The President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. (Mrs.) Ije Jidenma, F.IoD and the Chairman of the Board of Directors, IoD Centre for Corporate Governance, led members of the IoD and IoDCCG Delegation to meet with the Honourable Minister Of Industry, Trade & Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo on Tuesday, 18 January 2022, in FCT Abuja.
The meeting had the following as delegates from IoD Nigeria and IoDCCG:
- Alh. Shuaibu Idris, F.IoD, mni, Chairman, Board of Directors, IoD Centre for Corporate Governance;
- Alh. Tijjani Borodo, F.IoD, Vice President, IoD Nigeria;
- Mr. Adetunji Oyebanji, F.IoD, Second Vice President, IoD Nigeria;
- Chief Chris Okunowo, DF.IoD, Immediate Past President, IoD Nigeria;
- Prince Austin Enajemo-Isire, F.IoD, Hon. Treasurer, IoD Nigeria;
- Mrs. Funmi Roberts, F.IoD, Honorary Legal Adviser, IoD Nigeria;
- Mr. Dele Alimi, M.IoD, Director General/CEO, IoD Nigeria
- Mr. Nerus Ekezie, Ag CEO/MD, IoD Centre for Corporate Governance
The President in her opening remark thanked the Honourable Minister for receiving the delegates and for its support to IoD Nigeria over the years. She also praised the leadership of the Honourable Minister for the tremendous growth of government agencies and parastatals under his supervision.
The President further thanked the Ministry for its support to the Charter Bill of the Institute, which was brought to the attention of the Ministry, by the Presidency, in 2019. She further solicited for the Ministry’s support in pushing the Bill so that IoD Nigeria can become a Chartered Body.
Furthermore, the President informed the Honourable Minster of IoDCCG’s plan to organize a maiden edition of the National Corporate Governance Summit (NCGS) and would like to invite the Honourable Minister as a Guest of Honour.
In addition, the President beseech that the Honourable Minster approves all seventeen parastatals and agencies under the Ministry to join the Centre as members as this would be instrumental and a benchmark for other Federal Ministries. In the same vein, the President urged that the Honourable Minster approve the Membership of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Directors, and Assistant Directors to IoD Nigeria.
The President also informed the Ministry that IoD Nigeria and the IoDCCG provide strategic in-plant programmes on Corporate Governance and Leadership that would enhance Directors’ and Senior Management effectiveness, competencies, strategies and synergies required to execute various mandates, overcome challenges, add value to the economy and ensure the sustainability of their organizations.
She went further to inform the Honourable Minister that IoD Nigeria will be publishing a book on Corporate Governance guide for Public Sector in Nigeria. Thereafter, she requested the Honourable Minister’s approval for the Ministry’s participation in the development and publication of this book.
Additionally, the President informed the Honourable Minister about the IoD Nigeria Register of Independent Directors. She quoted that the Independent Directors play a vital role on Boards by providing independent judgment on all matters and circumstances. She further solicited the Ministry’s support for this initiative.
In her closing remark, the President emphasized the need for all stakeholders in the Nigerian Public and Private sectors to fully embrace good Corporate Governance with a focus on responsibility, integrity, accountability, transparency, self-regulation, and effective internal control systems.
Responding, the Honourable Minister warmly welcomed the IoD team. He stated that he believes in the good work of the Institute, especially its propagation of good Corporate Governance and he is always ready to lend the Ministry’s support in the good work of the IoDCCG. The Honourable Minister thanked the team for constantly identifying with the Ministry and recognizing the Ministry’s effort and determination to improve Business activity through the support of trade and existing industries in Nigeria while also encouraging the emergence of new industries in Nigeria.
He further stated that he has carefully listened to our request and will pass same to the Permanent Secretary for proper analysis, advice, and implementation modalities.