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Heirs Insurance Group (HIG), Nigeria’s fastest-growing insurance group, has announced the launch of the Heirs Insurance Travel Festival, targeted at promoting cultural diversity and an Inclusive Travel Ecosystem.

The one-day festival billed for 29th November is a bold call for an inclusive travel ecosystem for Africans, and will convene thousands of attendees, including travel ecosystem stakeholders, embassy representatives, tourism content creators, and travel lovers, across the tourism value chain for a first-of-its-kind immersive celebration of global cross-border tourism and culture.

With the theme ‘Promoting Cultural Diversity and an Inclusive Travel Ecosystem,’ the event will feature high-level diplomatic dialogues and fireside chats with renowned African travel creators, aimed at fostering strong relationships and promoting global tourism, to build a more connected world.

Guests can look forward to an unforgettable experience, featuring immersive games, live performances, thought-provoking panel sessions, cultural showcases, vibrant music, and a curated marketplace with diverse vendors across food, lifestyle, tourism, and entertainment, all designed to bring the world closer to home.

Speaking about the Heirs Insurance Travel Festival, Ifesinachi Okpagu, chief marketing Officer, Heirs Insurance Group, emphasised the uniqueness of the event and the role of insurance in facilitating such deep and meaningful convenings.

She said: ‘Travel is about discovery, exposure, and connection. The world is more connected than ever, but with border restrictions, it is becoming increasingly difficult to explore possibilities and opportunities. Heirs Insurance Group is creating a platform to address these limitations, as insurance plays a key role in unlocking these opportunities safely. Through the Heirs Insurance Travel Festival, we are championing a physically borderless world and provoking meaningful conversations that promote responsible, inclusive travel for all.’

Registration is officially open for the Heirs Insurance Travel Festival. Interested participants can secure their free passes on the company’s website.

Heirs Insurance Group is the insurance arm of Heirs Holdings, the leading pan-African investment company, with investments across 24 countries and four continents. With a rapidly expanding retail footprint and an omnichannel digital presence, Heirs Insurance Group, comprising Heirs General Insurance Limited, Heirs Life Assurance Limited, and Heirs Insurance Brokers, serves both corporate and individual customers across Nigeria.

Heirs Insurance Group is championing financial inclusion and leading the digital insurance play in Nigeria, demonstrating its mission to democratise access to insurance.

The NNPC Limited, Sahara Group, Eroton EandP, and Bilton Energy Ltd have unveiled Nigeria’s first wholly owned 2.2-million-barrel capacity Floating Storage and Offloading vessel, designed to drive sustained oil and gas production.

In a statement seen by BusinessDay, the firms said the vessel is Nigeria’s first crude oil terminal to be commissioned in 50 years.

‘Christened Cawthorne, the Floating Storage and Offloading Terminal is a world-class facility designed to enhance crude evacuation from Nigeria’s OML 18 and nearby assets. OML 18 partners include Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd, Eroton EandP, OML Eighteen Energy Resource Ltd (a Sahara Group Company) and Bilton Ltd,’ the statement said.

Udobong Ntia, NNPC’s executive vice president, who represented Bayo Ojulari, the group chief executive officer, said the vessel ‘is another bold achievement from the partnership between NNPC and its JV Partners that will guarantee seamless operations and bolster the strategic targets set by President Bola Tinubu towards ensuring optimised upstream production in Nigeria.’

Strategically stationed offshore Bonny, the double-hull FSO vessel with a storage capacity of 2.2 million barrels represents a bold step forward in strengthening Nigeria’s crude export infrastructure and operational resilience, according to Sahara Group.

It was added that the facility will receive, store, and offload crude oil to export tankers, providing a dependable solution to the logistical and infrastructural constraints that have long limited Nigeria’s crude evacuation capacity.

Seyi Omotola, NNPC’s chief upstream investment officer said the vessel represents a renewed hope for Nigeria’s upstream sector, adding that it also reaffirms the growing capacity of the nation to make its energy sector globally competitive.

Tosin Etomi, the head of commercial and planning at Asharami Energy, a Sahara Group upstream company stated, ‘The Cawthorne FSO stands as a symbol of innovation meeting necessity. It is not just a vessel; it’s an assurance of continuity, reliability, and value creation for our partners, our nation, and our people. This collaboration with the NNPC, NUPRC and other stakeholders embodies the drive to turn complex energy challenges into sustainable solutions that power progress across Africa.’

