The Ogun State Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGUNCCIMA) has unveiled a series of institutional reforms and international partnerships at the B2B conference tagged “The World Meets in Giessen,” held in Giessen, Germany.
Speaking at the event hosted by the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Commerce, OGUNCCIMA President, Lion Niyi Oshiyemi, said the Chamber has made significant progress in strengthening private sector growth through innovation, collaboration, and capacity development.
“We are proud to present our strides in building sustainable structures that benefit businesses in Ogun State and beyond,” he said.
Among the major achievements shared at the conference was OGUNCCIMA’s collaboration with the Giessen-Friedberg Chamber of Commerce and Industry to address Nigeria’s shortage of technical skills.
The Dual Vocational Training Programme introduced through the partnership focuses on training apprentices in industrial mechanics, office administration, project management, and technical facilities management.
“We are bridging the technical skills gap through global partnerships that provide structured learning and workforce solutions,” Oshiyemi explained.
OGUNCCIMA is also working with KVP to strengthen its internal structure and improve overall chamber governance. The Chamber continues to represent Ogun State at both local and international trade fairs and maintains efforts to provide its members with access to valuable networking and verified business information.
To support operational efficiency, OGUNCCIMA announced the development of a Membership Management System now nearing completion. The software offers online self-registration for members, digital onboarding, communication tools like bulk SMS and emails, and an analytics dashboard for tracking membership and finances.
“The system is a game-changer for our internal processes and member engagement,” Oshiyemi noted. “We are digitizing our operations to serve our members better.”
In addition, OGUNCCIMA has launched a new internal communication and records management process focused on enhancing digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, and information flow within the Secretariat and across the City Chambers.
Oshiyemi also highlighted recent training programs under the Chamber Academy initiative, including sessions on trade mission organization and survey development strategies. These were designed to enhance the planning capacity of Chamber staff and improve feedback systems from members.
“The results have been impressive,” he stated. “We now have stronger tools for assessing member needs and organizing effective business missions.”
OGUNCCIMA also showcased its One-Stop Shop Business Development Service Unit, which was launched in October 2024 to simplify access to essential business support services such as business registration, feasibility studies, and license acquisition. The unit leverages the proximity of city chambers to make services accessible to entrepreneurs across the state.
“Our One-Stop Shop is central to our service delivery,” Oshiyemi said. “It has already responded to several inquiries and facilitated registrations since its launch.”
The Monthly Business Clinic Sessions, which focus on practical business topics like partnerships, record-keeping, and market expansion, were also introduced to promote the One-Stop Shop. Four successful sessions have already been held, recording growing engagement from participants.
The Basic Business Management Training, piloted across the five city chambers, is set to transition into a consistent and structured program. Oshiyemi, however, acknowledged that more work is needed to ensure continuity.
“While we’ve made commendable progress, challenges around sustainability and staff capacity remain. Addressing these is crucial to making our initiatives long-lasting,” he concluded.