As the tenure of Mr. Idorenyen Enang as President and Chairman of Council, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), draws to a close, the legacy of his leadership is already being etched into the annals of the Nigerian marketing profession. Elected in May 2021, Enang took the helm of a professional body in need of a fresh direction and delivered a renaissance.
Backed by a compelling vision rooted in four strategic pillars; marketability, sustainable revenue, systemic organizational change, and human capital development, Enang led the Institute through what many now regard as one of its most transformational phases. His agenda was clear: reposition marketing in Nigeria to reflect global best practices and elevate the profession’s stature in both policy and practice.
Strategic Partnerships
“We need to retool, refit, and restructure,” Enang declared at one of his widely attended town hall meetings. “These are the things you will find in the course of the year, anchored around strategic partnerships.”
And indeed, partnerships became a linchpin of his administration. Under Enang’s leadership, NIMN forged alliances with key institutions such as the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Lagos Business School, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM UK). These collaborations not only bridged knowledge gaps but also fostered cross-pollination of ideas among professionals from different marketing disciplines.
Raising the Bar on Professional Standards
A vocal advocate for professional accountability, Enang championed compliance with the NIMN Act of 2003, emphasizing that all practicing marketers must be registered members. A 90-day grace period for lapsed members saw the reabsorption of 153 professionals, while 246 new members including 168 Associates and 78 Full Members were inducted, marking a significant boost in the Institute’s membership strength.
Landmark Curriculum Review and Act Ratification
Among his most lauded achievements is the long-awaited review of the NIMN curriculum, painstakingly crafted and approved by the Council. Designed to align with current market realities, the new curriculum reflects Enang’s commitment to building marketing professionals equipped for a rapidly evolving business environment.
He also saw through the ratification of the amended NIMN Act, a historic milestone that redefines the regulatory framework and professional expectations within the sector.
Digitizing Membership and Promoting Accountability
The Enang era also introduced digital membership management, a move that ensures only financially active members can access Institute resources and participate in its activities. This bold step towards greater accountability is seen as a game-changer in enforcing professional discipline.
A Legacy Built on Inclusion and Shared Vision
From day one, Enang sought buy-in from stakeholders, sharing his master plan with Council members, industry leaders, and Heads of sectoral bodies. His emphasis on inclusiveness, collaboration, and vision alignment helped unify a profession often fragmented by silos and rivalry.
“Leadership drives everything,” he often remarked, a philosophy he brought to life through consistent engagement and transparent governance.
As he prepares to hand over the baton at the Annual Marketing Conference & AGM billed to hold from June 19th to 21st in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Enang leaves behind a revitalized NIMN, one more cohesive, globally aligned, and future-focused than he met it.
His successor will undoubtedly inherit big shoes to fill but also a solid foundation to build upon. The Nigerian marketing profession may be at the cusp of a new era, but it will do so standing on the shoulders of a giant.
