The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has opened applications for its $150 million Offshore Expansion Facility, a financing initiative designed to provide long-term, low-interest capital for Nigerian businesses seeking to expand and modernize their operations.

The funding programme, developed in partnership with Germany-based commercial banking group ODDO BHF SE, was unveiled during the Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON) 2026 at the AFREXIM Tower in Abuja, where NACCIMA also launched a dedicated digital application portal to streamline access to the facility.

The association described the portal as a major milestone in digitising foreign direct investment origination for Nigeria’s organised private sector. The platform and operational framework were jointly presented by Chairman of the Joint NACCIMA–ODDO BHF Working Group Committee and former Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Waheed Olagunju, alongside NACCIMA’s Digital Economy Coordinator and Chairman of the Digital Economy Trade Group, Dr. Segun Olugbile.

The $150 million facility is expected to provide qualified Nigerian enterprises with patient, long-term expansion capital at single-digit interest rates, targeting strategic sectors including manufacturing (excluding defence), agro-allied processing, energy, logistics, mineral beneficiation, transportation and information and communication technology (ICT). NACCIMA disclosed that 20 per cent of the total funding has been reserved for the digital economy and ICT sector.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Olagunju described the initiative as a transparent investment pipeline aimed at strengthening investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy.

“What we are launching today is a transparent, globally aligned investment origination pipeline as a demonstration of investors’ confidence in Nigeria’s economy,” he said.

According to him, the Joint NACCIMA–ODDO BHF Committee has established a rigorous framework that enables viable and environmentally compliant Nigerian enterprises to access financing starting from a minimum of $10 million for the acquisition of European machinery, equipment and technology needed to scale their operations.

He also highlighted the security features of the digital platform, noting that it was built to meet international banking standards.

“To attract world-class European investment, our digital infrastructure must inspire absolute confidence and trust. This secure e-Portal has been developed with bank-grade encryption and complies with existing regulations. It automates Know-Your-Customer verification and integrates a secure framework to ensure that the proprietary financial information of applicants remains fully protected throughout the transaction process,” Olagunju stated.

Under the financing arrangement, eligible businesses can access a minimum facility of $10 million with a repayment period of at least seven-and-a-half years. Beneficiaries are required to allocate between 35 and 50 per cent of the financing to the procurement of approved goods, equipment, machinery and services from Europe, while the remaining funds may be invested within Nigeria or other approved markets.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate strong financial viability by providing a minimum of three years of audited financial statements and evidence of compliance with environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.

NACCIMA further stated that only verified financial members of recognised organised private sector associations, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), or NACCIMA itself, will be eligible to participate.

The association said the initiative reflects its commitment to creating credible international financing opportunities for Nigerian businesses through strategic global partnerships.

According to NACCIMA, the programme is expected to strengthen private sector competitiveness, accelerate industrial growth and support sustainable economic transformation by improving access to affordable long-term capital for productive enterprises.

The deadline for the application is 11th September 2026

Applications for the facility are now open through NACCIMA’s dedicated digital portal, while enquiries can be directed to the association’s national secretariat via its official support channels.

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Nigeria’s quest for industrialisation and economic transformation will depend largely on expanding digital infrastructure, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said, stressing that technology has become indispensable to sustainable national development.

The Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, made this known at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON 2026), organised by the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Abuja with the theme, “Mobilising Private Capital for Sustainable Infrastructure Development in Nigeria.”

Inuwa said Nigeria must integrate digital infrastructure into conventional infrastructure projects to unlock industrial growth, improve urban development, and strengthen the country’s economic competitiveness.

According to him, digital infrastructure has become a critical component of modern infrastructure planning as industries and organisations increasingly rely on technology to drive productivity and innovation.

“We cannot talk about infrastructure without digital infrastructure. All organisations and industries are becoming digital. Our technology is becoming increasingly integrated. So, there is a need to integrate digital into the conventional infrastructure we are building,” he said.

The NITDA boss commended the Federal Government for encouraging greater private sector participation in infrastructure development through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), describing the initiative as a strategic step toward closing Nigeria’s infrastructure gap.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting NACCIMA and other stakeholders in advancing the government’s infrastructure agenda, particularly through digital transformation initiatives.

