Charles Onwunali
Charles Onwunali is a highly accomplished economist, entrepreneur, and financial consultant with over two decades of cross-sectoral experience spanning banking, public finance, and international development. A graduate of Economics (Second Class Upper Division) and holder of a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance & Accounts from the prestigious University of Lagos, Akoka, he has built a remarkable career marked by leadership, innovation, and transformative impact in both the private and public sectors.
His professional journey includes senior management roles in treasury and financial services at leading Nigerian banks, where he honed his expertise in fiscal strategy, risk management, and institutional financing. His exceptional capabilities were further demonstrated during his tenure on the Federal Government’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) committees, where he played a pivotal role in structuring innovative financing models. Notably, he spearheaded the transportation strategy for the 2003 COJA All Africa Games, successfully mobilizing private sector participation from ANAMCO and Coscharis Motors, which resulted in the deployment of fleets of Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles to facilitate seamless mobility for event participants – a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s PPP history.
Beyond Nigeria’s borders, Charles made history as the pioneer Executive Director of Island Bank SA in São Tomé & Príncipe, where he laid the foundation for the bank’s operations in the Gulf of Guinea, contributing to regional financial integration. His leadership acumen was further showcased during his tenure as Executive Chairman of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS), where he introduced groundbreaking reforms that revolutionized the state’s revenue administration, significantly enhancing efficiency and transparency in tax collection.
A lifelong learner and advocate for professional excellence, Charles holds esteemed memberships in several prestigious institutions, including the Institute of Directors (IOD), the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), and the Nigerian Institute of Loan and Credit Risk Management (NILCRM). These affiliations underscore his unwavering commitment to ethical leadership, financial best practices, and capacity development in Africa’s financial sector.
Combining intellectual rigor with practical ingenuity, Charles Onwunali continues to shape fiscal policy, drive sustainable economic growth, and mentor the next generation of financial leaders. His career stands as a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership in both public service and private enterprise.