As nominations close for WES 2025 Awards for Outstanding Economic Impacts
Top industry leaders and policymakers are set to converge at the WorldStage Economic Summit (WES) 2025 to address one of Nigeria’s most persistent challenges — low productivity.
The summit, themed “Tackling the Issue of Low Productivity in Nigeria,” will hold on Friday, November 21, 2025, at The Event Centre, Nigerian Exchange Limited, 2/4 Customs Street, Lagos, starting at 10 a.m.
According to the organisers, World Stage Limited, a research- and technology-driven firm focused on Africa’s economic advancement, confirmed that several key chief executives will headline the event. They include Dr. Olasupo Olusi, Managing Director/CEO of the Bank of Industry (BoI); Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); and Mr. Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA).
Also expected is Dr. Abidemi Adegboye of the University of Lagos, who will present a research paper on why Nigeria’s economy has remained trapped in low productivity over the decades.
Meanwhile, the organisers have announced the closure of nominations for the WES 2025 Awards for Outstanding Economic Impacts, with winners from various sectors already notified. The awardees will receive their certificates during the summit in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s economic progress.
Supported by top corporate institutions including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), NLNG, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Polaris Bank, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, Shara Group, and Ecobank, the 2025 edition promises robust engagement across both public and private sectors.
Expected participants include representatives from federal and state governments, as well as key players in food production, technology transfer, job creation, energy, blue economy, banking, and export promotion. Stakeholders from the manufacturing, oil and gas, housing, agriculture, ICT, mining, maritime, and tourism sectors will also be in attendance.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Segun Adeleye, President/CEO of World Stage Limited, described low productivity as one of Nigeria’s biggest economic obstacles.
“Even though many are working, almost half of Nigerians are estimated to be poor — living below the national poverty line — because the right jobs are not available,” he said.
“If Nigeria’s economy is said to be transforming, the question remains: does this transformation deliver higher-productivity jobs capable of raising living standards?”
Adeleye explained that WES 2025 will provide a policy and research-based platform to explore practical solutions, including: Evidence-based strategies for job creation and poverty reduction; Legislative actions to curb economic losses from excessive public holidays; Boosting productivity in small-scale and household enterprises;
Sustaining fiscal and exchange rate reforms to attract foreign investment; Expanding trade opportunities under the AfCFTA; Reforming tax administration to finance structural transformation; Upgrading national infrastructure; and Launching nationwide digital skills programmes to upskill young Nigerians.
He added that WES has consistently served as a hub of opportunity and innovation — a space for meaningful networking, collaboration, and thought leadership across industries.
“It remains an invaluable platform for public and private sector leaders to learn, adapt, and inspire new thinking toward sustainable economic growth,” he said.
