A consideration of the impact of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (1990) and the Insurance Act (2003) on the board of insurance companies in Nigeria. Part 1

Abstract

PurposeThis paper (which is Part 1 of 2) seeks to explore the development and implementation of good corporate governance in the financial services industry in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reflects upon the identification of current problems and official legislative responses in Nigeria and tests the policy and theory against actual responses and practices.FindingsWith the collapse of such mega companies as Enron in the USA and the near‐collapse symptoms observed in such a relatively big company as Cadbury Nigeria, such research as this, on the issue of compliance or otherwise with corporate governance practices by organizations, could not have been undertaken at a more appropriate time than now. Considering the ever‐increasing scope and complexity of the subject, which cannot be covered by a single project, the particular focus here is on the impact of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (1990) and the Insurance Act (2003) on the Boards of insurance companies in Nigeria. In other words, do the said statutes contain sufficient provisions and sanctions to ensure effective performance by Boards of insurance companies in Nigeria?Originality/valueWhile this research paper may not claim to fill this gap completely, it is hoped that it will create sufficient awareness to serve as a springboard for effective entrenchment and enforcement of corporate governance practices in the Nigerian financial services industry (including insurance) in particular and the economy in general.