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By Henry Uche
Worried by the current economic deprivation in the country, experts are not leaving any stone unturned in a bid to help Nigerian leaders deliver democracy dividends real time to the people by redefining governance.
Speaking during an annual conference put together by Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (CIoD) in Abuja, the Chairman of Keystone Bank, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, who spoke on “Credible and Responsible Leadership”, reminded Nigerian leaders that governance is not an event, but a daily discipline.
Chukwudozie, who was the Chairman of Government Meets Business Dinner of the Conference, explained: “Governance is not merely a structure, it’s a compass that defines how we lead, how we give account and build trust that endures. When government and businesses sit together, transformation becomes possible.”
The Chairman maintained that strong governance depends on transparency which is the lifeblood of trust among government, businesses and citizens. She added ambition and enterprise are not enough, but accountability and shared purpose are key.
“Accountability must become a daily habit. While government clarity and policy consistency remains vital, governance is the bridge between policy and prosperity. Nigeria’s prosperity must be built on the integrity of the leadership. When people connect with good governance, prosperity is built,” she added.
Speaking on the theme – ‘Leading Through Change: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Enterprises’ – Professor Uche Uwaleke, referencing progressive countries across the globe, informed Nigeria leaders that investors value clarity and consistency more than short-term incentives, noting that predictability itself is an economic asset.
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The don affirmed that digital transformation and unified regulatory windows can greatly enhance business efficiency, especially for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). “Industrial growth must deliberately integrate youth, women, and small enterprises into value chains to prevent inequality from widening.
“Our economic landscape is in a constant state of flux – shaped by global oil prices, geopolitical shifts, technological disruptions, and domestic policy reforms. But the critical question we must ask ourselves is: Are we leading through this change, or are we merely being swept along by it?
“The examples of Singapore and Rwanda show that transformation is possible when leadership, institutions, and enterprise pull in the same direction. Nigeria can, and will achieve the same – if we persist with discipline, trust, and partnership.”
The capital market expert reminded corporate leaders of their roles as the custodians of organisational strategy and governance. He urged them to use their influential positions to be ambassadors of the current administration’s reforms including championing tax compliance within their respective organisations and engaging with policymakers constructively.
“Always regard the tax and other reforms as top priority Board agenda, not back-office function. Endeavour to obtain regular updates and monitor implementation. As a first step, seek to understand them very well to be in a position to provide the much-needed leadership.
“We need a Nigeria that works for all where leading through change means creating a tide that lifts all boats; where our enterprises are sustainable because they are inclusive, and inclusive because they are sustainable,” he stressed.
