COTA-SDI debuts at CONiTA 2025 as Dr. Nelson Obine unveils National Sustainability Vision for Nigeria’s Trade Associations
Nigeria’s trade associations and artisan ecosystem entered a transformative era following the official inauguration of the Coalition of Trade Associations for Sustainable Development Initiative (COTA-SDI) during the 7th Conference of Nigeria Trade Association (CONiTA 2025) at the LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria on Wednesday November 12, 2025.
The event themed “Striving Together: Shaping the Future of the Trade Association Industry with Sustainability,” brought together leaders of trade associations, corporate executives, government representatives, and development partners to witness a major milestone in the nation’s economic development agenda.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Nelson Obine, sustainability expert and President of the Institute of Trade Association Management (ITAM), called for a new era of collaboration and purpose-driven leadership across trade association community.
In his keynote titled “Trade Associations as Drivers of Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” Dr. Obine emphasized that manufacturers, farmers, artisans, traders and service providers form the backbone of the nation’s employment, innovation, and community resilience.
“Through COTA-SDI, we are shifting from isolated advocacy to collaborative impact from short-term survival to long-term sustainability,” he stated. “Together, we can build a Nigeria where trade is not only profitable but purposeful.”
The inauguration featured the unveiling of the COTA-SDI Sustainability Pledge, a collective commitment by trade association leaders to embed sustainable practices, promote inclusivity, champion innovation, and uphold transparency within the sector.
Highlights of the ceremony included:
• Unveiling of the COTA-SDI Logo
• Presentation of the Five-Point Sustainability Commitment
• Affirmation of alignment with SDGs 2030, Nigeria’s National Development Plan, and Africa Agenda 2063.
Trade associations pledged to promote opportunities for artisans, SMEs, women, and youth; strengthen collaboration; and advocate for policies that support decent work, green innovation, and economic resilience.
The coalition is expected to serve as Nigeria’s foremost platform for sustainable development collaboration among trade associations, opening opportunities for development funding, national policy participation, and community-based economic initiatives.
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