On Wednesday, 23rd July 2025, the newly elected National Executive Council of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), led by its National President, Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, OON, mni., paid a high-level courtesy visit to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The visit marked a strategic engagement aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) and the Federal Government, with a focus on reinforcing the role of the private sector in driving inclusive economic growth and national development.
In his remarks, Vice President Shettima commended NACCIMA for its historic role in representing Nigerian businesses and reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to creating a business-friendly environment through bold, transformative policies. He identified key economic reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of exchange rates, and the ongoing tax reforms as deliberate efforts to stabilize the economy and attract long-term investments.
“Nigeria is ready for business—and you are the drivers of change,” the Vice President said. “I have always aligned with the private sector. The President himself understands the language of commerce; he came from that ecosystem and has taken courageous steps in the interest of Nigerians.”
Highlighting the determination of the administration to remain steadfast despite pushback, Vice President Shettima noted that removing fuel subsidy—long seen as politically difficult—was necessary to reclaim economic sustainability and ensure resources are directed towards productive sectors.
In his address, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, President of NACCIMA and Chairman of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, conveyed the Association’s appreciation for the Vice President’s leadership and coordination of key economic bodies such as the National Economic Council (NEC), National Council on Privatisation (NCP), Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), among others.
Engr. Ibrahim emphasized the need for consistent and structured engagement between the OPS and government and proposed the establishment of bi-annual consultative forums to foster dialogue on policy design, implementation, and monitoring. He also advocated for the inclusion of OPSN representatives on strategic government councils and technical committees, particularly those related to trade, industry, privatisation, and MSME development.
“National prosperity is anchored on strong collaboration between government and the private sector,” Engr. Ibrahim said. “While we recognise the private sector as the engine of growth, we also understand the crucial role of government in setting the enabling framework.”
The National President also used the opportunity to formally introduce members of the newly inaugurated National Executive Council, elected at the 65th Annual General Meeting of NACCIMA held in Ilorin, Kwara State, in June 2025.
This high-level engagement reaffirms NACCIMA’s position as the voice of the Nigerian private sector and a strategic partner in nation-building. The Association remains committed to promoting enterprise development, trade facilitation, policy advocacy, and sustainable economic growth across all sectors.
The Secretariat
Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA)
July 24, 2025
