Building Better Startups: Corporate Governance Takes Center Stage in Lagos

By Matthew Adewale

Startup founders gathered in Lekki, Lagos, on August 26, 2022, for an intensive training session focused on one of the most overlooked keys to sustainable business growth: corporate governance.

The session was led by Meekness Ikeh, Team Lead of the Company Secretarial Team at Venture Garden Group and host of the Corporate Governance Insights podcast. Organized as a personal initiative, the training aimed to equip early-stage entrepreneurs with the tools to build transparent, accountable, and investor-ready businesses from day one.

“Too often, founders focus solely on product and growth while overlooking the structure that sustains it,” said Ikeh. “This training was my way of filling that gap—of helping startups understand that good governance is not a luxury, but a necessity.”

The program covered essential topics such as the roles and responsibilities of founders and directors, regulatory compliance, investor due diligence, risk management, and the setup of effective governance frameworks.

With real-world case studies and interactive discussions, attendees walked away with practical knowledge and actionable strategies.

In addition to her corporate leadership role, Ikeh is the voice behind Corporate Governance Insights, a podcast that explores governance trends and features conversations with industry experts and boardroom veterans.

Participants praised the clarity, relevance, and real-world application of the session. Many expressed interest in further engagements and ongoing learning opportunities.

This training marks the beginning of a broader effort by Ikeh to promote governance literacy across Nigeria’s growing startup ecosystem—laying the foundation for resilient, well-managed companies of the future.