CRC Credit Bureau Limited, the leading Credit Bureau in Nigeria and Africa, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Patrick Ehidiame Akhidenor as a Non-Executive Director (NED) on its Board of Directors, following the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Mr. Akhidenor joins the Board as the representative of First Bank of Nigeria Limited, succeeding Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, who was recently appointed the Group Managing Director of First Bank.
Mr. Akhidenor brings to CRC over three decades of distinguished experience in the banking and financial services industry, with expertise spanning credit and risk management, corporate finance, operations, and strategic leadership. He currently serves as the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) at First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a position he assumed in July 2024, where he has been instrumental in strengthening the bank’s credit and enterprise risk frameworks, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring operational excellence across multiple markets.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Akhidenor served as Head of Credit Analysis and Processing at First Bank and previously acted as Chief Risk Officer in 2016. He began his professional career in 1992 with Savannah Bank of Nigeria Plc, and over the years has held several strategic positions, including Regional Risk Manager (South-South & South-East) at Ecobank Nigeria, Credit Service Delivery Manager (SME Banking) at Standard Chartered Bank, and Risk Manager roles covering Wholesale Banking, Retail & SME Banking, and Loan Monitoring.
He has also served as Deputy Branch Manager at Citizens International Bank and Risk Manager at Fidelity Bank, where he played key roles in credit risk management, loan monitoring, and audit risk reviews. His career spans critical areas such as credit structuring, due diligence for cross-border acquisitions, risk analysis, trade and SME finance, and corporate governance, reinforcing his reputation as a seasoned risk and compliance professional.
A trained lawyer and communications professional, Mr. Akhidenor holds a Barrister-at-Law (BL) from the Nigerian Law School, an LL.B from Lagos State University, and a B.A. (Hons) in English from Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma).
Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Akhidenor is a trainer and advocate for climate and sustainability, with a passion for mentoring and community development.
Speaking on this appointment, Mr. Joel Owoade, Chairman of the Board, commended the selection of Mr. Akhidenor as Non-Executive Director of CRC. He stated:
“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Patrick Akhidenor to CRC’s Board. His wealth of experience in credit, risk management, and governance will further strengthen CRC’s strategic focus as we continue to promote responsible lending, financial inclusion, and data-driven credit infrastructure in Nigeria and beyond.”
Dr. ‘Tunde Popoola, MD/CEO of CRC Credit Bureau, added that the decision to bring Mr. Akhidenor on board as a Non-Executive Director reflects CRC’s unwavering commitment to corporate governance and its ambition to remain the leading credit bureau in Nigeria and Africa. He noted that this addition will not only strengthen the company’s governance framework but also accelerate innovation in credit reporting and financial inclusion. Describing the appointment as well-deserved, he expressed confidence that Mr. Akhidenor’s extensive experience will drive CRC toward even greater achievements.
CRC Credit Bureau remains committed to advancing its leadership in credit reporting, data analytics, and financial inclusion through strong governance, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration. As a foremost credit bureau in Nigeria and Africa, the appointment of Mr. Akhidenor further strengthens the Board’s capacity to deliver on this mandate.
