By Jude Odo (South East Regional Editor)
Nsukka, Nigeria – In a significant gathering that underscored the critical role of public-private partnership in national development, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) convened its 3rd Quarter Council Meeting recently. Held at the prestigious Ekpo Hall, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, the event brought together the nation’s foremost business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on the trajectory of Africa’s largest economy.
The meeting, which served as a strategic midpoint for the Association’s annual agenda, was more than a procedural assembly; it was a convergence of minds dedicated to navigating the complexities of the Nigerian business environment. The presence of the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, who represented the Executive Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, elevated the discourse, signalling the essential synergy required between the private sector and government to drive sustainable economic transformation.
In his address, Barr. Ossai reaffirmed the Enugu State Government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for enterprise. He emphasized the pivotal role of industry-government partnerships in developing skilled talent and driving research and innovation. Urging a collective effort to dismantle bureaucratic bottlenecks, the Deputy Governor called for the reduction of barriers that stifle investment, enterprise development, and productive economic activity across the state.
The Council’s deliberations spanned a broad spectrum of issues critical to Nigeria’s economic competitiveness, including trade and investment, MSME development, access to finance, infrastructure, energy, industrialisation, and digital transformation.
A Vision for Human Capital and Institutional Growth
Perhaps the most ambitious resolution to emerge from the meeting was the Council’s approval for the further development of the proposed NACCIMA University. This initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to bridging the skills gap in the Nigerian economy. The Council agreed to deepen engagement with the University of Ilorin, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and other stakeholders, with plans for a strategic retreat to establish the appropriate institutional framework for the university.
Complementing this focus on education, the Council approved strengthened programmes for women and youth. These initiatives would focus on entrepreneurship, skills development, access to finance, and mentorship. A deliberate emphasis was placed on the NACCIMA Foundation to drive structured corporate social responsibility. Notably, the Council highlighted the 1 billion economic trees initiative and the Children out-of-school Programme, positioning NACCIMA not just as a business advocacy group, but as a driver of social and environmental change.
Advocacy and International Expansion
On the economic front, the Council resolved to intensify advocacy on infrastructure, shipping, and logistics policies. Recognising the cascading effect of these sectors on the cost of doing business, the Secretariat was directed to sustain engagement with authorities to ensure a more equitable, efficient, and competitive operating environment.
Globally, NACCIMA is seeking to expand its footprint. The Council directed the Secretariat to strengthen international positioning and strategic partnerships. A key highlight was the announcement of a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) . This agreement is set to bolster trade, investment, and institutional cooperation between Nigeria and Türkiye, opening new vistas for Nigerian businesses in international markets.
Financial Sustainability and Grassroots Empowerment
To ensure the Association’s long-term financial viability, the Council considered opportunities to diversify income streams through strategic investments in the capital market. A proposal to invest in equities was tabled, subject to rigorous due diligence and financial assessment.
Furthermore, the Council was briefed on the necessity for Member-Chambers to establish cooperative societies. This initiative aims to strengthen support for small businesses, improve access to finance, and build stronger structures for coordinated advocacy at both national and international levels.
Celebrating Excellence
The Council also took time to commend the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, under the leadership of Barr. Sam Otoboeze. The Council praised the team for organising an excellently packaged programme, noting that the hospitality and organisation of the Enugu meeting would arguably serve as a reference point for NACCIMA in the future.
As the meeting adjourned, the consensus was clear: NACCIMA is not merely reacting to the current economic climate but is actively architecting a future where Nigerian businesses can thrive. From the halls of academia in Nsukka to the markets of Türkiye, the Association’s resolutions signal a renewed era of strategic, inclusive, and robust economic diplomacy.
