ODUA Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mine and Agriculture and business leaders successfully concluded a six-day Regional Trade Mission across Benin, Togo, and Ghana, aimed at strengthening collaboration, expanding market access, and advancing youth-led enterprise under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The mission was coordinated by ODUACCIMA, ABEOCCIMA, LCCI, and the NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs (South West & Ogun State).

In Benin Republic, the delegation was warmly received by CCI du Benin, Ouémé Plateau, Porto-Novo. President Alfred Dedji Houndegla emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation between chambers.

The team also toured Songhai Farms, where Rev. Father Godfrey Nzamujo highlighted the role of innovation and sustainability in Africa’s food security.

Over 100 Beninese entrepreneurs participated in B2B meetings in Cotonou, fostering partnerships and cross-border business opportunities.

In Togo, discussions at the Ministry of Agriculture in Lomé centered on agricultural trade and youth involvement. Agro entrepreneur Prince Ifeoluwa Adesanya noted the growing need for regional collaboration to scale export capacity.

In Ghana, the delegation attended the Agrofood & Plastics International Conference, visited the Aquaculture Fair at the World Trade Centre, and held strategic meetings with key institutions including the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Ghana Customs, FDA, GEPA, and the Ghana Standards Authority.

These engagements provided insights into investment processes, export compliance, and market access.

A courtesy visit to the Nigeria House capped the mission, where the Acting High Commissioner received the team. Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Engr. Segun Bolaji expressed appreciation to international partners such as KVP Project Team, IHK Giessen Friedberg, BMZ, and the Federal Government of Germany for their ongoing support in training, exchange, and trade facilitation.

The Regional Trade Mission 2025 strengthened regional alliances, deepened knowledge exchange, and empowered young entrepreneurs—setting a positive trajectory for Nigeria’s participation in West African trade under AfCFTA.

Leadership and Delegation

The mission was led by seasoned business leaders and youth development advocates, including:

Mr. Timothy Erigbemi Shorunke – President, ABEOCCIMA

Pastor Ibrahim Bada – First Deputy President, ABEOCCIMA and Head of Delegation

Engr. (Amb.) Segun Bolaji – NACCIMA Elected Ex-Officio

Prince Dare Isaac Lawal-Obelawo – 2nd Deputy President, Osogbo Chamber of Commerce

Asiwaju Dapo Wahab – Treasurer, ABEOCCIMA

Alhaji R.O. Maku – Executive Secretary, ABEOCCIMA

Sherif O. Olaleye – KVP Project Manager

Victor Adegoke – Project Assistant

Mrs. Oluwehinmi – Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)

Delegates on the Mission Included:

Mr. OlaOluwa Adedayo Rotimi (NYE Oyo Coordinator)

Mr. Ifeoluwa Adesanya (NYE South-West Secretary)

Mr. Emmanuel Kilaso (NYE Ogun Secretary)

Mr. Oluwadamilare Oladotun (NYE Ogun Trade Mission Coordinator)

Mr. Kelechi Ugwu (NYE Ogun Member)

Mr. Olapade Sunday (NYE Ogun Member)

Mr. Kabir Atobatele (NYE Ogun Member)

Miss Olufunke Owoseni (NYE Ogun Member)

Mr. Ola Agbetu-Quadri (NYE Ogun Member)

Mr. Oyebamiji Adebayo (NYE Ogun Member)

Yewande Sobowale

Adebukola Ogundimu

Alabetutu Glory

This diverse delegation represented a blend of chamber executives, emerging youth entrepreneurs, and private sector leaders committed to advancing Nigeria’s trade footprint across West Africa.