Chukwuka Monye Warns against Economic Shocks, Disruptions

Yusuf Ebiti

A financial  strategist and business adviser, Dr. Chukwuka Monye, has warned that business stability can no longer be taken for granted as economic shocks become a permanent feature of the global and Nigerian business environment.

Monye also said that recent years have exposed what he described as an “uncomfortable truth”-that uncertainty is no longer cyclical but continuous, forcing entrepreneurs to prioritise resilience over ambition.

Briefing journalists in Lagos, he said the era when businesses could rely on periods of disruption being followed by normalisation has ended, as decisions taken in distant markets now affect local economies almost instantly.

“Nigeria is increasingly exposed to global forces through capital flows, competition, regulation, and policy pressure. In 2026, entrepreneurship will be less about boldness and more about composure,” he said.

Redesigning businesses for uncertainty, Monye advised entrepreneurs to redesign their businesses to function under unstable conditions, noting that currency volatility, policy swings, rising operating costs, nd unpredictable access to capital have become part of everyday operations.

“A business model that only works when conditions are calm is fragile, no matter how attractive it looks on paper,” he stated.

He further stressed that agility should be built into business structures rather than relying on the founder’s personal energy or decision-making style.

“Agility is not speed alone. It is the ability to adjust pricing, priorities, and operations quickly without confusion,” Monye said, adding that businesses without clear systems and financial authority often collapse under pressure.

While acknowledging the importance of strategy, Monye cautioned that even the best plans cannot prevent disruption, but can limit its damage.

He explained that risk management is no longer theoretical but must form part of daily business operations, warning that the biggest risk is being unprepared.

In this regard, Monye encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace derivatives and basic risk-management tools, noting that such instruments are no longer exclusive to banks and traders.

“A derivative is simply an agreement made today to avoid unpleasant surprises tomorrow,” he explained, adding that: “If you earn in one currency and spend in another, you are already exposed. Ignoring risk is still a decision — and often an expensive one.”

Monye also highlighted liquidity protection as critical to business survival, observing that many businesses fail not because they are unprofitable, but because they run out of room to maneuver.

“Liquidity buys time, and time allows for better decisions,” he said, urging entrepreneurs to deliberately set aside cash buffers.