WES 2025: BOI, MAN, NECA lead talks on boosting Nigeria’s productivity

All is set for the WorldStage Economic Summit (WES) 2025, scheduled to hold on Friday, November 21, 2025, at The Event Centre, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Lagos, where top industry leaders, policymakers, and academics will deliberate on the theme: “Tackling the Issue of Low Productivity in Nigeria.”

According to a statement by the organisers, World Stage Limited, the event will feature key figures from both the public and private sectors, including Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director/CEO of the Bank of Industry (BoI); Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); and Mr. Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, Director-General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).

Also expected at the summit is Dr. Abidemi Adegboye, a scholar from the University of Lagos, who will present a research paper on why Nigeria’s economy has been trapped in low productivity over the years.

The organisers announced that nominations for the WES 2025 Awards for Outstanding Economic Impacts have officially closed, with winners already notified.

Awardees from various sectors will receive Certificates of Outstanding Economic Impact during the summit.

WES, an initiative of World Stage Limited, is designed to foster dialogue and research-driven solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges by engaging stakeholders across government, business, and academia.

The 2025 edition is supported by major corporate partners including 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.

Expected participants include representatives from federal and state governments, as well as key players in manufacturing, oil and gas, agriculture, ICT, banking, education, mining, energy, and tourism sectors.

Speaking ahead of the summit, Mr. Segun Adeleye, President/CEO of World Stage Limited, said low productivity remains one of Nigeria’s biggest economic challenges despite ongoing reforms.

“Many Nigerians are working, yet nearly half live below the poverty line because the economy is not generating enough high-productivity jobs,” he said.

He explained that WES 2025 will serve as a platform to propose actionable, evidence-based policies for job creation, productivity growth, and sustainable economic transformation.

Discussions will cover issues such as macroeconomic stability, fiscal reforms, skills development, infrastructure investment, and integration into global value chains.

Adeleye added that the summit aims to inspire fresh thinking in economic planning and policy formulation while promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“WES has always been a hub of opportunity — a platform for networking, learning, and innovation.

“It’s an invaluable experience that unites industry leaders and policymakers committed to driving Nigeria’s economic renewal,” he said.