CPSG Symposium Calls For Merit-Based Board Appointments To Strengthen Public Enterprises Across Africa
Governance experts and public sector leaders have called for a shift towards merit-based, transparent and professional board appointments in public enterprises across Africa, emphasising that the competence and integrity of board members are critical to institutional performance, accountability and public value.
The call was a key outcome of the 2026 Public Sector Directors’ Symposium, organised by the Centre for Public Sector Governance (CPSG), a subdivision of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN), on Thursday, 22 October 2026. Held virtually under the theme “Professionalization of Board Appointments in Public Enterprises Across Africa,” the symposium brought together governance professionals and stakeholders to examine the standards, processes and institutional reforms required to strengthen board appointments and public enterprise governance.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Taiwo Afolabi, PhD, C.Dir, ASC, FRSA, MRSC, highlighted the consequences of politicised board and executive appointments, identifying them as significant contributors to state-owned enterprise underperformance, fiscal drain and institutional decay.
He further stressed the need for published skills and qualification criteria to guide board appointments, supported by appropriate legislation and clear executive guidelines. He noted that reform must extend beyond the existence of policies on paper to their effective implementation.
Speaking at the symposium, The Honourable Kelechi (Kaycee) Madu, KC, ECA, former Deputy Premier and Attorney General of Alberta, Canada, examined the institutional structures required to support professional and effective boards.
Madu emphasised the importance of mandatory onboarding, explaining that every director must understand an institution’s mandate, responsibilities, ethical requirements and operating context before exercising independent judgement. He also highlighted professional certification as a means of validating competence beyond attendance, reputation or years of experience.
The symposium also featured a panel discussion involving Mohammed Kadir Segun, Assistant Director, Intelligence (Technical Intelligence), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and Gwa Tobbie Mohammed, Director/Commission Secretary, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The session provided further perspectives on the governance considerations surrounding public enterprise boards and the importance of strengthening institutional accountability. The discussion was moderated by Zainab Ibrahim-Louisy, Head, Strategy & Transformation at NCGC.
CPSG Advances Governance Knowledge Through New Publications
In furtherance of its commitment to strengthening public sector governance through research and knowledge development, CPSG unveiled two publications at the symposium. The publications were launched by Prof. Fabian Ajogwu, SAN.
The first, Directors’ Handbook on Public Sector Governance, provides practical guidance on board effectiveness, risk oversight, accountability and ethical leadership, supporting public sector directors in making informed and effective governance decisions.
The second, Journal of Public Sector Governance, Volume 2, Issue 1, examines contemporary issues affecting public enterprises, with insights into digital readiness, leadership continuity, financial transparency and staff development.
Together, the publications provide resources for directors, governance professionals, researchers and other stakeholders seeking to deepen their understanding of public sector governance and improve institutional performance.
The symposium also witnessed the launch of CPSG Membership, officially launched by Mrs. Chioma Mordi, Chief Executive Officer of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria. The initiative represents an opportunity to build a wider community of professionals and stakeholders committed to advancing public sector governance through knowledge sharing, professional engagement and capacity development.
Strengthening the Future of Public Sector Governance
Through the symposium and its broader programmes, CPSG continues to advance its mission of promoting best practices in public sector governance through capacity building, policy advisory services, trainings, research and advocacy.
The Centre remains committed to supporting the development of more transparent, accountable and effective public institutions across Nigeria and Africa, recognising that strong institutions depend not only on sound policies and mandates but also on the quality, competence and integrity of those entrusted to govern them.
The Centre for Public Sector Governance (CPSG) is a subdivision of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN), under the Board Chairmanship of Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, OFR. CPSG is dedicated to promoting best practices in public sector governance through strategic capacity-building programmes, policy advisory services and research-based insights, with a focus on strengthening institutional efficiency, transparency and accountability across public institutions and state-owned enterprises.