Etomi said the ultramodern vessel is fitted with digital capabilities that make it a vessel ‘built for the future, driving operational flexibility, reducing carbon exposure from barge movements, and enhancing overall evacuation safety. It’s an investment in the resilience of the upstream sector and our environment.’

Etomi added, ‘The commissioning of FSO Cawthorne reaffirms Sahara Group’s and indeed OML 18 partners’ commitment to powering progress responsibly through partnerships, innovation, and infrastructure that strengthen Africa’s energy independence.’

The statement added that the FSO Cawthorne project was conceived to address persistent challenges in Nigeria’s evacuation system, including limited barging capacity, delays in ship-to-ship transfers, and reduced vessel accessibility due to siltation at various berthing slots, which is much needed to support the assets’ 2025 exit volume of 50,000 bopd.

‘Through this innovation, OML18 partners have created a more efficient, safer, and sustainable alternative that will reduce pipeline dependency and the risks associated with oil theft and vandalism. The conversion of the Cawthorne vessel from a very large crude carrier into a fully integrated FSO unit was a feat of engineering excellence. It included extensive modifications, state-of-the-art mooring systems, and cutting-edge import and export infrastructure, all designed in line with international maritime, safety, and environmental standards such as IMO and MARPOL.

Fitted with a Marine Control System, the first and only FSO with such in the region, it combines this technology with artificial intelligence to maximise fully automated import/export systems, PAGA, and security, to list a few of the features.

‘The vessel can accommodate up to 50 personnel on board, offering a safe, secure, and comfortable environment for crew members and operations staff. Beyond its immediate operational benefits, the FSO serves as a scalable platform capable of accommodating future production increases and tie-ins from surrounding oil fields, further cementing its role as a strategic national asset,’ the statement concluded.

At the 21st edition of the AKWAABA African Travel Market, held in Lagos from September 14 to 16, 2025, Interswitch once again demonstrated why it remains at the heart of Africa’s digital revolution. As a headline sponsor and exhibitor, the company spotlighted how fintech innovation is redefining the way Africans travel, do business, and create content.

For Interswitch, AKWAABA was not just another industry gathering; it was an opportunity to demonstrate how platforms like Quickteller Travel are simplifying journeys, connecting ecosystems, and unlocking prosperity for millions.

One of the most notable moments came during a panel session featuring Nnenna Ajanwachuku, Vice President, Transport Ecosystem at Interswitch Group, who spoke on how African travel content creators can unlock new monetisation pathways, while also challenging the industry to think beyond the familiar.

According to her, the future is about subscription models, immersive digital tours, NFT-based travel assets, and creator communities, all underpinned by the right payment infrastructure.

‘Interswitch is not just facilitating transactions,’ Ajanwachuku explained. ‘We are unlocking new revenue streams, fostering financial inclusion, and powering prosperity across Africa’s travel and tourism sector.’

With Quickteller Travel’s multi-currency, cross-border payment capabilities, creators can now reach audiences globally, monetise local authenticity, and scale faster than ever before.

Another strong theme from Ajanwachuku’s session was the role of language in travel storytelling. While English and French help capture international audiences, she argued that indigenous African languages remain critical for cultural resonance and trust-building.

By pairing AI-driven translation tools with seamless payments, Interswitch is helping creators share authentic African stories in local languages and get paid for them, anywhere in the world.

Interswitch has also positioned itself as a natural connector between startups, creators, and operators. With its fintech APIs enabling instant payouts, affiliate booking systems, and co-branded campaigns, the company is building shared value systems where businesses and creators thrive together.

‘The future of Africa’s travel economy lies in collaboration and shared innovation,’ Ajanwachuku said. ‘Interswitch is bridging the gap between technology providers and creators because when one grows, we all grow.’

At its core, Interswitch is doing more than digitising payments. With Quickteller Travel and Quickteller Transport, it is building an integrated mobility ecosystem spanning flights, buses, ferries, and trains so that travel across Africa becomes smarter, safer, and more reliable.

By connecting payment systems to mobility networks, Interswitch is making travel more inclusive, ensuring that both structured operators and small players benefit from Africa’s digital transformation.

