1. CONITA 2025 

The theme of this year’s conference in her 7th edition is: A Nation Without Trade Associations

Statutorily, trade associations provide a collective voice for their members and a forum to solve common problems driven by the objectives and laws establishing them. Rehashing the essence of trade associations in the front burner for socio-economic development of Nigeria is quite imperative. 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

Our Focus: Conference Theme; A Nation Without Trade Associations

Trade associations are typically organizations funded by businesses within a specific industry to coordinate activities like lobbying, public relations, education, and setting industry standards. They play a significant role in influencing public policy, facilitating networking, and driving collective advocacy efforts.

In today’s highly interconnected and competitive global marketplace, trade associations play a pivotal role in representing industry interests, fostering collaboration, and advocating for policy changes. The theme “Nation without Trade Associations” presents a thought-provoking concept that challenges the traditional role and importance of trade associations in modern economies.

This conference theme delves into a provocative and critical analysis of the implications of a hypothetical scenario: a nation stripped of trade associations.

This conference aims to foster dialogue around the essential roles trade associations play in not just the economy, but also in community building, advocacy, and innovation.

Objectives:

1. Examine the Role of Trade Associations: Explore the foundational purposes of trade associations, including lobbying efforts, industry standards, professional development, and networking opportunities.
2. Assess Economic Impact: Analyze the potential economic ramifications of operating without trade associations, including effects on innovation, competition, and small business growth.
3. Study Alternative Models: Investigate alternative forms of industry collaboration and representation, including grassroots movements, cooperatives, and digital platforms.
4. Consider Policy Implications: Discuss how the absence of organized industry representation could influence regulatory practices, compliance, and government relations.
5. Explore Global Perspectives: Look at case studies from other nations where trade associations are weak or nonexistent and the subsequent outcomes for those industries.

Key Questions:

• What would the landscape of business and industry look like in a nation without trade associations?
• Who would advocate for policy changes and collective interests in various sectors?
• How would businesses navigate challenges such as compliance, standards, and advocacy?
• What social and economic consequences would arise from the lack of collective industry voices?
• How might technology and digital platforms serve as substitutes for traditional trade associations?

Formats:

• Panel Discussions: Featuring industry experts, economists, and policymakers discussing the multifaceted aspects of operating without trade associations.

• Workshops and Exhibitions: Hands-on sessions to develop strategies for businesses to navigate and thrive in an environment devoid of collective representation. And provision of opportunity for exhibition especially for the service industry.

• Keynote Speeches: Inspirational talks from thought leaders tackling the importance of collaboration in business, regardless of formal structures.

• Award Ceremony: This year’s Conference shall feature Award Session to honour well deserving individuals, corporate organizations and trade associations for their Support towards inclusive economic growth across sectors.  The award comes in different categories.

• Networking Opportunities: Facilitate connections among attendees who are exploring innovative solutions to industry challenges in the absence of trade associations.

In Summary: This conference invites stakeholders, thought leaders, and industry members to explore and critically evaluate the indispensable role that trade associations play in today’s economy. By envisioning a nation without them, we can better appreciate their value and consider how industries can adapt and thrive in rapidly changing landscapes.

Convergence

Every entity operates under one economy which is practically the ground of convergence.  This reality appeals for an innovative mechanism which saw the berth of Conference of Nigeria Trade Associations. We are inspired by veritable achievement over time; share and believe in SDGs  2030, as well as in the Africa Agenda 2063.

Our research findings showed that one out of every four trades and industry in Nigeria has a trade association, these findings propose trade associations as an increasing factor for business life and persuasive voice for development and sustainability in Nigeria. Sustainability, entrepreneurship, and trade associations are interconnected concepts that promote economic growth, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

Issues

The ways and extent to which industry associations are recognized as representatives of various sectors by their members and other audience is an issue of concern. The debated issues that members want their trade association to be “tough in defending their interests” irrespective of constitutional legitimacy and existing codes of conduct, and whether members need some degree of independent interactions with other associations is indeed pivotal. Discovering strategies to subdue these challenges will be a huge factor for business survival as we strove through the 21^st century.

Emphatically, 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.

Sub-Theme for 2025:

• Overview of Trade Associations; the case of Nigeria
• The Role of Trade Associations in Workforce Development
• Absence of Trade Association: Economic Impact in a local and international community
• Absence of Trade Associations in National Discourse: Implications and Opportunities
• Innovation and Collaboration Across Chambers of Commerce and Association Industry
• Industry Association: Advocacy and Representation in a Modern Economy
• Role of trade associations in advocacy and policy making
• Opportunities of trade associations for economic development shared prosperity
• National Development and Trade Associations’ Nexus
• The Place of Artisans in Association development
• Range of Engagement for Nigerian Trade Associations towards Accelerated Growth
• The Renewed Hope Agenda: The Place of Nigerian Artisans and Trade Associations

Implementation Strategy

CONiTA 2025 is planned for a one-day interactive conference meeting; scheduled for Thursday 10th July, 2025 in with collaboration with other stakeholders including the Lagos Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment. The Conference is open for free to diverse trade associations and their members, formal and informal entrepreneurs.

