The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has announced that the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES #31) will focus on “Driving Industrialisation-led Growth” as a strategic pathway to economic transformation.

The summit, scheduled for October 6–7, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, financiers, development partners, and entrepreneurs to explore strategies for revitalising Nigeria’s industrial base.

According to the NESG, industrialisation is essential for transitioning Nigeria from a consumption-driven to a production-based economy. Despite its vast resources and population, the country has faced persistent deindustrialisation, overreliance on imports, and low value addition in key sectors.

The discussions will focus on reviewing and modernising Nigeria’s industrial policy to reflect global and regional trends, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and digital transformation.

Stakeholders will also explore ways to boost the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as drivers of innovation, job creation, and diversification.

Other key areas include strengthening value chains in agribusiness, mining, and pharmaceuticals to maximise local content and export potential, leveraging technology and innovation to improve productivity, and expanding access to finance through private sector investment and innovative funding mechanisms.

NES #31 will be anchored on the pillars of reforms, resilience, and results, with emphasis on improving regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, power supply, trade facilitation, and skills development to drive industrial take-off.

The NESG stressed that industrialisation goes beyond building factories, requiring a coordinated national effort involving skilled labour, supportive policies, and reliable infrastructure to create wealth and opportunities.

The summit aims to foster public-private collaboration and generate actionable strategies to position Nigeria as the industrial powerhouse of West Africa.

Since its inception in 1993, the NESG has used the annual summit as a platform for evidence-based policy advocacy and inclusive economic dialogue.