As Africa’s travel and tourism sector accelerates its digital transformation, Interswitch stands out as a catalyst for innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration. By powering new revenue models, enabling seamless cross-border transactions, and creating growth opportunities, the company is helping to define the future of African travel and tourism.

He also touched on recent developments in local content enforcement, revealing that PENGASSAN had signed an agreement with Sterling Oil Company aimed at limiting expatriate dominance and ensuring Nigerian workers are trained to take over jobs.

On the occasion of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Osifo reminded the Federal Government that the true spirit of June 12 lies in delivering good governance and improving citizens’ welfare.

‘ThisDay’ newspaper of June 3, 2025. Front page Headline: ‘FG: DESPITE CRITICISM, CNG INITIATIVE HAS ATTRACTED $500M, CREATED OVER 10,000 JOBS’

(from Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja)

‘Despite initial takeoff challenges, the coordinating office of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) said it attracted $500 million in investment and created 10,000 jobs nationwide in less than one year.

Besides, the secretariat noted that at least 255 new conversion centres had been established, while 53 daughter stations for refilling had been inaugurated.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday, Programme Director and Chief Executive of the PCNGI, Michael Oluwagbemi, noted that in spite of the criticisms that have trailed the initiative, close to 100,000 vehicles have been converted, from a mere 4,000 hitherto.

One major issue with the programme has been the reported inadequate infrastructure, as there are too few Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refuelling stations and conversion centres across the country compared to the demand by motorists, particularly outside major urban areas.

Describing a key newspaper report on the alleged gaps in the programme as ‘alarmist’, being barely seven months old in operation nationwide, Oluwagbemi stated that before the current push, there were hardly any CNG vehicles on the roads and no demand at the few 11 CNG stations nationwide since a 2017 pilot by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

‘This is a result of massive incentives provided by the administration and the breakthrough in awareness due to the economic benefits of the switch. Nigerians love CNG, and the programme is working.’

‘One year out, we are pleased that even the doubting Thomases are singing a new tune. With over 50,000 vehicles and rising to 100,000, the queues at CNG stations are naturally going to rise because of such an unprecedented increase (from a mere 4,000) in vehicle count.

This is a result of massive incentives provided by the administration and the breakthrough in awareness due to the economic benefits of the switch. Nigerians love CNG, and the programme is working.

Indeed, the private sector, as well as public partners that will develop the necessary infrastructure to meet the rising demand of CNG vehicles, are taking note. Just last week, two new daughter stations in Abuja were commissioned, with AY Shafa and Femadec investing in these ventures,’ Oluwagbemi added.

According to him, over 175 stations are being rolled out nationwide by various partners, explaining that just last week, the Midstream Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) awarded 10 new equity investments to develop their various gas projects.

‘Three of them were focused on developing CNG stations. This was in addition to four of the six initial N123 billion investments made last year by MDGIF being directed at the sub-sector. In one year, the CNG sector has attracted over $500 million in investments and created over 10,000 direct jobs. 255 new conversion centres that didn’t exist last year and 53 daughter stations exist today as a result of some of those investments.

‘Nigeria is making progress with respect to CNG infrastructure, but engineering feats take time. It took over 70 years to get addicted to petrol and diesel. It will take more than seven months to be weaned off the addiction,’ Oluwagbemi added.

‘Guardian’ newspaper of June 2, 2025.

Front page headline: ‘ECOWAS ENDORSES DANGOTE REFINERY AS PETROLEUM SUPPLY BACKBONE’

(By Waliat Musa)

‘President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Dr Omar Touray, has described the Dangote Petroleum Refinery as a transformational project with the capacity to meet the petroleum needs of Nigeria and the entire West African region.

Touray, who led a high-powered ECOWAS delegation on a working visit to the 650,000 barrels-per-day (bpd) facility in the Lekki Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Lagos, lauded the refinery as a ‘beacon of hope for Africa’s future’ and a demonstration of what the private sector could achieve in driving regional industrialisation.

Moved by the scale and sophistication of the facility, the ECOWAS Commission President said, ‘What I have seen today gives me a lot of hope, and everybody who doesn’t believe in Africa should come here. Visiting here will give you more hope because this is exactly what our continent should focus on.

We have seen something I couldn’t have imagined, and really, the capacity in all areas is impressive. We congratulate Dangote for this trust in Africa because I think you do this only when you have the trust, and he has a vision for Africa, and this is what we should all work to encourage.’

