The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) Chartered has called for stronger institutional governance to curb mismanagement, maladministration and corruption, warning that the persistent weaknesses continue to undermine Nigeria’s development.

President and Chairman of Council, Commodore Abimbola Ayuba (rtd) made the call in Lagos at a press conference ahead of the institute’s 2026 Annual National Management Conference (ANMC).

Ayuba said the institute would intensify efforts to improve management practices in both the public and private sectors, stressing that effective leadership and professional management were critical to building a productive economy.

He said: “We will neither relent in our quest to bequeath a well-trained and productive workforce to the nation nor will we be tired until mismanagement, maladministration, corruption and other social vices which have hampered Nigeria’s development are exceptions rather than the rule in our country.”

The institute’s position comes as it prepares for its 65th anniversary conference, holding from September 13 to 15 at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, with the theme, “Sixty-Five Years of Management Excellence: Strengthening Institutional Governance in Nigeria.”

Ayuba said the conference would bring together professional managers, policymakers, government officials and business executives to examine institutional governance and develop solutions that could be presented to key stakeholders.

He said NIM’s 65-year journey had seen about 200,000 individuals and 400 corporate organisations pass through its membership process, adding that its members had continued to contribute to management and leadership across the public and private sectors.
Established in 1961, NIM obtained charter status through Act 14 of 2003, which empowers it to regulate the practice of the management profession in Nigeria.

Ayuba said the institute would use its experience and professional base to strengthen management capacity and contribute to national development, particularly through improved leadership, accountability and institutional effectiveness.

The conference will feature former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, as main theme speaker, while the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, will deliver the keynote address.

Other speakers include Chairman, Justrite Superstores, Dr. Ayodele Aderinwale; Executive Secretary, TETFund, Arch. Sonny Echono; Executive Director, Oando Plc, Ms. Ayotola Jagun; and Managing Director, ARM Investment Managers, Mrs. Kai Orga.