Sanusi urges professionals to reject corruption, embrace business ethics

By Hadiza Yusuf

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged Nigerian professionals to pursue wealth through legitimate business activities rather than corruption, insisting that public service should be about responsibility and not personal enrichment.

Sanusi made the call on Thursday during the 60th anniversary of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) and the inauguration of its Kano State Chapter in Kano.

He said professionals have a critical role to play in restoring ethical standards across both public and private sectors, adding that integrity remains central to national development.

“People can make money without being corrupt. People can make money without breaking the law. People can award contracts without taking bribes. Roads can be built without people making illegal money,” he said.

According to him, corruption thrives when individuals use public office for personal gain instead of service to the people.

“If you want to make money, go into business. You don’t go to the civil service to make money. You don’t go into government to make money. You go into government to serve people,” he added.

The Emir also called for a revival of ethical values in governance and the civil service, noting that Nigeria’s development has suffered due to a decline in discipline and accountability.

He recalled that the civil service was once stronger because permanent secretaries played key roles in maintaining order, continuity, and adherence to rules.

“There was a reason they were called permanent secretaries. They held ministries together, ensured rules were followed, and often stood firm even against unlawful political instructions,” he said.

Sanusi said reforms in the civil service structure over time weakened institutional memory and efficiency, and called for a return to professionalism.

He urged members of ICSAN to extend their influence beyond the private sector into public institutions, where he said ethical leadership is urgently needed.

“This institute has a role to play. I hope your members in banks, companies, and ministries will become examples of integrity and lead a return to ethical standards across the country,” he said.

The Emir maintained that corruption-free governance is achievable if individuals commit to honesty, discipline, and professionalism.

Earlier, the President and Chairman of the Governing Council of ICSAN, Mrs. Uto Ukpanah, said good governance remains the foundation for national development and sustainable progress.

She noted that governance plays a decisive role in shaping outcomes across sectors, stressing that no nation can develop meaningfully without strong institutions and accountability.

“Governance has become increasingly critical in today’s interconnected and rapidly changing world. The quality of governance often determines the quality of outcomes,” she said.

She added that professionals in governance-related roles must ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in both public and private institutions.

“As Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, we are custodians of governance frameworks, advisers to leadership, and guardians of institutional integrity. Our work ensures that organisations do not merely exist but thrive sustainably and responsibly,” she added.

Ukpanah also described the inauguration of the Kano State Chapter as a strategic step toward strengthening governance culture in the region.

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