The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has appointed Dr Nonny Patricia Ugboma as its Executive Director, Policy and Programmes and Chief Summit Officer, in a move aimed at strengthening the organisation’s leadership and advancing its policy reform agenda.

The appointment, which took effect on Monday, August 3, 2026, followed the approval of the NESG Board of Directors, according to a statement signed by the Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Tayo Aduloju.

The NESG said the appointment underscores its commitment to reinforcing its executive leadership with experienced professionals capable of driving sustainable economic development, inclusive growth and private sector-led transformation in Nigeria.

In her new dual role, Dr Ugboma will provide strategic leadership for the NESG’s policy programmes, public-private dialogue, policy commissions and platforms, strategic initiatives, and the annual Nigerian Economic Summit.

She will also oversee stakeholder engagement, partnership development and the implementation of summit recommendations as part of the organisation’s efforts to translate policy dialogue into measurable action.

According to the statement, Dr Ugboma brings more than 25 years of experience spanning finance, telecommunications, corporate social investment, institutional development, innovation policy, energy and sustainable development.

Before joining the NESG, she built an extensive career in finance, corporate strategy and social investment. She joined MTN Nigeria in 2003 as a Business Planner and Financial Analyst before serving as Executive Secretary of the MTN Nigeria Foundation between January 2009 and March 2021.

During her tenure at the Foundation, she led major social investment programmes in education, healthcare, youth and economic empowerment, and arts and culture, working with governments, educational institutions, healthcare organisations, communities and private-sector partners. The programmes were implemented across approximately 850 project locations nationwide.

The NESG noted that her professional career has been marked by the successful delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives that have produced measurable social and institutional impact.

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Her expertise covers programme strategy, institutional strengthening, partnership development, innovation policy and sustainable development.

Dr Ugboma holds a PhD in Innovation and Public Policy from the University College London Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, where her research focused on the role of public sector capabilities in implementing reforms, coordinating diverse stakeholders and creating sustainable public value.

She also earned a Master of Public Administration with Distinction from University College London, an MSc in International Management from King’s College London, and a Bachelor of Science degree with honours in Accounting and Financial Analysis from the University of Warwick.

The NESG said Dr Ugboma’s appointment combines the strategic expertise of a finance executive, the implementation experience of a national programme leader and the academic grounding of a public policy scholar, positioning the organisation to further strengthen its role as Nigeria’s leading policy think tank.

The Group expressed confidence that her leadership, strategic insight and commitment to institutional excellence would enhance its policy and programme delivery, deepen public-private dialogue and accelerate reforms aimed at promoting investment, competitiveness, productivity and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.