It is a known fact all over the world that no capital market can thrive where there is no integrity. The authorities of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, well aware of this fact have established a corporate governance rating system to encourage its listed companies to imbibe the culture of corporate integrity. The bourse is collaborating with the Convention on Business Integrity, CBi, to ensure a healthy investment environment and maximise investor returns for sustainable growth of the nation’s capital market.

According to Haruna Jalo-Waziri, executive director, business development, NSE, the partnership with CBi is aimed at creating a rating system. “The objectives are to raise overall corporate governance standards in the country, by providing companies with an incentive to develop global best practices.  It will provide opportunities for companies to differentiate themselves in the market place,” said Jalo-Waziri.  And to Soji Apampa, executive director, CBi, good corporate governance would ultimately increase a company’s access to capital.