Preparations are in top gear for the WorldStage Economic Summit (WES) 2025, set to take place on Friday, November 21, 2025, at The Event Centre, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Lagos.
The summit will bring together leading voices from government, business, and academia to address the theme, “Tackling the Issue of Low Productivity in Nigeria.”
According to the organisers, World Stage Limited, the event will feature prominent speakers including 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 billed to present a paper at the summit is Dr. Abidemi Adegboye of the University of Lagos, who will share research insights into the structural causes of Nigeria’s persistent low productivity.
The organisers announced that nominations for the WES 2025 Awards for Outstanding Economic Impact have closed, with winners already notified.
Recipients from various sectors will be honoured with Certificates of Outstanding Economic Impact during the event.
An initiative of World Stage Limited, WES serves as a platform for policy dialogue and research-based collaboration among economic stakeholders to find practical solutions to Nigeria’s economic challenges.
This year’s edition enjoys the support of major 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.
Participants are expected from federal and state governments, as well as key sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, agriculture, ICT, banking, mining, energy, education, and tourism.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Mr. Segun Adeleye, President/CEO of World Stage Limited, noted that low productivity remains one of Nigeria’s greatest economic obstacles despite ongoing reforms.
“Many Nigerians are employed, yet nearly half live below the poverty line because our economy fails to create sufficient high-productivity jobs,” Adeleye said.
He added that WES 2025 aims to generate actionable, evidence-based policies for job creation, productivity enhancement, and sustainable growth.
Discussions will focus on macroeconomic stability, fiscal reforms, skills development, infrastructure investment, and integration into global value chains.
Adeleye further described the summit as a hub for innovation and collaboration:
“WES has always been a meeting point for leaders and thinkers shaping Nigeria’s future.
“It offers a rare opportunity for networking, learning, and driving meaningful economic transformation.”