Nigeria Trade Associations are expected to nominate two members of their associations who are serving in the leadership position to attend the constituted monthly, quarterly training/networking programme. It is also opened for players in the formal and informal enterprises at no fee.

Media Coverage

The event is expected to be covered by print, visuals and other electronic media.

Who Should Attend

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

Highlights of Past Events:

2024 Theme: The Nexus of Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Trade Association in a Modern World

2023 Theme: Prerequisite for Acceleration of Economic Growth and Development in Modern Nigeria

2022 Theme: The Place of Small and Micro Enterprise for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development in Africa

2021 Theme: Governance and Economic Prosperity in a Pandemic World

2019 Theme: Convergence of Informal Sector and Trade Associations for Sustainable Development

2018Theme: Harnessing the Power of Trade Associations for Good Governance, Inclusive Growth and Shared Prosperity

Our Previous Speakers: Include

1. Prof. Labode Popoola, Co-Chair, UN-SDSN Nigeria
2. Mr. Alex Nwuba, President,  International Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (IOPA) Nigeria Chapter
3. Hon. Emmanuel Jime, Fmr. Managing Director, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) Represented by a NEPZA Personnel, Mr. Ella Onoja.
4. Mrs. Taiwo Abiose,  Head of Entrepreneurship Department, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment.
5. Mr. Ajepeaiye Nurudeen, Executive member of National Electronics Technician Association of Nigeria,
6. Mr. Aderoju Babatunde , Executive member of Professional Carpenters and Furniture Makers Association of Lagos
7. Mrs. Adenike Opebi of the Lagos State Chapter of Rentals Association,
8. Mrs. Bolanle Atilola,  bBusiness Coach and Sustainability Expert, CESDEV, University of Ibadan.
9. Uade Ahimie (ACA),    Business Advisor, Founder Accounting Lab, & Author  of CRAPI-FART
10. Mr. Afolabi Solebo,  General Manager, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA).
11. Mr. Babatunde Irukera, Fmr. Chief executive officer (CEO) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
12. Ms. Susie Onwuka, Lagos State Representative of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)
13. Engr. Lukeman Hussein, Executive of the Earth Moving Equipment Association, Lagos State.
14. Mr. Olajide Hammed, a representative of Lagos State Aluminum Fabrication Association of Nigeria (LASAFA)
15. Mr. Gbolahan Akinsanya, Executive of the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA)
16. Mr. Uwanni Samson Executive of the Lagos Estate Management Associations (LASEMA)
17. Sis. Maltida Ajibola Sipeolu, Governor of the Association of Professional Wedding Engagement Coordinators of Nigeria  (APWECON), Alagba Ijoko/Iduro Unit
18. Mr. Taiwo Sowore,  National Co-Coordinator of the Association of Computer Engineers & Technicians of Nigeria (ACET)
19. Mr. Omotoba Saheed, President of the Lagos State Association of Embroidery Designers
20.  Mrs. J. O. Amida, President of the Lagos State Tailor and Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (LASTFADAN)
21. Mr. Babawale Thompson-John, Assistant Director, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment
22. Mr. Amechi Obiakpu, Media Practitioner, Founder ESPI News
23. Mr. Tony Peters (ACA),Business Management Expert
24. Mr. David Ogunba, Marketing Consultant, Ogunba Marketing world
25. Engr. Saidat Yusuf, Senior Electrical Engineer
26. Mr. Lanre Bayewu, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (NLPGA)
27. Dr. Nelson obine, President of the Institute of Trade Association Management
28. Mr. Ajepeaiye Nurudeen of National Electronics Technician Association of Nigeria,
29. Mr. Aderoju Babatunde of Professional Carpenters and Furniture Makers Association of Lagos
30. Adenike Opebi of the Lagos State Chapter of Rentals Association of Nigeria
31. Princess Jumoke Owoola, Projects Director, Centre for Indigenous Knowledge, Development Sustainability

The year’s Conference is a product of the Institute of Trade Associations Management Ltd/Gte; focused on knowledge, advocacy and research for meaningful leadership; and People Planet and Profit Media a foremost firm of  business development and sustainability experts.

Corporate and Media Supports

• First Bank Nigeria
• Guinness Nigeria Plc
• Nigerian Breweries Plc
• Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc
• Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers
• Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
• Wholemart Ventures
• People Planet & Profit Media
• University of Ibadan Centre for Sustainable Development (CESDEV)
• News Express Online,
• Economy Watch Magazine
• ESPi News
• MITV Lagos, Prime Time News

Contact us:  ITAM Place, 2A, Ogunnusi Road, Riggs Plaza, Omole Phase 1, Omole Bus Stop, Ojodu-Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.  Email: info@conita.org.ng Web: www.conita.org.ng

Direct Email:   nobine@conita.org.ng   Tel: 0915 540 8001.