Jani Ibrahim: Nigeria’s Private Sector Gets Stronger Voice in West Africa

Jani Ibrahim: Nigeria’s Private Sector Gets Stronger Voice in West Africa

Nigeria’s private sector is set for a stronger voice in shaping West Africa’s business agenda with the emergence of Engr. Jani Ibrahim as President of the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI).

Ibrahim, who is also the National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), highlighted the significance of the regional position when executives of the Finance and Business Online Publishers Association (FiBOP) paid him a courtesy visit at the NACCIMA office.

His election, which took place in Abidjan during the 11th Annual General Assembly of FEWACCI in September, places a Nigerian at the helm of the regional chamber network at a time when West African businesses are seeking deeper integration, stronger trade links and greater opportunities for cross-border investment.

Ibrahim’s emergence is particularly significant for Nigeria, given the size and influence of its private sector within the West African economy.

As President of FEWACCI, he is expected to provide a broader platform for advancing issues affecting businesses across the region while strengthening collaboration among national chambers and business communities.

The position also gives Nigeria an opportunity to play a more prominent role in conversations around regional trade, investment, industrial development and economic integration.

For Nigerian businesses seeking to expand beyond the domestic market, the regional chamber network could provide an important avenue for building partnerships, identifying investment opportunities and improving access to markets across West Africa.

Ibrahim assumed the NACCIMA presidency in June 2025, bringing his national chamber leadership experience to the regional platform.

His FEWACCI presidency therefore represents an extension of Nigeria’s private-sector leadership into the wider West African business community.

The development comes as businesses across the region contend with challenges ranging from trade barriers and infrastructure deficits to financing constraints and the need to unlock the full benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The FEWACCI platform provides a mechanism for chambers to collectively engage governments and other stakeholders on policies capable of improving the business environment and promoting regional economic growth.

For Nigeria, Ibrahim’s emergence could consequently translate into greater visibility for the country’s business interests within regional private-sector discussions.

Speaking during the FiBOP visit, Ibrahim explained the importance of the new responsibility and its potential implications for Nigeria and the wider West African business community.

The visit provided an opportunity for FiBOP executives to engage the NACCIMA leadership on developments within the regional business environment and the role of the media in promoting informed economic discourse.

With Ibrahim now occupying the FEWACCI presidency, attention will increasingly focus on how the Nigerian-led regional chamber leadership can translate its influence into stronger business cooperation, increased trade and investment flows, and deeper economic integration across West Africa.