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 in driving economic transformation and attracting critical investments.
This appeal was made during the association’s inaugural Economic Diplomacy Dialogue, held Tuesday in Abuja. The high-level gathering brought together ambassadors, federal ministers, and business leaders to explore strategic partnerships aimed at deepening trade, fostering investment, and enhancing industrial collaboration.
R-L the Representative of Deen of Diplomatic Corps in Nigeria, Ambassador of Lebanon, H.E. Houssam Diab, NACCIMA National President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, OON, mni, Nigeria Foreign Affairs Minister, H.E Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar OON and the former President of NACCIMA, Otunba Dele Kelvin Oye
Describing the forum as a “new dawn in strategic partnership,” NACCIMA National President Dr. Jani Ibrahim said the dialogue marks a key step in aligning Nigeria’s private sector with international stakeholders for inclusive economic growth.
“Our goal is to use this platform to align with the Federal Government’s 8-Point Agenda and the ‘Nigeria First’ policy to help build a $1 trillion economy,” Dr. Ibrahim stated in his keynote address.
He unveiled several policy recommendations, including the formation of a Private Sector-Diplomatic Dialogue Framework, the establishment of joint working groups focused on trade and the digital economy, and the implementation of impact-monitoring systems to track progress.
Dr. Ibrahim also announced that NACCIMA will host a major Investment Summit on December 2–3, 2025, targeting capital inflows into high-potential sectors.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, delivered a strong endorsement of the initiative, highlighting the Federal Government’s diplomatic strategy in support of private-sector growth.
“NACCIMA is a very important partner in the Tinubu administration’s agenda to drive trade, investment, and strengthen our supply and value chains,” Tuggar said.
He emphasized Nigeria’s shift towards “strategic opportunity” diplomacy, one focused on practical, results-driven partnerships rather than ideological alliances.
“Nigeria remains open to collaboration with all nations, and we aim to harness our population advantage to create jobs and drive sustainable development,” he said.
Tuggar pointed to the development of Special Economic Zones and regional authorities as instruments to attract investment and boost domestic production.
He also addressed the administration’s dual focus on industrial revival and energy transition, stressing that Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources will remain a key asset even as the country expands into clean and climate-friendly manufacturing sectors.
“Industrial participation in refining and renewable energy is not optional it is essential,” Tuggar said.
Importantly, he urged a move beyond formal agreements to facilitate direct, business-focused engagement between Nigerian entrepreneurs and their international counterparts.
“It’s not enough to sign investment protection agreements. What we need is meaningful engagement face-to-face collaboration backed by diplomatic support. That’s how we get real results,” he concluded.
Tuggar called on foreign embassies and international business communities to actively invest in Nigeria’s evolving economy, which he described as rich with opportunity and poised for transformation.
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