By Rukayat Moisemhe
Stakeholders on Wednesday said effective implementation of corporate governance and stronger public-private sector collaboration were critical to accelerating Nigeria’s economic growth.
They said this at a news conference in Lagos ahead of the third National Corporate Governance Summit organised by the Institute of Directors Centre for Corporate Governance (IoDCCG).
Chairman, Board of Governors, IoDCCG, Mr U.K. Eke, said effective implementation of corporate governance principles across the public and private sectors was critical to boosting economic growth and supporting Nigeria’s aspiration of becoming a one trillion-dollar economy.
Eke said increasing participation in previous editions of the summit reflected growing recognition of the need to institutionalise sound corporate governance across public and private institutions.
He said the 2026 summit, with the theme, “Implementing Good Governance for Economic Acceleration: Consolidating Public-Private Sector Partnership,” would hold on July 21 and 22 in Lagos.
According to him, the summit will attract Vice President Kashim Shettima, ministers, business leaders and other stakeholders to advance discussions on governance and sustainable economic development.
Eke also called for sustained media engagement to promote a culture of corporate governance and strengthen institutions needed to support Nigeria’s economic aspirations.
Executive Secretary of the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Dr Rabiu Olowo, said ongoing economic reforms would only deliver sustainable results when backed by strong institutions and sound governance systems.
Olowo described the summit as Nigeria’s foremost platform for dialogue on governance, leadership and institutional excellence, bringing together policymakers, regulators, investors, governance professionals and development partners.
He said this year’s edition would focus on practical and implementable solutions to governance challenges capable of accelerating economic growth.
“The theme recognises that economic acceleration cannot be achieved by the government alone, nor can the private sector realise its full potential without effective public institutions.
“Sustainable development requires trust, collaboration, policy consistency, institutional integrity and governance systems that inspire confidence among citizens, investors and development partners,” he said.
According to him, discussions will focus on governance in state-owned enterprises, board oversight of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, governance in financial institutions, mining sector governance and building a robust credit economy.
He added that the summit would generate practical recommendations to strengthen governance implementation, improve institutional performance, reinforce investor confidence and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness.
Olowo said Vice President Kashim Shettima would declare the summit open, while Founder and Managing Partner of Trans-Sahara Investment Corporation, Mr Kyari Abba Bukar, would chair the event.
He added that the keynote address would be delivered by the Chairperson of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mrs Juliet Amammah.
According to him, ministers responsible for solid minerals development, marine and blue economy, trade and investment, the Minister of State for Industry, governors, regulators and private sector leaders are among confirmed participants.
Also speaking, President of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Mrs Uto Ukpanah, said Nigeria’s challenge was no longer the absence of governance frameworks but weak implementation.
Ukpanah said translating governance principles into measurable outcomes was essential to improving investor confidence, attracting capital, creating jobs and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
“The journey from policy to performance requires leadership commitment, ethical conduct, effective oversight, regulatory consistency and a culture of accountability across both public and private institutions.
“Good governance is no longer a compliance exercise. It is a strategic economic imperative that drives investment, competitiveness, innovation and long-term prosperity,” she said.
She said the summit would provide a platform for stakeholders to share best practices, strengthen collaboration between government and businesses, and identify reforms needed to unlock Nigeria’s economic potential.
Ukpanah reaffirmed ICSAN’s commitment to promoting good governance as a driver of sustainable economic development in the country. (NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma