NIM: Calls For Stronger Governance To Combat Nigeria Corruption

• The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) has called for stronger institutional governance and improved management practices to combat corruption and mismanagement in Nigeria.
• NIM President Abimbola Ayuba emphasized the institute's commitment to fostering a well-trained workforce and making corruption an exception rather than the rule.
• The institute, established in 1961 and chartered in 2003, plays a statutory role in regulating Nigeria's management profession.
• A three-day conference, themed 'Sixty-Five Years of Management Excellence: Strengthening Institutional Governance in Nigeria,' is scheduled to commence on Sunday in Lagos, bringing together key stakeholders.
• NIM's efforts aim to address national challenges like weak institutional capacity, regulatory pressures, and rising operating costs that hinder Nigeria's development and investment attraction.

The Nigerian Institute of Management asserts that robust institutional governance and enhanced management practices are crucial for overcoming the mismanagement and corruption currently impeding the nation's progress.

The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) has issued a strong call for improved institutional governance and management practices across the nation. According to NIM President and Chairman of Council, Abimbola Ayuba, these enhancements are critical to effectively combat the pervasive mismanagement and corruption that have consistently impeded Nigeria's development trajectory.

Ayuba articulated this position during a press conference held on Friday in Lagos. He affirmed NIM's unwavering commitment to elevating management standards at both the micro-corporate and macro-governmental levels. The institute pledges to persist in its mission to cultivate a highly skilled and productive workforce for the country.

NIM's ultimate objective, as stated by Ayuba, is to transform mismanagement, maladministration, corruption, and other societal vices from prevalent issues into rare exceptions within Nigeria. This declaration underscores a long-term vision for systemic change, aiming to foster an environment where ethical and efficient management is the norm rather than an aspiration.

Established in 1961 by a collective of management professionals, NIM was founded to address identified deficiencies in the management of both public and private sectors within Nigeria. The institute later achieved charter status under Act 14 of 2003, which formally bestowed upon it a statutory role in the regulation and control of the management profession across the country.

Over its six-decade history, NIM has expanded significantly, mirroring the growth of Nigeria's economy and its management profession. The institute currently boasts a substantial membership, with approximately 200,000 individuals and 400 corporate organizations having completed its membership processes. Its members are strategically positioned across various public and private entities, contributing substantially to management and leadership roles throughout the economy.

NIM's annual conferences are specifically designed to delve into critical management issues affecting Nigeria. These gatherings aim to formulate actionable recommendations that can be presented to policymakers and other key stakeholders, thereby directly influencing institutional governance Nigeria and management practices Nigeria anti-corruption efforts.

NIM's urgent appeal for stronger governance arrives at a crucial juncture, as Nigeria actively strives to boost productivity and attract foreign investment. Businesses and governmental institutions alike currently grapple with significant hurdles, including inadequate infrastructure, complex regulatory pressures, and escalating operating costs. Weak institutional capacity further compounds these challenges, contributing to sluggish decision-making processes, heightened inefficiencies, and a noticeable erosion of accountability.

In response to these systemic issues, NIM reiterates its ongoing focus on developing a proficient and productive workforce. The institute is dedicated to promoting superior management practices across all organizational tiers, from corporate entities to governmental bodies. This strategic emphasis is viewed as fundamental to overcoming the nation's developmental obstacles.

During the recent announcements, tribute was also paid to NIM's founding members, along with past presidents, director-generals, and registrars. These individuals were credited by Ayuba for their foundational contributions and for meticulously building the organization over its 65-year history.

President Abimbola Ayuba also announced plans for the institute's 2026 Annual National Management Conference, which is slated to mark the culmination of its 65th anniversary activities. Separately, a three-day conference, themed 'Sixty-Five Years of Management Excellence: Strengthening Institutional Governance in Nigeria,' is scheduled to commence on the upcoming Sunday at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos. This event, referred to as the 65th anniversary conference, will also serve as the culmination of the institute’s sapphire jubilee, which began in March with the unveiling of its anniversary logo.

This significant gathering is expected to attract a diverse array of participants, including government officials, policymakers, business executives, and professional managers. The main theme speaker for the conference will be Dr. Dakuku Peterside, former Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency. The keynote address will be delivered by Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom and Chancellor of Lagos State University.

Further enriching the discourse, other notable speakers include Dr. Ayodele Aderinwale, Chairman of Justrite Superstores; Dr. Babangida Albaba, Rector of Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management; and Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund. The conference will also feature a panel discussion with participants such as Ayotola Jagun, Executive Director of Oando Plc; Mercy Onuh, Principal Procurement Officer at Ahmadu Bello University; and Kai Orga, Managing Director of ARM Investment Managers.

This article highlights the ongoing focus of professional bodies like NIM on strengthening institutional governance and combating corruption in Nigeria. While not announcing specific legal changes, it signals a persistent call for improved management practices that compliance officers and legal counsel should monitor as potential drivers for future regulatory reforms or increased enforcement scrutiny in corporate governance and anti-corruption efforts.

Source: Reporting based on original statements from the Nigerian Institute of Management.