CONiTA – Convergence of Diverse Trade Associations

CONiTA 2026

Join us at the foremost Conference of Nigeria Trade Associations

_{Harnessing the Power
of Trade Associations for Good Governance, Inclusive Growth and Shared
Prosperity...}

The Theme of this year’s Conference 8th Edition

Trade Associations As Economic Powerhouses: Strategies For Shared Prosperity And Sustainable National Development

DATE: Wednesday 186h November, 2026

TIME: 10:00am Prompt

VENUE:

LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre, Lagos

10, Dr Nurudeen Olowopopo Way, Alausa

Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

Aims and Objectives

Develop practical strategies for harnessing the collective power of Nigeria's association ecosystem for shared prosperity and sustainable national development...

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Call for Paper , 2026

Authors are invited to submit their full papers in English on original work for publication and presentation at the year 2026 CONiTA Conference. Abstract submission opens from Monday 31st August, 2026. It is a one-day event.

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Participatants

The event offers value to trade associations across the
public service, private and manufacturing sectors of Nigeria. The Conference is
open to all legally existing and well registered associations …

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Registration

Attendance is Free. However registration is required to book seat ahead.

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Driving inclusive growth & shared prosperity

The roles for Economic Development and sustainability are beyond the confine effort of a single trade association, individual or organization hence the clarion demand for a broad base multi-stakeholder conference.

Policy recommendations

Membership Growth

Capacity Building

Meeting Goals

2026 Conference

Concept

Nigeria's trade and professional associations represent one of the country's most extensive but significantly under-utilized economic networks. Across virtually every sector of the economy, millions of entrepreneurs, artisans, tradesmen, professionals, manufacturers, service providers, small and medium-sized enterprises and informal-sector operators are organized through associations.
These associations provide more than a platform for collective representation. They facilitate access to markets, skills, information, finance, technology, business opportunities, professional development and government programmes. They also serve as important channels through which policies, regulations and economic interventions reach businesses and communities.
Yet, despite their enormous collective membership and economic reach, many associations continue to operate below their potential due to institutional capacity gaps, weak governance structures, limited access to finance, inadequate data, fragmented advocacy, low digital adoption and insufficient engagement with corporate and development partners.

The Rational

Nigeria's economic transformation cannot be achieved by government alone.
The private sector cannot operate effectively without an enabling policy and institutional environment. Similarly, government programmes and economic interventions often require effective channels through which they can reach businesses and communities.
Trade and professional associations occupy a strategic position between these stakeholders.
They understand the realities of their sectors. They know the challenges confronting their members. They possess extensive networks and can mobilize large communities of businesses and professionals.
Consequently, a stronger association ecosystem can contribute significantly to enterprise development; job creation; investment mobilisation;export development; national competitiveness and several others.
When trade associations become stronger, more professional, more innovative and economically productive, their members become stronger; and the Nigerian economy benefits.

Conversation

The Conference CONiTA 2026 will examine how trade associations can transform their collective strength, membership, networks, knowledge, markets and institutional influence into measurable economic value for their members and meaningful contributions to Nigeria's development.(CONiTA) is therefore conceived as a national gathering that brings together the diverse ecosystem of trade, chambers of commerce, professional, business and membership-based associations to discuss issues affecting their development and their contribution to the Nigerian economy.
It provides a platform for:
tartisanal associations;
professional associations;
chambers of commerce;
manufacturers' associations;
business membership organizations;
SMEs and enterprise groups;
association executives and secretariat professionals;
government institutions;
corporate organizations;
academia; and other stakeholders in the association ecosystem.
The conference seeks to bridge the gap between association leadership, government, business and development institutions, creating opportunities for dialogue, partnerships and practical solutions.

8th Edition Theme:

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AS ECONOMIC POWERHOUSES: Strategies for Shared Prosperity and Sustainable National Development.

Date of the 8th Edition:

Wednesday 18th November, 2026
Time: 10:00am Prompt

8th Edition Venue:

LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre

Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.

CONiTA 2026 Keynote Speakers - 8th Edition

The conference focused on sustainability for trade associations, chambers of commerce and sustainable business in Nigeria

Dr. Chukwuka Onyekwena Executive Director Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA)

It aims to drive honest conversation and generate dialogue around critical issues.

MRS-TAIWO-ABIOSE-DIRECTOR-OF-ENTERPRENURSHIP-200x300

Mrs. Taiwo Abiose Head of Entrepreneurship Department, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment

Conversation focused around some of the changes we see in today’s world.

Prof. Labode Popoola Chairman, Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Nigeria; Fmr. VC, Osun State University, (UNIOSUN)

Governance and Leadership in times of pandemic in Nigeria