The theme of this year’s conference in her 7th edition is: A Nation Without Trade Associations
CONITA 2025
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
This year 2025 conference aim to foster dialogue around the essential roles trade associations play in not just the economy, but also in community building, advocacy, and innovation.
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 with more emphases in Nigeria.
Discovering roles that Association Industry played in the history of development and the inverse of the situation shall catalyze human and institutional appreciation, and pave way for further thrive towards a better society as we strove through the 21st century.
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 the Agenda 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 proposes 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 thatpromote economic growth, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.
Issues
The ways and extent to which industry associations are recognized as representatives of their industry by industry 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 of a trade association need some degree of independent interactions with other associations is indeed pivotal.
Again by emphasis, 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
- The Global dynamics of a Trade Association and Sustainability
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Business (with Typical Examples)
- The Place of Artisans in Association development
- Range of Engagement for Nigerian Trade Associations towards Accelerated Growth
Implementation Strategy
CONiTA 2025 is planned for a one day interactive conference meetingwith award sessions among others; scheduled for Thursday 10th July, 2025. The Conference is open for free to diverse trade associations and their members, formal and informal entrepreneurs.
The event is being organized with endorsement and collaboration with public and private organization including the Lagos Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment.
Nigeria Trade Associations are expected to nominate two members of their associations who are serving in the leadership position to attend the constituted quarterly training/networking programme. It is also opened for players in the formal and informal enterprises at a minimun cost.
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 & 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
- Prof. Labode Popoola, Co-Chair, UN-SDSN Nigeria
- Mr. Alex Nwuba, President, International Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (IOPA) Nigeria Chapter
- Hon. Emmanuel Jime, Fmr. Managing Director, Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) Represented by a NEPZA Personnel, Mr. Ella Onoja.
- Mrs. Taiwo Abiose, Head of Entrepreneurship Department, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation & Employment.
- Mr. Ajepeaiye Nurudeen, Executive member of National Electronics Technician Association of Nigeria,
- Mr. Aderoju Babatunde , Executive member of Professional Carpenters and Furniture Makers Association of Lagos
- Mrs. Adenike Opebi of the Lagos State Chapter of Rentals Association,
- Mrs. Bolanle Atilola, bBusiness Coach and Sustainability Expert, CESDEV, University of Ibadan.
- Uade Ahimie (ACA), Business Advisor, Founder Accounting Lab, & Author of CRAPI-FART
- Mr. Afolabi Solebo, General Manager, Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA).
- Mr. Babatunde Irukera, Fmr. Chief executive officer (CEO) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
- Ms. Susie Onwuka, Lagos State Representative of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)
- Engr. Lukeman Hussein, Executive of the Earth Moving Equipment Association, Lagos State.
- Mr. Olajide Hammed, a representative of Lagos State Aluminum Fabrication Association of Nigeria (LASAFA)
- Mr. Gbolahan Akinsanya, Executive of the Lagos State Council of Tradesmen and Artisans (LASCOTA)
- Mr. Uwanni Samson Executive of the Lagos Estate Management Associations (LASEMA)
- Sis. Maltida Ajibola Sipeolu, Governor of the Association of Professional Wedding Engagement Coordinators of Nigeria (APWECON), Alagba Ijoko/Iduro Unit
- Mr. Taiwo Sowore, National Co-Coordinator of the Association of Computer Engineers & Technicians of Nigeria (ACET)
- Mr. Omotoba Saheed, President of the Lagos State Association of Embroidery Designers
- Mrs. J. O. Amida, President of the Lagos State Tailor and Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (LASTFADAN)
- Mr. Babawale Thompson-John, Assistant Director, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment
- Mr. Amechi Obiakpu, Media Practitioner, Founder ESPI News
- Mr. Tony Peters (ACA),Business Management Expert
- Mr. David Ogunba, Marketing Consultant, Ogunba Marketing world
- Engr. Saidat Yusuf, Senior Electrical Engineer
- Mr. Lanre Bayewu, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (NLPGA)
- Dr. Nelson obine, President of the Institute of Trade Association Management
- Mr. Ajepeaiye Nurudeen of National Electronics Technician Association of Nigeria,
- Mr. Aderoju Babatunde of Professional Carpenters and Furniture Makers Association of Lagos
- Adenike Opebi of the Lagos State Chapter of Rentals Association of Nigeria
The Conference is being packaged by People Planet and Profit Media, an event management enterprise, but now pioneered by the Institute of Trade Associations Management Ltd/Gte; focused on knowledge, advocacy and research for meaningful leadership.
Corporate and Media Supports
First Bank Nigeria
Access 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@onita.org.ng Tel: 0915 540 8001.