The visit to the President of the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria (FACAN), Mr. Sheriff Balogun, who now doubles as the President of the Nigeria-USA Chamber of Commerce, was a remarkable success. During the visit, President Balogun commended the efforts of all stakeholders in promoting the SMEs sector in Nigeria, emphasizing the sector’s vast potential in contributing to the achievement of the Presidential initiative aimed at building a one trillion dollar economy.

President Balogun assured attendees of FACAN’s unwavering partnership, collaboration, and mobilization of both national and international participants for the Nigeria Afro-Asia SMEs Exhibition and Summit 2024. Leveraging the association’s extensive network and affiliations, he highlighted the pivotal role FACAN will play in driving the success of the event.

He further advocated for the event to spotlight export-ready products from Nigeria, identifying and supporting champion SMEs to ensure they gain access to international markets. This focus, he noted, will not only elevate the profile of Nigerian SMEs but also provide them with crucial support to thrive on the global stage. The event promises to be a significant platform for showcasing Nigeria’s best and facilitating international business connections.

In conclusion, Mr. Balogun’s assurances and vision for the future underscore the importance of robust support systems and strategic partnerships in unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s SMEs sector.

The NBBTF President, Arc. Bob Achanya FiCENT, led a team from the NBBTF Global Center on an advocacy and working visit to the National Office of the Nigerian Association of Small-scale Industrialists (NASSI) at the National Secretariat and was received by the National President, Chief Dr. Solomon D. Vongfa, his Vice President, Mr. Samuel Adeyemi, and Mr. Lukman Kura, member of the Inter-ministerial Committee from NASSI. Mr. Noah Fisher, Ph.D. (also a member, was away during the visit).

The Nigeria Reciprocal Afro-Asia SMEs Exhibition and Summit is scheduled for September 10-12, 2024. The flagship event is a collaborative effort between the NBBTF, the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other key sector stakeholders, to promote bilateral trade, innovation, and economic growth, aligned with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the Federal Government.

The President of NBBTF delivered felicitations from the Head of Trade/Chairman of the Inter-ministerial Committee and cited the need for collaboration and shared benefits between NASSI, NBBTF, amongst other sector players for the delivery of a world-class event. Recognizing NASSI’s role and experience over the years, the President expressed the desire and need for progressive B2B collaboration for the development and growth of SMEs for global market access and diversification of the national economy.

The President invited the NASSI President to a collaboration that will contribute to the successful delivery of the Exhibition and Summit by leveraging NASSI’s experience.

Highlight of the visit was the endorsement of NASSI-NBBTF collaboration on the event and future mutually beneficial activities by the NASSI President who directed that a WIN-WIN collaboration MOU embellish the pertinent partnership for signing by both parties, soon.

Cover Photo Caption: NASSI National President (red cap), Chief Dr. Solomon D. Vongfa flanked by NBBTF President, Arc. Bob Achanya, NASSI V/President, Mr. Samuel Adeyemi, Mr. Lukman Kura one of NASSI Rep., on the Interministerial Committee, and Mr. Victor Chikwendu, NBBTF Head of IT during the visit.