Vice-President Kashim Shettima has pledged full support for the speedy passage of the Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria Bill currently before the National Assembly, while also assuring stakeholders of federal backing for the completion of the new national secretariat project of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria in Lagos.
The assurance was given during a high-level courtesy visit by a delegation of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria led by its President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Uto Ukpanah, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
During the meeting, the institute’s leadership briefed the Vice-President on ongoing efforts to strengthen governance systems across both the public and private sectors of Nigeria’s economy. Discussions focused heavily on ethical leadership, institutional accountability, corporate governance standards, and the need to build stronger professional frameworks capable of improving transparency and efficiency within national institutions.
Ukpanah specifically highlighted the importance of the Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria Bill, which is currently awaiting progression for second reading at the National Assembly. According to her, the proposed legislation is designed to modernise governance practice in Nigeria, strengthen professionalism within the sector, and align the country’s institutional systems with evolving international governance standards.
She explained that the bill would provide a stronger legal and professional framework for governance practitioners while improving regulatory structures that encourage accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership across organisations.
Responding to the presentation, Shettima stressed that effective governance remains one of the most critical pillars of national development, economic growth, and institutional stability. The Vice-President assured the delegation that the Federal Government recognises the importance of strengthening governance systems and would continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving professionalism, regulatory oversight, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria.
In a more detailed response, Shettima reportedly emphasised that strong institutions and sound governance structures are essential for sustainable national development, investor confidence, and public trust. He noted that governance reforms must remain a national priority if Nigeria hopes to achieve long-term economic stability and institutional efficiency.
The Vice-President also received updates on the ongoing construction of ICSAN’s National Secretariat in Lagos, a project expected to serve as a major hub for governance education, professional development, research, policy engagement, and leadership training in Nigeria.
Ukpanah appealed for additional support from government and strategic stakeholders towards the completion of the project, explaining that the facility would significantly enhance the institute’s capacity to train governance professionals, promote ethical standards, and contribute more effectively to national development.
She further explained that the proposed secretariat would function as a centre for continuous learning, institutional collaboration, governance advocacy, and executive education, helping to strengthen Nigeria’s broader governance ecosystem.
Shettima commended ICSAN for what he described as its long-standing contributions to corporate governance, professional ethics, leadership development, and institutional integrity over the last six decades. He acknowledged the institute’s role in building governance capacity within Nigeria’s public and private sectors and praised its commitment to promoting professionalism and accountability.
Expanding on his remarks, the Vice-President reportedly noted that organisations like ICSAN remain vital to nation-building because they help cultivate responsible leadership, improve boardroom standards, and strengthen institutional culture across critical sectors of the economy.
He also reassured the delegation that the Federal Government would continue to support reforms and initiatives capable of deepening governance standards, improving institutional performance, and encouraging sustainable economic growth nationwide.
The meeting further created an avenue for broader discussions on possible collaboration between ICSAN and government agencies in areas such as governance reforms, institutional strengthening, leadership training, and public sector efficiency.
ICSAN, regarded as Nigeria’s foremost professional body for governance practitioners, is currently marking its 60th anniversary, celebrating six decades of contributions to corporate governance, compliance systems, boardroom practice, institutional leadership, and professional development across Nigeria.