According to Touray, the refinery, which produces Euro V standard fuels, is critical to helping the sub-region meet its 50 ppm sulphur limit for petroleum products, a standard many imported fuels fall short of.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recorded a total of 1,502,733 completed online and physical voter registrations between October 6 and 10, 2025, seven weeks, with women emerging in the majority.

According to data released by the Commission, female registrants accounted for 55.14% (828,563) of the total figure, while males made up 44.86% (674,170).

The figures reflect a growing participation of women in the electoral process, underscoring their increasing political engagement ahead of upcoming elections.

INEC’s report also shows that 1,106,731 (about 74%) of registrants are youths aged 18-34, indicating sustained enthusiasm among young Nigerians to participate in governance.

In addition, students accounted for 507,097, while persons with disabilities (PWDs) represented 21,244 of the total new voters captured.

Of the total registration, 878,715 completed their pre-registration online, while 674,018 registered physically at INEC offices and designated centres nationwide.

The Commission described the progress as encouraging, reaffirming its commitment to inclusive voter registration and ensuring that every eligible Nigerian, especially women, youths, and PWDs, can exercise their civic rights.

The Noella Foundation, with the support of friends and well-wishers, has announced a series of country-wide initiatives in celebration of its co-founder, Seyi Tinubu.

The initiatives are said to be designed to create lasting social impact across health, entrepreneurship and education.

These activities which include health insurance coverage for 1,000 beneficiaries, donation of essential medication to sickle cell patients (through partnerships with two non-governmental organisations (NGOs), namely Crimson Bow and Genotype Foundation, and distribution of 200 laptops to public schools reflect the Foundation’s commitment to driving sustainable change through goodwill and collective service.

Speaking ahead of the rollout, a representative of the Noella Foundation described the upcoming projects as ‘a celebration of purpose that extends beyond personal milestones into meaningful impact.

‘Marking Seyi Tinubu’s 40th birthday through initiatives that empower communities and support vulnerable groups reflects the values he embodies; empathy, service, shared responsibility and collective responsibility,’ the spokesperson noted. ‘This celebration is powered by friends and well-wishers who have come together under the Noella Foundation to make a difference when and where it matters most.’

The representative also said that the healthcare initiative would provide free medical insurance for 1,000 Nigerians, prioritizing pregnant women and individuals living with sickle cell disorder.

In addition, the Foundation will distribute essential medication to sickle cell patients through two established non-governmental organisations, ensuring the aid reaches those in need efficiently and transparently. In the area of education, the Foundation will distribute 200 state-of-the-art laptops to public junior and senior secondary schools. The initiative aims to enhance digital literacy, improve learning outcomes, and prepare students for participation in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Also included in the education pillar is the capacity building digital training programme for 40 young Nigerians in specialized areas like Software Engineering, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing and Product Design preparing them for the modern job market.

The Foundation will also empower small business owners through the donation of 40 SME Empowerment Kiosks across different regions. This initiative is designed to promote entrepreneurship, stimulate local economies and support self-reliance among young Nigerians.

‘Through these acts of service, the Foundation reinforces its long-standing focus on empowering youth, supporting vulnerable populations, and fostering equitable access to education and healthcare.

‘This milestone is a reminder that leadership is best measured by the lives we touch,’ the Foundation added. ‘Through collaboration, we can transform celebration into service and goodwill into progress,’ the representative said.

The organisers also said: ‘The Noella Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to promote sustainable social development through partnerships that uplift individuals and communities across Nigeria.

‘The Noella Foundation was founded on the principle that transformative change is a collaborative effort. Our mission at Noella Foundation is to transform the lives of vulnerable and marginalised women, children/young adults, and the elderly in specific communities and provide lasting solutions. Our work is centred on four core pillars Education, Employability, Healthcare, and Hunger Eradication which are strategically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure our efforts contribute to a global vision for progress.’

Centre for Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has urged the federal government to focus on deepening revenue diversification, enhancing spending efficiency, and aligning fiscal outcomes with real economic performance, as reforms boost economic outcomes.

Muda Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer, (CPPE) made this call in a policy brief sent to BusinessDay.

According to Yusuf, the two major reforms: removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates, have significantly boosted government revenues, expanded fiscal space, and improved the capacity for public investment.

