional position that holds significant cultural and political influence in northern Nigeria. His tenure as Emir was marked by his advocacy for socio-economic reforms and his outspoken views on various national issues. However, his tenure was cut short when he was deposed in March 2020 amid political and traditional disputes.
Beyond his professional and traditional roles, Sanusi is known for his academic contributions and public speaking engagements. He has been a vocal advocate on issues such as economic development, education, and governance, using his platform to address critical issues facing Nigeria and Africa at large. His career reflects a blend of financial expertise, traditional leadership, and commitment to social change.
