The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has partnered with the Nigerian Capital Market Institute (NCMI) to enhance corporate governance and risk management practices among Capital Market Operators (CMOs) in Nigeria.
The collaboration will provide Nigerian market participants with access to globally recognised certification programmes developed by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), focusing on Internal Control and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM).
COSO, a joint initiative of five leading accounting and finance bodies including the AICPA, is widely regarded as a global authority in enterprise risk management, internal control systems, and fraud deterrence.
Under the partnership, Nigerian professionals will gain access to the COSO Internal Control Certificate Programme, which equips participants with the skills to design, implement, and monitor robust internal control systems in an increasingly technology-driven business environment.
Additionally, the COSO Enterprise Risk Management Certificate Programme will enable professionals to understand and apply modern ERM frameworks, integrating risk considerations into strategic decision-making to drive improved business performance.
The initiative is expected to significantly strengthen governance structures across Nigerian businesses by promoting effective risk identification and mitigation strategies. By improving internal controls, organisations can better safeguard assets, reduce exposure to fraud and operational errors, and ensure business continuity.
Commenting on the collaboration, Ijeoma Anadozie, Country Director–Nigeria at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, highlighted its broader economic significance.
“We are pleased to collaborate with the Nigerian Capital Market Institute to provide access to the COSO programmes for businesses operating in Nigeria. This collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening corporate governance and risk management across the country,” she said.
“By leveraging these resources, companies in Nigeria will be better equipped to tighten internal controls, enhance the accuracy and transparency of financial reporting, and foster greater investor confidence. These improvements are not only vital for business resilience and profitability, but they also contribute meaningfully to the broader economic development and financial stability of our country.”
Also speaking, Managing Director of NCMI, Tunde Kamali, described the partnership as a strategic milestone in advancing Nigeria’s capital market ecosystem.
“The Nigerian Capital Market Institute is proud to collaborate with the American Institute of CPAs in expanding access to globally recognised COSO programmes for businesses across Nigeria. This initiative reflects our commitment to equipping market participants with the tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex and risky landscape,” he said.
“By deepening knowledge in internal control and enterprise risk management, we are empowering businesses to operate with greater integrity, accountability, and strategic foresight. This collaboration not only supports the advancement of our capital market ecosystem, but also reinforces Nigeria’s long-term vision for sustainable economic growth and global competitiveness,” he added.