The President of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, Funmi Ekundayo, has called for the adoption of artificial intelligence to enhance corporate governance and sustainability in Nigeria.
She made the call on Wednesday at the ICSAN 2025 Company Secretaries and Registrars’ Forum in Lagos.
Speaking at the forum themed “Enhancing the AI Mindset in Delivering Sustainability Principles on Data Management and Governance,” Ekundayo stressed that AI is no longer just an emerging trend but a critical tool for strengthening governance frameworks, improving compliance, and ensuring sustainable business practices.
“The intersection of AI, environmental, social, and governance principles, and data management is now central to corporate sustainability. As governance professionals, we must not only understand these concepts but also lead their adoption in our organisations,” she said.
Delivering the keynote address, Associate Director & Data Engineering Lead, Africa Tech Platforms AI & Data Services, KPMG, Christopher Ogirri, emphasised the need for businesses to embrace AI-driven solutions for efficient governance. He highlighted AI’s role in automating compliance reporting, reducing errors, improving risk assessment, and streamlining governance processes.
He further noted that ESG reporting would become mandatory in Nigeria by 2028, with large public interest entities expected to comply by 2027, while small and medium-sized enterprises must follow by 2030.
Ogirri urged company secretaries and registrars to prepare for the shift, as regulators such as the Financial Reporting Council, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Nigerian Exchange Group are tightening compliance requirements.
The forum featured a panel discussion with experts, including Group General Counsel and Company Secretary of United Capital plc, Leo Okafor; Managing Partner of Caleb Consulting Uganda Ltd, Bamidele Oseni; and the Head of Group Communications and Partnerships at NGX Group, Clifford Akpolo.
Panellists shared insights on how AI can optimise data management, enhance corporate governance practices, and ensure regulatory compliance. They also discussed the rising importance of ESG in investment decisions.
The PUNCH reported that 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.
