CICAN Targets Nigeria’s Tax, ESG Challenges at 2026 Workshop

The Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) is set to bring together key players in government, industry, finance and the organised private sector to examine the impact of Nigeria’s new tax regime and mandatory Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements on the country’s business climate.

In a press statement, signed by the CICAN National Chairman, Comrade Taiwo Hassan and the Secretary-General,Comrade Femi Orioye, the association’s 2026 Workshop/Awards 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” scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2026, at Protea Hotel, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos

The high-level event is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to examine the opportunities and challenges confronting manufacturers and other businesses as Nigeria implements sweeping tax reforms while companies prepare for increasingly stringent ESG requirements.

The workshop will feature the Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji, as the lead guest speaker, while the Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, 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.

Also expected at the event are 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 programme is being powered by the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, Corporate Nigeria, PRCAN, NRS, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dangote Group, SON, UBA, FAE Limited, Coleman Wire & Cable and others.

According to the organisers, 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 forum is also expected to stimulate discussions on how Nigerian manufacturers can remain competitive, attract investment and sustain operations amid rising production costs and changing regulatory expectations.

CICAN National Chairman, Comrade Taiwo Hassan, will lead other members of the association’s executive council and stakeholders at the event.

The workshop will also feature an awards segment designed to recognise individuals and institutions considered to have made significant contributions to Nigeria’s commerce, industry and economic development. Among those listed for recognition are Alhaji Aliko Dangote as Father of the Day and Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo as Mother of the Day.

The event is scheduled to commence at 10am on November 19, 2026, with senior government officials, business leaders, manufacturers, regulators, media professionals and other stakeholders expected to attend.