President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports renewable energy, the digital economy, and sustainable agriculture — key drivers for Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
He urged leaders in both the public and private sectors to embrace bold reforms anchored on transparency and accountability.
Tinubu made the call at the opening of the 2025 Annual Directors’ Conference (ADC) of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, held on Wednesday in Abuja.
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Represented by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the President said the forum has become one of the nation’s most important platforms for dialogue on corporate governance, leadership, and enterprise development.
He described the conference theme, “Leading Through Change: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Enterprises,” as timely, coming at a period when Nigeria is implementing far-reaching reforms to align with global shifts in economic dynamics, technological innovation, and climate change adaptation.
Tinubu urged participants to deliberate on critical issues around economic diversification, sustainable business practices, and inclusive growth.
“I hope to see a shift in how businesses and governments operate. Leadership must be visionary — embracing reform, transparency, accountability, and social inclusion.
“Nations today are redefining their economic priorities in response to technological disruptions, demographic shifts, and environmental challenges. For us, leading through change is not optional but a national imperative,” he said.
President of CIoD Nigeria, Otunba Adetunji Oyebanji, in his remarks, stressed that strong governance and visionary leadership are essential for building resilient enterprises.
“Leaders must balance profitability with responsibility, growth with inclusion, and innovation with integrity,” he said.
Oyebanji cited an African-wide study showing that private sector credit expansion enhances welfare in economies prioritizing ease of doing business.
He also referenced a 2025 ESG-focused report showing that over 20 African countries have integrated sustainability principles into their financial market regulations — a sign of growing commitment to responsible investment.
He noted that in Nigeria, sectors such as renewable energy and fintech exemplify how youth participation and access to finance can drive innovation.
However, he warned that persistent policy inconsistencies, infrastructure deficits, and limited access to affordable finance continue to hinder enterprise growth.
The two-day conference, which brought together business leaders, policymakers, regulators, and diplomats, featured a keynote address by Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, who was lauded for his role in advancing sustainable energy solutions across Africa.
Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Chairman of the 2025 ADC National Organising Committee, said the conference theme reflects the urgent need for Nigerian businesses to adapt to disruptive change and embed sustainability into their operations.
“Good governance is not just a concept — it is a practical tool for fostering economic resilience and sustainable progress,” he said.
