Kwara Hosts NACCIMA’s 65th Confab
The 65th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Investiture of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) ended on Thursday in Ilorin, with participants committing to working with all stakeholders to make Nigeria a $1tr economy by 2030.
Themed “Harnessing Private Sector Potential to Achieve Nigeria’s $1 Trillion Economy by 2030,” the event was keynoted by the Board Chairman, Bank of Industry and former Minister of Industry, Dr Mansur Mukhtar.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was represented by Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Enoh, while Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was represented by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi.
Other top attendees were Senator Sadiq Umar (Kwara North); House of Representatives member for Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, Hon Mukhtar Tolani Shagaya; Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; state parliamentarians; and members of the Kwara State Executive Council.
Also at the conference were the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Dr Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, who was represented by Galadima Geri, Alhaji Ibrahim Bolaji Galadima; Chairman KAM Holdings Alhaji Kamoru Yusuf; Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN; Chairman, YOLAS Consultants, Engr Lanre Sagaya; NACCIMA President, Alhaji Jani Ibrahim; and immediate past National President of NACCIMA, Otunba Dele Oye; among others.
Tinubu, who commended NACCIMA for the successful Conference, said the association has always embraced innovation and made impacts on the nation’s economic architecture.
“The NACCIMA’s objectives in monitoring economic trends, disseminating business intelligence, organising public engagement, removing obstacles, shaping dialogue, influencing policies and inspiring industrial advancement are not just commendable but they fully align with my administration’s vision of prosperity and innovation,” the President said.
“I salute your commitment, your dynamism, and your foresight. I also commend the government and the people of Kwara State for creating a conducive environment for this important gathering.”
For AbdulRazaq, he requested NACCIMA and other leading institutions in Nigeria to take full advantage of Kwara’s unique blend of infrastructure, investments, friendly climate, and cultural legacies that he said promote trade, agribusiness and food security, creativity, tourism and leisure, innovation and technology, and general human capital development.
He said Ilorin, the capital city of Kwara, was recently rated among the top 1000 startup cities in the world and the sixth best in Nigeria, adding: “this is a first”.
“Among many others, our garment factory, innovation hub, visual arts center, industrial park, sugar factory film studio, and under-construction international conference center are repositioning us for greater economic visibility,” the Governor added.
“This is boosted by the serene environment and superb road network of the capital city.”
Fagbemi said NACCIMA, as the voice of Nigeria businesses, played a critical role in shaping the private sector landscape.
He said the association acted as a bridge between the business community and all levels of government.
Fagbemi said the conference offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the role of law, policy, and institutional synergy in economic transformation.
Dr Mukhtar said the vision 2030 is attainable as long as the government continues to improve security and prioritise other basic things such as creating job opportunities for youth and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.
Otunba Oye said he left NACCIMA stronger and more formidable with a balanced budget, calling on the federal government and private sector to work together and use local talents to better the country and reduce poverty in the country.
NACCIMA’s new President, Jani, said his coming on board will see him woo people from within Nigeris and in the diaspora, noting their contributions will significantly grow the economy and accelerate national development.
He listed some of his programmes to include youth employment scheme and the NACCIMA’s international university project.
The Conference also featured panel discussants who shared their perspectives on the possibility of attaining the economic target, given the current national GDP.
The panelists also advised the governments to double efforts at strengthening infrastructural development, have a clear ideological direction for economic policies, and continually support the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME).
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