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By Henry Uche
Regulatory bodies and corporate organisations in Nigeria have been charged to protect the interest of Nigerians and their customers against unprofessional conducts by corporate leaders and public office holders in the country.
Speaking at the July 2026 new members’ induction ceremony of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria in Lagos, the guest speaker, Professor Konyinsola Ajayi admonishes captains of industries to uphold the trust reposed in them by their institutions and stakeholders. He noted that integrity, accountability and ethical leadership remain the bedrock of sustainable corporate governance and long-term institutional success.
The senior advocate of Nigeria, who gave this charge said, the best legacy anyone can leave is the great memories left after occupying leadership positions.
Ajayi who is a Partner at Olaniwun Ajayi LP, charged regulators like Security and Exchange Commission, SEC, the Financial Reporting Council, FRC and others to ensure that companies are run properly without aggressiveness, mediocrity, or oppression.
“The truth of the matter is, what we complain is that what we see in public sector; incompetent, mediocre and corruption has found its way into the private sector, and the largest employer of labour is the private sector.
“What we see in many organisations is misappropriation of the law or operation of the people and using regulations as a means of making money rather than a means of making sure that companies are run properly and fairly. We urge these bodies to do what they need to do”
In an address, the President/ Chairman of Governing Council of the Institute, Mr. Otunba Adetunji Oyebanji, assured Nigerians that CIoD will continue to promote excellence in directorship, corporate governance and ethical leadership.
Themed, “The Director Mandate: Governing for Value and Resilience” Oyebanji noted that in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment, governance is no longer simply about compliance, but about providing strategic leadership, anticipating risks, strengthening institutional resilience and ensuring that organisations remain relevant, competitive and sustainable.
“The quality of leadership in the boardroom has become one of the defining factors of organisational success. This is the mandate entrusted to every director. Through executive education, professional certification, research, policy advocacy and strategic partnerships, the Institute continues to advance governance standards across both the public and private sectors while contributing to national development”
He added that the Institute was investing in the future of governance through the Young Directors Forum (YDF), which develops emerging executives and professionals into the next generation of responsible board leaders through mentorship, executive learning and professional networking.
“Your organisations will rely on your judgement. Your stakeholders will depend on your stewardship. Your leadership will influence organisational culture, strengthen public trust and contribute to national economic development.
“As directors, always remember that leadership is not defined by position but by responsibility; governance is not measured by compliance alone but by the value it creates; and the true legacy of every director lies in the strength and sustainability of the institutions they leave behind. Let us continue to strengthen governance, build resilient institutions and create sustainable value for Nigeria and future generations,” he added.
