By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima has pledged support for the speedy passage of the Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria Bill currently before the National Assembly, as well as the completion of the new National Secretariat of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria in Lagos.
Shettima gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), led by its President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Uto Ukpanah, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the institute.
During the meeting, Ukpanah briefed the Vice-President on ICSAN’s efforts to strengthen corporate governance practice, promote ethical leadership and improve institutional capacity across both the public and private sectors.
In particular, she drew attention to the Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria Bill, which is currently awaiting listing for second reading at the National Assembly.
According to her, the proposed legislation is aimed at strengthening governance practice in Nigeria, improving professionalism within the sector and aligning the country with evolving global governance standards.
Responding, Shettima acknowledged the importance of governance in national development and assured the delegation of his support for initiatives targeted at strengthening institutions, improving regulatory frameworks and promoting transparency and accountability.
The Vice-President was also briefed on the ongoing construction of the institute’s National Secretariat in Lagos, which is expected to serve as a hub for governance education, professional development, research and stakeholder engagement.
Consequently, Ukpanah appealed for support from the Federal Government and other stakeholders towards the completion of the project, noting that the facility would further strengthen the institute’s capacity to contribute to national development through governance advocacy and professional training.
Shettima, however, commended ICSAN for its contributions to corporate governance, capacity building and ethical leadership over the past 60 years.
He also praised the institute’s role in promoting professionalism and institutional integrity within Nigeria’s governance system.
Furthermore, the Vice-President assured the delegation that the Federal Government would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening governance structures and promoting sustainable economic growth nationwide.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for discussions on possible areas of collaboration between ICSAN and government institutions in advancing governance reforms and improving institutional effectiveness across the country.
ICSAN, Nigeria’s leading professional body for governance practitioners, is marking its 60th anniversary this year, celebrating six decades of contributions to corporate governance, boardroom practice, compliance and institutional leadership in Nigeria.
