NGX Chairman Advocates for Stronger Corporate Governance

On Tuesday, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, the Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), called for enhanced corporate governance in Nigeria during the launch of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIOD) 2026 Corporate Governance Outlook. He urged business leaders to prioritize integrated accountability as a critical driver for Nigeria's economic transformation.

Dr. Kwairanga highlighted that strong corporate governance should evolve beyond mere regulatory compliance and become a strategic tool for building resilient institutions and sustaining market confidence. He noted the increasing importance of directors in navigating technological disruptions and emphasized that embedding governance into corporate culture is essential for long-term value creation.

Dr. Kwairanga pointed out that investor trust is closely tied to the quality of corporate governance across capital markets and stressed the need for collaboration among regulatory bodies and professional organizations to strengthen governance frameworks. He referenced a tripartite partnership agreement involving CIOD, NGX, and the NBA to advance governance standards, noting that NGX has recorded increased market activity and operational efficiency, leading to a 67% reduction in financial costs and a board-approved 50% increase in dividends to N3.00 per share.