This lucid guide meets the need, so often expressed in the 1990s, for an up-to-date assessment of the contemporary Commonwealth. It has a succinct section on its historical background and gives more attention than any previous works to symbols and to the 'People's Commonwealth' of voluntary organizations, sports and business. It highlights critical questions of balance that have emerged between the relative roles of governments and official agencies, voluntary associations, and private business.

The book is the first comprehensive consideration, since the UK Cadbury Report recommended a voluntary Corporate Governance Code, of the question whether Corporate Governance Codes are the most effective way of ensuring adherence to good corporate governance principles. There is no doubt that the idea of voluntary compliance with good corporate governance practices, based on the principle of ‘comply or explain’, has captured the imagination of the world. It is probably one of the best and most comprehensive examples of ‘self-regulation’ ever seen in any area where the society could be affected significantly, for current purposes by corporations.However, is this the most effective way of ensuring that corporations act responsibly and adhere to good corporate governance principles? Have these Codes really improved corporate governance practices significantly? Is it time for a rethink and, at least in certain areas, start to rely more on ‘hard law’ and clearer expectations to ensure compliance? All these issues are addressed in the book.

Since her political independence from the British government in 1960, Nigeria has gone through different phases in the effort to develop the corporate sector. The intention was to drive the economy through corporate enterprises; however, the absence of effective corporate governance structure and conducive investment environment has no doubt been a source of concern for investors and successive governments. Meticulously researched and organized, this book takes the global view on corporate governance to provide insight into the corporate governance conundrum in Nigeria. Against the background of international standard, Author, Olusola A. Akinpelu proposes a number of reforms to the existing governance structure and delves into the history of corporate development from the 1960s through the present. In addition, Akinpelu offers an in-depth analysis of the philosophical foundations for corporate governance and compiles the theories, models, statutes, reforms, international standards, guidelines, and legal cases on corporate governance in the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States of America, and elsewhere to show how no country is completely immune from corporate collapse. A timely work, Corporate Governance Framework in Nigeria will interest students of business economics, business law, legal practitioners, and researchers in the field of corporate governance. An excellently well written book on all important subject of socio-economic value and relevance. - Guoleba Seri (Esq), Chairman/CEO, Seri Associates, LLC, NY. Founder and President/CEO, African Chambers of Commerce, United States.