The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has emphasized the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing corporate governance and sustainability in Nigeria.
Speaking at the ICSAN 2025 Company Secretaries and Registrars’ Forum in Lagos, the institute’s President, Funmi Ekundayo, underscored the necessity for professionals to embrace AI as a vital tool for governance, compliance, and sustainable business practices.
The event, themed “Enhancing the AI Mindset in Delivering Sustainability Principles on Data Management and Governance,” brought together industry experts to discuss AI’s impact on corporate governance. Ekundayo noted that AI is no longer just an emerging trend but a key driver of corporate sustainability, particularly in areas such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles and data management.
“The intersection of AI, ESG principles, and data governance is now central to corporate sustainability. Governance professionals must not only understand these concepts but also champion their adoption within organizations,” she stated.
Delivering the keynote address, Christopher Ogirri, Associate Director & Data Engineering Lead for Africa at KPMG, highlighted the advantages of AI-driven solutions in corporate governance. He pointed out that AI can improve compliance monitoring, reduce errors, enhance risk assessment, and streamline governance processes.
Ogirri further revealed that ESG reporting requirements will become mandatory in Nigeria by 2028, with large public interest entities expected to comply by 2027, while small and medium-sized enterprises must follow by 2030. He urged governance professionals to prepare for these changes, as regulators such as the Financial Reporting Council, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Nigerian Exchange Group are enforcing stricter compliance measures.
The forum featured a panel discussion with key industry figures, including Group General Counsel and Company Secretary of United Capital Plc, Leo Okafor; Managing Partner of Caleb Consulting Uganda Ltd, Bamidele Oseni; and Head of Group Communications and Partnerships at NGX Group, Clifford Akpolo. The panelists explored how AI can optimize data management, strengthen governance frameworks, and ensure regulatory compliance. They also discussed the increasing significance of ESG considerations in investment decisions.
ICSAN reaffirmed its commitment to promoting best practices in corporate governance and sustainability, encouraging professionals in the field to embrace AI and align with global standards.
