ACCI, TFO Canada Launch TRISEG Project to Support 200 Nigerian SMEs
Five-year initiative targets women-led businesses, strengthens export readiness and expands access to international markets
ABUJA, October 9, 2026 — The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), in partnership with Trade Facilitation Office (TFO) Canada, has launched the Trade for Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth (TRISEG) Project, a five-year initiative aimed at strengthening Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and expanding their access to domestic and international markets.
Funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, the initiative runs from 2025 to 2030 and covers 16 developing countries. In Nigeria, the project is expected to directly support 200 SMEs, with 67 per cent of beneficiaries comprising women-owned or women-led businesses and enterprises owned by members of under-represented groups.
Speaking at the launch, the President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, PhD, said the initiative would strengthen business support institutions, improve SME competitiveness and help Nigerian enterprises overcome persistent barriers to finance, capacity development and international market access.
He highlighted the project’s Climate Resilience Fund, which provides technical assistance, training and digital resources to promote sustainable business practices and strengthen enterprise resilience. He also called on stakeholders to develop practical interventions that would improve export readiness and foster stronger connections among SMEs, financial institutions and international buyers.
Representing the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Deputy Controller Y.S. Abubakar commended the organisers and partners for advancing initiatives that support Nigeria’s trade and export development agenda.
He reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to trade facilitation, simplified export procedures and measures to improve market access for Nigerian businesses. He noted that an efficient export system was essential to enhancing SME competitiveness, expanding non-oil exports and promoting sustainable economic growth.
His Excellency, Mr Arash Irantalab, Acting Chargé d’Affaires, Counsellor and Head of Development Cooperation at the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria, reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with Nigeria.
He said the initiative would promote inclusive economic growth, support women-owned enterprises, create employment opportunities and improve Nigerian businesses’ access to international markets. He also highlighted TFO Canada’s role in facilitating international trade partnerships, providing market-access support and building the capacity of SMEs.
The programme director of TFO Canada, Mr Zaki Munshi, said TRISEG was designed to strengthen trade relationships and connect businesses in participating countries with international buyers, creating opportunities for sustainable commercial partnerships. He noted that the wider initiative targets 3,400 SMEs across 16 countries, including 2,300 women-owned businesses.
Also speaking, Dr Chris Osa Isokpunwu, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, highlighted government efforts to strengthen production capacity, improve logistics and promote compliance with international standards.
He stressed the need to address the challenges confronting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly their limited access to finance, appropriate technology and export markets.
Representing the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs Halima Estai emphasised the importance of product quality, efficient certification processes and access to internationally recognised testing facilities in improving the acceptance of Nigerian products in foreign markets.
The Deputy Director-General of ACCI, Dr Mrs Tinuke Temitope, announced plans to open an application portal through which eligible SMEs could apply for support under the project.
She explained that the initiative would cater to enterprises at different stages of development, helping them strengthen their operations, improve competitiveness and explore new export markets.
The TRISEG Project is expected to contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification by strengthening SME capacity, promoting women’s economic participation, expanding export opportunities and creating jobs.
Through collaboration among government agencies, business support institutions, the private sector and international development partners, the initiative seeks to build a more inclusive, resilient and competitive business environment for Nigerian enterprises.
Edited by
Rosemary Aiyenale
