Introduction
Corporate governance frameworks globally recognise the Independent Director as a central pillar in fostering transparency, accountability, and ethical decision-making within organisations. In Nigeria, the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) 2018 underscores the importance of independence in board composition, positioning Independent Directors as objective voices that balance executive influence and safeguard stakeholder interests.
The effectiveness of a Board is significantly influenced by the quality and independence of its members. Consequently, the selection, role expectations, and challenges faced by Independent Directors, merit careful attention from both regulators and the Boards on which they serve as they seek to strengthen governance outcomes.