Zenith Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Engr. Mustafa Bello as Chairman of its Board of Directors, following approvals from the Central Bank of Nigeria and shareholders at its Annual General Meeting held on May 5, 2026. The appointment takes immediate effect.
The decision marks a strategic move by the bank to strengthen board continuity, stability, and governance standards, while sustaining its reputation for strong regulatory compliance and effective oversight.
Engr. Bello joined the board in December 2017 and has played key roles across several committees, including Audit and Compliance, Governance and Nomination, as well as serving as Chairman of the Board Risk Management Committee prior to his elevation.
With decades of leadership experience at both executive and board levels, Bello brings deep expertise in corporate governance and strategic direction. His track record of integrity, independence, and sound judgment positioned him as a natural successor to lead the board into its next phase.
A seasoned engineer and public sector leader, Mustafa Bello has over 40 years of experience spanning both government and private sectors. He served as Nigeria’s Minister of Commerce from 1999 to 2002 under Olusegun Obasanjo, where he led the development of a trade policy aligned with global standards and oversaw reforms that modernised business registration processes.
He later served as Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission from 2003 to 2014, playing a key role in attracting foreign investment and strengthening Nigeria’s international economic partnerships.
Bello holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, graduating with Second Class Upper Division and earning recognition for academic excellence. He began his career in the Nigerian Army’s engineering services before moving into the housing sector.
He currently chairs Invest-in-Northern Nigeria Limited and has previously served on the boards of Eskom Holdings and FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a registered member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria.
Zenith Bank remains one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, with a strong capital base and international presence across multiple markets including Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa.