Nigeria’s ambition to build a one trillion dollar economy by 2030 is achievable, according to Dr. Jami Ibrahim, President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). He made this statement at the NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneur National Youth Summit 2025 in Abuja, emphasizing that digital transformation is key to unlocking the country’s potential.
Dr. Ibrahim urged government stakeholders to work towards creating a conducive environment for youth to thrive in business, highlighting the need for robust policy frameworks and innovation-driven entrepreneurship. He also stressed the importance of passing laws that promote business development and prevent discrimination against young businesses.
The NACCIMA president outlined the association’s focus areas for strategy, including trade facilitation, export promotion, and enterprise development. He emphasized the need to build the capacity of small businesses through incubation and linkages, noting that they are the backbone of the economy and have the potential to scale up quickly.
The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, represented by Mr. Ugonna Aneke, echoed Dr. Ibrahim’s sentiments, emphasizing the need to strengthen the capacity of youth to drive economic development. He highlighted the importance of sustainable innovation, digital adaptability, and environmental stewardship, noting that Nigerian youth are already making significant contributions in these areas.
Alhassan Doguwa, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources, commended the government for initiating youth-oriented policies and pledged to do more to empower young people. Rotimi Olaoluwa, National Publicity Secretary for NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneur, described the summit as a first-of-its-kind event that brought together stakeholders to unlock youth potential for national development.
The summit aimed to raise awareness about opportunities available to youth in various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and other organizations. By leveraging these opportunities, Nigerian youth can contribute significantly to the country’s economic development and help achieve the goal of a one trillion dollar economy by 2030. With the right support and environment, Nigeria’s youth can unlock their full potential and drive the country’s growth and prosperity.
