Ahead of the 8th Nigerian Risk Awards and Summit scheduled for 4 June 2026, Nigeria’s risk professionals are calling for a shift from reactive to anticipatory approaches to risk management amid rising global uncertainties.
The biennial summit, themed ‘Anticipatory Governance, Risk, and Foresight: Preparing Nigeria for a Resilient and Inclusive Future’, will gather policymakers, corporate leaders, academics, and risk practitioners to discuss strategies for strengthening national resilience against emerging threats.
Speaking during a virtual news conference over the weekend, the Managing Partner of Conrad Clark Nigeria Limited, Bolanle Johnson, said organisations must anticipate disruptions rather than simply respond to them.
“Risk management is not reactive; it is anticipatory. It is about looking ahead and asking what could go wrong and what could go right,” Johnson said, adding that the NRA platform highlights organisations demonstrating foresight and resilience in navigating uncertainties.
Johnson noted that the summit would enhance public understanding of anticipatory governance and national risk exposure while providing actionable insights to support policy reforms, advocacy, and informed decision-making.
The Programme Director of the NRA, Damilola James, described the initiative as more than an awards platform, saying it is designed to drive a national conversation on preparedness and resilience.
“This year’s edition will involve collaboration with key government institutions, including the Office of the Vice President and the Office of Preparedness and Resilience, to promote coordinated responses to emerging risks,” James said.
He added, “The goal is to bring stakeholders together to address uncertainties and prepare Nigeria for global challenges. Risk management is no longer optional; it is critical for national development.”
The summit will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, training workshops, and an innovation showcase, alongside an awards ceremony recognising excellence in governance, compliance, and risk management. Nominations opened on 1 February and will close on 24 April 2026, with winners determined through a multi-stage evaluation process, including independent assessments and final shortlisting by a panel of judges.
Stakeholders at a recent media briefing expressed concern over the growing impact of global crises, particularly geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, on Nigeria’s economic stability. They highlighted the need for stronger institutional frameworks, improved policy coordination, and investment in risk intelligence to mitigate external shocks.
Participants also stressed the role of businesses in enhancing national resilience by adopting robust risk frameworks and aligning operations with global best practices, noting that these measures strengthen competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
