Lagos:President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the need for strategic positioning and stronger corporate governance to boost Nigeria’s competitiveness and achieve its ambition of a one trillion dollar economy by 2030. He made this call at the annual Directors Conference 2026 of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (CIoD) in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, President Tinubu, represented by Prof. Tunji Olaopa, Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission, highlighted the ongoing reorganization of global supply chains and the impact of digital technologies, trade tensions, climate risks, and changing capital flows on investment decisions. He stressed that Nigeria must enhance macroeconomic stability, policy predictability, infrastructure development, local value addition, and export diversification to effectively respond to these changes.
President Tinubu also urged leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to connect Nigerian producers to wider markets. He emphasized the importance of equipping the workforce with skills needed for the new economy and called for a strong partnership between government and enterprises to attract investors through transparent and accountable institutional frameworks.
Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, also addressed the conference, represented by Dr. Imaobong Ekwere. He urged directors to take boardroom responsibilities seriously and consider interests beyond immediate financial results. Akume called for stronger collaboration between government and businesses to create jobs and promote innovation.
The President of CIoD Nigeria, Mr. Adetunji Oyebanji, stressed the need for economic growth beyond fiscal policy interventions and highlighted the role of directors in allocating capital, managing risks, and creating lasting economic value. Dr. Waheed Olagunju and Mr. Emmanuel Ocholi also spoke about the responsibilities of boards and the need to adapt to changing business models and geopolitical uncertainties.
Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Chairman of Seplat Energy, emphasized integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into board operations and adapting to the influence of social media and artificial intelligence to succeed in the new economy.