By Vivian Emoni
Abuja, July 6, 2026 The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has called for stronger collaboration with the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs to boost infrastructure and investment.
Chief Emeka Obegolu, President of the ACCI said this when the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mr Zephaniah Jisalo, paid him a courtesy visit on Monday in Abuja.
Obegolu also said that the chamber was partnering with organised private sector to promote policy coordination, improve the ease of doing business, and accelerate sustainable economic growth.
He described the visit as a demonstration of the Federal Government’s recognition of the vital role of the private sector in national development.
While welcoming the minister, the President highlighted the chamber’s four strategic centres, which drive its programmes in policy advocacy, entrepreneurship development, dispute resolution, and trade promotion.
The ACCI president said that the chamber’s foremost interest was the growth of businesses and urged the minister to advocate for greater government attention.
According to him, the chamber want government’s attention to Idu Industrial Area and the Kwali Industrial Park through improved infrastructure and investment.
“Their development will significantly boost industrialisation, employment, and economic activities within the Federal Capital Territory,” he said.
Obegolu expressed concern over the activities of a purported agency currently under public scrutiny, describing the development as troubling for Nigeria’s investment climate.
He urged the Federal Government to thoroughly investigate the matter and expose those responsible
According to him, allowing fraudulent entities to infiltrate government institutions undermines public confidence and the credibility of the country’s regulatory environment.
Obegolu reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to evidence-based policy advocacy through its National Policy Advocacy Centre (NPAC).
“As part of the visit, the chamber conferred the prestigious National Policy Fellow (NPF) honour on the minister in recognition of his distinguished public service, commitment to strengthening governance and inter-governmental collaboration.
“Also, the ministers’ contributions to national development.”
The ACCI boss, however, expressed confidence that the minister’s wealth of experience would further enrich the centre’s policy engagement and strengthen collaboration between government and the organised private sector.
The First Deputy President of the ACCI, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba,urged the minister to champion stronger collaboration between government and the organised private sector.
Adesugba describing the chamber as a dependable partner in national development.
Also, the Second Deputy President of the chamber, Dr Aliyu Hong, commended the chamber’s remarkable transformation into one of Africa’s leading chambers of commerce.
Aliyu highlighted the chamber’s world-class business infrastructure and the establishment of the National Policy Advocacy Centre.
He also cited expanded entrepreneurship and skills development programmes, alongside ongoing efforts to establish a Pan-African Business University.
While responding, the minister expressed appreciation for the warm reception and the conferment of the National Policy Fellow honour.
He described the visit as a privilege and a call to greater service, while commended ACCI’s sustained contributions to business development, investment promotion, and policy advocacy.
He noted that the chamber has continued to play a strategic role in advancing Nigeria’s economic growth.
Jisalo explained that his ministry coordinates national honours, monitors constituency, special projects and facilitates collaboration across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
He assured the chamber of his readiness to work with relevant government institutions, including those responsible for trade, industry, and the FCT, to address issues affecting businesses.