He explained that with limited fiscal space, spending efficiency is paramount. He added that spending on infrastructure, productivity, food security and human capital development should be priority areas for government.

‘Nigeria’s fiscal and tax reforms have delivered important progress in expanding revenue and improving fiscal sustainability. The next phase must focus on deepening revenue diversification, enhancing spending efficiency, and aligning fiscal outcomes with real economic performance.

‘With prudent management, stakeholder collaboration, and social sensitivity, these reforms can lay a solid foundation for a more resilient, productive, and inclusive Nigerian economy,’ Yusuf said.

Yusuf explained that collections from Value Added Tax (VAT) and Company Income Tax (CIT) have also increased, reflecting stronger compliance and a gradual recovery in economic activities, with subnational governments reporting higher revenues and increased allocations to agriculture, infrastructure, and social development.

He said, ‘Recent reforms have driven strong nominal revenue growth: fuel subsidy removal freed trillions of naira in fiscal resources, exchange rate unification boosted naira-denominated oil revenues. VAT and CIT collections improved through enhanced compliance and enforcement.

‘Despite these advances, the real fiscal impact is tempered by high inflation and exchange rate pressures. It is therefore important to assess fiscal outcomes in both nominal and real terms to maintain credible expectations and policy balance.’

He stressed the need to adjust fiscal assessments for inflation and exchange rate effects; communicate outcomes transparently, improve tax efficiency, expand the tax net, and optimize non-tax revenues and national assets.

Other recommendations include support for fiscal autonomy, accountability, and efficient resource use in states, implementation of tax reforms with flexibility, maintaining continuous dialogue with stakeholders and refine policies as needed.

Ezekiel Olusola Ayoola, the immediate past Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) and distinguished Mathematics scholar at the University of Ibadan, has urged Government to make long-term investments in mathematics and education if the country hopes to compete with developed nations, globally.

While saying that the fields remain the foundation for emerging technologies, he stated that ‘as technology advances, the role of mathematics will become even more critical in shaping our future,’.

Delivering a lecture entitled: ‘The Closing and the Opening Doors: An Account of My Academic, Administrative and Spiritual Experiences’, at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan,’ Ayoola, alwho advised Government to invest heavily in mathematical sciences, noted ‘no nation can achieve technological development without a solid foundation in mathematics,’ he warned, urging that ‘long-term planning and investment’ are essential to reap the benefits of emerging advanced technologies.

Ayoola, a Professor, who made the call in his retirement valedictory and birthday lecture, lamented the widespread ignorance among some top ruling elites and technocrats about the value of mathematical knowledge in national development. This, he noted, had contributed to the poor recognition and funding of basic mathematical research in Nigeria.

Pointing to the complete omission of mathematical sciences from direct funding in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) thematic research priorities, Ayoloa contrasted Nigeria’s approach with that of the US National Science Foundation and leading European and Asian agencies, which invest heavily in mathematics.

‘Mathematical principles are foundational to the development and application of countless existing and emerging technologies,’ he said. ‘Mathematics underpins algorithms, data analysis, artificial intelligence, quantum information science, quantum computing, optimization, modeling, and simulation, all essential for innovation and efficiency across various sectors.’

The former Head of the Department of Mathematics emphasised that mathematical tools are not just supplementary but are the very foundation upon which modern technologies are built.

Ayoola also challenged young scholars to explore cutting-edge interdisciplinary fields such as quantum information science and quantum computing, describing these areas as revolutionary and rapidly advancing.

‘These fields are transforming our understanding of computation, information, communication, and even the nature of reality itself,’ he said.

However, he expressed deep concern over Nigeria, and Africa’s, lag in developing robust capacities in these critical fields. Citing corruption, under-investment, and poor treatment of scholars, Ayoola lamented that such setbacks have hindered progress.

He also faulted the lack of visionary leadership passionate about science and mathematical research.

Abel Idowu Olayinka, Professor and a former Vice Chancellor of the University, in his goodwill message, lauded Ayoola as a hardworking and dedicated scholar, congratulating him on his retirement and wishing him a peaceful post-academic life.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has clarified that the federal government will not deduct taxes directly from Nigerians’ bank accounts when the new tax laws take effect in January 2026.

In its latest weekly publication, the agency addressed concerns about the Nigerian Tax Act, 2025 and the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA), saying the claims of automatic deductions are based on misinterpretation and misinformation.

