The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr. Emeka Obegolu, SAN, today received a three-man delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), led by Mr. Ishigame Keiji, the new Chief Representative of JICA in Nigeria, during a courtesy visit to the Chamber’s Secretariat.
The visit, which marks one of the new Chief Representative’s first official engagements in Nigeria, was aimed at exploring partnership opportunities between JICA and ACCI, as well as providing Mr. Keiji with an opportunity to familiarize himself with the country’s business community and the Organized Private Sector (OPS).
Speaking during the visit, Mr. Keiji reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Nigerian institutions through specialized capacity-building programs, particularly in information technology.
He noted that JICA remains dedicated to fostering innovation and institutional growth across key sectors of Nigeria’s economy, adding that strategic partnerships with private sector organizations like ACCI are vital to achieving sustainable economic development.
In his remarks, Dr. Obegolu warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed ACCI’s readiness to partner with JICA and other Japanese business interests in Nigeria.
He emphasized that the Chamber’s core mandate is to promote, protect, and advocate for business growth and development, adding that ACCI stands as a strategic platform for deepening bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and Japan.
“I wish to assure you that the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry is fully committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen our members’ capacity and expand their access to international partnerships,” Dr. Obegolu stated.
“We invite JICA to consider ACCI as their corporate ambassador in Nigeria. Any support aimed at enhancing and expanding opportunities for our members will be greatly valued.”
He further noted that collaboration is key to achieving meaningful and sustainable economic impact, stressing that ACCI is eager to work closely with JICA in driving mutual objectives in investment promotion, entrepreneurship development, and knowledge exchange.
Dr. Obegolu highlighted some of the Chamber’s ongoing initiatives tailored to address capacity gaps in Nigeria’s private sector.
These include the Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, which provides hands-on training and entrepreneurship development, and the Nigerian Chamber of Commerce Dispute Resolution Centre (NCC-DRC), which offers effective alternative mechanisms for commercial dispute resolution.
He described these institutions as a testament to ACCI’s commitment to sustainable business development, skills enhancement, and a functional dispute resolution culture that encourages investor confidence.
Also speaking, Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Odachi Onogwu, Public-Private Partnership Coordinator at JICA Nigeria Office, commended ACCI for its consistent efforts in linking Japanese investors with opportunities in Nigeria’s business environment.
She praised the Chamber’s role as a bridge between Japanese enterprises and Nigerian businesses, assuring that JICA remains dedicated to facilitating mutually beneficial partnerships.
“We would like to see a Nigeria where Japanese investments thrive. The work ACCI is doing to bridge the gap between Japanese investors and Nigerian businesses is commendable, and JICA will continue to provide the necessary support,” Dr. Onogwu stated.
The meeting concluded with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to deepen collaboration in capacity building, investment promotion, private sector development, and bilateral economic cooperation.
Present at the meeting were Dr. Tinuke Temitope, Director, BEST Centre; Hajia Hauwa Kaka Usman, General Counsel, ACCI; Mr. Kehinde Akinola, Internal Auditor; Mr. Lanre Ariyo, Head of Sustainability Unit; and Ms. Memuna Lawal, Special Assistant to the President.
Signed:
Dr. Emeka Obegolu, SAN
President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI)
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