The Odu’a Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ODUACCIMA) is set to usher in a new era of growth for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through a strategic partnership with the Chamber of Industry and Commerce Giessen-Friedberg, Germany.
The collaboration, driven under the Chamber Collaboration Project (KVP) in Nigeria, was recently formalised during the 65th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall in Ilorin, Kwara State.
KVP Project Coordinator, Mrs. Nele Lahman-Muniru, described the partnership as a practical platform to strengthen chambers of commerce in Nigeria through mentorship, capacity development and institutional reform.
She said, “We are impressed by ODUACCIMA’s readiness to collaborate. Our goal is to help chambers like ODUACCIMA serve their members more effectively. This project is not only about policy, it’s about people, processes and progress.”
Speaking on behalf of ODUACCIMA, its President, Alhaji Wasiu Olaleye, said the alliance with the German chamber represents a bold step in repositioning the institution and boosting economic opportunities for small businesses across the region.
“This collaboration with our German counterparts offers a unique opportunity to retool our institutions, empower our MSMEs and reposition ODUACCIMA as a strong, modern chamber,” Olaleye said.
“We are focused on capacity building, financial literacy for our members, and improving access to both local and international markets. Our members will benefit directly from this engagement.”
ODUACCIMA’s 1st Deputy President, Hon. Olumide Araoyinbo, and 2nd Deputy President, Alhaji Olufemi Hassan, echoed similar sentiments. They stressed the urgent need for financial training, export preparedness and policy support as core elements to unlocking the full potential of MSMEs.
According to Araoyinbo, “We are not just participating in conversations, we are building a future. The future is collaborative, and we are ready to lead it.”
The high-level engagement highlighted three key areas of cooperation between both chambers leadership and staff development, improved access to finance for MSMEs, and enhanced strategies for regional trade competitiveness.
ODUACCIMA expressed deep appreciation to the KVP Project Delegation for the knowledge-sharing opportunity and reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable partnerships that align with its long-term transformation goals.
