Zenith Bank Plc has named Mr. Mustafa Bello as the new Chairman of its Board of Directors, marking a leadership transition at the financial institution.
According to a statement issued by the bank on Wednesday, the appointment takes effect immediately and has received approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria, as well as confirmation by shareholders during the Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday.
The bank explained that the decision was made to ensure stability, continuity, and effective governance within the board, while strengthening its commitment to sound corporate governance practices, regulatory adherence, and strategic direction.
Bello became a member of the Zenith Bank board on December 29, 2017, and has contributed through service on various board committees since then.
He brings decades of experience in leadership roles across both public and private sectors, with strong expertise in governance, regulatory compliance, and organisational strategy. His appointment was also attributed to his long-standing record of integrity, independent judgment, and leadership capability.
A seasoned engineer and public administrator, Bello has built a career spanning over 40 years. He previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Commerce from 1999 to 2002, during which he played a key role in developing a trade policy aligned with World Trade Organization standards.
He also led the digital transformation of business registration processes through the Corporate Affairs Commission online initiative introduced in 2002.
Between 2003 and 2014, he was the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, where he oversaw major reforms in investment facilitation.
Bello graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1978, where he received recognition for academic excellence in engineering. He began his professional journey with the Nigerian Army’s engineering services before moving into public infrastructure development in Niger State.
He currently chairs Invest-in-Northern Nigeria Ltd and has previously served on the boards of Eskom Holdings in South Africa and FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc as an independent non-executive director.
A fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and other professional bodies, Bello is widely recognised for his contributions to engineering, governance, and national development.