The Code of Corporate Governance in Nigeria states that “the Board of Directors may establish a Risk Management Committee to review the adequacy and effectiveness of risk management and controls at least annually and the Board has responsibility to report on the effectiveness of the controls to shareholders.”

a) In line with the requirements above, discuss the elements of a risk management system. (8 Marks)

b)
(i) Advise an executive director on the functions of the Board Committee in relation to enterprise risk management. (6 Marks)
(ii) Extract from the Turnbull Report, the six (6) categories of risk common to business. (6 Marks)

(a) Elements of a Risk Management System:
The essential elements of a risk management system include:

  1. Risk Identification: Recognizing potential risks that could affect the organization.
  2. Risk Assessment: Evaluating the potential impact and likelihood of identified risks.
  3. Risk Control: Implementing strategies to mitigate or manage risks.
  4. Monitoring and Reporting: Continuously reviewing the effectiveness of risk management strategies and providing reports to relevant stakeholders.
  5. Internal Controls: Establishing measures that ensure proper governance and mitigate risks in daily operations.
  6. Risk Response Plans: Developing action plans to respond to risks that arise.
  7. Risk Culture: Creating awareness of risk management throughout the organization, ensuring everyone understands and contributes to managing risks.
  8. Compliance: Ensuring that the organization adheres to legal and regulatory requirements regarding risk.

(b)
(i) Functions of the Board Committee in Relation to Enterprise Risk Management (ERM):
The Board Committee responsible for risk management typically performs the following functions:

  1. Risk Policy Development: Formulating policies and frameworks for managing risks across the organization.
  2. Risk Appetite Setting: Defining the level of risk the organization is willing to accept in pursuit of its objectives.
  3. Oversight of Risk Identification and Assessment: Reviewing the process of identifying and assessing significant risks.
  4. Monitoring Risk Mitigation: Ensuring that effective controls and measures are in place to mitigate risks.
  5. Reporting and Accountability: Ensuring proper reporting of risk exposures to the Board and relevant stakeholders, including shareholders.
  6. Reviewing Risk Management Systems: Periodically reviewing the effectiveness of the risk management processes and recommending improvements.

(ii) Turnbull Report – Six Categories of Risk Common to Business:
The Turnbull Report identifies six key categories of risk that are common to most businesses:

  1. Strategic Risk: Risks related to the overall direction and strategic decisions of the company.
  2. Operational Risk: Risks that arise from internal processes, systems, and people involved in the day-to-day operations of the business.
  3. Financial Risk: Risks associated with financial transactions, market volatility, liquidity, and credit.
  4. Compliance Risk: Risks related to legal and regulatory requirements.
  5. Reputational Risk: Risks that could affect the company’s public image and stakeholder trust.
  6. Environmental Risk: Risks arising from environmental factors, including natural disasters and sustainability issues.