Experts to tackle Nigeria’s governance deficit, mismanagement

Experts to tackle Nigeria’s governance deficit, mismanagement

By Henry Uche

Nigeria’s governance system faces a fresh test as professionals, policymakers and business leaders move to confront institutional failures, close accountability gaps and demand stronger leadership to rebuild public trust and drive national development.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos ahead of its 2026 Annual National Management Conference (ANMC) of the Institute, the President/ Chairman of Council, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba(rtd), the discourse would address a burning management issue of national importance with a view to arriving at a solution which would be forwarded to all key stakeholders.

With the theme, “Strengthening Institutional Governance in Nigeria” the President assured that Nigeria would begin to see professional conduct especially from public office holders after the conference, as professional managers, government functionaries, decision-makers, opinion leaders, policy formulators and top management executives of repute in both the private and public sectors of the nation’s economy graces the occasion.

Slated for September 13 to Tuesday, September 15 in Lagos, participants included: Dr. Dakuku Peterside, a distinguished Fellow of our Institute and a former DG/CEO, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) will serve as the Main Theme Speaker while His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, (Telade IV), the Alara of Ilara Kingdom Epe Division/Pro-Chancellor, Lagos State University, will deliver the keynote address.

Other speakers at the conference include Dr. Ayodele Patrick Aderinwale, Chairman, Justrite Superstores Ltd.; Dr. Babangida Albaba, Former Rector, Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management, and Arch. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary, TETFUND, who will play the role of breakout session moderators.

Also, Ms. Ayotola Jagun, Executive DirectorOando Plc; Mrs. Mercy Onuh, Principal Procurement Officer, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Mrs. Kai Orga, Managing Director, ARM Investment Managers will be panelists at the conference, while Prof. Anayo Nkamnebe, Professor of Marketing and a former Director, UNIZIK Business School, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, has been pencilled down as panel session moderator.

“It is imperative to point out that this year’s conference is the sapphire jubilee edition which coincides with the 65th anniversary of the Institute. The Institute will continue its efforts of improving management practices both at the micro corporate level as well as at the macro governmental level”

Ayuba noted that the problem with Nigeria was rooted in individual character and ethics, and called for a closer collaboration between NIM and anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Relayed Offences Commission.

“As we journey into the future, we will neither relent in our quest to bequeath a well-trained and productive workforce to the nation nor will we be tired until mismanagement, maladministration, corruption and other social vices which have hampered Nigeria’s development are exceptions rather than the rule in our country. Together, we believe, we can contribute more to building a better Nigeria for the benefit of our people and succeeding generations” he added.

‎On her part, the Registrar/Chief Executive of NIM, Taiwo Ganiyat Olusesi, said the Institute does not wait for its annual conference before responding to topical issues in the country, but regularly reviews situations and communicates same to the government and other stakeholders, as well provides recommendations on areas where it identifies deficiencies.

‎”The Institute’s annual conference would enable professionals to examine major management issues and develop recommendations which would subsequently be communicated to government, the private sector and other relevant stakeholders.

“The Institute will go beyond issuing recommendations by proposing possible implementation strategies, including policy reviews, committees and timelines where necessary” she added.