Lagos:Risk management has transitioned from a back-office function to a boardroom priority over the past 25 years, according to Mr. Kevin Ugwuoke, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI).
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Ugwuoke made these remarks in a statement issued by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of CRMI, Dr. Victor Olannye. He emphasized the evolution of risk management in Nigeria, noting that it is no longer a question of whether organizations manage risk, but whether they can leverage it for competitive advantage, a concept he referred to as the “resilience edge.”
CRMI is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary with a two-day international conference in Lagos on October 14 and 15. The event will focus on transforming risk management into a competitive advantage for organizations. The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, will be the Special Guest of Honour, with Dr. Armstrong Ume Takang, Managing Director of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, delivering the keynote address.
The conference will gather policymakers, chief executives, chief risk officers, academics, and development partners from Africa and beyond. It aims to address the challenges facing Nigerian firms, including economic reforms, technological changes, evolving regulations, climate stress, and rising cyber threats. The event will feature plenary addresses, panel sessions, and technical workshops to explore strategies for anticipating disruption and gaining a competitive edge.
A noteworthy feature of the conference will be the inaugural University Risk Management Challenge, where student teams from Nigerian universities will present solutions to real-world risk scenarios. These presentations will be evaluated by a panel of senior practitioners, with opportunities for financial grants, academic recognition, and professional development resources.
The conference will conclude with a 25th Anniversary Award and Dinner Night to honor individuals and organizations advancing risk management practices in Nigeria. The awards will recognize best practices and establish benchmarks for corporate resilience, regulatory compliance, and national security preparedness. Delegates from risk management bodies across Africa and international development partners are also expected to attend.