CICAN unveils national dialogue on FG’s $1 trillion economy agenda

The Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN) has unveiled plans for a landmark national dialogue on the Federal Government’s $1 trillion economy agenda.

This was part of activities marking its 20th anniversary celebration and presentation of Awards of Excellence to outstanding leaders in the public and private sectors.

The event, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, regulators, investors, development partners and media practitioners to examine strategies for accelerating Nigeria’s economic transformation and achieving the Federal Government’s ambitious $1 trillion economy target.

The anniversary celebration is themed “FG’s $1 Trillion Economy: Role of Policy Makers, Stakeholders and Media in Its Actualisation.”

According to the CICAN 20th Anniversary Celebration Committee, the dialogue is designed to provide a platform for robust engagement on the policies, reforms, investments and partnerships required to drive industrialisation, expand trade, attract investments, boost productivity and enhance Nigeria’s global economic competitiveness.

The committee stated that the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment are expected to attend the event alongside chief executives of government agencies, captains of industry, manufacturers, investors, members of the diplomatic community and other critical stakeholders in the nation’s economic sector.

It noted that discussions at the dialogue will focus on the complementary roles of government, the private sector and the media in supporting the attainment of the Federal Government’s economic vision, with particular emphasis on policy implementation, investment promotion, industrial growth, job creation and sustainable development.

A major highlight of the event would be the presentation of the prestigious CICAN Awards of Excellence to distinguished personalities and institutions whose contributions have impacted Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

According to the Committee, beneficiaries of the awards include Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina, heads of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), and other notable public and private sector leaders who have demonstrated commitment to economic growth, industrial development, trade facilitation, investment promotion and enterprise development.

Some of the award recipients would serve as Special Guests of Honour at the event in recognition of their contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s productive sectors and advancing initiatives that align with the country’s economic transformation objectives.

The Committee explained that the awards are intended not only to celebrate excellence but also to spotlight individuals and institutions whose policies, programmes and investments have contributed significantly to national development and support the aspirations of building a stronger and more prosperous economy.

It further described the 20th anniversary celebration as a significant milestone in CICAN’s history, reflecting two decades of specialised journalism focused on commerce, industry, trade, investment and economic development.

The Committee noted that at a time when Nigeria is pursuing reforms aimed at expanding economic opportunities and achieving rapid growth, the anniversary provides an opportunity for stakeholders to assess progress, identify challenges and chart a practical course towards the realisation of the Federal Government’s $1 trillion economy agenda.

It added that CICAN has, over the years, played a strategic role in promoting informed economic discourse, enhancing public understanding of government policies, encouraging accountability, highlighting investment opportunities and fostering constructive engagement among policymakers, businesses and citizens on issues critical to national development.

The national dialogue was expected to produce far-reaching recommendations on how policymakers, industry operators, regulators, development partners and the media can collaborate more effectively to support economic diversification, industrial expansion, investment mobilisation and inclusive growth.

The event will culminate in the presentation of the CICAN Awards of Excellence to deserving personalities and organisations that have made notable contributions to Nigeria’s economic advancement and demonstrated leadership in driving initiatives capable of supporting the country’s march towards a $1 trillion economy.