The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening corporate governance and sustainability in Nigeria, urging governance professionals to adapt to global best practices.
Speaking at the ICSAN Members Summit held in Lagos recently, the President of ICSAN, Funmi Ekundayo, emphasised that governance professionals have a role to play in driving compliance, ethical business practices, and corporate transparency.
The summit, themed ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Governance Professionals,’ explored how governance professionals can leverage sustainability, environmental and social and governance standards, and regulatory compliance to advance corporate governance in Nigeria.
According to Ekundayo, the role of governance professionals, particularly company secretaries, has evolved beyond administrative duties to becoming strategic partners in corporate decision-making.
“Corporate governance has taken on a more strategic dimension globally, and governance professionals must rise to the occasion to ensure compliance, sustainability, and transparency in organisations,” she stated.
Delivering the keynote address, a professor at the University of Ibadan, Bayo Adaralegbe, noted that governance professionals must stay ahead of global trends to remain relevant in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
Adaralegbe stressed that with the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, the role of company secretaries has been officially recognised as governance professionals, making it essential for them to expand their expertise in risk management, corporate sustainability, and compliance frameworks.
He added, “Governance professionals must embrace sustainability, ethical leadership, and corporate responsibility to enhance investor confidence and ensure long-term business success.”
The PUNCH reported that the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into corporate governance frameworks as it prepares to host the 2025 Company Secretaries and Registrars Forum.
