Abuja, Nigeria–In a strategic move to deepen international trade relations and stimulate inclusive economic growth, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has called on the diplomatic community to actively support the country’s private sector.
Speaking at the inaugural Economic Diplomacy Dialogue held in Abuja, NACCIMA President, Dr. Jani Ibrahim, described the initiative as a “new dawn in strategic partnership” between Nigeria’s organized private sector and international stakeholders.
“This platform is aimed at strengthening engagement with the diplomatic corps to drive trade, investment, industrial cooperation, and broad-based economic development,” he stated.
Dr. Ibrahim unveiled plans to institutionalize the dialogue through a structured Private Sector–Diplomatic Dialogue Framework. This will include joint working groups on trade and the digital economy, as well as impact-monitoring mechanisms to track outcomes. He also announced that NACCIMA will host an Investment Summit on December 2–3, 2025, focused on attracting capital inflows into high-priority sectors.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s eight-point agenda and the “Nigeria First” economic strategy, which collectively aim to build a $1 trillion economy.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, endorsed the programme, describing NACCIMA as a key player in President Bola Tinubu’s international economic agenda.
“NACCIMA plays a pivotal role in advancing Nigeria’s trade interests, reinforcing value chains, and positioning the country as an investment hub,” Tuggar said. He emphasized the government’s shift towards pragmatic diplomacy based on strategic economic opportunities rather than ideological alignments.
“Our demographic advantage offers significant potential—not only to create jobs and achieve food security but to become a leading exporter,” he added.
Tuggar stressed the importance of translating diplomatic agreements into actionable partnerships. “Signing investment protection agreements is not sufficient. There must be sustained engagement between NACCIMA and its global counterparts,” he said.
Representing the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Ambassador of Lebanon, Houssam Diab, described Nigeria as a nation of “unfathomable opportunities.” He praised recent economic reforms and announced the forthcoming establishment of a Nigeria–Lebanon Business Council to further deepen bilateral trade ties.
Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, represented by her Special Adviser, Patience Okala, commended NACCIMA’s leadership in economic policy engagement. She highlighted Nigeria’s role in leading the five-year review of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and revealed plans to launch a national export trading company in partnership with Afreximbank.
Okala also announced a new regional air cargo route connecting Nigeria to 13 countries across Eastern and Southern Africa, as part of broader efforts to boost intra-African trade.
By Taiwo Olatinwo/ July 29,2025
Discover more from DnewsInfo
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
