Dear Readers, Members, and Clients,

Twenty years ago, the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria (SCGN) began with a simple but urgent mission: to raise the standard and understanding of corporate governance in Nigeria. Today, that mission is more relevant than ever, and our journey thus far is worth sharing. We have gained, we have lost, and we have grown. Through it all, we have remained committed to building an institution that not only advocates for sound governance but embodies it.

When SCGN started with fewer than 30 members in 2009, it was hard to predict the scale of what would come. Today, we stand with over 600 active members, comprised of individuals and organisations from every major sector of the economy. These are people who believe in the values that brought us here. This is not just about numbers. It is about what we have become. Every new member, every event, and every conversation has helped to shape who we are today.

In this special edition of our blog, we are focusing on the remarkable story of our membership: the people who have walked with us, challenged us, and helped us lead the critical conversations on corporate governance in Nigeria.

The Early Days: Building from the Ground Up

We began with basic systems and manual processes, relying heavily on personal networks and word-of-mouth to attract like-minded individuals who shared a passion for ethical leadership and corporate accountability.

Without much gainsaying, the challenge was significant, as corporate governance was still a relatively new concept in Nigeria’s business environment. Convincing professionals to join a society dedicated to governance principles required persistent effort and demonstration of value. The founding members understood that building credibility would be essential to attracting quality membership, and they set high standards from the very beginning.

The Digital Revolution: Embracing Technology for Growth

As the years progressed, we recognised that traditional approaches would not be sufficient to achieve our ambitious growth targets. This led to the transition from manual membership processing to a digitised onboarding and engagement system, marking a turning point in SCGN’s membership journey. This technological evolution enabled us to streamline application processes, improve member tracking, and most importantly, enhance the overall member experience. The digitisation effort was not merely about efficiency; it was about creating a professional, accessible platform that reflected SCGN’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

The adoption of tech-driven processes also allowed for more strategic campaigns and structured induction programmes. Members could now navigate their journey with SCGN more seamlessly, from initial application through induction to ongoing engagement. This technological foundation became crucial for the substantial growth that followed.

Milestone Moments: Celebrating Success

Without any doubt, our journey has been marked by several memorable milestones that demonstrate both growth and innovation. The hosting of the first-ever member’s fireside chat in 2024 represented a significant evolution in member engagement strategy. This intimate format allowed members to interact directly with governance thought leaders, creating a more personal and valuable experience.

Perhaps the most remarkable achievement came in 2024 when we recorded our highest number of new members in a single year. We had over 100 new members joining the society. This milestone was particularly significant because it represented not only quantity but also quality growth. During that period, we successfully onboarded high-profile Fellows and prestigious corporate institutions while maintaining our rigorous vetting standards.

Overcoming Challenges: The Path to Engagement

Like the saying, “with great power comes great responsibility.” Our growth also came with challenges. One of the most significant obstacles we faced was low engagement post-onboarding. Many members would join with enthusiasm but gradually become inactive, threatening the long-term sustainability of the membership base.

To this, we responded with innovative solutions that transformed member engagement. Monthly membership webinars became a regular feature, providing consistent value and keeping members connected to current governance trends. Quarterly physical events created opportunities for face-to-face networking and relationship building, while targeted emails ensured members received relevant, timely information.

Exclusive member events, including the President’s Dinner and formal induction ceremonies, elevated the membership experience and created a sense of prestige and community. These initiatives successfully addressed the engagement challenge, creating a more active and committed membership base.

The Value Proposition: Why Members Choose SCGN

The consistent growth in membership shows the tangible value that SCGN provides to its community. For instance, our members consistently report receiving access to governance through leadership, exclusive learning events, peer networking opportunities, and capacity-building programmes that directly impact their professional development.

The society’s signature events, including the Annual Corporate Governance Conference, Fireside Chats, and member sessions, have created a significant impact by providing platforms for knowledge sharing and professional growth. The President’s Dinner and induction ceremonies have become prestigious events in Nigeria’s corporate governance calendar, attracting high-profile participation and media attention.

Looking Forward: Ambitious Goals for the Next Decade

Our membership aspirations for the next 5–10 years show the same ambitious spirit that drove their initial growth. The goal to reach 1,000 members by 2030 represents a significant expansion, but our membership team’s track record suggests this target is achievable. Plans to expand to Pan-African corporate membership would also position SCGN as a continental leader in governance education and advocacy. The proposed Member Hub (a digital portal for seamless engagement) would further enhance the member experience and create new opportunities for interaction and value delivery.

Perhaps most importantly, the initiative to open membership to younger demographics and students represents a strategic investment in the future of corporate governance in Nigeria. By engaging the next generation of business leaders early in their careers, SCGN is poised to shape governance practices for decades to come.

A Community-Driven Success Story

Our membership growth can best be described as “community-driven growth”. Why? Because this term captures both the collaborative spirit that has defined SCGN’s approach and the organic nature of our expansion. Through high standards, rigorous vetting processes, and a curated professional network, SCGN membership has become both prestigious and impactful.

As the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria celebrates its 20th anniversary, the membership department’s transformation from a small administrative function to a strategic growth engine demonstrates the power of vision, adaptation, and commitment to excellence.

The journey from 30 to over 600 members is not a numbers story. It is a testament to the growing recognition of corporate governance’s importance in Nigeria’s business ecosystem and SCGN’s role as the premier institution advancing these principles.