On Tuesday, Vice President Kashim Shettima officially inaugurated the Credit Management Profession in Nigeria during the inaugural National Credit Managers Conference held in Lagos. The event, organized by the National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA), was marked by the annual Investiture of the Nigeria Credit Industry Awards. Represented by Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, his Technical Adviser on Economic and Financial Inclusion, Shettima underscored the importance of this recognition in advancing Nigeria’s credit landscape. The two-day conference, themed “Credit Grows Green Economy,” brought together industry leaders and key stakeholders, including representatives from traditional leadership, to explore ways to integrate credit into sustainable development efforts across Nigeria.
In his address, Shettima heralded the formal recognition of the Credit Management Profession, as established by the NICA Act No. 26 of 2022. He framed this acknowledgment as a pivotal moment for Nigeria, emphasizing the need for the country to embrace credit management as a fundamental component of economic growth and opportunity creation. He encouraged businesses, institutions, and individuals to recognize the significance of this profession, asserting that it would play a vital role in fostering economic development and promoting sustainable prosperity.
The Vice President lauded the efforts of the NICA for organizing a conference that aims to promote the newly recognized Credit Management Profession in Nigeria. His remarks were a call to action for participants to engage actively in both intellectual discussions and social networking opportunities throughout the conference. By fostering new relationships and strengthening existing ones, Shettima believes that attendees can contribute to the creation of a robust credit management framework that would ultimately benefit Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Expressing gratitude for the conference, Shettima took the opportunity to congratulate Prof. Chris Onalo, the Registrar/CEO of NICA, and the governing council led by Mr. Andy Ojei for their commendable efforts in advancing credit management in the country. He reiterated his hope for a successful conference and urged participants to maximize their involvement in the discussions and activities lined up, as these interactions could significantly enhance the prospects for better credit management and foster a collaborative environment.
Concluding his address, Shettima conveyed his optimism regarding the outcomes of the conference, expressing a desire to see the deliberations lead to tangible improvements within Nigeria’s socio-economic environment. He envisioned that a stronger credit management system would open doors to better access to financial opportunities, significantly impacting the nation and, by extension, Africa as a whole in the coming years. His commitment to this cause reflects a broader goal of forging a sustainable economic future for Nigeria that embraces innovative financial practices and enhances the nation’s overall economic resilience.
In summary, the inauguration of the Credit Management Profession represents a significant milestone for Nigeria, positioning itself on a trajectory towards improved economic development. By gathering industry leaders and stakeholders to discuss sustainable credit management practices, the conference provided an excellent platform for collaboration and shared vision. Shettima’s encouragement for active participation and relationship-building underlines the importance of collective efforts in achieving the goals of this profession, ultimately aiming for a robust economic future anchored in effective credit management strategies.
