NICCI’s NIITF 2026 Advances Nigeria–Indonesia Trade and Investment Partnerships in Jakarta

The fifth Nigerian–Indonesian Investment and Trade Forum (NIITF 2026), organised by the Nigerian–Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI), brought Nigerian and Indonesian business leaders, government representatives and investment stakeholders together in Jakarta to explore opportunities for stronger trade, industrial cooperation and cross-border investment.

Held on 20 October 2026 at Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta, under the theme, “Building Continents, Building Prosperity: Solidifying Nigerian–Indonesian Economic Partnership for Strategic Alliances and Shared Growth,” the forum featured high-level addresses, sector presentations, a sustainable energy panel session, cultural performances, an MoU signing ceremony and business matchmaking.

Proceedings opened with morning networking and the arrival of invited guests, followed by introductions by the Masters of Ceremony, Avinash J. Dadlani, Chief Executive Officer of Pan Asia Tech, and Sunmisola Ade-Fosudo of Fosad Consulting.

The formal opening set the tone for a day of diplomatic engagement and business discussions focused on identifying practical opportunities for cooperation between Nigeria and Indonesia.

In his welcome address, NICCI President, Mr Ishmael Balogun, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening bilateral economic relations by connecting businesses, facilitating market access and encouraging partnerships capable of delivering measurable commercial outcomes.

He emphasised that the relationship between both countries should extend beyond commodity trade to encompass investment, technology transfer, industrial development and value addition. He identified oil and gas, renewable energy, agriculture, aquaculture, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and infrastructure as sectors offering opportunities for deeper cooperation, stressing the importance of translating discussions and commitments into sustainable business ventures.

The keynote address was delivered by Princess Zahrah Mustapha Audu, Director-General of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), representing the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima. The address highlighted the importance of improving Nigeria’s business environment, reducing administrative barriers and strengthening investor confidence to support enterprise growth and attract international investment.

Mr Thomas Nduka Eze, Chargé d’Affaires and Head of Mission at the Nigerian Embassy in Indonesia, also delivered a welcome address, emphasising the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement in strengthening trade and investment relations. He underscored the role of cooperation between government institutions, business chambers and private-sector operators in advancing shared economic interests.

The forum also featured representation from Banyuwangi, Indonesia, with Mr Suratno, S.Pd., M.M., representing Her Excellency Ipuk Fiestiandani, Regent (Bupati) of Banyuwangi, who was listed as Special Guest of Honour.

Ambassador Bambang Suharto, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Nigeria, was represented by Minister Counsellor Mr Ary Raharjo. The participation of these representatives reflected the importance of diplomatic and regional partnerships in facilitating business engagement and strengthening economic relations between both countries.

The presentations began with Professor Ahmed bin Salawudeen, Chairman of Standard Group Holdings Limited, who discussed investment opportunities across areas including real estate and insurance. His contribution highlighted the potential for cross-border partnerships to extend into property development and related services, complementing conventional trade with investments in productive sectors.

Dr Mahmud Suleiman, Executive Director of Quaint Energy, subsequently addressed opportunities in the energy sector, highlighting the importance of investment, technical expertise and reliable partnerships in developing energy solutions that can support Nigerian businesses and industrial growth. His contribution aligned with the forum’s broader focus on identifying commercially viable areas of cooperation between Nigerian and Indonesian enterprises.

Representing PT Simco Tridatama, Ms Mudhia Evelyn Zuhdi presented opportunities in industrial processing and the production of higher-value oleochemical materials from used cooking oil and crude palm oil.

The presentation explored the potential to convert these inputs into products such as fatty acids and other industrial materials, demonstrating how processing and value addition can create new commercial opportunities and strengthen manufacturing supply chains.

Mrs Sylvie Tomasoa, Chair of the Bilateral Committee for Africa and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at KADIN Indonesia, highlighted the role of business organisations in facilitating market access, sharing commercial information and connecting enterprises across borders.

Mr Ali Hadji, Senior Executive Investment and Portfolio Manager at JTA Holdings, discussed the wider investment environment and the importance of trusted partnerships, effective risk management and investment opportunities capable of producing tangible economic benefits.

The presentations also featured Seye Oyetade, Executive Director of Invest Nigeria, who addressed investment promotion and the need to communicate Nigeria’s commercial opportunities to international investors. Ambassador Usman Hassan Darma, President of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, and Alhaji Yaro Hassan, President and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Traders and Entrepreneurs (KASCOTE), also contributed to discussions on trade development and opportunities for broader participation by Nigerian businesses.A major highlight was the panel session, “Sustainable Energy Solutions for Nigeria,” moderated by Lady Rei Obaigbo, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Oreime Communications.

The panel featured Dr Mahmud Suleiman of Quaint Energy; Mr Kolade Sofola, Managing Partner at KS Legal; Mr Ali Hadji of JTA Holdings; and Madam Vivi Herliani, a government procurement expert at the Regional Secretariat of South Tangerang City and a supply-chain management specialist.

Discussions examined investment, financing, technical capacity and commercial partnerships needed to advance sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria. The session highlighted the importance of connecting investment with practical implementation and developing partnerships that can support long-term energy and industrial needs. Madam Herliani also delivered a separate presentation on supply-chain considerations.

Cultural exchange formed part of the programme, with an Indonesian dance performance welcoming delegates and showcasing the country’s cultural heritage.

The performance complemented the day’s business discussions and reinforced the forum’s role as a platform for both commercial engagement and closer people-to-people relations.

The programme continued with an awards presentation and the signing of a memorandum of understanding, marking important moments in the forum’s efforts to encourage cooperation and formalise partnerships among participating stakeholders.

Business matchmaking followed, providing dedicated opportunities for business-to-business (B2B), business-to-government (B2G) and government-to-government (G2G) engagement.

The edition also featured a dedicated product exhibition area in a separate room, where exhibitors showcased their products while the main forum proceedings continued.

Together, the exhibitions and matchmaking sessions gave participants additional opportunities to present their offerings, connect with prospective partners and explore commercial opportunities.

The round-table discussions covered agriculture and agro-allied industries, power generation, oil and gas, renewable energy, mining, manufacturing, transportation, aviation, the digital economy, infrastructure, health, cargo and logistics, and trading.

Through NIITF 2026, NICCI continued its efforts to strengthen Nigeria–Indonesia economic relations by bringing stakeholders together to identify investment opportunities, address barriers to trade and develop practical commercial connections.

The forum’s central message was the need to turn bilateral goodwill and business discussions into sustained partnerships, productive investment and shared economic benefits for both countries.