The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry pioneered the establishment of the chamber movement in Nigeria with its establishment in 1888 when Nigeria was still under British colonial rule. The growth of the chamber movement was however slow during this era and by Independence in 1960, there were only about six Chambers of Commerce in existence.
NACCIMA was incorporated in April 1960 as Association of Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria and the Southern Cameroons. In April 1963, it was re-named to Association of Chambers of Commerce and Mines of Nigeria. Finally at an AGM held in Ibadan in 1972, it was agreed to change its name to what it is currently known as today- Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture. This decision was effected in 1975.
NACCIMA’s membership and the chamber movement in Nigeria as a whole experienced a rapid and upward trajectory between 1978 and 2021 with a boost in the membership base from about twelve in 1978 to sixty three members by 2021. This increase was as a result of the review and expansion of the membership base from State/City; bilateral/multilateral members to include business/professional bodies, trade groups and corporate organizations in 1999. Membership of NACCIMA is evenly spread with membership across the 6 geographical zones. as well as 36 states of Nigeria and in the Federal Capital Territory.
The vision of the founding Fathers was to create and provide a platform for joint action by all its members on all matters of concern affecting commerce and industry in Nigeria. NACCIMA has since grown into an organization of great significance within and outside Nigeria. It has become the most effective and efficient organ through which the organised private sector businesses in Nigeria influence government programmes and policies on a wide range of issues affecting trade, commerce, agriculture, mining and industry.
NACCIMA is statutorily recognized by the Federal Government of Nigeria as an integral business partner in fostering economic growth and development. This statute empowers her to nominate representatives for appointment as institutional members of various government bodies, councils as well as committees of several government agencies.
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