The National Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has launched a new partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) to strengthen regional integration, expand cross-border agricultural trade and create wider opportunities for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across West Africa.
Speaking at the launch of NACCIMA’s activities under the ECOWAS Agricultural Trade (EAT) programme, themed “Strengthening ECOWAS Agricultural Market to Drive Food Security and Regional Prosperity,” NACCIMA President Jani Ibrahim said agriculture remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy.
He noted that the sector contributed 24.64 per cent to national GDP in the fourth quarter of 2024, with early 2025 estimates placing its share at about 27.8 per cent.
Despite this strong performance, Ibrahim highlighted that Nigeria’s agricultural exports remain relatively low.
He stated that the EAT project positions NACCIMA to help address long-standing barriers by building capacity and supporting SMEs across the agribusiness value chain, enabling them to meet regional market requirements and compete more effectively.
“Unlocking regional agricultural trade means unlocking livelihoods, deepening integration and strengthening food security across West Africa,” he said.
Ibrahim added that while Nigeria’s large population and rising demand present major opportunities, challenges such as poor infrastructure, limited access to finance and persistent non-tariff barriers continue to restrict trade.
NACCIMA’s director general, Sola Obadimu, reinforced agriculture’s position as a major pillar of the economy, but one whose export potential remains underutilised despite ECOWAS’s 400-million-strong consumer market.
He stated that the EAT project presents timely support to improve standards, reduce trade constraints and help SMEs compete more favourably within regional value chains.
Under the initiative, NACCIMA will lead training and advisory activities aimed at strengthening SME capacity and improving access to reliable market information to better position Nigerian agribusinesses for regional growth.
GIZ-EAT programme lead, Arne Schuffenhauver, explained that the initiative, funded by the German government and implemented in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission, targets improved food trade across five West African countries.
He described NACCIMA as a strategic partner with strong support systems for traders, enabling SMEs to navigate customs processes, market-entry requirements and food inspections more effectively. .
Schuffenhauver revealed that cross-border food trade in West Africa is valued at around $10 billion, with significant untapped potential.
He stated that the project is working to demonstrate viable business models, ranging from cold storage solutions to simple logistics innovations such as tricycle transport, to encourage policymakers and financiers to invest more in small-scale cross-border trade.
For Nancy Okpa, principal trade promotion officer at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the launch represents a major step forward for regional cooperation.
She stated that the partnership offers a structured platform for producers, processors, exporters and policymakers to strengthen agricultural value chains and expand inclusive economic growth across the region.
Okpa commended NACCIMA and GIZ for their commitment to empowering agribusinesses, noting that the initiative comes at a critical time when strategic partnerships are essential to unlocking West Africa’s agricultural potential.
Source: The Sun
Credit Image: ThisDay
