Leadership experts, corporate executives, and professional coaches have called for the integration of coaching into governance, business management, and human capital development, describing it as a critical strategy for improving leadership effectiveness and institutional performance in Nigeria.
The position was canvassed at the 2026 International Coaching Week Conference organised by the Nigeria Chapter of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) in Lagos.
The conference, themed “From Authority to Influence: Coaching as the New Currency for Leadership,” brought together professionals from various sectors to examine how coaching can drive productivity, innovation, and transformational leadership across Africa.
Speaking at the event, President of ICF Nigeria Chapter, Mr. Charles Okeibunor, said coaching has become an essential leadership tool in a rapidly evolving global environment where decision-making, strategic thinking, and people management are increasingly important.
According to him, coaching helps individuals and organisations solve problems more effectively while improving productivity and leadership capacity.
“Coaching stimulates strategic thinking and helps leaders make better decisions. It enables organizations to move from command-and-control leadership to influence-driven leadership,” he said.
Okeibunor noted that the International Coaching Week is celebrated annually across more than 140 countries and serves as a platform to deepen conversations around leadership transformation and professional development.
He stressed that coaching should no longer be treated as a theoretical concept but embedded into workplace systems, governance structures, and institutional leadership processes.
The ICF Nigeria President urged organisations to include coaching in their annual training and capacity-building budgets, noting that access to professional coaching can improve workforce performance and leadership outcomes.
He disclosed that the federation has expanded access to coaching through free and pro bono coaching initiatives targeting professionals, entrepreneurs, and young Nigerians.
Former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, who delivered the keynote address, described coaching as one of the most effective tools for transformational leadership.
Enelamah explained that leadership is fundamentally about influence and engagement rather than authority, adding that coaching allows leaders to listen better, connect with people, and unlock hidden potential.
“Leadership based on authority can disappear with position, but influence endures because it is built on trust, engagement, and shared purpose,” he stated.
The former minister also linked coaching principles to economic management and policy implementation, noting that stakeholder engagement remains essential for investor confidence and economic growth.
According to him, government policies become more effective when leaders actively listen to businesses, investors, and citizens before making decisions.
Business strategist and leadership expert, Mr. Michael Kpoki, also argued that African institutions must adopt more inclusive and collaborative leadership models capable of unlocking innovation and creativity.
He observed that many organisations still operate rigid structures built around authority rather than influence, limiting growth and institutional progress.
“In today’s knowledge-driven economy, leaders must inspire people to contribute ideas and innovation instead of relying solely on positional power,” he said.
Kpoki further stressed the need for African leaders to build stronger connections between citizens and national development visions in order to improve trust and participation.
Also speaking, Director of Marketing and Communications for ICF Nigeria Chapter, Mrs. Patrenia Onuoha, said Nigerian organisations must develop leadership cultures rooted in self-awareness, accountability, and emotional intelligence.
She explained that many institutions struggle because employees often feel unable to contribute freely due to fear-driven organizational cultures.
According to her, coaching provides individuals and organisations with tools for self-discovery, personal growth, and improved collaboration.
Onuoha added that ICF Nigeria has intensified youth-focused coaching programmes aimed at helping young professionals build confidence, leadership capacity, and career direction.
The conference featured leadership conversations, panel sessions, and executive discussions on governance, innovation, workforce development, and institutional transformation.
Reporting By Niran Odufayo