Zenith Bank Plc has appointed Engineer Mustafa Bello as chairman of its board of directors, following approval by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and ratification by shareholders at its Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
The bank said in a statement on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, that the appointment takes immediate effect and is aimed at strengthening continuity, stability, governance effectiveness, and regulatory compliance, while enhancing strategic oversight.
Bello has served on the Zenith Bank board since December 29, 2017, contributing through several board committees. The bank said his elevation reflects his long service, leadership strength, and corporate governance experience.
His appointment comes amid a broader leadership transition aligned with regulatory succession rules and governance standards in the banking sector.
A veteran engineer and public administrator, Bello brings over 40 years of experience across government, regulation, and corporate leadership.
He served as Minister of Commerce from 1999 to 2002 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, where he helped shape Nigeria’s WTO-compliant trade policy framework.
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In 2002, he led the Corporate Affairs Commission’s digital reform project that introduced online business registration processes.
From November 2003 to February 2014, he was Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), where he drove investment reforms and international engagement.
Bello graduated in 1978 from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, earning the Shell Prize for best project and thesis.
He began his career with the Nigerian Army Directorate of Quartering and Engineering Services (1978–1979) before joining the Niger State Housing Corporation as senior civil engineer from 1980 to 1983.
He currently chairs Invest-in-Northern Nigeria Limited and has served on boards including Eskom Holdings Limited (2004–2008) and FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc.
He is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, a COREN-registered engineer, and a Fellow of the Academy of Natural Sciences and Engineering in Nigeria.