The Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN) celebrated its 20th anniversary with a clarion call for ethical leadership and robust governance reforms to bolster Nigeria’s regulatory environment. The milestone was marked at the Corporate Governance Conference in Lagos, themed “Strengthening Ethical Governance in a Disrupted World: Reflection of Governance Journey for a Sustainable Future.”
The event drew industry leaders, policymakers, and governance experts who underscored the need for ethics, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s public and private sectors. Keynote speaker Dr. Omobola Johnson, former Minister of Communication and Technology, highlighted global disruptions—geopolitical conflicts, economic volatility, climate change, and artificial intelligence—as forces reshaping institutional operations.
She noted that automation, outsourcing, and Nigeria’s “Japa” migration trend are eroding skilled talent, weakening corporate resilience, and straining productivity. Johnson emphasized that the fallout from subsidy removal, naira devaluation, and governance lapses demands renewed focus on responsible, value-driven leadership. “The future of governance hinges on balancing technology with ethical, human-centered leadership,” she said.
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In a panel discussion, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, stressed the need for enforceable governance codes to monitor risks and enhance transparency, particularly in public institutions. He advocated for regular board evaluations and alignment with global standards, pointing to outdated fiscal systems like withholding tax as areas needing reform. Oyedele also highlighted Nigeria’s low tax literacy, urging public education to boost compliance and trust.
Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), represented by Mr. John Bricks, called for urgent corporate market reforms to drive economic growth and attract investment. He praised SCGN’s advocacy for advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, which he said enhances transparency and global competitiveness.
Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN), reaffirmed the council’s commitment to global reporting and sustainability standards. He revealed that new governance frameworks for SMEs and the public sector are nearing completion, warning that AI, cyber threats, and data manipulation pose risks to transparency. Olowo commended SCGN’s role in fostering a culture of integrity.
