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A few days ago, I had the distinct privilege of moderating a panel featuring some of Nigeria’s most influential public leaders – Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Mr. Segun Aganga, and His Royal Highness Sanusi II – as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series for the launch of Arunma (AEEM) Oteh’s inspiring new book, All Hands on Deck.

Their collective experiences in steering Nigeria’s economic reforms, managing its financial sector, and championing good governance offered profound leadership lessons that resonate far beyond public service.

1. Leadership Transitions Require Courage and Preparation

HRH Sanusi II, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, underscored the importance of preparation before stepping into high-stakes roles. Facing a looming financial crisis upon his appointment, he immersed himself in global best practices, studying how other countries managed banking collapses. His takeaway?

“You cannot learn on the job when the stakes are that high – prepare yourself before you take the baton.”

This echoes Arunma Oteh’s emphasis in All Hands on Deckon adaptability and readiness: leaders must anticipate complexity and equip themselves with knowledge to tackle challenges head-on.

Before taking on her role at the Nigerian SEC, Arunma actively engaged with international regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), to gain insights into best practices for market supervision, investor protection, and enforcement mechanisms. These preparatory meetings provided her with a critical foundation, enabling her to implement reforms with a clear strategic vision from day one.

As she writes:

“Understanding the regulatory landscape beyond one’s own borders offers invaluable perspectives and tools to drive impactful change.”

2. Values-Based Leadership as a Guiding Principle

Mr Olusegun Aganga, who served as both Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, championed the power of a values-driven vision. He founded the Nigerian Leadership Initiative to cultivate credible, transformative leaders anchored in integrity and service.

He noted that:

“When core values guide your decisions, you focus less on power and more on delivering real impact.”

Arunma Oteh similarly reinforces this in All Hands on Deck:

“I believe that a leadership philosophy rooted in values is deeply influenced by one’s early experiences and upbringing. My own philosophy is inspired by my parents, who not only imparted their values on me but also exemplified them through their actions. These core values -character and integrity, trust, respect, accountability, and empathy – have evolved over time into what I refer to as my four Cs: character, compassion, competence, and courage. They have been crucial to my success as a leader.”

3. Innovate Fearlessly in the Face of Crisis

Mrs Kemi Adeosun, former Finance Minister, shared how plunging oil prices forced Nigeria into a fiscal crunch – and sparked bold innovation. She introduced the Whistleblower Scheme, which recovered millions of dollars in hidden funds, and the Infrastructure Tax Credit, enabling private-sector stakeholders to build roads in exchange for tax offsets.

She advised:

“Don’t be afraid to try what’s never been done. Necessity fuels creativity.”

This spirit of boldness aligns with All Hands on Deck’s call for leaders to break new ground rather than rely on familiar formulas – especially in challenging environments.

4. Bring the Entire Team on the Journey

Again and again, panelists highlighted the importance of collaboration – of taking the broader ecosystem along with you. HRH Sanusi II stressed the need to align key stakeholders before implementing major reforms, while Mrs. Adeosunspoke of partnering with citizens and private organisations to drive solutions.

As Mr. Aganga put it, “It’s not about you; it’s about the country and the people you serve.”

Arunma Oteh describes this as the power of collective will – where success requires not just a single leader but a network of believers ready to “get their hands dirty” together.

Concluding Thoughts

Moderating this discussion reminded me of the profound ripple effects of principled and prepared leadership. Leaders like Arunma Oteh, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Mr. Segun Aganga, and HRH Sanusi II exemplify how courage, collaboration, and innovation can transform societies.

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading Arunma Oteh’s All Hands on Deck. It’s a masterclass on leadership, resilience, and the transformative potential of capital markets – a call to action for all of us to show up, collaborate, and lead from wherever we stand.