Leading voices from Nigeria’s public and private sectors have called for urgent policy reforms to strengthen corporate competitiveness, accelerate economic growth, and improve the living conditions of citizens.
The call came at the 2026 PEARL Awards Corporate Summit held on Tuesday at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Organized by PEARL Awards Nigeria, the summit was themed “Policy Reforms & Corporate Competitiveness: Navigating Towards a Sustainable Edge.”
Delivering the keynote address, renowned economist and Managing Director/CEO of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane, examined the impact of ongoing reforms on businesses and the wider economy. He stressed the importance of policy consistency, institutional efficiency, and private-sector-led growth as critical drivers of Nigeria’s economic transformation.
The summit featured a high-level panel discussion comprising prominent capital market and business leaders, including Jude Chiemeka, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX); Olufemi Awoyemi, Founder and Chairman of Proshare Limited; Catherine Nwosu, President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Capital Market Registrars and Managing Director/CEO of Africa Prudential Plc; Oluropo Samuel Dada; and Bola Ajomale, Executive Commissioner (Operations) of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Panelists explored how policy reforms can enhance corporate resilience, deepen capital market development, and position Nigerian businesses for long-term competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic global economy.
The event attracted government officials, regulators, market operators, corporate executives, investors, and policy advocates. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was represented as Special Guest of Honour, while Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Umaru Kwairanga, attended as Guest of Honour.
A major takeaway from the discussions was the need for reforms that deliver tangible benefits to businesses and households. Participants noted that although recent policy measures have contributed to improved macroeconomic stability and investor confidence, many businesses continue to face high operating costs while households grapple with rising living expenses.
Stakeholders therefore urged governments at all levels to prioritize measures that reduce the cost of doing business, improve infrastructure, expand access to finance, strengthen local production, and create opportunities for inclusive economic growth.
Speaking on the significance of the summit, President and Chief Executive Officer of PEARL Awards Nigeria, Tayo Orekoya, described the gathering as a strategic platform for constructive engagement between policymakers and the private sector on the future of Nigeria’s economy.
The summit concluded with a consensus that Nigeria must move beyond economic stabilization and focus on building a productive, innovative, and competitive economy capable of creating jobs, supporting businesses, and improving the quality of life of its citizens.
The PEARL Awards Corporate Summit serves as the thought-leadership platform of PEARL Awards Nigeria and precedes the annual PEARL Awards, which celebrates corporate excellence, transparency, and value creation in Nigeria’s capital market.