NICCI Participates in SheExports Conference 2026, Advocates Stronger Bilateral Trade and Export-Led Growth

The Nigerian-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) participated in the SheExports Conference 2026, held on 30 June 2026 at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Jointly organized by the Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment and the Made in Africa Brands Ambassador (MABA), the conference was themed “Produce. Add Value. Export: A Catalyst for Sustainable Economic Growth.”

The conference brought together government officials, export promotion agencies, financial institutions, development partners, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs to explore strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s non-oil exports through value addition and international market expansion.

The event featured a welcome address by Flora Mbeledeogu, Founder/CEO of Made in Africa Brands Ambassador (MABA), a goodwill message by Mrs. Lolade Aina, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, and a keynote address by Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment. It also included a guest presentation by Adaobi Sandra Onyedum, Director-General of the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, alongside a high-level panel discussion featuring Sinari Daranijo (LSETF), David Opeyemi Oke (World Trade Center Lagos), Dr. Queen Okpa, Morolayo Igeleke (UPS), Ijeoma Okonkwo (Traxis Global), Flora Mbeledeogu, and Dr. Joy Ivbade Ichue (Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service).

Representing NICCI, the Chamber’s President, Mr. Ishmael Balogun, delivered a keynote presentation on “The Impact of Bilateral Trade for the Export of Finished Goods.” He highlighted the importance of strengthening Nigeria–Indonesia trade relations through value addition, industrialization, technology transfer, and investment partnerships. He encouraged Nigerian businesses, particularly women-led enterprises, to leverage bilateral trade opportunities, improve product quality and certification, explore joint ventures, and position their products for international markets.

The programme also featured goodwill messages from Chief Kola Akosile (NACCIMA), Mr. Emmanuel Fatai Audu, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, Mr. Azuka Okofu, Managing Director, Bank of Industry MFB, Matthew Kaecher, Founder of Regenesis (USA), Mr. Kola Awe, Chairman, NACCIMA Export Group, Muibat Jimoh (Coronation Life Insurance), Damilola Akinnayajo (VFD MFB), Mr. Buguma Ishaku, Plateau State Commissioner for Agriculture, and closing remarks by Sherifah Balogun, Director, LSETF.

NICCI’s participation underscores the Chamber’s continued commitment to promoting bilateral trade, export competitiveness, investment facilitation, and strategic partnerships that create sustainable economic opportunities for Nigerian businesses and strengthen economic cooperation between Nigeria and Indonesia.