‘Taxes will not be automatically deducted from the bank accounts of Nigerians,’ the NOA stated.

According to the agency, Section 29 of the NTAA only requires banks and financial institutions to report quarterly on customers whose cumulative monthly transactions exceed N25 million for individuals and N100 million for companies.

‘The provision is intended to help identify potential tax evasion and does not permit the government to withdraw funds from bank accounts,’ the agency said.

The NOA added that only about 5 percent of bank customers have more than N500,000 in their accounts, meaning that over 90 percent of Nigerians will not be affected by the reporting requirement.

The agency also said the new tax laws are structured to ease the burden on low-income earners and small businesses. Individuals earning N800,000 or less annually will be exempt from personal income tax, while businesses with annual turnover below N100 million will be exempt from profit tax.

‘These reforms aim to improve tax compliance, reduce evasion, and expand the tax base without increasing the burden on the majority of Nigerians,’ the NOA said.

The agency noted that the new laws are expected to bring more eligible taxpayers into the system and improve transparency in financial reporting.

The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and other stakeholders have called for ethical governance across boards as the nation faces multiple disruptions.

The call was made at the 20th anniversary corporate governance conference of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria on Thursday, themed ‘Strengthening Ethical Governance in a Disrupted World: Reflection on Governance’s Journey for a Sustainable Future.’

Titus Osawe, Coordinating Director, Directorates of Corporate Governance and Inspections and Monitoring of FRC who represented Rabiu Olowo, executive secretary and chief executive officer of the FRC, highlighted several emerging challenges threatening ethical governance in Nigeria.

Osawe identified issues including knowledge gaps, greenwashing, data manipulation, digital disruption, artificial intelligence, and digital assets, noting that organisations must demonstrate their commitment to ethics and integrity through strong ethical leadership and sound governance.

‘Strengthening ethical governance is a collective responsibility. I call on all stakeholders, organisations, institutions, and individuals to prioritise ethics and integrity. We must drive ethical governance intentionally by working together to build a more sustainable future for our country

‘We at the FRC are committed to promoting ethical governance. We will continue to set standards, provide guidance, monitor and enforce compliance, and where breaches occur, impose applicable sanctions. Together, we can create a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity that benefits us all. We remain steadfast and resolute in strengthening ethical governance,’ Osawe said.

The SCGN conference marked two decades of promoting integrity, transparency, and responsible leadership. It provided a platform for regulators, Board leaders, and governance professionals to explore practical strategies for building resilient, ethical, and future-ready institutions.

Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the SEC, represented by the head of the Lagos Zonal Office, John Briggs, underscored the urgency of addressing governance and sustainability challenges.

According to him, the world is grappling with the interconnected challenges of climate change, social inequality, technological disruption, and evolving investor expectations.

‘In this era of profound transformation, the principles of sound governance and transparent sustainability reporting have transcended mere compliance. They are now fundamental pillars of long-term value creation, competitive resilience, and sustainable national development.

‘For emerging economies like Nigeria, this imperative carries particular weight. We face the dual challenge of stimulating economic growth and attracting investment while ensuring that such growth is inclusive, equitable, and responsible. Corporate governance provides the essential framework for meeting these challenges,’ Briggs said.

Omobola Johnson, Board Chair of Guinness Nigeria PLC, in her keynote address emphasised that diversity on boards is key to achieving ethical governance.

‘In a world without a rule book, no single demographic has a monopoly on the knowledge and expertise required for effective governance,’ she said. ‘Diverse boards with different lived experiences bring richness and depth to discussions and decision-making. They also foster integrity and ethics by ensuring that boards are not monolithic but truly representative, essential for making ethically sound decisions that consider a broad range of stakeholders.’

Johnson added that integrity and ethical governance go hand in hand, insisting that they are not merely top-down mandates but shared values that boards must champion.

She said, ‘This requires a long-term view of enterprise success defined by broader metrics such as resilience, trust, and strategic clarity, all vital for navigating uncertainty in a constantly changing world.’

Meanwhile, the event featured the launch of three new publications including Corporate Governance and Sustainability Reporting in Nigeria, Governance in Motion: 20 Years of Corporate Governance Influence and Impact, and the 28th edition of the Journal of Corporate Governance.