***As Shettima applauds institute’s 60 years of professionalism, integrity

Vice President Kashim Shettima has assured the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) of the Federal Government’s support in facilitating the speedy passage of its amendment bill currently before the National Assembly.

Specifically, the proposed legislation seeks to rename the institute in line with contemporary global governance practices and broaden its mandate beyond traditional secretarial functions.

Speaking on Friday while receiving a delegation from ICSAN led by its 30th President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mrs. Uto Ukpanah, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Vice President said the Tinubu administration would engage critical stakeholders to ensure the bill receives accelerated legislative consideration.

He also congratulated the institute ahead of its 60th anniversary celebration, describing the milestone as a testament to decades of professionalism, institutional integrity and national service.

“You have earned it, and the nation is better for the work you have done. You are truly a consequential organisation, and even the calibre of people who were part of your history gave their best to the nation,” Shettima said.

Addressing the proposed Chartered Governance Institute of Nigeria (CGIN) Bill, the Vice President pledged the administration’s commitment to supporting the institute’s aspirations.

“Collectively, we will pull out all the stops and engage major stakeholders to ensure the speedy passage of the amendment bill so that the institute can operate at a much higher level,” he stated.

On the institute’s proposed building project, Shettima stressed the importance of developing a befitting corporate headquarters alongside an income-generating venture that would strengthen the institute’s long-term sustainability.

He assured the delegation of government support to enhance the institute’s advocacy and institutional capacity.

“Once you become a chartered governance institute, expectations will naturally rise. Be assured that I am fully on board and we will support you in every way possible. We must work together, especially to secure the passage of the amendment bill, which is long overdue,” he added.

Earlier, ICSAN President and Chairman of Council, Mrs. Uto Ukpanah, thanked the Vice President for receiving the delegation, noting that the institute has spent six decades promoting sound governance practices in both the public and private sectors in Nigeria.

She said the institute has built a strong legacy centred on institutional preservation and ethical governance, while informing the Vice President of its forthcoming 60th anniversary event scheduled for June 26, 2026.

Ukpanah appealed for the Vice President’s support in ensuring the amendment bill is passed, stressing that the proposed name and mandate changes have become necessary to align the institute with evolving global governance standards and practices.

She also sought government support and funding assistance for the institute’s building project in Lagos.