How APBN, NIMN collaboration will raise stakes of professionalism in marketing practice —Experts

Marketing practice in Nigeria received a huge boost, over the weekend, as the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), the regulatory body established by law to regulate marketing practice in the country,   formally became a member of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN).

APBN is the umbrella body of government-recognised professional associations in Nigeria, set up to speak with one voice on behalf its member-bodies.

With the inauguration of NIMN, the marketing institute becomes the 30th member of the professional bodies association.

Interestingly, since the collaboration was consummated in Lagos, few days ago,  not a few have expressed the belief that such development would no doubt enhance the equity of marketing practice, and make it more attractive, to an hitherto skeptical marketing public.

Speaking at the inauguration event held in Lagos, the President of APBN, Mr Foluso Fasoto, argued that the admission of the marketing institute into the association’s fold would, no doubt, go a long way in enhancing professionalism in the country.

Expressing his optimism that the relationship between the marketing institute and APBN would be mutually beneficial, the APBN boss stated that it had become imperative for professional bodies in the country, to align with the association, since it provides them the opportunity to speak with one voice and get the much-needed hearing from the government.

“The complexities of today’s human activities are such that there is hardly any activity of the government, organisation or household that does not require the input of multiple disciplines. Although, in the past this might not be the case, but it is now inevitable for us to work together, sequel to the realities of our time.

‘This is imperative because when we come together this way, we can collate our views and be in a position to present to the government a well-articulated opinion on economic, social and other national issues and propose policies and strategies to enable government attain its full potential and greatness,” he stated.

He argued that some of the objectives of the professional bodies’ association is to encourage the formation of national professional bodies in Nigeria, promote and enhance the status of  such professional bodies and offer advice, while also rendering assistance to government where necessary.

In his response, the president of NIMN, Aare Ganiyu Koledoye expressed delight that the institute had eventually joined the body.

According to him, the institute, which he said, is more than 40 years old,  would have joined APBN more than ten years ago, but for internal wrangling, that almost tore it apart then.

“Each time we applied for such admission then,  the question was always, which of the factions?’ the NIMN boss stated.

He however expressed the hope that the collaboration would be mutually beneficial; since it would allow the institute to align with other professional bodies to speak with one voice.

In his goodwill message, the Managing Director, Berger Paints Nig. Ltd, Mr Peter Folikwe, assured APBN of the marketing institute’s commitment to adhering to rules and regulations  set by APBN.

“The time has come for professional bodies, in the country, to come together, cross- fertilise ideas and speak with one voice. It is only when we speak with one voice that government can listen to.

“It is only professional associations that can make Nigeria great, and that is why this type of development must be encouraged,” the Berger Paints boss stated.