SPIN Inducts 79 Professionals, Calls for Governance-Driven Sustainable Development

The Sustainability Professionals Institute of Nigeria (SPIN) has inducted 79 new members during its 2026 Cohort 6 Induction Ceremony, reinforcing its commitment to professionalizing sustainability practice across Nigeria and the African continent.

The induction ceremony, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Victoria Island, brought together sustainability professionals, corporate leaders, policymakers, and institutional partners to promote responsible governance and sustainable development.

The newly inducted members joined a growing professional community that now includes institutional members such as Access Bank, ARM, ARRIDEX, Dangote Cement, FirstBank, IHS, Lotus Bank, Mainstream Energy Solutions, OANDO, and SEPLAT Energy.

The event was themed “Effective Corporate Governance as a Core Sustainability Pillar – Leading the Change.” Speakers agreed that sustainability has evolved beyond environmental reporting and regulatory compliance into a strategic governance responsibility.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Emmanuel Adegbite, Chairperson of SPIN’s Scientific Committee and Professor of Accounting and Corporate Governance at the University of Nottingham, urged sustainability professionals to become responsible stewards rather than mere compliance officers.

According to him, governance models in Africa must reflect local realities instead of relying solely on imported frameworks.

“Disclosures only transcend into accountability when they are underpinned by good governance. Ambitions will remain just ambition if they are not underpinned by governance,” Professor Adegbite said.

Speaking during the ceremony, Dr. Ini Abimbola, Vice President of SPIN, said the induction of 79 professionals further strengthens the institute’s position as one of Africa’s fastest-growing sustainability communities.

She expressed concern over the increasing number of unqualified practitioners operating within the sustainability space and stressed the importance of maintaining professional standards.

“Compliance is not sustainability. Governance is the beginning and the end of whether it is environmental, social, or sustainability,” she stated.

Also addressing participants, Professor Kenneth Amaeshi, President of SPIN and an internationally recognised expert in sustainable finance, governance, and economic development, reflected on the institute’s rapid growth since its establishment.

He noted that SPIN has expanded from seven founding members in 2019 to more than 400 professionals, describing sustainability as a lifelong commitment rather than a corporate obligation.

“Sustainability is a movement. It is a way of life, a mindset, and not about checking a box. It is lived, and those who live it will be known by their fruits,” Professor Amaeshi said.

Since its establishment in August 2019, SPIN has continued to strengthen its institutional capacity through professional training, strategic partnerships, and policy advocacy.

The institute has partnered with the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (ICRS), United Kingdom, established a Scientific Committee comprising globally recognised scholars, and is pursuing legislation before the National Assembly to attain chartered status.

SPIN said its collaborations with leading Nigerian companies and its professional development programmes are helping to build a stronger sustainability ecosystem capable of supporting responsible business practices and long-term economic resilience.

As part of its next phase of growth, the institute announced plans to launch an annual sustainability conference aimed at deepening policy discussions, strengthening professional standards, and positioning SPIN as Nigeria’s leading authority on sustainability practice.

Industry stakeholders believe the initiative will further promote good governance, corporate accountability, and sustainable development across both the public and private sectors.