Vice President Kashim Shettima has called for stronger continental collaboration in tackling Africa’s growing exposure to global risks, urging institutions such as the African Union (AU), African Development Bank (AfDB), and Afreximbank to support the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI).
Shettima, represented by Dr. Nurudeen Zauro, Technical Adviser to the President on Economic and Financial Inclusion, spoke at the 24th International Conference of CRMI held in Lagos. He said the continent faces complex challenges ranging from climate change and cybersecurity to pandemics, terrorism, and disruptive technologies.
“For over two decades, the Institute has been a beacon of foresight, resilience, and preparedness,” he said. “Risk management is not just a profession—it is a discipline of national importance. The establishment of the Federation of African Risk Management Association marks a historic milestone, positioning Africa to address risks on its own terms.”
The Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to risk mitigation through initiatives such as *#SheIsIncluded*, launched earlier this year to boost women’s economic inclusion, alongside early warning systems for floods and droughts, microinsurance for farmers, and social protection schemes.
Kelvin Ugwuoke, President and Chairman of CRMI’s Governing Council, emphasized the theme of the conference, *“Global Risks, Local Solutions,”* stressing the need for home-grown strategies to manage disruptions caused by climate change, artificial intelligence, cyber threats, and geopolitical conflicts. He also disclosed that a bill is before the National Assembly to formally entrench risk management into national policy.
Ugwuoke, who also serves as Executive Director of Risk Management at Fidelity Bank Plc, said: “Our mandate is clear: to develop solutions that help Nigeria and Africa withstand and prosper amid global uncertainties.”
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, represented by Dr. Blaise Ijebor, Director of Risk Management, commended CRMI’s role in advancing the discipline. “Global risks do not respect borders. Our reforms are designed to integrate risk awareness into financial planning, ensuring economic stability amid evolving uncertainties,” he noted.
Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, represented by Permanent Secretary Raymond Omachi, also praised CRMI’s advocacy, linking recent economic reforms such as subsidy removal and exchange rate unification to risk preparedness. “Risk management is not about predicting the future, but preparing for it,” he said.
The conference, which brought together policymakers, business leaders, and experts, reinforced Nigeria’s leadership in advancing risk management as a tool for stability, resilience, and sustainable development on the continent.