Video: NICA celebrates excellence at 10th annual Nigeria Credit Industry Awards

Abdullateef Fowewe

The 10th Annual Nigeria Credit Industry Awards, organised by the National Institute of Credit Administration (NICA), has celebrated outstanding contributions to the Nigerian credit sector, recognising top professionals and organisations advancing the industry and national economy.

The event which was held on Wednesday at Vintano Hotel, Lekki, highlighted the importance of professionalism, innovation, and strong leadership in credit management.

Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Governor who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Debt Management Office, Alake Sanusi, emphasised, “NICA’s work to professionalize credit management is now protected in law and is helping to raise standards across the economy. When credit flows well, shop shelves stock, factories run, farmers plant, and entrepreneurs scale.”

This year’s awards honoured leaders across various categories such as Most Astute Managing Director/CEO, Credit Manager of the Year, Corporate Debt Recovery Professional, and more.

Notable awardees included Dr Tunde Popoola and Dr Chris Egbu, among others.

Speaking on the conference’s theme: “Credit Policy and Regulation: The Frameworks and Policies that Impact Credit Management in Nigeria,” Professor Chris Onalo, Registrar/CEO of NICA, said, “It is timely and relevant, especially as our economy continues to evolve amid new regulatory, financial and technological realities.”

He highlighted the role of the conference as a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among credit professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.

NICA’s President, Andy Ojei, in his remarks underscored the profession’s recent legal recognition.

“October 22nd, 2024, marks a monumental milestone. The Federal Government of Nigeria officially proclaimed: Credit Management as a recognised National Profession in Nigeria,” he said.

Ojei called for greater public-private partnerships to promote sustainable economic growth, noting, “NICA is poised to support the government’s economic diversification agenda and promote financial inclusion in Nigeria.”

The ceremony also featured the graduation of new credit management professionals, ready to uphold high standards in the industry.

Professor Onalo encouraged the new graduates stating, “Credit management is not just a career, it is a noble profession and an essential pillar of national development. Uphold the highest ideals of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.”