The Vice-President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has pledged support for the speedy passage of the Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria Bill currently before the National Assembly, as well as the ongoing construction of the new National Secretariat of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria in Lagos.
The Vice-President gave the assurance while receiving a delegation of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, led by its President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Uto Ukpanah, during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, according to a statement from ICSAN.
During the visit, Ukpanah briefed the Vice-President on the institute’s efforts to strengthen corporate governance practice, promote ethical leadership, and improve institutional capacity across the public and private sectors of the economy.
The ICSAN president specifically drew attention to the Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria Bill, which is awaiting listing for second reading at the National Assembly.
She stated that the proposed legislation would strengthen governance practice in Nigeria, improve professionalism within the sector, and align the country with evolving global governance standards.
Responding, Shettima acknowledged the importance of governance in national development and assured the delegation of his support for initiatives aimed at strengthening institutions, improving regulatory frameworks, and promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria.
The Vice-President was also briefed on the ongoing construction of the institute’s National Secretariat in Lagos, which is expected to serve as a centre for governance education, professional development, research, and stakeholder engagement.
Ukpanah appealed for support from the Federal Government and other stakeholders towards the completion of the project, stating that the facility would further strengthen the institute’s capacity to contribute to national development through governance advocacy and professional training.
Shettima commended ICSAN for its contributions to corporate governance, capacity building, and ethical leadership over the past 60 years. He also expressed appreciation for the institute’s role in promoting professionalism and institutional integrity within Nigeria’s governance system.
The Vice-President further assured the delegation that the Federal Government would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening governance structures and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The visit also provided an opportunity for discussions on possible areas of collaboration between ICSAN and government institutions in advancing governance reforms and improving institutional effectiveness nationwide.
ICSAN, Nigeria’s leading professional body for governance practitioners, is marking its 60th anniversary this year, celebrating six decades of contributions to corporate governance, boardroom practice, compliance, and institutional leadership in Nigeria.
