By Vivian Emoni

The Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN), has honoured Prof. Adesoji Adesugba,  the First Deputy President of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), with a merit award for his contributions to commerce and industry.

Adesugba also urged the Federal Government to sustain economic policies beyond the 2027 general elections to support Nigeria’s ambition of building a one trillion dollar economy.

According  to Mrs Olayemi John-Mensah, the ACCI Media and Strategy Officer, on Wednesday in Abuja, Adesugba received the award during CICAN’s 20th anniversary celebration, in recognition of his contributions to commerce, industry and business journalism.

Adesugba, a seasoned journalist and founder of Chamber Telegraph, while receiving the award called for policy consistency, stronger economic coordination and increased investment in productive sectors to support Nigeria’s ambition of building a one trillion dollar economy.

He identified policy continuity beyond the 2027 general elections as critical to achieving the target, warning that policy reversal remained the greatest risk.

Adesugba described reliable electricity supply as a major priority for economic transformation, identifying power as the master reform.

He also advocated stronger fiscal and monetary policy coordination, alongside fair implementation of the new Tax Acts.

He called for greater participation by state governments and improved national economic data through a strengthened National Bureau of Statistics.

While addressing the organised private sector, he urged businesses to move beyond complaints and adopt evidence-based advocacy to influence government policies.

He also called on financial institutions to expand long-term credit to manufacturing, agriculture and infrastructure, particularly as interest rates ease.

On the media’s role in economic development, Adesugba outlined seven responsibilities for journalists in promoting national growth including explanation of economic issues, verifying information, tracking policies, investigating developments and providing balanced reporting.

Adesugba also urged journalists to report markets responsibly and amplify the activities of businesses operating within the real economy.

He commended CICAN for its commitment to commerce and industry reporting, urging members to sustain professionalism and provide credible, insightful coverage of Nigeria’s business environment.

The CICAN Chairman, Mr Gabriel Kuma, expressed appreciation to Adesugba for his continued support and commitment to the association.

Kuma said Adesugba’s mentorship and support would inspire members while strengthening the association’s growth, unity and professional development.

The merit award further underscores Adesugba’s engagement with the commerce and industry community and his contributions to business journalism and economic policy discourse.