Muhammadu sanusi ii a mismatch of capacity and opportunity

A thought-provoking topic!

Muhammadu Sanusi II, the 14th Emir of Kano and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), is a highly respected figure in Nigeria and the global financial community. His tenure as CBN Governor (2009-2014) was marked by several significant achievements, including the introduction of the Cashless Policy, the establishment of the Financial Inclusion Strategy, and the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system.

However, it's also true that Sanusi's tenure was not without controversy. Some critics have argued that his policies, particularly the Cashless Policy, were overly ambitious and may have had unintended consequences, such as limiting access to financial services for some segments of the population.

In this sense, one could argue that Sanusi's capacity (his skills, experience, and expertise) may not have been entirely matched by the opportunities available to him during his tenure as CBN Governor. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Lack of political support: Sanusi's tenure was marked by tension with the government, particularly with President Goodluck Jonathan's administration. This lack of political support may have limited his ability to implement some of his policies effectively.
2. Inadequate infrastructure: Nigeria's financial infrastructure, including the banking system and payment systems, was not fully developed at the time Sanusi took office. This may have made it challenging for him to implement some of his policies, such as the Cashless Policy, which required significant investments in technology and infrastructure.
3. Limited resources: The CBN's budget and resources may not have been sufficient to support some of Sanusi's ambitious initiatives, such as the Financial Inclusion Strategy, which aimed to increase access to financial services for the unbanked population.
4. External factors: Sanusi's tenure coincided with several external factors that may have impacted his ability to implement his policies, including the global financial crisis, which led to a decline in foreign investment and a contraction in Nigeria's economy.

In conclusion, while Muhammadu Sanusi II is widely regarded as a highly capable and visionary leader, it's also important to acknowledge that his capacity may not have been entirely matched by the opportunities available to him during his tenure as CBN Governor. Despite these challenges, Sanusi's legacy continues to shape Nigeria's financial sector, and his contributions to the country's economic development are still being felt today.