Nigeria’s Business Leaders Strategize Amidst Challenges
Representatives from Nigeria’s diverse private sector convened at the Doing Business in Nigeria Conference to address strategies and solutions for navigating the country’s demanding business landscape.
Themed ‘Sustainable Transformations: Innovating for Growth,’ the conference aimed to facilitate knowledge exchange among industry professionals to offer valuable insights into overcoming the obstacles inherent in Nigeria’s business environment.
Linda Uneze, the event’s organizer, emphasized the importance of sharing experiences among business owners to inspire and support one another in the face of significant hurdles. She highlighted the need for dialogue on surmounting challenges unique to entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
In the inaugural keynote address, Stanbic IBTC Bank’s CEO, Wole Adeniyi (represented by Olu Delano, Head of Client Coverage), likened doing business in Nigeria to scaling a mountain. Adeniyi highlighted the economic impact of recent governmental reforms and the escalating cost of living, which has contributed to a surge in poverty levels, as reported by the World Bank.
The conference’s first panel, moderated by Toyin Bashir from Banwo & Ighodalo, explored the opportunities and obstacles inherent in Nigeria’s business landscape. Panelists included John Uwajumoju (Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Industry, Trade, and Investment), Yemi Keri (CEO of Heckerbella Limited), Dr. George Uduku (General Manager, West Africa, General Electric Healthcare), Chidi Iwuchukwu (Head of Investment Banking West Africa, Rand Merchant Bank), and Ibrahim Salau (HCSE Director, BUA Cement).
Binta Max-Gbinije, Chief Executive at BMG7even, emphasized the necessity of equitable support for women-led enterprises, which significantly contribute to the global economy.
The conference also featured a second panel, moderated by Ejiro Gray from Sahara Group, discussing strategic business growth approaches. Panelists included Chantelle Abdul (CEO of Mojec Group), Patrick Nwakogo (Country Director and CEO of Dale Carnegie Nigeria), Jane Egerton-Idehen (Managing Director of Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd), and Tony Okpanachi (CEO of the Development Bank of Nigeria).
