LAGOS — The Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) is set to convene government officials, manufacturers, business leaders, regulators and other key stakeholders for a high-level discussion on Nigeria’s changing business environment, with particular focus on tax reforms and mandatory Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements.
The CICAN 2026 Workshop and Awards, scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Protea Hotel, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, will focus on 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 statement signed by the CICAN National Chairman, Comrade Taiwo Hassan, and Secretary-General, Comrade Femi Orioye, the workshop is designed to provide a platform for stakeholders to examine the implications of Nigeria’s evolving tax framework and the increasing emphasis on sustainable and responsible business practices.
Tax Reforms, ESG and the Manufacturing Sector
The event comes at a time when businesses, particularly manufacturers, are navigating changes in taxation alongside rising expectations around environmental sustainability, social responsibility and corporate governance.
Discussions at the workshop are expected to examine how these developments could affect the cost of doing business, competitiveness, investment decisions and the long-term sustainability of Nigerian enterprises.
The forum will also explore practical ways businesses can adapt to the changing regulatory environment while remaining competitive in both domestic and international markets.
High-Level Speakers and Stakeholders
The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, 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 guests 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 and Chief Executive Officer of FAE Group, Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo; and the National President of NACCIMA, Engr. Dr Jani Ibrahim.
The workshop is being supported by organisations and institutions including the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, Corporate Nigeria, PRCAN, Nigeria Revenue Service, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dangote Group, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, UBA, FAE Limited and Coleman Wire & Cable, among others.
Preparing Businesses for a Changing Regulatory Environment
For CICAN, the choice of theme reflects growing concerns about the combined effect of taxation, regulatory requirements and the transition towards more sustainable business models.
The workshop is expected to encourage open discussions on how manufacturers and other businesses can manage these pressures while maintaining productivity, attracting investment and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Beyond identifying challenges, stakeholders are expected to examine opportunities within the emerging regulatory environment and consider strategies that can support business resilience and competitiveness.
CICAN 2026 Awards
The workshop will also feature an awards segment recognising individuals and institutions for their contributions to Nigeria’s commerce, industry and economic development.
Among those listed for special recognition are Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who is expected to be honoured as Father of the Day, and Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo, who is listed as Mother of the Day.
CICAN National Chairman, Comrade Taiwo Hassan, will lead members of the association’s executive council and other stakeholders at the event.
The programme is scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m. on November 19, 2026, with senior government officials, business leaders, manufacturers, regulators, media professionals and other stakeholders expected to participate.
As Nigeria’s business environment continues to evolve, the CICAN workshop is positioned as a forum for stakeholders to discuss the practical realities facing businesses and explore pathways for sustaining enterprise, investment and economic growth under the country’s emerging tax and ESG landscape.
