11th Annual National Conference & Awards 2026
Unlocking Nigerian's Economic Potentials: The Power of Infrastructure Development
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.
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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. -
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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. -
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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.
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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. -
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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.
Arrival & Registration

Networking, Tea/Coffee, and settling in.
Opening Formalities

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
KEYNOTE POLICY ADDRESSES ON THE CONFERENCE MAIN THEME

Championing the National Infrastructure Masterplan: Coordinating Policy for Macro-Economic Growth (30 mins)
Harmonizing Government Synergies to Accelerate Infrastructure Delivery and Accountability (20 mins)
Coffee/Tea Break & Networking
Funding & Financial Infrastructure
Monetary Policy and Financial Infrastructure: Driving Patient Capital into Core Development Sectors (25 mins)
Private Capital Mobilization: Leveraging ESG and Blended Finance for Sustainable Infrastructure (20 mins)

Industrial Infrastructure Finance: Catalyzing Manufacturing and Trade Zones (20 mins)

Financing the Grassroots: Building Robust Financial Infrastructure for MSMEs (20 mins)

Housing as Economic Infrastructure: Scaling Affordable Mass Housing and Job Creation (15 mins)

Regulatory & Institutional Frameworks
Quality Infrastructure: Securing the Health Supply Chain for Regional Trade Integration (15 mins)

Standardization as Soft Infrastructure: Empowering Nigerian Products for the AfCFTA Market (15 mins)

Building Digital Protection Infrastructure for a Safe and Equitable Consumer Economy (15 mins)
Cross-Border Infrastructure: Financing Corridors for West African Trade Integration (15 mins)
Cross-Border Infrastructure: Financing Corridors for West African Trade Integration (15 mins)
Lunch Break & Networking - Executive Synergy Lunch & Networking
Practitioners & Technological Infrastructure
Engineering the Future: Transitioning Nigeria from a Consumer to a Manufacturing Economy (20 mins)

Aviation Infrastructure: Transforming Nigerian Airports into Global Aerotropolises (20 mins)

The Energy Transition: Developing the Next-Generation Transport Infrastructure (20 mins)
Digital Infrastructure as the Bedrock of the Modern Economy and Governance (20 mins)
Grassroots Infrastructure: Creating Shared Facility Hubs to Scale Cottage Industries (15 mins)


Recap of Day 1 highlights.
Informal Trade, Cottage Industries & Knowledge Infrastructure
Powering Industrial Growth: Overcoming Deficits through Off-Grid Infrastructure Clusters (15 mins)
Organizing the Informal Sector: Transitioning from Open Markets to Digital Supply Chains (15 mins)

Knowledge Infrastructure: Bridging the Gap Between Academic R&D and Industrial Application (15 mins)

Maritime Infrastructure and the Blue Economy: Securing Nigeria’s Territorial Waters (15 mins)

Breakout Sessions - Strategic Discussions: Divided into specialized rooms based on Day 1 presentations to formulate actionable policies.
Room A: Finance & Funding
Room B: Regulatory & Digital Frameworks
Room C: Hard Infrastructure & Transport
Room D: Grassroots, Trade & IECN Integration
Presentation of Outcome Communiqué Document
Report back from Breakout Session Chairs. Debate and Official Adoption of the 2026 Conference Communiqué.
Closing of the Academic Session
Vote of thanks by the Conference Organizing Committee Chairman.
Interlude
Break for relaxation and preparation for the Evening Gala and Awards.
Registration for Dinner / Red Carpet
Glamorous Red Carpet, Paparazzi, Interviews, and Mocktail Reception.
Cultural dances and other Stage entertainments
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

Dr. Tony Okpanachi
Speaker

Prof. Cam Tipping
Speaker

Prof. Ben Oghojafor
Speaker

Mrs. Olubunmi Oluwaseun Koku
Speaker

Dr. Paul Ikele
Speaker

Dr. Henry Emeka Inegbu
Speaker
Conference Sponsors
The following organizations are sponsors of the 2023 Annual IBD Conference.












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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