Stanbic IBTC, a leading financial services provider in Nigeria,
successfully hosted the 2026 edition of the Nigeria Business Summit from
Wednesday, 01 April to Thursday, 02 April 2026, at the Landmark Event
Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The two-day summit brought together industry leaders, policymakers,
entrepreneurs and stakeholders across multiple sectors to explore
sustainable business practices, foster economic growth and unlock global
trade opportunities.
With the theme, ‘Nigeria Means Business: Powering Sectors, Growing
Sustainable SMEs & Unlocking Global Trade’, the summit addressed
critical issues across key sectors, including agribusiness, renewable
energy, trade and Africa–China banking, as well as ICT and
telecommunications. Additional sessions covered areas such as family
business sustainability, artificial intelligence, employee value
banking, insurance, pension and wealth management.
The event featured a keynote address by the Minister of Finance and
Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who emphasised the
urgent need for Nigeria to reposition itself as a leading export-driven
economy to achieve sustained growth.
“Our true potential lies in becoming a leading export economy,” Edun
stated. “Increased participation in regional and global trade will be
critical to diversifying foreign exchange earnings and driving inclusive
growth.”
He noted that while Nigeria’s GDP growth has improved to approximately
4 per cent, it remains below the level required to significantly reduce
poverty. According to him, the country’s economic strategy is now
shifting from stabilisation to growth acceleration, with trade expansion
playing a central role.
Edun highlighted ongoing reforms, including improved foreign reserves,
rising non-oil revenues and renewed investor confidence, as indicators
of a more resilient economy. However, he stressed that enhancing trade
competitiveness would require continued investment in infrastructure,
logistics and policy coordination. He also highlighted the importance of
small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which account for over 90 per
cent of businesses, noting that inclusive growth will depend on stronger
collaboration between the public and private sectors.
Participants engaged in a rich line-up of activities, including expert
presentations, panel discussions and high-level networking
opportunities. Highlights of the summit included the Africa Trade
Barometer presentation, client testimonial showcases and insightful
discussions on the state of the African economy and intra-African trade
opportunities.
Breakout sessions on agribusiness, ICT and healthcare, Africa-China
banking and Trade as well as renewable energy provided attendees with
deeper, practical insights into some of the most critical sectors
driving Nigeria’s economic future.
Speaking at the event, Chuma Nwokocha, Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC
Holdings, represented by the organisation’s Chief Finance and Value
Management Officer, Kunle Adedeji, emphasised the importance of
collaboration and innovation in driving sustainable growth.
“This summit has reinforced the importance of creating platforms where
ideas can flourish and businesses can grow sustainably. By working
together, we can unlock new opportunities and drive economic advancement
across Nigeria and the African continent,” he said.
The summit also spotlighted practical strategies for integrating
sustainability into business operations, encouraging organisations to
adopt environmentally conscious practices while maintaining
profitability and competitiveness.
Remy Osuagwu, Executive Director, Business & Commercial Banking,
expressed satisfaction at the level of interest from participants, a
critical element for a successful summit.
“From our conversations on energy and healthcare to the deep dives
into trade, Africa-China relations, and agribusiness, Day 1 has offered
perspectives that were both insightful and practical. I believe we’re
all leaving with a stronger understanding of the opportunities emerging
across our industries” Remy said.
He acknowledged the level of engagement, questions, contributions and
willingness of participants to share experiences; describing this as the
real power of the Nigeria Business Summit, and a solid foundation for
tomorrow.
The Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Wole Adeniyi, who was
represented by Bunmi Dayo-Olagunju, Deputy Chief Executive of Stanbic
IBTC Bank, opened Day Two of the Nigeria Business Summit by highlighting
the focus of the summit’s SME Day.
Bunmi said, “Today, we build on Day One’s momentum with
conversations that are equally critical for the future – from the
dynamics of family businesses to the growing influence of artificial
intelligence; the evolution of insurance, and the emerging space of
electric vehicle banking.”
She further added, “Our goal on Day Two is simple: to explore what’s
next. To understand how these developments will shape our businesses and
how we can position ourselves ahead of the curve.”
Stanbic IBTC’s inaugural Nigeria Business Summit stands as a testament
to the organisation’s commitment to empowering businesses,
strengthening key sectors and positioning Nigeria as a competitive
player in the global economy.
