The Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) will convene stakeholders from government, industry, finance and the organised private sector at its 2026 Workshop/Awards to examine the impact of Nigeria’s new tax regime and mandatory Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements on the business climate.

The event is scheduled to hold on November 19, 2026, in Lagos at 10:00am, 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.”

According to a press statement signed by CICAN National Chairman, Taiwo Hassan, and Secretary-General, Femi Orioye, the high-level gathering will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the opportunities and challenges facing manufacturers and other businesses as Nigeria implements sweeping tax reforms and companies respond to increasingly stringent ESG requirements.

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 Trade, Industry 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 participants include the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro; President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; Vice President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chief Executive Officer of FAE Group, Layo Bakare-Okeowo; and the National President of NACCIMA, Dr Jani Ibrahim.

CICAN said the choice of the workshop theme reflects growing concerns among manufacturers and businesses about the combined effects of tax reforms, regulatory requirements and the shift towards more sustainable business practices.

The forum is also expected to explore ways Nigerian manufacturers can maintain competitiveness, attract investment and sustain their operations amid rising production costs and evolving regulatory expectations.

The workshop will conclude with an awards segment recognising individuals and institutions considered to have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s commerce, industry and economic development.

Source: The Guardian