Hakama Sidi-Ali, Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has been named the 2026 Spokesperson of the Year, securing one of Nigeria’s highest recognitions for strategic communication.
The award was presented at the 6th National Spokespersons Awards and the 4th Economic Confidential Annual Lecture organised by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), publishers of PRNigeria, Economic Confidential and Spokespersons Digest.
Sidi-Ali’s victory marks the latest stage in a three-year run of recognition within Nigeria’s communications industry.
She won the Outstanding Spokesperson – Banking Sector award in 2024 and retained the same honour in 2025. In 2026, the awards jury elevated her to the overall Spokesperson of the Year category.
According to the organisers, the latest award recognised her influence beyond the banking sector and her role in communicating Nigeria’s monetary policy, engaging stakeholders and strengthening public confidence in the CBN.
The jury assessed nominees using four key criteria: impact, innovation and originality, campaign reach, and quality of evidence.
The organisers also cited Sidi-Ali’s role in developing a proactive communications approach at the CBN, including Monetary Policy Committee briefings, stakeholder engagements, investor relations, media management and international advocacy.
The CBN’s communications campaign also received international recognition after being named a finalist at the 2026 International Public Relations Association Golden World Awards, according to the organisers.
Sidi-Ali has received other recognition during 2026. Earlier in the year, she was honoured as African Iconic Female Spokesperson of the Year at the African International Women Recognition Awards, following a continent-wide public voting process.
Her latest achievement also builds on a historic appointment in 2023, when CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso appointed her as the institution’s first female spokesperson in its 66-year history.
The 2026 National Spokespersons Awards attracted 171 nominations from across Nigeria. Following an initial screening process, nominees were assessed on clarity, measurable impact and verifiable evidence, with 30 finalists eventually selected across 15 categories.
IMPR Chief Executive Officer Yushau A. Shuaib said the awards were established to promote informed national discourse, recognise professional excellence and strengthen strategic communication in Nigeria.
Sidi-Ali’s recognition highlights the growing role of professional communication in presenting Nigeria’s economic policies to domestic and international audiences.
