Group Urges Regulators, Business Leaders To Advance Governance Standards

The Society for Corporate Governance in Nigeria (SCGN) has urged regulators, business leaders, institutions and ecosystem players to raise governance standards across sectors.

The society noted that this move would strengthen fiscal reforms, improve regulatory compliance and enhance the national code of corporate governance.

SCGN further emphasised the need to drive ethical governance in a disrupted environment by advancing corporate policy with stakeholders, thought leaders and institutional players to provide solutions to navigate challenges in corporate governance.

The CEO of SCGN, Chioma Mordi, said this discussion will take centre stage at the society’s 20th anniversary corporate governance conference, scheduled for October 9, 2025, in Lagos.

“For 20 years, SCGN has remained steadfast in promoting ethical governance in Nigeria. This anniversary conference is not just a celebration of our journey but a call to action for boards, regulators, and businesses to embrace accountability and resilience in a rapidly changing world,” she said.

Institutions worldwide are grappling with disruption and rising demands for accountability, so conversations around ethical governance and sustainability are needed to address the dearth of knowledge in a rapidly changing world of climate change, biodiversity, and carbon credits.

She said the milestone event will not only celebrate the society’s two decades of promoting governance standards in Nigeria but also convene regulators, board leaders, and industry experts to explore practical strategies for building resilient, future-ready institutions.

Themed ‘Strengthening Ethical Governance in a Disrupted World: Reflections on the Governance Journey for a Sustainable Future,’ the conference will examine Nigeria’s governance progress over the past twenty years while addressing today’s most pressing question of how institutions remain resilient amid global disruption.

The conference will feature insights from a lineup of speakers. Dr Omobola Johnson, former minister of communication technology, will deliver the keynote on ethical leadership in a disrupted environment.

She will be joined by the Director-General of the SEC Nigeria, Dr Emomotimi Agama, GMD/CEO, NGX Group; Temi Popoola and Dr Rabiu Olowo, Executive Secretary/CEO, FRCN.

Discussions will cover fiscal reforms, regulatory compliance, cross-border practices, board effectiveness, and the role of governance in driving national economic revitalisation.

The conference aims to equip directors, executives, and governance professionals with actionable strategies for embedding stronger governance frameworks that inspire long-term trust and withstand disruption through keynote addresses, panel dialogues, and sector-wide engagements.

The CEO said this year, “We are also proud to introduce initiatives such as the corporate governance awards as part of our anniversary celebration, recognising institutions and leaders who have championed integrity, innovation, and sustainability in governance.  These awards highlight the importance of celebrating progress while setting higher standards for the future.”

Also speaking, Board member, SCGN, Ms Rabi Isma said, SCGN sustained efforts and the 20-year milestone is a reflection of their journey as they consistently pursue transparency, accountability and sustainability for business leaders while noting that several policies have influenced and provided thought leadership to Nigeria’s corporate governance vision despite shifting markets and global uncertainty.

On his part, president of SCGN, Muhammad Ahmad noted that: “Our 20th Anniversary Conference is a platform for thought leaders to shape the future of governance in Nigeria. We are bringing together some of the finest minds to provide practical insights that will strengthen trust, build sustainable organisations, and inspire the next generation of leaders.”