NACCIMA Intensifies Efforts to Strengthen Nigeria's Global Trade Integration
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has significantly intensified its efforts to bolster the viability of Nigerian businesses and trade within the global market. This initiative aims to enhance business competitiveness, improve market accessibility, and dismantle barriers that have historically hindered Nigerian commodities from thriving internationally.
Addressing Public-Private Sector Gaps
Ambassador Janet Olisa, Chairperson of NACCIMA Global, highlighted these concerted efforts during the opening of the 1st Quarter Council and Annual General Meeting of the organised private sector in Kano. She emphasized the critical need for stronger ties between the public and private sectors to effectively translate government policies and bilateral agreements into tangible results. Ambassador Olisa expressed concern over the private sector's inability to fully capitalize on trade benefits, such as those outlined in Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with developed countries, including China's zero-tariff policy for 90% of export trade and other multi-million-dollar market opportunities, largely due to a knowledge gap.
Strategic Initiatives for Mitigation
To address these challenges, NACCIMA Global has initiated five key strategies: Standards Certification and Formalization, Resource Mobilization and Enablement, Knowledge Data and Market Intelligence, and Policy Engagement and Regional Integration. Ambassador Olisa asserted that NACCIMA is actively engaging with necessary government agencies to improve commodity certification processes, ensuring trade balance and reducing the consistent rejection of Nigerian goods in global markets.
Capacity Development and Partnerships
Earlier, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, President of NACCIMA, explained that despite ongoing challenges, the organised private sector continues to deepen capacity development and enterprise support initiatives. Key programs include the ECOWAS Agricultural Training (EAT) Programme, designed to equip businesses with practical tools for export readiness and competitiveness. Additionally, NACCIMA has extended its partnership with CIPE and the University of Lagos to facilitate Chamber Development on the ACE platform, where participants will be awarded diplomas upon successful completion.
Navigating Economic Realities and Opportunities
Engr. Ibrahim noted that with the structural recalibration of the Nigerian economy—including new tax frameworks, evolving financial regulations, persistent inflationary trends, local security issues, and global economic uncertainties—the private sector must adopt strategic discipline to remain relevant. He highlighted abundant opportunities in areas such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the digital economy, the global Halal market, and green investments, presenting viable pathways for growth.
He emphasized the imperative to translate these opportunities into tangible outcomes through coordinated action, policy advocacy, and enterprise resilience. As an association, NACCIMA must continue serving as a bridge between policy and practice, ensuring that the business voice is reflected in national decision-making. This involves deepening research capabilities, strengthening institutional partnerships, and enhancing value propositions for members.
New Initiatives and Future Prospects
Engr. Ibrahim added that new initiatives are being developed regularly, including recent engagements with ODDO-BHF of Germany to facilitate affordable long-term, single-digit loans for members. Progress is also being made on the NACCIMA Global, NACCIMA Foundation, and Tree Planting initiatives, further solidifying the association's commitment to fostering sustainable business growth and global integration.
