NBA-SBL to Evaluate Effects of Nigeria’s Economic Reforms at 20th Annual Conference

Stories by Steve Aya

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law (NBA‑SBL) announced that its 20th Annual International Business Law Conference will concentrate on assessing the effectiveness of Nigeria’s current economic reforms, rather than simply marking their introduction.

During a press briefing held before the conference, scheduled for June 8–10, 2026 at the Abuja Continental Hotel, NBA‑SBL Chair Ozofu “Latunde Ogiemudia” explained that the event, titled “Beyond Reforms: Measuring Policy Impact,” will scrutinize whether recent policy changes are delivering concrete benefits to businesses and citizens.

Ogiemudia highlighted major reforms implemented in recent years, including the Petroleum Industry Act, the removal of fuel subsidies, foreign‑exchange unification, tax reforms, digital‑payment regulations, mining‑sector liberalisation, and infrastructure upgrades. She stressed that the current focus must be on whether these measures are strengthening institutions, boosting investor confidence, and creating economic opportunities.

According to Ogiemudia, the conference will convene regulators, policymakers, legal practitioners, business leaders, development experts, and international stakeholders to evaluate the practical economic and social impact of government policies and identify areas that need improvement.

She added that discussions will examine whether the reforms support micro, small and medium enterprises, encourage private‑sector investment, broaden opportunities nationwide, and prepare Nigeria’s growing youth population for participation in the digital economy.

The NBA‑SBL Chair also noted the Section’s role in shaping Nigeria’s business environment, citing its involvement in the Nigerian National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable, which helped pass key legislation such as the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020, the Arbitration and Mediation Act 2023, and the Business Facilitation Act 2023.

Oludare Senbore, Chairman of the 2026 Conference Planning Committee, said the gathering would produce actionable recommendations to strengthen investor confidence and improve Nigeria’s business climate. He added that the conference would provide a forum for stakeholders to assess existing reforms and develop sustainable legal and regulatory frameworks that can drive long‑term economic growth.