Political activities, tax reforms to shape Nigeria’s association ecosystem in 2026 says Dr. Obine
The Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Trade Associations Management, Dr. Nelson Obine on Tuesday said the year 2026 will be a defining year for the association ecosystem because of the macroeconomic reforms in addition to the election cycle. He therefore called on Nigeria’s Chambers of Commerce and trade associations to brace up.
Delivering a keynote address in a webinar entitled “Nigeria Association Industry & Ecosystem Outlook 2026: Assessing the Sector under Macroeconomic Trends and the New Tax Reform,” Dr. Obine, described 2026 as a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s association industry.
He told Presidents of Chambers of Commerce, leaders of trade associations, members of the Organised Private Sector and development partners that the year would be shaped not only by sweeping macroeconomic reforms but also by heightened political activities ahead of the general elections.
According to him, election cycles in Nigeria have historically heightened policy sensitivity, investment caution and economic uncertainty, making institutional stability critical.
“In such a climate, institutions matter more than ever,” he said, stressing that Chambers of Commerce and sectoral associations are not merely conveners of interest groups but economic intermediaries that bridge policy and enterprise.
He noted that associations play a strategic role in shaping compliance behaviour and stabilizing business confidence, particularly in a more formalized and compliance-driven economy.
Obine pointed out that the new tax reform environment raises expectations around governance, transparency and digitalization, while also increasing the need for structured engagement between the public and private sectors.
He added that the prevailing socio-economic pressures including high poverty levels and cost-sensitive enterprises demand that associations deliver practical value, credible advocacy and timely guidance to their members, without losing sight of the complexities associated with an election year.
Describing 2026 as both a challenge and an opportunity, Obine warned that associations that fail to embrace structure, digitization and member-focused value delivery may struggle in the emerging economic order.
*Photo shows Dr. Nelson Obine.
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