{"id":7057,"date":"2026-06-19T17:46:55","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T17:46:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stakebridgeirpr.com\/media\/?p=7057"},"modified":"2026-06-19T17:46:55","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T17:46:55","slug":"icsan-marks-60-years-with-call-for-stronger-governance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stakebridgeirpr.com\/media\/icsan-marks-60-years-with-call-for-stronger-governance\/","title":{"rendered":"ICSAN Marks 60 Years With Call for Stronger Governance"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Johnson Emmanuel\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has recently renewed its call for stronger corporate governance standards as a foundation for sustainable economic growth and capital attraction. Speaking as the institute marks its 60th anniversary, Mrs. Uto Ukpanah, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of ICSAN, argued that governance weaknesses, rather than a shortage of policies or resources, remain a major constraint on institutional performance, investor confidence and national development. The intervention positions governance reform as a critical mechanism for improving accountability, risk management and organisational resilience across both public and private sectors.<\/p>\n

DECISION HIGHLIGHT<\/strong><\/p>\n

ICSAN is reframing Nigeria’s development challenge as a governance deficit, arguing that institutional quality ultimately determines the effectiveness of economic policies, investments and reforms.<\/p>\n

DECISION MEMO<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ukpanah’s intervention shifts attention from policy design to policy execution. The argument is that Nigeria’s recurring development challenges often stem less from inadequate ideas and more from weak governance systems that undermine implementation, oversight and accountability.<\/p>\n

According to Ukpanah, \u201cWhere governance is weak, outcomes are poor; where governance is strong, progress follows.\u201d The statement reflects a growing recognition that institutional credibility has become an economic asset in itself.<\/p>\n

The significance extends beyond compliance. Strong governance reduces operational risks, improves transparency and strengthens stakeholder trust, factors increasingly scrutinised by investors, lenders and regulators. Conversely, governance failures often translate into financial losses, reputational damage and diminished access to capital.<\/p>\n

Ukpanah emphasised that investors are more willing to commit capital where governance standards are robust and regulatory frameworks are respected. Her position aligns with the growing importance of environmental, social and governance considerations in investment allocation and corporate valuation.<\/p>\n

The broader message is that governance is no longer a boardroom issue alone. It is increasingly becoming a competitiveness issue, influencing investment flows, organisational sustainability and economic resilience. As Ukpanah stated, \u201cStrong governance is not optional; it is essential. It is the foundation upon which resilient institutions are built, investor confidence is sustained, and national development is achieved.\u201d<\/p>\n

DATA BOX<\/strong><\/p>\n