ICSAN to drive AI in corporate governance

The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into corporate governance frameworks as it prepares to host the 2025 Company Secretaries and Registrars Forum.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing on Wednesday, the chairman of the Institute’s Corporate Members and Training Committee, Biola Laseinde, emphasised that AI is becoming an indispensable tool in corporate administration, particularly in areas such as regulatory compliance, data privacy, and decision-making processes.
She noted that as organisations increasingly rely on technology for governance structures, professionals must adapt to stay relevant.
She said, “AI is revolutionising corporate governance globally, and Nigeria must not be left behind. As governance professionals, we must equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills to harness AI effectively. This forum will provide a strategic platform for discussing how AI can enhance compliance, risk management, and operational efficiency.
The forum will take place on March 19 in Lagos.
“The theme of the forum, ‘Enhancing the AI Mindset in Delivering Sustainability Principles on Data Management and Governance,’ will feature a lineup of seasoned specialists and governance professionals to discuss the evolving landscape of AI and data governance. The keynote address will be delivered by the Associate Director & Data Engineering Lead (Africa) at Tech Platforms (AI & Data Services), KPMG, Christopher Ogirri,” Laseinde.”
Also speaking, the registrar of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria, Babatunde Okuneye, highlighted the growing significance of AI-driven data management systems in corporate governance.
He stressed that companies and governance professionals who fail to embrace digital transformation risk falling behind in an increasingly automated world.
“Data is the new oil, and AI-driven governance is the future. Our goal with this forum is to enlighten participants on how they can leverage AI to ensure transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in corporate administration,” Okuneye said.
In her remarks, a member of the Corporate Members and Training Committee, Solape Olasuyi, added that the forum would feature thought leaders from key sectors, including the Nigerian capital market, banking, insurance, and technology.
“This is not just another conference; it is a call to action for company secretaries, registrars, and governance professionals to embrace AI as a tool for sustainable corporate growth. Attendees will gain firsthand knowledge of real-world applications of AI in governance and how to integrate it into their daily operations,” Olasuyi noted.
The PUNCH reported that the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria and the Fintech Association of Nigeria have expressed a willingness to forge an alliance that will see to the digitalisation of the works done by corporate secretaries and administrators across the country.