Hakama Sidi-Ali named Nigeria’s 2026 Spokesperson of the Year

Hakama Sidi-Ali, the Acting Director of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been named Nigeria’s 2026 Spokesperson of the Year. The honor was presented at the 6th National Spokespersons Awards (NSA) held at the NICON Luxury Hotel in Abuja.

Sidi-Ali’s recognition follows a three-year progression within the National Spokespersons Awards. In 2024, she was named the Outstanding Spokesperson for the Banking Sector, becoming the first female banking communicator to receive the award, a title she retained in 2025. Her 2026 win marks her transition to the overall top title.

In 2023, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso appointed Sidi-Ali as the first female spokesperson in the central bank’s 66-year history. The awards jury cited her contributions to strengthening the CBN’s communications architecture, including her management of Monetary Policy Committee briefings, stakeholder engagement, and international advocacy.