Commerce and Industry Correspondents’ Association of Nigeria (CICAN) is set to host its 2024 conference and awards ceremony on November 21 at Radisson Blu Hotel in Lagos with the theme ‘Manufacturing, $1trillion GDP Target by 2030: Realities & Possibilities.’

Speaking on the choice of theme, National Chairman of CICAN, Mr. Charles Okonji, said the focus is apt because now is when Nigeria needs industrialization.

“This is a period for investment. This is a period to look inward and also not only looking outward but to look inward and see what Nigeria can convert in order to boost the GDP. And GDP cannot be boosted without manufacturing being revamped and revitalized.

“In revitalizing manufacturing,  there are lots of value chains in it. So, in the sector: the raw materials, processors, service deliveries, and inputs. And by the time such is looked into, then GDP will be grown. By the time we begin to implement what they call backward integration, local content development—that is, by making use of numerous local resources we have that will serve as raw materials—then the Nigerian manufacturers will begin to cut down on expenses.

“So, these are the major reasons why the topic was chosen such that the government agencies, policymakers, and stakeholders, which is the business community and the manufacturers and some other players in the sector, will come together to brainstorm and provide solutions, advice, and bring out the measures that will make Nigerian manufacturing and Nigerian industry healthy once again”, he explained.

He said the event will feature Minister of Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole; Lagos State governor, H. E Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya; Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji; Registrar -General, Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Sir. Hussaini Ishaq Magaji (SAN) and President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye.

Others are, President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Otunba Dele Oye Kelvin; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bullion Go-Neat Global Limited,  Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, and others,  have signified their intentions to grace this year’s conference.

Okonji said the Director-General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir will be the keynote speaker, “The DG of MAN was chosen to be the keynote speaker because he is at the centre of it all. He is the manager of the economic players; the manufacturing sector. He is also in tune with reality. He knows what to do should government and other players in the sector heed his advise. I bet you that he will come up with a compendium of knowledge and critical solutions to the Sector. If the government is willing to look inward anf improve the ease of doing business, heed and accept the advice from MAN and other stakeholders, the sector would rapidly regain strength. Because right now, the sector is on life support.”

The event will also witness representatives from various agencies and offices, like Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON); Bank of Industry (BOI); UBA Plc, Access Bank Plc, NQC, Moniepoint, Capacious Farms Limited, others.

As well as, CEO, Mallinson & Partners, Mr. Afarm Mallinson Ukatu; Chairman, Nigerian In Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Russia Branch, Mr. Uwem Sampson Edimo; CEO, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, and others.

The conference sponsors are Coleman Wire and Cables, Dufil Prima Foods Limited, Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc; Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), Rite Foods Limited, Unilever Nigeria Limited, Origin Tech Group, Dangote Industries Group (DIL), Tascon Plastic Industry, TGI Group, and among others.

Other personalities to honours are, the governors, entrepreneurs, head of agencies and others.