Nigeria’s business community is calling for a recalibration of economic strategies as the country faces a complex mix of fiscal, regulatory, and security challenges. Speaking at the first-quarter council meeting and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Kano, President Jani Ibrahim outlined the urgent need for businesses to adopt more disciplined, data-driven approaches in response to evolving tax frameworks, persistent inflation, and global uncertainties.
Ibrahim highlighted the impact of recent developments in the Middle East, alongside local security concerns, as factors demanding strategic vigilance from the private sector. Despite these pressures, he pointed to significant opportunities, including the African Continental Free Trade Area, the digital economy, the global Halal market, and green investments, urging coordinated action to translate these into tangible growth.
NACCIMA, he said, must continue to serve as a bridge between policy and practice, deepening research capabilities, strengthening institutional partnerships, and enhancing value for members. New initiatives are underway, including a partnership with ODDO-BHF of Germany to facilitate affordable long-term, single-digit loans, as well as progress on the NACCIMA Global, NACCIMA Foundation, and Tree Planting initiatives.
The association is also spearheading the programme for Children Out of School (COOS), with a focus on the northern region, and has established a committee to drive Chamber Development, which will lead to a Chamber Development Fund aimed at revitalising chambers for more effective programme delivery. Plans are in place for ISO 9001:2015 certification to bolster the Digital Transformation programme, particularly the Trustmark project with NITDA. An infrastructure conference (INFRACON 2026) is scheduled for July 2026, with calls for partnerships from chambers and private sector organisations.
At the sub-national level, the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KACCIMA) urged the Kano State Government to appoint individuals with strong private sector backgrounds to key economic positions. KACCIMA President Usman Darma appealed to Governor Abba Yusuf to ensure that ministries driving the state’s economy are headed by professionals with practical business experience, arguing that such appointments would enhance policy coherence, attract investment, and create jobs.
Darma stressed that aligning governance with private sector expertise would bridge gaps between policymakers and industry players, leading to more effective economic policies. Both NACCIMA and KACCIMA reaffirmed their commitment to supporting government efforts aimed at promoting sustainable economic growth, highlighting the need for stronger public-private collaboration to navigate Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.
