Nigeria’s policy impact, business climate take centre stage at NBA-SBL conference

The Nigerian Bar Association Section on Business Law has announced its 20th Annual International Business Law Conference, scheduled to hold in Abuja from June 8 to 10, 2026, with a focus on evaluating the real impact of policy reforms on Nigeria’s business environment.

Themed “Beyond Reforms: Measuring Policy Impact,” the conference is expected to bring together legal practitioners, business leaders, regulators, policymakers, investors, and innovators to examine how reforms are shaping economic growth, governance, and commercial activities across the country.

The annual gathering, regarded as one of Africa’s leading forums at the intersection of law, business, and policy, marks a milestone for the NBA-SBL as it celebrates two decades of influencing commercial law practice and policy conversations in Nigeria.

Speaking on the significance of the conference, Ozofu ‘Latunde Ogiemudia, the chair of NBA-SBL, said the event has evolved beyond a professional gathering into a platform that actively shapes economic development and business growth.

“Twenty years on, this conference has evolved into more than a gathering of professionals; it is a platform that actively shapes how law supports business growth and economic development in Nigeria,” Ogiemudia said.

She added that the 2026 theme reflects a shift from discussions about reforms to assessing measurable outcomes and identifying areas that require improvement.

“This year’s theme reflects a necessary shift from conversations about reform to a more deliberate focus on impact—what has changed, what is working, and what must be done differently to drive sustainable progress,” she said.

According to the organisers, the conference programme has been designed to move beyond theoretical discussions by focusing on practical insights and actionable recommendations that participants can apply within their organisations and industries.

Oludare Senbore, the chair of the conference planning committee (CPC), said the sessions would spotlight real outcomes, foster cross-sector collaboration, and explore solutions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s business climate.

The conference will feature keynote addresses, expert panel discussions, and case-driven sessions covering business law, governance, finance, technology, and regulatory policy. Organisers said networking opportunities would also remain a major component of the event, enabling partnerships, investments, and industry collaboration.

The event is being supported by leading law firms, including Aluko & Oyebode, Duale, Ovia & Alex-Adedipe, and Banwo & Ighodalo, identified as headline sponsors for the conference.

“As we mark 20 years of convening the brightest minds across law, business, and policy, this milestone conference reflects our commitment to driving meaningful impact,” Ogiemudia said.

“Beyond discussions, our focus is on outcomes, ensuring that reforms translate into real value for businesses, institutions, and the broader economy.”

The NBA-SBL said early bird registration for the conference is currently open and will close on May 15th, 2026. Prospective participants can take advantage of the discounted rates by registering via the official conference portal, while updates on speakers and programme highlights will continue to be shared through its official platforms.