The Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) is organizing a workshop to discuss the impact of Nigeria's new tax regime and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements on the country's business climate. The event, scheduled for November 19, 2026, in Lagos, will bring together key players from government, industry, finance, and the private sector. The theme of the workshop is "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."
The workshop will feature Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), as the lead guest speaker, while Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), will deliver the keynote address. Other notable attendees include Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, and Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment.
The CICAN National Chairman, Taiwo Hassan, and Secretary-General, Femi Orioye, stated that the workshop aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to examine the opportunities and challenges confronting manufacturers and businesses. The event will discuss the impact of sweeping tax reforms and increasingly stringent ESG requirements on Nigeria's business climate. The choice of theme reflects growing concerns among manufacturers and businesses over the combined impact of tax reforms, regulatory requirements, and the transition towards more sustainable business practices.
The workshop will also feature an awards segment designed to recognize individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to Nigeria's commerce, industry, and economic development. Notable attendees include Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, and Layo Bakare-Okeowo, Vice President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Chief Executive Officer of FAE Group.
According to CICAN, the forum is expected to stimulate discussions on how Nigerian manufacturers can remain competitive, attract investment, and sustain operations amid rising production costs and changing regulatory expectations. The event will provide a platform for stakeholders to share insights and best practices on navigating the new tax regime and ESG requirements.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, and Dr. Jani Ibrahim, National President of NACCIMA, are also expected to attend the event. The workshop will provide a unique opportunity for stakeholders to engage with policymakers and industry experts on the implications of Nigeria's new tax regime and ESG requirements.
The 2026 CICAN workshop and awards event promises to be a significant platform for discussing the future of Nigerian businesses and the economy. Key points to be discussed include:
Key points
- The impact of Nigeria's new tax regime on businesses
- The implications of mandatory ESG requirements on Nigeria's business climate
- Strategies for Nigerian manufacturers to remain competitive amid rising production costs and changing regulatory expectations
