by Loretta Alfred

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has charged government and other stakeholders to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and other businesses to ensure that they are able to thrive, compete on a global scale and contribute meaningfully to the national economy. 

NACCIMA President, Dele Kelvin Oye, gave the charge at the 4th Ekiti Trade Fair, stressing the need to empower and support more businesses in the country with the tools necessary for innovation and growth in ever-changing markets.

The trade fair, themed “Empowering MSMEs: Innovate, Grow, Transform-Advancing Agribusiness and Tourism for Local to Global Prosperity”, attracted the crème de la crème in the business world, captains of industry, government representatives, and other stakeholders.

Oye explained that the essence of a chamber of commerce in society transcended mere economic activity, saying a chamber is the driving force for enhancing sustainable growth and enabling businesses, especially MSMEs, to thrive.

“Through initiatives like this trade fair, we create a robust platform where businesses can connect, innovate, and grow. It is our honour and responsibility to bring industry to market, ensuring that both local artisans and large enterprises can find common ground in collaboration, resilience, and inspiration,” he said.

Oye said NACCIMA represents over 100 Chambers of Commerce across Nigeria, forming a formidable network of over 2 million businesses.

“Our mission is to promote the interests of commerce, industry, and agriculture, ensuring that our members have the tools necessary for innovation and growth in ever-changing markets. We seek to create an environment where Nigerian businesses can compete on a global scale and contribute meaningfully to our national economy,” Oye said.

“As we embrace the theme ‘Innovate, Grow, Transform’, let us all take a moment to reflect on the immense opportunities that lie ahead. By nurturing innovation and collaboration, we can transform the landscape of agribusiness and tourism, paving the way for prosperity in Ekiti State, that resonates globally.

“Together, let us forge ahead with renewed vigour, harnessing our collective strengths to empower our MSMEs, and champion our local industries, that will take Ekiti State to its pride of place in the global economy,” he said.

The NACCIMA boss thanked several key individuals and organizations who played pivotal roles in the realization of the trade fair, including the president of the Ekiti Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Committee, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Commerce, the First Lady of Ekiti State, the state governor, among others.

“Your commitment to supporting MSMEs and in providing an environment conducive to growth speaks volumes about your vision for Ekiti State – a state brimming with potential and opportunity,” he said.