At a time when Nigeria faces economic uncertainty, institutional strain, and shifting global realities, the conversation about leadership has taken on renewed urgency. In response, the Africa Leadership Initiative West Africa (ALIWA) convened its inaugural National Leadership Dialogue (NLD), bringing together leaders from the public service, private sector, and civil society to examine what it will take to build resilient leadership and stronger institutions. In this interview with BusinessDay’s Wasiu Alli, Soji Apampa, president of ALIWA Nigeria, shares the thinking behind the dialogue and outlines ALIWA’s vision for advancing values-based leadership in Nigeria.
“Today, the global environment is increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. Nations everywhere are being tested by the imperative of good leadership.”
ALIWA recently convened its inaugural National Leadership Dialogue, bringing together leaders across public service, business, civil society, and media. What informed the decision to create this platform at this moment in Nigeria’s leadership journey?
For some time, ALIWA has sought a meaningful way to contribute to Nigeria’s leadership conversation. In the 1983 book The Trouble with Nigeria, Chinua Achebe argued that the country’s challenges stem “simply and squarely” from a failure of leadership — particularly values-based leadership.
Today, the global environment is increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. Nations everywhere are being tested by the imperative of good leadership. In this context, we believe this is the moment for ALIWA to step forward and contribute constructively to strengthening leadership in Nigeria.
The Dialogue was held under the theme “Reimagining Leadership in a Changing World.” From your perspective, what aspects of leadership in Nigeria most urgently need reimagining today?
We must reimagine three core areas: how leaders emerge, how they negotiate power and set priorities, and the impact for which they are held accountable.
These processes are inherently values-driven. How they are designed and executed reveals what we truly believe about the kind of society we want to build. In an era shaped by rapid technological disruption and the global race for Artificial Intelligence, Nigeria cannot afford to get leadership wrong. The stakes are high — the difference between national renewal and accelerated decline may well depend on the quality of leadership we cultivate today.
Trust in leadership and institutions remains a major challenge in Nigeria. What insights from the Dialogue stood out to you as practical pathways to rebuilding trust?
One key insight was the reminder that meaningful reform in Nigeria has typically occurred when public- and private-sector leaders reach consensus on the need for change. Progress has been strongest where collective elite agreement aligned with national interest.
We were also reminded of Robert Klitgaard’s well-known formula: corruption equals monopoly plus discretion minus accountability. Strengthening public integrity requires systemic reforms that reduce the concentration of unchecked power and increase accountability.
Importantly, several Fellows demonstrated how small, practical ideas — when successfully implemented and scaled — can drive significant change. What we need are values-based leaders capable of harnessing such initiatives, fostering cooperation, and rebuilding trust across society.
With contributions from leaders in finance, technology, entrepreneurship, and governance, what role does cross-sector collaboration play in shaping resilient leadership for Nigeria’s future?
Cross-sector collaboration is indispensable. Nigeria’s most successful reform efforts have emerged where there was alignment between public and private actors.
If we can combine that collective approach with reforms in how leaders emerge, exercise power, and are held accountable for results, cross-sector collaboration can become a powerful driver of resilient leadership. It is through coordinated action — not isolated effort — that durable national progress is achieved.
The panels explored both resilient leadership and resilient systems. In your view, which institutional reforms are most critical to enabling ethical and effective leadership in Nigeria?
The most critical reforms concern leadership pipelines, governance processes, and accountability mechanisms.
When the processes that produce leaders are strengthened, when the exercise of power is more transparent, and when leaders are clearly accountable for measurable outcomes, resilient systems naturally follow. Strong institutions are built on the foundation of ethical, accountable leadership.
How does the National Leadership Dialogue align with ALIWA’s broader mission of moving leaders from individual success to societal significance?
ALIWA aims to be a rallying point for those practising and aspiring to practise values-based leadership.
The Dialogue serves as a platform and springboard for developing leaders who not only achieve personal success but also scale their impact for societal significance. Our vision is to build a critical mass of such leaders, individuals capable of shifting Nigeria toward a more inclusive and prosperous society.
Beyond conversations, how does ALIWA intend to translate the outcomes of the Dialogue into action through its Fellowship and Youth Leadership programmes?
ALIWA seeks to benchmark exemplary leadership and serve as a signpost for impact-driven success.
This requires sustained engagement — follow-up, mentoring, and accountability within our existing Fellowship and Youth Leadership programmes. The goal is to convert dialogue into measurable action and cultivate leaders committed to delivering tangible improvements in governance, business, and civic life.
Looking ahead, what should Nigerians expect next from ALIWA in advancing values-driven leadership and strengthening institutions across the country?
Nigerians can expect deeper, more strategic engagement across sectors to build the consensus necessary for positive change.
Our focus at the Africa Leadership Initiative West Africa will remain on promoting values-driven leadership, strengthening institutions, and fostering collaboration that translates into long-term national progress.
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