Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Industry (BoI), was recently recognized with the prestigious Fellowship Award by the Nigerian Economic Society (NES) during the 65th Annual NES Conference. The event, themed “Socio-Economic Development in Nigeria: Imperatives, Implications, and Impacts,” celebrated Dr. Olusi’s significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
The award acknowledged Dr. Olusi’s extensive experience and expertise, which spans across his distinguished career at global financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). His early career at the World Bank saw him playing a crucial role in capital markets reform and conducting groundbreaking research on finance and private sector development in the Middle East and North Africa. He also served as World Bank Country Economist for several nations and held influential roles, including Economic Adviser at Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Finance and Senior Private Sector Specialist at the IFC.
Dr. Olusi’s deep understanding of fiscal policy, debt management, and financial systems has made him an indispensable figure in ensuring economic stability and transparency. His leadership in project management, financing, and implementation has been instrumental in numerous development initiatives, further solidifying his reputation for strategic foresight and policy reforms.
At the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olusi’s vision and leadership are focused on fostering a business-friendly environment in Nigeria. His strategic initiatives prioritize the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), digital transformation, youth and skills development, gender equality, and climate change adaptation. These efforts have positioned BoI as a key driver in transforming Nigeria’s private sector and enhancing its competitiveness in the global economy.
A notable achievement in Dr. Olusi’s career was his role in delivering the World Bank Group’s first comprehensive assessment of Nigeria’s private sector in 2020. His multi-dimensional expertise in managing development projects, conducting private sector diagnostics, and spearheading investment lending initiatives has significantly contributed to advancing Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Dr. Olusi holds a BSc in Economics from Hull University, an MSc in International Money, Finance, and Investment from the University of Durham, and a PhD in Economics from the same institution. He is a distinguished member of the Royal Economic Society and the American Finance Association, further underscoring his standing in the global economic community.
At the NES event, Dr. Olusi was honored alongside other notable figures, including Nigeria’s Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, H.E. Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, CON; Chairman of the Bank of Industry and Former Minister of Finance, Dr. Mansur Muhtar; the Managing Director and CEO of Development Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Tony Okpanachi and the Chairman/CEO, Green Energy International Limited, Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe among other deserving individuals.
The annual NES conference, which has become a significant platform connecting policymakers, private sector leaders, and scholars, serves as a venue for addressing the pressing socio-economic challenges of Nigeria. The 65th edition continued this tradition, spotlighting the importance of economic policy and development in improving the lives of Nigerians.
Dr. Olusi’s Fellowship Award underscores his dedication to Nigeria’s economic growth and his commitment to driving sustainable development through innovation, strategic planning, and local implementation. As he continues to lead the Bank of Industry, his efforts will undoubtedly play a transformative role in shaping the country’s economic future.
