President/chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo, has stated that, robust governance is the essential tool for unlocking the nation’s economic resilience and sustainable development.
Speaking in Lagos with newsmen, the outgoing president of the institute, noted that, governance is not a fixed goal but an ongoing journey as good governance is not just a destination, but a journey. She alluded that, there is a need for demanding consistent effort, courageous leadership, and an unwavering commitment to ethical values to navigate current economic difficulties.
Ekundayo acknowledged the significant headwinds and underlying economic strength of the nation. She said, “the nation’s economy has faced a lot of resistance but despite those challenges, the growth of the economy itself has been very resilient”
She highlighted inflation, unemployment, infrastructure gaps, and global service-sector dominance as key pressure points, while urging renewed government focus on diversification, ‘I believe there must be increased efforts to diversify the economy so that we are able to reduce our overall huge reliance on crude oil exports only,’ she said.
She stressed that ongoing reforms need political will and strength to gain traction, with insecurity remaining a major impediment.
Ekundayo, while reflecting on her leadership, highlighted the theme of her administration as one focused on ‘institutional consolidation and purposeful continuity,’ noting that, her legacy is built on deepening structures that will outlast her tenure.
“My overarching legacy will be one of institutional consolidation and purposeful continuity that continues to build on the legacies that my administration is leaving behind,” she said.
She emphasized ICSAN’s tradition, ‘where every government is a continuum, committing to nurturing that tradition while we also innovate.’ While expressing confidence in her capable successors, Ekundayo outlined ICSAN’s national contribution, pinpointing promoting good corporate governance** as paramount.
“By promoting transparency, accountability and professionalism, it can help to boost our economic growth, while members ensure accountability and risk management,” she averred.
Similarly, Ekundayo highlighted ICSAN initiatives like capacity-building programs, policy reform engagements, and sector-specific research under her tenure, reinforcing their role in national development.
On rising transparency demands, Ekundayo asserted ICSAN’s thought leadership. ‘Transparency and accountability are essential pillars for good governance a critical indicator of institutional health and public trust,’ he stated.
The outgoing President urged entrepreneurs to treat governance as foundational, not decorative while stressing that sound governance builds investor trust and drives long-term success. ‘Entrepreneurs should not put in good governance structures to campaign once a year,,’ she warned.
Ekundayo added that,”ICSAN members are governance professionals who are vital guardians of compliance and gatekeepers equipped to strengthen weak institutions and drive sustainable development across all Nigerian sectors through their expertise in ethics, law, and strategic oversight.”
