Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged the African Union (AU), African Development Bank (AfDB), and Afreximbank to back the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI). He stressed that Africa must address the rising global risks threatening its stability.
Speaking at the 24th CRMI International Conference in Lagos, Shettima was represented by Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion. He explained that stronger collaboration is vital in tackling climate change, cybersecurity, pandemics, terrorism, and disruptive technologies.
“For over two decades, CRMI has been a beacon of foresight and resilience,” Shettima stated. “Risk management is not just a profession—it is a discipline of national importance. The Federation of African Risk Management Association is a milestone. It positions Africa to confront risks on its own terms.”
The Vice President also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to risk mitigation. He mentioned initiatives like #SheIsIncluded, launched in January 2025, which strengthens women’s economic participation. In addition, he stressed the importance of flood and drought early warning systems, microinsurance, and farmer protection schemes. According to him, these tools will improve resilience and national prosperity.
Ugwuoke Calls for Local Strategies to Address Global Risks
CRMI President and Governing Council Chairman, Kelvin Ugwuoke, emphasized the need for home-grown solutions. He explained that global disruptions, climate change, cyber threats, pandemics, food insecurity, and artificial intelligence, require localized strategies.
“We are experiencing risks from climate change, cyber threats, and Artificial Intelligence,” Ugwuoke said. “Geopolitical conflicts like the Russia–Ukraine war also worsen food insecurity and economic instability. Our mandate is clear. We must develop solutions that allow Nigeria and Africa to prosper despite these uncertainties.”
Ugwuoke, who also serves as Executive Director of Risk Management at Fidelity Bank Plc, added that a bill before the National Assembly will entrench risk management in national policy. This, he noted, will improve decision-making in both the public and private sectors.
Cardoso and Edun Reaffirm Commitment to Risk Awareness
Central Bank Governor Olayemi Cardoso, represented by Dr. Blaise Ijebor, commended CRMI’s leadership. “Global risks respect no borders,” he stated. “Our reforms now integrate risk awareness into financial planning. This ensures stability even as uncertainties evolve.”
Finance Minister Wale Edun, represented by Permanent Secretary Raymond Omachi, explained the value of recent policy reforms. These include fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification. “Risk management is not about predicting the future, but preparing for it. The future will be defined by the solutions we create together,” he said.
CRMI’s Role in Strengthening Nigeria’s Resilience
The 24th International CRMI Conference brought together policymakers, experts, and business leaders. It focused on practical strategies for managing global risks with local solutions. The event also reinforced Nigeria’s leadership in risk management as a driver of stability, resilience, and sustainable growth.
About CRMI
The Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI), founded on March 29, 2000, and established by Act No. 39 of 2022, is Nigeria’s national professional body for risk management. It promotes education, research, and best practices across industries. With its flagship Chartered Risk Manager (CRM) certification and Mandatory Continuing Professional Education (MCPE), CRMI sets the standard for professional excellence.
