Senior staff members at the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN), are expressing outrage over the immense power wielded by female consultants arbitrarily hired by its governor, Olayemi Cardoso.
The consultants, identified as Nkiru Balonwu and Daphne Dafinone, reportedly issue directives to departmental directors and earn exorbitant salaries, far exceeding those of senior executives.
Sources within the bank allege that Ms. Balonwu takes home a staggering ₦50 million per month, while Ms. Dafinone earns ₦35 million, surpassing the combined salaries of multiple directors.
The consultants’ roles remain undefined, yet they have been granted permanent offices on the 11th floor, alongside the governor, while deputy governors operate from the 10th floor; they reportedly bypass the bank’s hierarchy, issue directives to directors.
Discontent among staff members has escalated, with many questioning the consultants’ legitimacy and the bypassing of due process in their appointments.
Their presence has led to the nickname ‘Cardoso Women’, with insiders claiming they hold more influence than officially appointed deputy governors.
Adding to the controversy, Ms Dafinone is currently facing a N100 million fraud trial, according to reports.
