The President of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria and Chairman of Council, Otunba Adetunji Oyebanji, has tasked the government to focus on addressing the high cost of energy and food items despite the decline in inflation.
He stated this at the 2025 Annual Directors’ Conference event titled Business Meets Government Dinner, held in Abuja on Thursday.
According to the International Monetary Fund, global growth in 2025 is projected at around 3%, with many advanced economies still battling sluggish productivity and weak consumer confidence. Developing countries, including Nigeria, face rising debt burdens, currency pressures, and capital flow volatility. In the face of these realities, forward-looking nations are rethinking governance and business strategies, prioritising resilience, innovation, and inclusivity.
The CIoD President noted that there are bright spots: ongoing investments in infrastructure, renewed confidence in the financial markets, and encouraging signals from the technology, agriculture, and renewable energy sectors show that the nation’s economy remains full of potential if supported by the right policy alignment and governance discipline.
He emphasised that the theme of this year’s conference, ‘Leading Through Change: Building Sustainable and Inclusive Enterprises,’ is a timely call to action. Leading through change requires courage, foresight, and shared responsibility. It challenges directors and policymakers alike to balance profit with purpose, growth with inclusion, and reform with stability.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, underscored the importance of the event as a channel for the exchange of professional ideas and skills between private and public servants.
He said, “The event presents a unique opportunity for direct engagement — a space where ideas, insights, and solutions can be exchanged. Our aim is simple: to reinforce the importance of collaboration and to chart a course forward that benefits all Nigerians. With public sector-favourable policies and regulatory frameworks, and the private sector’s innovation and execution, we can create lasting value.
“We have many distinguished leaders in this room — trailblazers who are shaping industries, driving reforms, and steering policies. I encourage each of you to seize this moment, to build bridges, and lay the groundwork for partnerships that will yield tangible results for the growth and development of our nation.”