Kingsley Moghalu

**Kingsley Moghalu** Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu (born May 28, 1963) is a Nigerian political economist, lawyer, academic, and former United Nations official. He is known for his work in economic development, international affairs, and as a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Moghalu has also been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, particularly through his presidential aspirations. **Early Life and Education** Kingsley Moghalu was born in Lagos, Nigeria, into a family from Nnewi, Anambra State. His early education was in Lagos, and he attended the prestigious Federal Government College, Enugu. Moghalu earned a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree in 1986 from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. In 1987, he was called to the Nigerian Bar. He furthered his academic pursuits overseas, obtaining a Master’s degree in International Relations from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Massachusetts, in 1992. He later received a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in International Relations from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in 2005. He also holds a Certificate in Advanced Executive Management from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Moghalu began his career in 1992 at the United Nations (UN) in New York, where he served for 17 years in various capacities. His tenure included roles in international security, development, and complex peacekeeping operations. Notably, he was appointed to the UN’s Global High-Level Panel on International Financial Oversight, reflecting his expertise in global financial systems. He eventually rose to the rank of Director of Global Partnerships and Resource Mobilization at the UN. In 2009, Moghalu was appointed as a Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) by then-President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. During his five-year term (2009–2014), he spearheaded several key reforms. He was instrumental in managing Nigeria's banking sector cleanup following the global financial crisis and played a critical role in developing and implementing the CBN’s financial inclusion strategy, which aimed to bring millions of unbanked Nigerians into the formal financial system. He also oversaw the establishment of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Nigeria's sovereign wealth fund. Following his service at the CBN, Moghalu returned to academia as a Professor of Practice in International Business and Public Policy at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. **Political Aspirations** Moghalu transitioned into political advocacy and electoral politics, seeking to reform Nigeria’s governance and economic structure. In 2019, he contested the Nigerian presidential election under the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP). His campaign focused on restructuring the economy, education, and national security. In the 2023 election cycle, he initially declared his intention to run for president under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) but later withdrew from the race, citing various challenges within the political system. **Notable Works** Moghalu is a distinguished author who has published several influential books on finance, economics, and international relations. His notable works include: * *Global Justice: The Politics of World Order* (2008), which explores issues of global governance and equity. * *Emerging Africa: How the Global Political Economy Is Shaping the Future of the Continent* (2014), a widely acclaimed book focusing on African economic and political development. * *Build, Innovate, and Grow (BIG): My Vision for Our Country* (2018), which outlined his presidential blueprint for Nigeria.**Current Status** Kingsley Moghalu continues to be an active public intellectual and policy advocate. He is the founder and CEO of Sogato Strategies LLC, an international investment advisory firm. He is also the President of the Institute for Governance and Economic Transformation (IGET), a public policy think tank focused on advising African governments on economic and governance issues. He frequently comments on Nigerian and African affairs, using his platforms to promote institutional reforms and sustainable development.