NACCIMA President Calls for Stronger Chambers, Investment and Digital Transformation
NSUKKA, Enugu State, The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. Jani Ibrahim, OON, MNI, has called on Nigerian businesses and Chambers of Commerce to focus on productivity, investment, job creation and export development as the country confronts a critical phase in its economic journey.
Ibrahim made the call while delivering his welcome address at the Third Quarter Executive Committee and Council Meetings of NACCIMA, held at Ekpo Hall, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
The meeting brought together members of NACCIMA’s National Executive Council, Chamber presidents, business leaders, investors, government representatives and development partners from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the NACCIMA President, Nigeria must move beyond repeatedly discussing its economic challenges and begin to concentrate on practical measures that promote competitiveness, industrialisation and inclusive growth.
“NACCIMA must remain at the centre of this process by providing credible representation, evidence-based advocacy, business intelligence, market linkages and platforms for investment and collaboration,” he said.
He cited the hosting of INFRACON 2026 by NACCIMA at the Afreximbank African Trade Centre in Abuja as evidence of the association’s commitment to mobilising private capital for sustainable infrastructure development.
Ibrahim reiterated the association’s message of “Stronger Chambers, Stronger Nigeria,” stressing that the strength of NACCIMA ultimately depends on the capacity and relevance of its member Chambers.
He urged Chambers to become more responsive, commercially relevant and data-driven while connecting businesses with investment opportunities, finance, markets and strategic partnerships.
The NACCIMA President also described the Trade Expo and Exhibition taking place from September 15 to 20, 2026, with more than 500 delegates, as a platform for business matchmaking, investment promotion, market access and trade development.
“I encourage participants to see the Expo not simply as an exhibition, but as a platform for business matchmaking, investment, market access, partnerships and trade development,” he said.
On international trade, Ibrahim said NACCIMA would continue to use NACCIMA Global, bilateral relationships and international partnerships to position Nigerian businesses for regional and global markets.
He emphasised that Nigeria must progress from being predominantly a large consumer market to becoming a competitive destination for production, investment and exports.
The NACCIMA President also highlighted the growing importance of technology to business competitiveness. He referred to the memorandum of understanding signed between NACCIMA and the National Information Technology Development Agency on September 3, 2026, during GITEX in Lagos.
He said the partnership would support digital transformation, innovation and technology adoption among Nigerian enterprises, particularly micro, small and medium-sized businesses.
Ibrahim further called for greater economic participation by women and young people through improved access to skills, markets, finance, mentorship and business networks.
“The participation of women and youth is not merely social responsibility; it is an economic imperative for expanding Nigeria’s productive capacity and creating sustainable employment,” he said.
He also advocated stronger collaboration between universities and industry, noting that the meeting’s location at the University of Nigeria underscored the need to connect research, innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development with the practical requirements of businesses.
According to him, economic advocacy must be driven by credible data, while public policies should reduce the cost of doing business and create a more enabling environment for Nigerian enterprises.
As the country approaches the final quarter of 2026, Ibrahim urged NACCIMA and its member Chambers to prioritise execution and measurable outcomes.
“Our programmes, partnerships and engagements must translate into increased investment, stronger businesses, new markets, employment opportunities and improved conditions for enterprise,” he stated.
He thanked the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, the University of Nigeria, sponsors, exhibitors and delegates for supporting the meeting.
Ibrahim concluded by urging participants to use the gathering to develop practical resolutions and partnerships capable of advancing NACCIMA and contributing to Nigeria’s economic prosperity.
