Nigeria needs stronger governance to tackle corruption, mismanagement – NIM

Nigeria needs stronger institutional governance and better management practices to overcome mismanagement and corruption that have hindered its development, the Nigerian Institute of Management said.

The institute’s President and Chairman of Council, Abimbola Ayuba, made the comment on Friday in Lagos as the chartered professional body announced its 2026 Annual National Management Conference, which will mark the culmination of activities for its 65th anniversary.

“The Institute will continue its efforts to improve management practices both at the micro corporate level as well as at the macro governmental level,” Ayuba said at a press conference.

“We will neither relent in our quest to bequeath a well-trained and productive workforce to the nation nor will we be tired until mismanagement, maladministration, corruption and other social vices which have hampered Nigeria’s development are exceptions rather than the rule in our country, the executive stated.

The three-day conference, scheduled on Sunday at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, is themed “Sixty-Five Years of Management Excellence: Strengthening Institutional Governance in Nigeria.” It will bring together government officials, policymakers, business executives and professional managers.

NIM’s call comes as Nigeria seeks to raise productivity and attract investment while businesses and government institutions contend with infrastructure constraints, regulatory pressures and rising operating costs. Weak institutional capacity can add to those challenges by slowing decision-making, increasing inefficiencies and undermining accountability.

The institute noted that its annual conference is designed to examine major management issues affecting the country and develop recommendations that can be presented to policymakers and other stakeholders.

NIM was established in 1961 by management professionals to address perceived gaps in the management of Nigeria’s public and private sectors. It obtained charter status under Act 14 of 2003, giving it a statutory role in regulating and controlling the management profession in the country.

The institute has grown over six decades as Nigeria’s management profession has expanded alongside the economy. Ayuba disclosed that about 200,000 individuals and 400 corporate organisations have passed through NIM’s membership process.

He declared that the institute’s members are represented across public and private organisations and have contributed to management and leadership in different parts of the economy.

The 65th anniversary conference will also serve as the culmination of activities marking the institute’s sapphire jubilee, which began in March with the unveiling of its anniversary logo.

Former Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dakuku Peterside, will be the main theme speaker, while the Alara of Ilara Kingdom and Pro-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, will deliver the keynote address.

Other speakers include Chairman of Justrite Superstores, Dr Ayodele Aderinwale; former Rector of Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management, Dr Babangida Albaba; and Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono.

Executive Director of Oando Plc, Ayotola Jagun; Principal Procurement Officer at Ahmadu Bello University, Mercy Onuh; and Managing Director of ARM Investment Managers, Kai Orga, are scheduled to participate as panellists.

Ayuba said NIM would continue to focus on developing a skilled and productive workforce while promoting better management practices at both corporate and government levels.

The institute also paid tribute to its founding members and former presidents, director-generals and registrars, whom Ayuba credited with building the organisation over the past 65 years.

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The chairman said NIM would continue to work with stakeholders, including the media, to promote management practices that can contribute to a better-functioning Nigerian economy.

“The Institute will continue its efforts to improve management practices both at the micro corporate level as well as at the macro governmental level,” Ayuba said at a press conference.

“We will neither relent in our quest to bequeath a well-trained and productive workforce to the nation nor will we be tired until mismanagement, maladministration, corruption and other social vices which have hampered Nigeria’s development are exceptions rather than the rule in our country, the executive stated.

The three-day conference, scheduled on Sunday at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, is themed “Sixty-Five Years of Management Excellence: Strengthening Institutional Governance in Nigeria.” It will bring together government officials, policymakers, business executives and professional managers.

NIM’s call comes as Nigeria seeks to raise productivity and attract investment while businesses and government institutions contend with infrastructure constraints, regulatory pressures and rising operating costs. Weak institutional capacity can add to those challenges by slowing decision-making, increasing inefficiencies and undermining accountability.

The institute noted that its annual conference is designed to examine major management issues affecting the country and develop recommendations that can be presented to policymakers and other stakeholders.

NIM was established in 1961 by management professionals to address perceived gaps in the management of Nigeria’s public and private sectors. It obtained charter status under Act 14 of 2003, giving it a statutory role in regulating and controlling the management profession in the country.

The institute has grown over six decades as Nigeria’s management profession has expanded alongside the economy. Ayuba disclosed that about 200,000 individuals and 400 corporate organisations have passed through NIM’s membership process.

He declared that the institute’s members are represented across public and private organisations and have contributed to management and leadership in different parts of the economy.

The 65th anniversary conference will also serve as the culmination of activities marking the institute’s sapphire jubilee, which began in March with the unveiling of its anniversary logo.

Former Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr Dakuku Peterside, will be the main theme speaker, while the Alara of Ilara Kingdom and Pro-Chancellor of Lagos State University, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, will deliver the keynote address.

Other speakers include Chairman of Justrite Superstores, Dr Ayodele Aderinwale; former Rector of Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management, Dr Babangida Albaba; and Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono.

Executive Director of Oando Plc, Ayotola Jagun; Principal Procurement Officer at Ahmadu Bello University, Mercy Onuh; and Managing Director of ARM Investment Managers, Kai Orga, are scheduled to participate as panellists.

Ayuba said NIM would continue to focus on developing a skilled and productive workforce while promoting better management practices at both corporate and government levels.

The institute also paid tribute to its founding members and former presidents, director-generals and registrars, whom Ayuba credited with building the organisation over the past 65 years.

The chairman said NIM would continue to work with stakeholders, including the media, to promote management practices that can contribute to a better-functioning Nigerian economy.