The President and Chief Executive Officer of Coscharis Group, Dr Cosmas Maduka, has said that credibility built on competence, character and consistency was one of the criteria to build a successful business.

The criteria, he said, most of the time outweigh the business capital in determining success and long-term prosperity.

Maduka said this during the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) maiden masterclass, urging entrepreneurs to treat credibility as the most valuable currency in their businesses.

The masterclass, which had the presence of founders, chief executives, and young professionals, the Coscharis boss said: “You don’t start with millions. You build trust with what you have. Credibility is not automatic; it requires sacrifice, discipline, and long-term thinking.”

He criticised the widespread culture of broken promises among Nigerian business owners and challenged them to adopt global standards of accountability.

He referenced Japanese business culture, where he said honour was closely tied to integrity, and warned that the real barrier to growth in Nigeria was often not money but credibility.
In a fireside chat with Chief Economist, CFF, Chinwe Egwin, the Coscharis boss addressed international perceptions of Nigerian entrepreneurs, rejecting narratives that cast them as inherently untrustworthy.

“Bad actors do not define Nigeria, just like counterfeit currency does not invalidate real money, a few corrupt individuals should not define our national credibility.”

He emphasised that sustainable business success was rooted in doing the right thing consistently—not shortcuts or quick wins.

He also stressed the importance of market validation, warning entrepreneurs against launching businesses without first confirming demand.

To the younger generation, Maduka challenged them to see adversity not as a barrier, but as fertile ground for ambition.

“This is the best time to pursue your dreams, because when Nigeria stabilises, the space for radical progress will shrink,” he said.

He illustrated the value of intentionality with an example of an eight-year roadmap to becoming a doctor, emphasising that structure, clarity, and self-discipline are more critical than motivation alone.

“We use only a fraction of our brain’s potential,” he said. “The rest is waiting for your attention—and your intention.”

The NBCC masterclass concluded with a message stating that in today’s volatile economy, credibility is no longer just a virtue but a leverage.

The chamber added that for Nigeria’s next generation of entrepreneurs, courage, mentorship, and discipline are the real catalysts for lasting success.