The Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX Group), Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, has called on business leaders to prioritize integrity and accountability as critical drivers of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
He made the call on Tuesday at the launch of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) 2026 Corporate Governance Outlook.
According to him, strong corporate governance has evolved beyond regulatory compliance to become a strategic tool for building resilient institutions and sustainable markets.
What he is saying
Dr. Kwairanga urged stakeholders to move beyond compliance and embrace a culture of sound governance across corporate Nigeria.
- “As we move forward, let us remain committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, fostering a culture of accountability, and ensuring that governance continues to serve as a cornerstone for national development.”
He noted that in an era defined by economic shifts and technological disruption, the role of directors has become increasingly critical.
Dr. Kwairanga described corporate governance as a “strategic enabler” that supports innovation and long-term value creation.
He emphasized that embedding governance into corporate culture is essential for building institutions capable of withstanding economic shocks.
More insights
Dr. Kwairanga highlighted that investor trust remains closely tied to the quality of corporate governance across the capital market.
- “Strong corporate governance is the bedrock of resilient institutions. It fosters trust, enhances transparency, and ultimately drives sustainable value creation.”
He noted that investor confidence is anchored on governance standards maintained by listed companies.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration among regulators, operators, and professional bodies to strengthen governance frameworks.
- “Regulators, operators, professional bodies, and corporate leaders must continue to work together to deepen market integrity and build institutions that can withstand shocks.”
He also referenced partnerships such as the tripartite agreement between CIoD Nigeria, NGX Group, and the NBA-SBL as key to advancing governance standards.
What you should know
NGX Group recorded strong financial performance in the 2025 financial year, driven by increased market activity and operational efficiency.
- Core revenue rose by 36% to N22.9 billion.
- Operating profit increased by 44.4% to N11.8 billion.
- Profit before tax climbed to N15.6 billion.
- Total assets grew to N71 billion, while shareholders’ equity rose to N55.2 billion.
The Group also reduced finance costs by 67% following significant deleveraging, enabling the board to approve a 50% increase in dividend to N3.00 per share alongside a one-for-three bonus share issue.
