11th Annual National Conference & Awards 2026

Unlocking Nigerian's Economic Potentials: The Power of Infrastructure Development
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About our 2026 Conference

The Institute of Business Development (IBD) is proud to host its 11th Annual Conference, which will explore vital issues surrounding Nigeria’s economic challenges and opportunities. This year’s theme, "Unlocking Nigerian's Economic Potentials: The Power of Infrastructure Development" aims to provide a platform for discussion and collaboration on enhancing industrialization and productivity amidst economic difficulties.

  • 1

    Purpose and General Objective of the Conference

    Purpose: The conference is designed to bring together key stakeholders to examine and address the impacts of economic hardships on Nigeria's industrial sector and productivity levels. The objective is to facilitate a robust dialogue on sustainable strategies and solutions.

    General Objectives:
    • To assess the current state of industrialization and productivity in Nigeria.
    • To identify and discuss effective solutions and strategies to overcome economic hardships.
    • To foster collaboration among stakeholders to drive sustainable economic development.

  • 2

    Structure of the Conference

    The conference will consist of two primary components:
    Plenary Session Presentations: Featuring keynote speeches and detailed presentations on relevant topics.
    Panel Discussions: Interactive sessions with experts addressing practical solutions and strategies.

  • 3

    Specific Objectives of the Conference

    Exchange Information: Share insights and best practices on navigating economic challenges and enhancing productivity.
    Stakeholder Roles: Define the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in fostering industrial growth and economic resilience.
    Develop Action Plans: Agree on strategic actions and collaborative efforts to address economic difficulties and promote sustainable development.

  • 4

    Expected Results

    Understanding Agribusiness and Value Chains: Achieve a comprehensive understanding of key sectors and their roles in economic development.
    Insights on Enabling Environments: Gain valuable experiences and approaches for creating supportive environments for industrial growth.
    Stakeholder Consensus: Develop a clear agreement on the roles of stakeholders in promoting regional trade integration and sustainable industrialization.

  • 5

    Set-Up of the Conference

    The conference will be organized as follows:

    Opening Session: Includes welcome remarks, addresses from key figures, and an overview of the conference objectives.
    Keynote and Paper Presentations: Feature leading experts discussing the main theme and related topics.
    Panel Discussions: Engage participants in discussions on specific issues and solutions.
    Networking Sessions: Opportunities for participants to connect and share experiences.
    Dinner and Awards: An evening event to recognize contributions and foster further networking.

Conference structure

The conference will have two main components:

(i) Plenary Session presentations
(ii) Panel discussions

Conference set-up

The conference will consist of an opening session, Key note, plenary sessions and Panel discussions. Furthermore, there will be a session for all the participants to share their experiences, challenges and achievements towards the themes presented.

Conference schedule

This schedule is subject to change; however any changes will be communicated to all attendees via mail.

Networking, Tea/Coffee, and settling in.

9:30 – 10:00 am

The Institute

Welcome Remarks - MC

Opening Address - The Registrar/CEO

Special Address - The President and Chairman of Council

Presentation of conference objectives, expected outcome and agenda - The Conference Chairman

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (MFR)
Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment for Nigeria.
Office of the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
10:45 am – 11:15 pm

Funding & Financial Infrastructure

Regulatory & Institutional Frameworks

National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)

Practitioners & Technological Infrastructure

National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI)
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)
Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)

Recap of Day 1 highlights.

Informal Trade, Cottage Industries & Knowledge Infrastructure

Room A: Finance & Funding
Room B: Regulatory & Digital Frameworks
Room C: Hard Infrastructure & Transport
Room D: Grassroots, Trade & IECN Integration

Report back from Breakout Session Chairs. Debate and Official Adoption of the 2026 Conference Communiqué.

Vote of thanks by the Conference Organizing Committee Chairman.

12:45 pm - 5:00 pm

Break for relaxation and preparation for the Evening Gala and Awards.

Glamorous Red Carpet, Paparazzi, Interviews, and Mocktail Reception.

Dress Code: Black Tie / Glamorous Traditional Attire.
Live Band Performance to close out the 11th Annual National Conference.

Special Guests

Highly qualified & competent personalities will be speaking at the conference.

His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces Federal Republic of Nigeria

His Excellency Nyesom Wike Minister of Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria

Chief Host

Dr. Jumoke Oduwole MFR, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment

Keynote Address

Conference Speakers

Highly qualified & competent personalities will be speaking at the conference.

Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu

Speaker

Executive Vice Chairman/CEO NASENI

Dr. Tony Okpanachi

Speaker

Managing Director, Development Bank of Nigeria

Prof. Cam Tipping

Speaker

President, IIBD Global Canada

Prof. Ben Oghojafor

Speaker

Prof. Ben Oghojafor is the current Vice-Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University, Delta state

Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Koku

Speaker

Managing Director/CEO, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria

Dr. Paul Ikele

Speaker

Registrar/CEO, The Institute of Business Development

Dr. Henry Emeka Inegbu

Speaker

Executive Director Operations, Family Home Fund

Conference Sponsors

The following organizations are sponsors of the 2023 Annual IBD Conference.
mlogo

CONFERENCE VENUE

Nicon Luxury Hotel
Plot 903 Tafawa Balewa Way,
Central Business Dis, Abuja
900103, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

RSVP: (+234) 08080795347
For any enquiries contact the number above.

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