Manason Garkuwa Rubainu, immediate past president of the Association of Professional Bodies in Nigeria (APBN), recently made a strong appeal to governments at all levels to involve professionals in the decision-making process. Speaking at the APBN Annual General Meeting in Abuja, Rubainu stressed the critical importance of professionals’ participation in policymaking, highlighting the vital role these experts play in governance and accountability.
According to Rubainu, the absence of professionals in decision-making bodies often results in poor governance, while ill-conceived policies supported by professionals weaken the society as a whole. He urged his peers to stand firm against unethical practices, stressing that working for the good of the country is in the interest of all. He highlighted the critical role of professionals in policy formulation, infrastructure and systems, calling for reflection on daily practices and commitment to ethical standards.
Rubainu advocated for enhanced collaboration between professionals, government institutions, civil society and the private sector to drive reforms. He stressed the need for ethical leadership across all professions, encouraging professionals to maintain high standards and mentor the next generation. He also stressed the importance of collective action to address challenges and ensure good governance in Nigeria.
On his part, former president of the association, Akinloye Olufemi Oyegbola, called on Nigerians to embrace a culture of good monitoring, stressing that this is critical to promote accountability and ensure that leaders are accountable to the people. He criticised unsustainable practices of subsidies, saying they have led to financial irresponsibility and stunted the country’s development.
Oyegbola stressed that it is crucial to address these issues now, rather than waiting for them to worsen. He stressed the need for Nigerians to adapt to current economic realities to foster meaningful progress, especially with regard to fuel subsidies that have hampered the country’s development.
In conclusion, the contribution of professionals is critical to overcoming the challenges facing Nigeria. By promoting ethics, accountability and transparency, professionals can play a critical role in the country’s advancement and achievement of exemplary governance. It is imperative that leaders and citizens actively collaborate to build a better future and ensure Nigeria’s sustainable development.