The Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) has called on Nigerian and African businesses to fully embrace Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles as part of their corporate strategy to improve competitiveness, attract sustainable investments and build institutional resilience.
This call was made by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FITC, Mrs Chizor Malize, during a press briefing in Lagos on Friday, ahead of the centre’s inaugural Sustainability and ESG Conference scheduled for Wednesday, June 26, 2025.
Mrs Malize stated that the ESG agenda is no longer optional for businesses aiming to survive and thrive in a rapidly changing global economic environment. “At FITC, we understand that ESG is no longer a nice-to-have; it is a business imperative. This conference reinforces our commitment to leading the ESG discourse across Africa and connecting stakeholders to actionable solutions that can transform institutions and society,” she said.
Themed ‘Building a Prosperous Future: Unlocking Growth Opportunities Through Sustainability and ESG Innovation’, the upcoming event will bring together key stakeholders from regulatory agencies, private companies, multilateral institutions, government ministries, civil society organisations, and academia.
FITC explained that the event will go beyond theory to highlight practical steps that companies can take to mainstream sustainability into their operations. Participants will explore how ESG principles can unlock inclusive economic growth, improve risk management, strengthen corporate governance, and attract green financing and climate investments into Nigeria and other African markets.
The conference will include keynote addresses, technical breakout sessions, case study discussions, solution exhibitions, and networking opportunities. According to the organisers, the event will also examine the implementation of frameworks like the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) in Africa and explore how companies are integrating ESG into financial reporting, risk management and investment strategy.
Mrs Oluwasoromidayo George, the Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Director at Coca-Cola HBC, also underscored the need for commitment to action, not just talk. “It is not enough to simply discuss sustainability; companies must actively demonstrate their commitment through concrete actions. This is essential for success in today’s business environment,” she said. Mrs George made the remarks at the launch of the FITC Sustainability and ESG Institute in 2024.
The ESG Institute was established by FITC to promote thought leadership, executive education and ESG capacity building for organisations across the continent. Since its launch, the institute has developed tools such as ESG Performance Scorecards (ESGPs) and executive learning programmes to support ESG integration at all levels of institutional planning and execution.
Renowned governance expert, Professor Fabian Ajogwu, also backed the call for stronger governance structures to support ESG. He noted that “governance is vital for boards to incorporate into strategy formulation and appraisal processes. It ensures that the enterprise sustains itself and effectively addresses relevant ESG aspects.”
Managing Director of the Energy Training Centre, Mrs Ibiene Okeleke, urged stakeholders to localise ESG strategies. “ESG should not be seen as a necessary evil but rather as a strategic advantage tailored to an organisation’s unique context,” she advised.
The FITC noted that speakers expected at the June 26 conference include representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), NGX Regulation Limited, Seplat Energy, PwC Nigeria, the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC), ISSB, WEMA Bank, Lagos Business School and other influential players in Nigeria’s financial and corporate landscape.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Proshare Nigeria Limited, Mr Femi Awoyemi, encouraged business leaders to embrace purpose-driven innovation in their ESG efforts. “Organisations must lead with purpose, innovate with conviction, and act with urgency in the face of rising global ESG expectations and tightening capital flows,” he said.
The conference is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in global sustainability discussions while helping local firms tap into climate finance, improve corporate governance and align with international ESG standards.
Founded over four decades ago by the Bankers’ Committee, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation and all Nigerian deposit money banks, FITC has evolved into a leading provider of professional services and capacity-building programmes for players in the financial services, education, and public sectors.
