FirstBank, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc, is set to spearhead a crucial national dialogue on economic resilience and growth for the coming year. The financial institution has announced it will host its annual Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026 on Tuesday, January 5, 2026. This flagship event is designed to dissect the nation's financial trajectory and empower stakeholders with actionable knowledge.
Mastering Resilience in a Complex Economy
The session will operate under the compelling theme: 'The Great Calibration: Mastering Resilience in an Era of Asynchronous Growth'. This theme underscores the need for precise adjustments and robust strategies in a global economic environment marked by uneven recovery and growth patterns. As a cornerstone of its customer engagement, FirstBank's Outlook aims to set the tone for the year by analyzing prevailing economic realities.
Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at FirstBank, emphasized the bank's dedication. "FirstBank remains dedicated to supporting the growth and development of Nigerian businesses and individuals and this event is a testament to that commitment," she stated. Ijabiyi further explained that the forum will serve as a vital platform for customers and stakeholders to learn effective strategies for navigating the complexities of Nigeria's economic landscape in 2026.
Expert-Lined Agenda for Strategic Insight
The 2026 edition promises a comprehensive review of Nigeria's economic performance over the past year, coupled with a forward-looking analysis for 2026. The agenda is structured to deliver expert perspectives on both global and domestic trends, highlighting their potential implications for businesses and the broader economy.
The keynote address will be delivered by a leading voice in African finance, Dr. Yemi Kale, the Group Chief Economist and Managing Director of Research and Trade Intelligence at Afreximbank. His insights are expected to provide a macro-framework for understanding the year ahead.
Following the keynote, a high-level panel discussion will feature an array of distinguished economists and industry leaders:
- Olusegun Zaccheaus, Chief Economist at PwC.
- Francis Anatogu, Chief Executive of Transaharan.
- Professor Bongo Adi of Economics and Data Analytics at the Lagos Business School.
- Niyi Yusuf, Managing Partner at Verraki.
- Cheta Nwanze, Lead Partner at SBM Intelligence.
FirstBank's own expertise will also be prominently featured, with contributions from:
- Osahon Ogieva, Deputy Managing Director.
- Ayokunle Ojo, Head of Treasury Sales and Derivatives Marketing.
- Laura Fisayo-Kolawole, Head of Equities and Alternative Solutions at First Asset Management.
Empowering Decisions for Transformative Progress
The ultimate goal of the Nigeria Economic Outlook 2026 is to translate expert analysis into practical advantage. According to Ijabiyi, the initiative "aims to help them make informed decisions based on expert recommendations and insights garnered from the session to drive giant transformative progress." By facilitating this knowledge exchange, FirstBank seeks to enable both businesses and individuals to not just survive but thrive in the new year.
This annual event reinforces FirstBank's role beyond traditional banking, positioning it as a key thought leader and partner in Nigeria's socio-economic development. The insights from this gathering are anticipated to influence planning and strategy for countless enterprises and professionals across the nation.