“The government has initiated Public-Private Partnerships for the private sector to be part of building the infrastructure. NITDA will support you to work with the government in building the digital infrastructure. We are already working with NACCIMA on how to digitise its infrastructure,” Inuwa stated.

Earlier, President of NACCIMA, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, described INFRACON 2026 as a strategic platform designed to mobilise private capital, innovative solutions, and strong partnerships to accelerate infrastructure development across the country.

He urged stakeholders to embrace collaboration and innovation in addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges, noting that NACCIMA is actively identifying investment-ready projects and committed partners to drive sustainable economic growth.

Ibrahim said the conference is focusing on critical sectors, including power and electricity, maritime and blue economy, digital economy and digital infrastructure, infrastructure for increased national productivity, and industrialisation for export growth.

He reaffirmed NACCIMA’s commitment to working with government and the private sector to position Nigeria as Africa’s preferred destination for digital investment.

“Together, we can mobilise the capital, build the infrastructure that powers industrialisation, expand exports, create jobs and deliver sustainable prosperity. Together, we can build the foundation for Nigeria’s one trillion-dollar economy,” Ibrahim said.

The conference brought together government officials, business leaders, investors, development partners, and industry experts to explore practical strategies for mobilising private investment and accelerating infrastructure development as a pathway to Nigeria’s long-term economic prosperity.

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The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have officially entered into a strategic partnership to fortify the digital ecosystem of the Organised Private Sector (OPS). The formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place yesterday, 6th March, 2026, at the NACCIMA Corporate Office in Abuja, marking a milestone in national data governance and regulatory compliance.

The MoU establishes a framework for strategic cooperation between both organizations to promote awareness, build capacity, and support Nigerian businesses—particularly SMEs—in adopting global data protection standards. The partnership will also support initiatives that enhance trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and encourage responsible data governance among businesses.

Speaking during the engagement, the National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, emphasized the importance of collaboration between regulators and the private sector in building a trusted digital economy. He noted that trust remains a critical factor for investment and digital transactions, stressing that protecting data is essential in an increasingly digital world where virtually everyone with a mobile phone is exposed to data risks.

In his remarks, the National President of NACCIMA, Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, commended the NDPC leadership for the progress being made in strengthening Nigeria’s data protection framework. He reiterated that data has become a strategic resource in today’s economy and emphasized the importance of protecting it to build investor confidence and support business growth.

The National President also highlighted the role of NACCIMA as the current chair of the Organized Private Sector in Nigeria and expressed optimism that the partnership with NDPC will enhance awareness, compliance, and digital trust among Nigerian businesses.

The collaboration will also support initiatives such as capacity-building programmes and engagement with relevant stakeholders to promote responsible data management practices within the private sector.

NDPC Delegation

1. Dr Vincent Olatunji, NC/CEO, NDPC

2. Babatunde Bamigboye Esq. Head, Legal Enforcement and Regulations

3. Mrs Abiola Jide-Abe, Head Strategy, Partnerships and Communications

4. SP Austin Madaki, Head Police and Investigations

5. Olayinka Oyebanji, Office of the NC

6. Saratu Samande, T.A Legal to the NC

7. Itunu Dosekun, Head Media

8. Aroso Akintomide, Media Officer

9. Jesulayomi Olubamise, Media Officer

NACCIMA Delegation

1. Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim – National President

2. Dr. Emmanuel Akeh – Director, NACCIMA Corporate Office, Abuja

3. Amb. Olusegun Olugbile – Chair, NACCIMA Digital Economy Trade Group

4. Amb. Janet Olisa – S.A. to NP on international affairs and Chair, NACCIMA Global

5. Mr. Suleiman Ibrahim – S.A. to the NP

6. Amb. Suleman Audu – Technical Adviser to the NP & Chair, AfCFTA Trade Group

7. Ifeoma Ozue – Business Development Manager, NACCIMA

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The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has announced the appointment of C.itp. Ambassador Olusegun H. Olugbile, MCPN, FNCS, as its Digital Economy Coordinator, effective January 1, 2026.

