Nigeria needs effective leadership, management to overcome challenges, say experts

Due to uncertainties in the global landscape, business leaders across different spheres of the economy have said that quality leadership and effective management were critical if Nigeria must surmount its current challenges.

The leaders, who said this during a press conference ahead of its Global Leadership Business Summit, which would be held on June 20, lamented that the recent unpredictable economic landscape had led to a high mortality rate of businesses globally.

The Convener of the Leadership Project, Godman Akinlabi, noted that to address and reduce the challenges businesses face in Nigeria, there was a need for managers to lead effectively in the period of uncertainty.

He stated that the government’s responsibility was only to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Noting that a lot rests on the shoulders of business leaders, he insisted that the government should also not be held as a touchstone in measuring the success or failure of businesses.

Akinlabi, who is also the founder of The Elevation Church and PISTIS Foundation, stated that businesses would require different mindsets, toolsets and skill sets to remain relevant and grow in the current economic season.

“We understand that customers and consumers’ behaviour are changing rapidly and they are becoming more sophisticated in knowledge. Employees diversities, socio-economic policies, stakeholders’ expectations, multiple taxation, cultural and environmental changes and lots more are some of the issues that must be given top priority.

Another is social uncertainty because communities are now more aware of the responsibilities of operators and are demanding more from them,” he said.

While highlighting factors that contribute to uncertainties in businesses, Chief Executive Officer, Umugini Pipeline Infrastructure Limited, Dr. Blessing Ayemhere, said climatic disasters such as flooding remain unpredictable.

She urged business owners to look into such areas to avert damaging outcomes.
Chief People Experience Officer, Leadway Group, Kunbi Adeoti, said the summit with the theme ‘Leading Effectively in Uncertainty’, would equip business leaders with skills that would enhance business sustainability.

Experts present at the briefing explained that speakers with combined experience in leadership and management from different parts of the world would anchor the summit.

Executive Director, PISTIS Foundation, Leonard Thomas, said the Speakers for the event include Founder, Chair Centre, Mrs Ibukun Awosika; Group Managing Director, Rainoli Gabriel Ogbeche; Principal Consultant, Sam Adeyemi Global Leadership Consultancy, Dr. Sam Adeyemi and others.