CIoD Nigeria Annual Award
The CIoD Annual Awards recognise outstanding individuals, organisations, and leaders who exemplify excellence in corporate governance, ethical leadership, and sustainable impact across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
Established by the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria (CIoD Nigeria), the Awards celebrate those who are setting the standard for accountability, integrity, responsible leadership, and organisational stewardship while contributing meaningfully to national development.
If you know an individual deserving of recognition, we invite you to submit a nomination.
Why These Awards Matter
Good governance is the foundation of sustainable institutions and thriving economies.
The CIoD Nigeria Annual Awards honour leaders and organisations whose commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, accountability, and governance excellence continues to shape stronger businesses, institutions, and society.
Governance Excellence
Upholding the highest standard of accountability, transparency and responsible leadership.
Ethical Leadership
Promoting integrity, fairness and ethical conduct at the heart of the organizational leadership.
Award Objectives
- Recognise excellence in corporate governance and directorship.
- Promote ethical leadership and accountability.
- Celebrate organisations and leaders driving sustainable impact.
- Encourage best practices in governance across public and private institutions.
- Inspire a culture of responsible leadership and organisational stewardship.
Award Categories
CIoD Good Governance Award
For Non-Members and Public Office Holders
Recognises distinguished former public office holders whose exceptional leadership advanced good governance, inclusive development, citizen welfare, and sustainable, equitable prosperity.
CIoD Entrepreneurial Award
Open to Members and Non-Members
Recognises an outstanding entrepreneur demonstrating visionary leadership, innovation, strong business performance, significant growth, competitiveness, value creation, employment, and sustainable economic impact.
CIoD Director Development Award
Members Only
Recognises an individual who has significantly advanced director development, governance education, board effectiveness, and higher standards of leadership.
Anofi Guobadia Award for Excellence & Leadership
Members Only
Honours an individual with sustained achievement, exceptional leadership, and professional excellence advancing the directorship profession and corporate governance.
Olutoyin Olakunri Woman Director of the Year Award
Female Members Only
Recognises a female Director whose leadership, achievement, and governance contributions strengthen board effectiveness and advance the directorship profession.
Important Eligibility Information
Please note that:
- Self-nominations are not permitted.
- Lobbying or attempts to influence the selection process will result in automatic disqualification.
- Individuals sanctioned for fraud, corruption, financial misconduct, or regulatory violations within the last five years are not eligible.
- The same individual cannot receive the same award more than once within a five-year period.
Nomination Requirements
Each nomination must include:
- A completed Official Nomination Form
- A clear justification for the nomination, highlighting why the nominee deserves recognition and providing verifiable examples or outcomes where applicable
Endorsement Requirements
Every nomination must be supported by at least two (2) independent endorsers.
Endorsers must not be:
- Family members
- Business partners
- Individuals with any conflict of interest involving the nominee
Corporate and institutional nominations must be endorsed by authorised representatives.
Evaluation Process
All nominations will undergo a transparent evaluation process:
- Submission of nominations
- Administrative compliance review by the Secretariat
- Technical evaluation by the Fellows & Awards Committee
- Recommendation to the Governing Council
- Final aproval by the Governing Council
The Secretariat performs only administrative functions and does not participate in scoring or
evaluation.
Confidentiality & Integrity
All nominations will be treated with the highest level of confidentiality and processed in compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulations (NDPR) .
The Institute also reserves the right to conduct integrity and reputational checks where necessary.
Submit Your Nomination
If you know an individual deserving of recognition for outstanding governance and leadership, we encourage you to submit a nomination.
For enquiry: Send an email to: awards@ciodnigeria.org
Recognising Leaders. Inspiring Excellence. Advancing Governance.
Join us in celebrating the individuals shaping the future of corporate governance
in Nigeria through exemplary leadership, integrity, and lasting impact.