Lagos: Some economic stakeholders have called for strengthened governance frameworks and deeper collaboration between government and the private sector for national growth and development. They made the call on Thursday night during the ‘Government Meets Business Dinner’ at the 2025 Annual Directors Conference by the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, a member of the Presidential Fiscal and Tax Reforms Committee, highlighted the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological disruption, geopolitical shifts, evolving fiscal realities, and the transition to a low-carbon, inclusive economy. Uwaleke emphasized that leadership should focus on making deliberate shifts for long-term stability rather than maintaining comfort zones. He acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts, such as the unification of exchange rates, fuel subsidy removal, and tax reforms, as steps in the right direction.

Uwaleke stressed the importance of involving stakeholders, including businesses, state actors, and civil society, in a shared vision. He outlined three pillars of synergistic leadership: policy predictability, governance, and inclusion, as essential for sustainable business growth. He urged directors to champion tax compliance and embrace reforms as a top priority on their board agenda.

Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Chairman of Keystone Bank Ltd., described effective governance as a vital discipline for resilient enterprises, stable economies, and credible institutions. She emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and inclusion in leadership, highlighting Keystone Bank’s collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria to promote financial inclusion for women and micro, small, and cottage enterprises. Chukwudozie called for leaders to view governance as a continuous process that builds enduring trust and prosperity.

Mr. Adetunji Oyebanji, President of CIoD, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to fostering collaboration between government and the private sector to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth. He stressed the importance of constructive dialogue, trust-building, and strengthening partnerships between business and government. Oyebanji praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its support and encouraged continued alignment between government and enterprise for a resilient and inclusive economy.

The conference underscored the shared responsibility of both sectors in ensuring long-term growth and highlighted the critical role of governance as a bridge between policy and prosperity.