In a strategic move to bolster its economic intelligence, the Dangote Group has appointed Dr. Mahmud Hassan, a seasoned economist and former Director at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as its new Group Chief Economist. The announcement, made on Monday, positions Hassan to advise the conglomerate on economic strategy, market trends, and policy implications, reporting directly to Group President Aliko Dangote. This key hire underscores the Group’s emphasis on robust analytical leadership as it operates amidst global economic volatility and complex domestic market conditions.
Dr. Hassan brings over three decades of expertise in economic policy, financial regulation, and central banking to the role. His distinguished career at the CBN included serving as Director of the Trade and Exchange Department from November 2023 and, prior to that, as Director of the Monetary Policy Department. In the latter role, he coordinated critical policy formulation and served as Secretary to the influential Monetary Policy Committee. He also previously acted as Special Assistant on Economic Policy and Research to a CBN Governor.
Beyond his national duties, Hassan has contributed significantly to regional integration, having served as a lead consultant to the African Union Commission on trade initiatives and the proposed African Monetary Fund. His academic credentials include a PhD in Economics and an MSc in Energy Economics and Policy from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, complemented by a BSc in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is also an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School and holds certifications as a Bank Examiner and AML/CFT Analyst. He is a fellow of esteemed professional bodies, including the Nigerian Statistical Association and the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria.
A prolific researcher in macroeconomics, monetary policy, and energy economics, Hassan further serves as a visiting professor at several Nigerian universities and is the President of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics.