The Chairman of the MINI Shoe Industry Summit 2026, Comrade Ibe Obialor, has called on shoe manufacturers, shoe parts dealers, factory owners and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s footwear industry to embrace unity, collaboration and strategic partnerships to address the challenges facing the sector and promote sustainable growth.

The summit is scheduled to hold on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Happy City Hotel, opposite Bakassi Gate.

Organised in collaboration with the Association of Shoe Parts Dealers Nigeria and shoe factory owners, the summit will provide a platform for industry leaders, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to discuss common challenges, explore business opportunities and develop strategies for the advancement of Nigeria’s footwear industry.

The event is designed to foster a unified front among stakeholders, encourage mutually beneficial partnerships and promote an inclusive business environment that supports innovation, enterprise development and sustainable economic growth.

According to the organisers, the footwear industry continues to face several challenges that require collective attention, including rising production costs, access to quality raw materials, market competition, distribution difficulties and the need to strengthen local manufacturing capacity.

The summit will therefore bring stakeholders together for a roundtable discussion aimed at identifying practical solutions, sharing industry experiences and developing collaborative approaches to overcoming these challenges.

Speaking ahead of the event, Chairman of the summit, Comrade Ibe Obialor, underscored the importance of unity and cooperation among industry players, noting that the industry’s long-term success depends on the ability of stakeholders to work together towards common goals.

He stressed the need for stronger relationships between shoe parts dealers, manufacturers, factory owners and other participants in the footwear value chain to improve business operations, expand market opportunities and create a more sustainable industry.

The summit is also expected to encourage the exchange of ideas, strengthen existing business networks and open new avenues for investment and commercial partnerships among participants.

Beyond addressing immediate concerns, the initiative seeks to promote a more organised and forward-looking footwear industry capable of creating employment, supporting local businesses and contributing to Nigeria’s economic development.

The organisers believe that sustained engagement among industry stakeholders will help build trust, improve cooperation and establish a shared vision for the future of the sector.

With the guiding message, “Together We Impact. Together We Grow. Together We Win,” the MINI Shoe Industry Summit 2026 seeks to inspire stakeholders to move beyond individual interests and pursue collective progress.

Comrade Ibe Obialor has consequently encouraged shoe industry leaders, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, distributors and other relevant stakeholders to participate in the summit and contribute their ideas towards building a stronger, more competitive and sustainable footwear industry in Nigeria.

The event is expected to serve as a platform for meaningful discussions and renewed commitments to partnership, synergy, inclusivity and sustainable growth.