NIGCOMSAT Calls for Financial Credibility in Institutions

Jane Egerton-Idehen, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), called on leaders of African public institutions to establish financial credibility and demonstrate effective resource management during an episode of the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation Podcast. Moderated by Fatima Kere-Ahmed, Egerton-Idehen stressed that institutional leaders must show they can responsibly manage existing resources before seeking additional funding for reforms.

She highlighted the need for transparent financial reporting and a record of meeting targets, stating, “It is so important you fix your financial fragility before you go and ask for more money.” Egerton-Idehen advised that institutions should provide evidence of their capacity to absorb and execute funding, emphasizing that credibility does not solely rely on generating commercial returns. She recommended proactive disclosure of financial information to build trust, stating, “Publish your numbers before anybody asks them.” Kole Shettima, Africa Director of the MacArthur Foundation, added that trust is a critical factor in financing decisions.