The Kwara State Government has called on the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and other key stakeholders to leverage the state’s growing infrastructure, investment climate, and cultural assets to foster sustainable development.
This charge was delivered by the State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Elder Kayode Alabi, during NACCIMA’s 65th Annual General Meeting held in Ilorin on Thursday.
Governor AbdulRazaq urged the business community to seize the opportunities provided by Kwara’s favourable economic environment to promote trade, agribusiness, food security, tourism, innovation, and human capital development.
He noted that Ilorin was recently ranked among the top 1,000 startup cities globally and the sixth best in Nigeria — a milestone he described as unprecedented.
“Our garment factory, innovation hub, visual arts center, industrial park, sugar factory, film studio, and the under-construction international conference center are all part of efforts to reposition Kwara for greater economic visibility,” the governor said. “These are complemented by a peaceful environment and an excellent road network.”
The high-profile event marked a historic moment with the election of Engr. Jani Ibrahim as the new NACCIMA President — the first businessman from Kwara to hold the position since the organization’s inception in 1960.
In his acceptance speech, Engr. Ibrahim pledged to attract investment from Nigerians at home and abroad, emphasizing that their contributions would accelerate economic growth and national development.
He unveiled plans for a youth employment scheme and the establishment of NACCIMA’s International University as part of his developmental agenda. Also speaking at the gathering, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, commended NACCIMA’s role as the voice of Nigerian businesses.
He described the association as a crucial bridge between the private sector and all tiers of government, adding that forums like the AGM provide an opportunity to reflect on the importance of legal and policy frameworks in economic transformation.
The meeting brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential through collaboration and innovation.
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