ICSAN hopeful of improved economic reforms in new year

The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) has expressed optimism of an improved economic performance next year, saying the different sectoral reforms would gain traction for the benefit of the citizens.

President and Chairman of Council, ICSAN, Funmi Ekundayo, said this at the institute’s third presidential parley. She said, given the expected gestation period, the citizens should be resilient as a more prosperous Nigeria was close. She said the reforms were needed to stabilise the economy, noting that there is a need for more improvement on the current narratives and macroeconomic indices.

She said if all these are placed, they will reduce inflationary pressure and boost household incomes. Proffering ways for the government to further improve the economy and diversify from oil and gas, Ekundayo called on the government to assist micro and small medium enterprises (MSMEs), foster mechanized agriculture, reduce the cost of governance, tackle the recurring national grid collapse, ensure digitalization to improve sector and policy sustainability.

The ICSAN boss said if all these and more are put in place for a stable operating environment, there would be growth opportunities and productivity and would as well attract investors into the country.

Among other issues, Ekundayo spoke on how the institute fared in the year and projections for next year, with a major focus on beginning the construction of its multi-billion national secretariat.

She said while the old secretariat had been demolished, a letter of award had been signed by the contractor, who is expected to move to the site before year end with a target of two to three years for the completion of the new secretariat.

Being an advocate of good corporate governance, the ICSAN chief said it could not be over-emphasized, as the institute is putting all in place to fully penetrate the public sector and churn out governance practitioners with new members coming into the fold.

On advocacy, she said the institute made a lot of collaborations on capacity building and contributions to national issues, which has helped to shape its establishment as a major institute.

On the institute’s take on the japa syndrome, Ekundayo urged on strategies employers could put in place to ensure business success is not impeded. She urged employers to continuously train and strengthen operational planning and success mechanisms.

Due to the flexible work technique for employees to achieve a work-life balance, she advised that employers and organizations could retain talents through flexible working hours, good corporate culture, and better remuneration for organisational success.