By joshua 
KOCCIMA President Charts Course for Sustainable Growth as He Bids Farewell
In a stirring address at the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the Kogi State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KOCCIMA), outgoing President Chief Femi Ajisafe, Ph.D, urged members to unite in championing businesses and investments in the state.
Held at the Chamber’s Secretariat in Lokoja, the meeting marked a significant milestone in KOCCIMA’s journey towards promoting economic growth and development in Kogi State.
Chief Ajisafe, who assumed office on September 26, 2023, reflected on the Chamber’s achievements, noting that his administration had focused on promoting commerce, strengthening industrial partnerships, enhancing export opportunities, and positioning KOCCIMA as a key voice of the private sector in Kogi State.
Despite facing financial constraints and operational challenges, the Chamber he explained had recorded significant progress through strategic initiatives, partnerships, trade promotion activities, and active participation in national economic forums.
One of the notable achievements of the outgoing administration was the successful hosting of the 2023 Kogi Trade Fair. According to Chief Ajisafe, the event had achieved its objectives, including promoting and visibility for small and medium scale enterprises, attracting investors and commercial partners, creating networking opportunities for businesses, and promoting Kogi State’s economic potential.
The KOCCIMA President also highlighted the Chamber’s institutional and strategic engagements, including strengthening relationships with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and participation in Coalition of Northern States Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (CONSCCIMA) activities. He noted that his election as NACCIMA Vice President in charge of the North Central Zone at the 2025 NACCIMA AGM had significantly enhanced KOCCIMA’s visibility and influence within the national chamber system.
Chief Ajisafe further highlighted KOCCIMA’s international trade and embassy engagements, including diplomatic courtesy visits to foreign embassies in Nigeria, which had opened channels for discussions on bilateral trade, investment partnerships, and export opportunities for Nigerian businesses. He also mentioned the mobilization of members for the Canton Fair in China, aimed at exposing members to international markets, facilitating global sourcing and partnerships, and encouraging technology transfer and industrial cooperation.
The KOCCIMA President also touched on the Chamber’s participation in regional economic forums, including the 15th North East Joint Trade Fair and the Arewa Elders Economic Summit (MAP 2025). He noted that these engagements had provided valuable experience and insights that would assist in planning future regional trade events, particularly the proposed North Central Joint Trade Fair.
On industrial development, Chief Ajisafe mentioned KOCCIMA’s involvement in the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project, which had ensured that members were informed and positioned to benefit from potential opportunities arising along the gas pipeline corridor. He also highlighted the Chamber’s engagement with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, which had led to discussions on trade facilitation support, assistance for trade fairs, and support for the establishment of a cashew processing plant in Kogi State.
Despite the achievements, Chief Ajisafe acknowledged the financial challenges faced by the Chamber, which had affected the implementation of some proposed programs and activities. He proposed recommendations for the incoming administration, including strengthening the financial base of the Chamber, institutionalizing the Kogi Trade Fair, expanding export promotion initiatives, and encouraging greater participation of members in international trade fairs and investment missions.
In his conclusion, Chief Ajisafe expressed his gratitude to members for their support during his tenure, noting that KOCCIMA had been marked by resilience, strategic engagement, and commitment to strengthening the organized private sector in Kogi State. He expressed confidence that the incoming administration would build on the achievements and advance the mission of KOCCIMA in promoting business growth, investment development, and economic prosperity in Kogi State and Nigeria.