Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA) chartered, Prof. Chris Onalo, has called for a deeper commitment to collaborative governance as Nigeria navigates its path toward sustainable national development, economic prosperity, participatory democracy and a strong national defence.

Speaking on the complexity of nation-building, Onalo, a foremost credit management doyen and founder of the profession in Nigeria, emphasised that “the task of building a nation is as rigorous as climbing the tallest mountain in the world.”

He noted that governance in a diverse country like Nigeria, where interests and ambitions vary, required not only strong leadership but also a strategic embrace of collaboration, consultation, cooperation, and communication.

“Leadership must understand that delivering a service to the people, nation, and the quest for prosperity is more demanding than striking a rock,” he stated.

He urged those in authority to prioritise governance inclusiveness to tap into Nigeria’s vast intellectual and professional resources necessary for a coherent, solid, and resilient nation-building and development. There is a need to build a system where everybody feels a sense of belonging, a part of the total body.

He called on all federal, state and local government ministries, departments, agencies, as well as technocrats behind the administration to intentionally partner with institutions that could add meaningful value, stating that many of such institutions were not looking to enrich themselves, but to serve Nigeria’s greatest needs.