The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has called for a strategic and excellence-focused approach to artificial intelligence (AI) development as Nigeria’s governance landscape continues to evolve under the influence of emerging technologies.
Speaking at a pre-conference briefing ahead of ICSAN’s 49th Annual Conference, vice president, Francis Olawale emphasised that, AI should not be viewed as a threat to the workforce, but as a tool to enhance productivity and leadership effectiveness. “AI development should be tailored towards excellence, adding that, the key to harnessing its potential lies in continuous upskilling and ethical integration, ” he said.
The two-day conference, themed: “Reimagining Governance: Navigating the Artificial Intelligence Revolution for Excellence,” is scheduled to hold on September 18–19 in Lagos. It will feature keynote speaker Dr. Femi Oyenuga, Group Executive Director of Champs PLC, and will be chaired by Senator Udo Udoma, Chairman of Seplat Energy.
Other speakers include Oluseyi Abiodun , a leading IT and AI expert, alongside professionals from both public and private sectors.
According to Olawale, governance today demands more than traditional leadership models. “Modern governance involves making informed decisions, coordinating people, and providing direction. AI technologies now assist leaders in these roles, and understanding their capabilities and limitations is essential,” he said.
ICSAN’s initiative aligns with its mission to build capacity and foster innovation among governance professionals. The conference aims to challenge participants to rethink conventional practices, embrace disruption, and lead change within their organisations and communities.
Beyond the event, ICSAN continues to champion policy reforms, promote ethical governance, and influence public discourse through strategic advocacy. The institute believes professional bodies must play a constructive role in Nigeria’s economic recovery by supporting sound policies and encouraging best practices across industries.
