Minister of Industry, Dangote, Adedeji, Oyerinde, others for CICAN 2026 Workshop

Stanley Ihedigbo

Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) is set to bring together senior government officials, manufacturers, business leaders, regulators and other key stakeholders to examine the implications of Nigeria’s new tax regime and mandatory Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements on the country’s business climate.

The association’s 2026 Workshop and Awards is scheduled to hold on Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Protea Hotel, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, with the theme: “Fate of Nigerian manufacturers in the new tax regime and implications of the mandatory Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) on Nigeria’s business climate of the 2030 deadline.”

In a statement signed by CICAN National Chairman, Comrade Taiwo Hassan, and Secretary-General, Comrade Femi Orioye, the association said the workshop would provide a platform for stakeholders to examine emerging challenges and opportunities arising from Nigeria’s ongoing tax reforms and the increasing emphasis on sustainable and responsible business practices.

The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, is expected to serve as the lead guest speaker, while the Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, will deliver the keynote address.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, is listed as a special guest, alongside the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem.

Other expected dignitaries include the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro; President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Vice President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and Chief Executive Officer of FAE Group, Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo; and the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. Dr Jani Ibrahim.

The programme is being supported by stakeholders and organisations including the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, Corporate Nigeria, PRCAN, NRS, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dangote Group, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), United Bank for Africa (UBA), FAE Limited and Coleman Wire & Cable, among others.

According to the organisers, the theme was chosen against the backdrop of growing concerns within the manufacturing and business sectors over the combined effects of tax reforms, regulatory obligations, production costs and the transition towards more sustainable business practices.

The forum is expected to generate discussions on strategies for strengthening the competitiveness of Nigerian manufacturers, attracting investment, sustaining business operations and navigating changing regulatory expectations.

CICAN National Chairman, Comrade Taiwo Hassan, will lead members of the association’s executive council and other stakeholders at the event.

The workshop will also feature an awards segment to recognise individuals and institutions adjudged by the organisers to have made notable contributions to Nigeria’s commerce, industry and economic development.

Among those listed for special recognition are Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who will be honoured as Father of the Day, and Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo, who will be recognised as Mother of the Day.