Ambassador Olugbile, who is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Araba Technologies Ltd, brings over 22 years of experience spanning the private and public sectors, with strong expertise in digital transformation, policy and diplomacy. A Chartered IT Professional and Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society, he is also a National Policy Fellow of the NACCIMA/Abuja Chambers of Commerce Policy Advocacy Centre and a widely recognised figure in the global technology ecosystem.

Over the years, Olugbile has facilitated key national digital transformation frameworks that have contributed significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. He has served for three consecutive terms on the United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Group on Internet Governance and holds the distinction of being an Honorary Ambassador for Internet Governance. His contributions have earned recognition from G-7 countries, the United Nations, the African Union and ECOWAS.

The appointment, according to NACCIMA, represents a major milestone in its drive to position itself as a central hub for Nigeria’s digital economy. In his new role, Ambassador Olugbile will lead the development and implementation of NACCIMA’s Integrated Digital Transformation Platform (IDTP), a comprehensive system aimed at modernising chamber operations and enhancing service delivery to members nationwide.

Speaking on the appointment, NACCIMA National President, Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, said digital technology and innovation are critical to Nigeria’s economic development. He noted that the decision aligns with the Federal Government’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030 and underscores the commitment of the Organised Private Sector to remain at the forefront of national digital transformation.

Ambassador Olugbile’s mandate will also include aligning NACCIMA’s digital initiatives with the National Digital Economy programme, in collaboration with international partners. He is expected to coordinate high-impact strategic programmes supporting the Federal Government’s five acceleration vectors of Knowledge, Policy, Infrastructure, Innovation/Capital/Entrepreneurship (ICE) and Trade.

The association said the appointment is expected to strengthen coordination and industry support for the Organised Private Sector, while enabling NACCIMA to structure digital projects capable of attracting credible local and international support for enterprise development.

Before this appointment, Olugbile served as the pioneer Chairman of the ICT/Digital Economy Trade Group at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and as an expert member of the National Advisory Committee on Electronic Commerce (NACEDE). His numerous honours include the Thomas Sankara Leadership Prize for “Pan African Technology Icon of the Year,” recognition as the first Cybersecurity Advocate by the Nigerian Computer Society at the National IT Merit Awards, and inclusion among the 100 leading telecoms and digital economy personalities in Nigeria by the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).

Founded in 1960, NACCIMA is the apex body of the organised private sector in Nigeria and the institutional chair of Nigerian business. It serves as the umbrella organisation for city, state, sectoral and bilateral chambers of commerce, promotes an enabling business environment, fosters economic growth and leads strategic advocacy and high-level engagement with government and international partners on behalf of the private sector.

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TECHDIGEST – The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture has said that harnessing the potential of a vibrant digital economy is crucial to driving Nigeria’s economic growth.NACCIMA

The President, NACCIMA, John Udeagbala, stated this during the association’s state of the economy press conference.

Udeagbala said that as part of NACCIMA’s contributory efforts to Nigerian economic development, the association decided to organise a digital economy conference themed ‘Promoting a vibrant digital economy – a catalyst for economic growth in Nigeria’.

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According to him, the goal of the conference, among other benefits, include establishing potentials of the digital economy to promote job creation and create employment for youths throughout the country.

He added that the conference would also push for the establishment of digital hubs in the six geo-political zones of Nigeria that would present opportunities for the youths to dive into digital technology for possible start-ups.

Udeagbala said, “Globally, digital economy has found progressive applications and visible impact in almost every sphere of our life including virtual education, smartphone apps, collaboration platforms, banking, e-commerce, and so on

This conference had been scheduled to take place at the Abuja in January 2023, and hopefully, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.), is expected to declare the Conference open.”

The NACCIMA president added that the event was expected to bring together seasoned industry captains, high-profile professionals and personalities from within Nigeria and abroad.

“The minister of Trade and Investment as well as the minister of Digital Economy were also expected with others from the diplomatic community and international organisations,” he added.

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