BOI, MAN, NECA Executives to Address Nigeria’s Low Productivity at WES 2025
All preparations are complete for the annual WorldStage Economic Summit (WES) 2025, scheduled for Friday, November 21, at The Event Centre, Nigerian Exchange Limited, Lagos, beginning at 10 a.m. The summit will feature top executives, policymakers, and academics from Nigeria’s public and private sectors, united to tackle the pressing issue of low productivity in Nigeria.
According to organizers, World Stage Limited—a research and technology-focused firm dedicated to Africa’s economic development—key participants include Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director/CEO of the Bank of Industry (BOI); Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); and Mr. Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).
Additionally, Dr. Abidemi Adegboye from the University of Lagos will present a research paper exploring why Nigeria’s economy remains trapped in persistently low productivity levels.
The nominations process for the WES 2025 Awards for Outstanding Economic Impacts has now officially closed. Winners from various sectors of the economy have been notified and will receive recognition and certificates during the summit.
WES aims to address Nigeria’s economic challenges through diagnosis and practical solutions, fostering collaboration between public and private sectors. It serves as a research-driven platform to inspire innovative thinking in business, policy, economic reform, and development.
Supporting institutions for WES 2025 include the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX), NLNG, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Polaris Bank, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, Shara Group, and Ecobank. The summit will also engage federal and state government agencies, along with private organizations involved in key sectors such as food production, technology, energy, shipping, banking, healthcare, education, and tourism.
Participants will include stakeholders from manufacturing, oil and gas, agriculture, water resources, ICT, aviation, mining, hospitality, healthcare, education, transportation, and both local and international investors.
Mr. Segun Adeleye, President/CEO of World Stage Limited, emphasizes that low productivity remains Nigeria’s biggest economic challenge. “Despite many Nigerians working, nearly half live below the poverty line, with multidimensional poverty at 63% and income poverty at 40%. The core issue is the lack of higher productivity jobs that can boost living standards,” he said.
He adds that WES 2025 will serve as a platform to discuss evidence-based policies to create jobs, reduce economic losses from public holidays, and boost earnings in low-productivity sectors like agriculture and small-scale enterprises. Other focus areas include macroeconomic stability, trade facilitation, skills development, infrastructure upgrades, mineral resource utilization, and reforming tax systems to fund structural transformation.
WES continues to be a vital hub for networking, learning, and innovation, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and professionals committed to Nigeria’s economic growth.