The Chairman of the Commerce and Industry Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CICAN), Gabriel Kuma, has reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting informed economic journalism and contributing to Nigeria’s development as it celebrated its 20th anniversary.
Speaking at the association’s anniversary conference in Abuja, Kuma described the occasion as a celebration of two decades of professional commitment, resilience and the role of journalism in shaping national economic conversations and influencing policy.
The conference, themed “Celebrating Two Decades of Impact, Shaping the Future of Commerce and Industry,” attracted ministers, governors, heads of government agencies, captains of industry, development partners, private sector representatives and media professionals.
Kuma thanked government officials, industry leaders and other stakeholders for identifying with the association, noting that their participation underscored the importance of the media’s role in advancing commerce, industry, investment and national development.
According to him, meaningful national development can be achieved when government, industry and the media work together with shared purpose and mutual respect.
Reflecting on the association’s journey, Kuma said CICAN was registered in June 2006 with limited resources but a clear vision to provide a platform for journalists covering commerce, industry, investment and related economic sectors.
He likened the association’s early years to the growth of a child, noting that it faced numerous challenges, including resource constraints and a demanding operating environment, but continued to evolve through determination and collective effort.
The CICAN chairman said the association had grown to become a respected voice in economic reporting, helping to deepen understanding of the links between government policies, investments, job creation, industrial growth and national prosperity.
He emphasised that commerce and industry reporting goes beyond publishing policy announcements and economic figures, stressing that journalists must help citizens understand how economic decisions affect their lives and livelihoods.
Kuma also acknowledged the contributions of past leaders, members, partners and stakeholders who supported the association’s growth over the last two decades.
Looking ahead, he challenged government institutions, regulatory agencies, industry leaders, development partners and journalists to strengthen engagement and collaboration in support of Nigeria’s economic development.
“The real test will be what we do when we leave this hall,” he said, urging government to communicate more openly, agencies to engage more constructively, industry leaders to invest in public engagement, partners to support specialist journalism and journalists to continue raising professional standards.
He declared that CICAN was ready to embrace the challenges of the future and remain committed to promoting excellence in reporting on commerce, industry, trade and investment.
Kuma expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among stakeholders would help bridge the gap between economic policies and improved prosperity for Nigerians.
He congratulated members on the association’s 20th anniversary and expressed confidence that CICAN would continue to grow and make greater contributions to Nigeria’s economic development in the years ahead.
