Corporate leaders, captains of industries, and ministers of key sectors will gather to deliberate on strategies to revive Nigeria’s struggling economy at the annual Directors’ Conference of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, and Thursday, October 23, in Abuja.
The conference, themed “Leading through Change: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Enterprises,” will bring together administrative, economic, and management experts to address pressing issues confronting Nigeria amid widespread hardship.
The Institute’s President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Otunba Oyebanji, expressed optimism about the outcome of the meeting, stressing that the caliber of state actors and stakeholders in attendance would ensure meaningful contributions. “It is a pivotal platform for dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders from various sectors, directors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and thought leaders to address the pressing issues facing our economy. The traditional business models that sustained us for generations are being challenged, and public trust, the bedrock of our profession, is constantly under scrutiny,” he said.
Oyebanji further noted that a “Business Meets Government Dinner” would be held to deepen the conversation, describing it as an avenue to bring stakeholders together for the benefit of Nigerians. “Every section means a lot to us, all is for the good of our economy,” he assured.
Similarly, the Chairman of the National Organising Committee, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, emphasized the importance of the theme, saying, “Our themes over the years demonstrate our conviction that governance is not just about boardroom efficiency, but about how enterprises can strengthen Nigeria’s economy, foster inclusivity, and secure our collective future. Leaders must survive change, lead through it, and build enterprises that are sustainable, innovative, and inclusive. This is how we contribute as directors and leaders to the urgent task of nation-building. The Institute reaffirms its role as a partner in Nigeria’s long-term economic transformation.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will serve as the special guest of honour and is expected to declare the conference open. The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Kola Adesina, Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, while Shamsuddeen Usman, Chairman of the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, will chair the event.
Other participants include Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education; Mr. Adedotun Sulaiman, former Chairman of the Financial Reporting Council; and Aisha Rimi, Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, will attend as guests of honour. Panelists include Emomotimi Agama, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
