GOODWILL MESSAGE FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COLLOQUIUM FROM THE PRESIDENT, NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION
M. M. A. SANNI, CHAIRMAN of NBA ETI-OSA BRANCH, LAGOS REPRESENTED the NBA PRESIDENT
On behalf of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), it is my pleasure to extend warm greetings and congratulations to the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA-SBL), the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), and the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (CIOD Nigeria) on the occasion of the 2nd Annual Corporate Governance Colloquium. The theme of this year’s event, “Artificial Intelligence and Corporate Governance: Prospects and Pitfalls in the Era of Digital Transformation,” could not be more timely or significant.
We live in an era where digital transformation is reshaping every facet of our economy, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the forefront of this revolution. AI has the potential to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and transform corporate governance practices. However, as with any technological advancement, there are accompanying challenges and risks, especially in accountability, ethics, and governance. This colloquium provides a critical platform for examining the opportunities and pitfalls that AI brings to corporate governance.
As we explore the evolving relationship between AI and governance, it is important to ensure that technological innovations are harnessed for the benefit of businesses and aligned with principles of transparency, accountability, and fairness. In this regard, the NBA remains committed to promoting sound corporate governance practices that safeguard stakeholders’ interests, foster sustainable development, and strengthen the rule of law in Nigeria.
This colloquium will no doubt provide thought-provoking insights on how AI can be effectively integrated into corporate governance frameworks while mitigating potential risks such as data privacy concerns, ethical dilemmas, and regulatory challenges. Legal professionals, business leaders, and regulators must collaborate closely to craft policies and frameworks that address these issues, ensuring that AI serves as a tool for enhancing governance rather than undermining it.
I commend the NBA-SBL, NGX, and CIOD Nigeria for their visionary leadership in organizing this important event, which comes at a time when the global business landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. The Nigerian Bar Association is proud to be associated with this initiative, and we are confident that the outcomes of this colloquium will contribute significantly to the discourse on AI and corporate governance in Nigeria and beyond.
To all participants and speakers, I encourage you to engage fully with the issues at hand and contribute to shaping a future where digital innovation and responsible corporate governance go hand in hand. Together, we can forge a path that ensures the continued growth of our businesses while upholding the highest standards of ethics and governance.
Once again, congratulations on this laudable initiative. I wish you all a successful and impactful colloquium.
Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN
President, Nigerian Bar Association
